With NIFT 2026 Exam approaching, candidates face rising exam stress. Experts share practical tips to manage anxiety and stay calm before CAT and GAT.
NIFT 2026 Examination will be conducted on February 08, 2026
NIFT 2026 entrance exam is near and many candidates are finding their stress levels rising during final phase of preparation. Pressure related to CAT and GAT performance, last-minute revision and exam related travel and other logistics affects focus, especially among first time aspirants.
Teachers and mentors working with design students suggest that this phase is marked less by lack of preparation and more by self-doubt and overthinking.
What Triggers Anxiety Before NIFT
Days before exam candidates commonly worry about:
- Whether CAT ideas will translate well on paper.
- Managing time across sections.
- Travel and exam centre arrangements.
- Performance comparison with peers.
As NIFT entrance exam tests creativity and aptitude of candidates, doubts about “how answers will be judged” adds to pressure.
Handling NIFT Exam Final-Day Stress
Avoid last-minute changes: Mentors advise sticking to what has already been practised. Attempting new topics or styles close to exam often creates confusion.
Keep CAT responses simple and clear: In CAT, evaluators look for relevance and idea clarity. Overloading drawings with detail can dilute core concept.
Break study hours into shorter sessions: Long study stretches tend to increase fatigue. Short revision slots with planned breaks help maintain concentration.
Reduce outside noise: Constant discussions about preparation levels, mock scores or rumours about paper difficulty can increase their concern. Limiting such exposure helps candidates stay focused.
Practise pace, not speed: Rushing through practice papers before exam can lead to mistakes. A steady approach works better than chasing speed.
Preparing for NIFT Exam Day
Candidates are advised to sort documents, stationery and travel plans at least a day in advance. For outstation candidates, reaching exam city early helps avoid last-minute stress related to delays or unfamiliar routes.
What Candidates Are Often Told Before NIFT
Mentors regularly remind aspirants that exam does not expect flawless output. NIFT looks for thinking ability, originality and structure, especially in creative sections. Staying calm helps candidates express their ideas more effectively.
Candidates will be provided with the items for making the model during the NIFT Situation Test. Materials that students may be provided with are Glaze Papers, Plasticine Clay, Copper Wire, Ivory Sheets, Cardboard, Thermocol (thick And Thin), Kite Papers, Handmade Sheet, Coloured Clay, Cellophane, Fabric, Thread, Ribbon, Straw, Aluminum Foil, etc. The candidate can not use any other items except the ones provided in the exam hall.
The NIFT exam is among the competitive and is also considered among the toughest. So, it is recommended that the candidate starts their exam preparation early. NIFT exam has various components like written exam and Situation Test /Personal Interview. Candidates seeking admission to the B. Des and M.Des courses need to prepare for both the CAT and GAT. The CAT is a drawing-based exam. Now unless the candidate is already well-versed, the exam will be very difficult. So, start early. The same goes for the GAT.
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Abhay Anand is an experienced education journalist with over 15 years in print and digital media. Currently serving as Manager- Editorial at Shiksha.com, he specializes in higher education policy, student mobility,
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NIFT situation test will test candidate on Colour scheme, Space visualization, Construction skill, Finesse of the model, Composition of elements, Overall presentation, Innovative and creative use of given material, etc. Situation Test will be evaluated on the spot.
Model made by candidate will not be kept for future reference. Candidate must make sure that their model is unique and stands out from the crowd. After making model, candidate must write about the model- write-up explaining the model.