Design

As per the 2016 entrance exam schedule of NIFT, for Bachelor of Design (B.Des) aspirants, the selection rounds are divided into 3 parts.
1.General Ability Test (GAT): 120 mins
There will be approximately 150 questions which will be based on Quantitative Ability, Communication Ability, English Comprehension, GK etc. Basically, typical entrance exam questions which test your knowledge, the presence of mind, calculative ability, English grammar & class 10th maths etc.
2.Creative Ability Test (CAT): 120 mins
This is where your creativity comes into play. Questions can be about perspective, like draw a water bottle from an ants point of view. Here all you skills like geometry, visualisation, perspective & creativity come into play. There can be questions about making logos or designing posters or even mascots based on the given topic. So now the trick is to make something relate-able to the given client, which represents the cause/company etc but at the same time, it should not be common(or a done concept which is cliche). Eg: if the topic is female feticide, your poster should have an impactful element(a strong conceptual detail) & that 1 innovative concept will make your work stand apart.
3.Situation Test:
In this round, the candidates are given a bag of materials like paper, cardboard, pins, roped, colours, clay etc. The question will be to make something (say a handbag or a lamp) using what you have. The idea is to test your hands on material usage skills. How well you use the given objects to make something unique.
Creativity is the most important aspect in NIFT entrance. You either have it or you dont. But of course, creative skills can be developed & giving it a proper direction is most important. Many students clear the exam without any coaching. But yes, coaching gives you enough practice & guidance to sharpen your skills. Asking an NIFTian to help you in preparation might also be sufficient. SILICA is a good one if you want to take classes.