NIFT Exam 2026: Common Mistakes Students Make During the Paper

NIFT Exam 2026 will be held on February 8. Experts highlight common mistakes students make during CAT and GAT papers and share tips to avoid losing marks in the exam.

With NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 few days away and aspirants are in their final round of preparation. Most students focus on syllabus coverage and practice tests, it is important to undestand that avoidable mistakes made inside exam hall sometimes cost candidates their marks.

Design educators and NIFT alumni point out that performance in exam depends not just on preparation but also on how candidates manage time, questions and pressure during exam paper.

NIFT 2026 entrance exam is scheduled to be held on February 8, 2026 for admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate design programmes offered by National Institute of Fashion Technology across its campuses.

NIFT Exam 2026 Date and Paper Pattern

NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 will be conducted in offline mode for Creative Ability Test & General Ability Test. While CAT evaluates creativity, drawing skills and visualisation, GAT focuses on quantitative ability, communication skills, analytical reasoning and general awareness. Candidates are required to clear both sections.

Poor Time Management Across Sections

Most common mistakes seen during NIFT exam is spending too much time on a single question or section. Many candidates over-invest time in CAT sketches or complex GAT questions, leaving other questions unanswered. Experts advise setting rough time limits and moving on if a question feels time-consuming.

Ignoring Instructions and Question Requirements

Another frequent error is not reading instructions carefully. In CAT, students sometimes add unnecessary elements to sketches or miss the theme entirely. In GAT, overlooking negative marking or attempting questions without clarity can reduce the overall score.

Overcrowding CAT Answer Sheets

Candidates often believe that filling the page with multiple ideas will fetch higher marks in CAT. However, evaluators look for clarity, originality and relevance. Overcrowded sketches, unclear concepts and excessive detailing can work against students.

Guesswork in GAT Despite Negative Marking

Random guessing remains a risky practice. Since GAT includes negative marking, answering without elimination or logic can significantly pull down scores. As per experts, it is better to leave questions blank if unsure rather than making blind guesses.

Stress and Last-Minute Panic Inside the Hall

Exam anxiety leads many students to rush through questions or lose focus midway. Simple issues such as not carrying required stationery, forgetting roll numbers, or panicking over initial questions can disturb concentration. Staying calm and sticking to a planned approach is seen as key to performing well.

Not Reviewing Answers Before Submission

Several students miss easy corrections by skipping final review. Even a quick scan of attempted questions can help spot calculation errors, incomplete answers or missed sections.

As exam date comes closer, candidates should focus equally on strategy and composure along with revision. Avoiding these common mistakes can make difference in final scores and improve chances of getting admission in top NIFT campuses.