NIFT Entrance Exam

NIFT 2026 entrance exam for the B. Des programme will include CAT and GAT written tests in stage 1. Candidates who qualify stage 1 have to next appear in a Situation Test. To prepare for the GAT written exam, the candidate needs to work on improving their analytical and logical abilities, and also keep track of GK and Current Affairs.

Some of the best books to prepare for the NIFT exam are: NIFT/NID/IIFT Entrance Exam Guide by Surendra Kavimandan, Arihant NIFT Entrance Exam Self-Study, NIFT Entrance Examination (Guide) by D Mittal, and Bright Careers Guide NIFT Entrance Exam. To practice for the CAT paper, the candidate needs to work on their drawing, observation, and creative skills. The candidate must lean various types of drawing, including line, silhouette, cartoon, sketch, figure, photorealism, etc.

The NIFT Situation Test will evaluate the candidate on the following parameters: Concept development, which evaluates how one has answered the main subject of the question while remaining creative at its core. Whether the candidate is able to beautifully and intelligently convert the concept into a design/ product? How real-life is the 3D model? How much innovation is required to create the model. The amount of material exploration, experimentation and treatment given to otherwise simple craft raw material. Is the student able to explain the concept in the write up. If the student able to combine different types of materials considering their texture and weight. If the materials usage appropriate. Whether the student is able to utilise the resources not only in variety but also in quantity, that is, managing the limited supply.

The admit card for NIFT will contain the important guidelines that candidates need to follow at the NIFT 2026 exam centre. Additionally, also check out the NIFT admission portal before the exam.

It may contain important updates on the exam; for instance if an exam centre has been changed, it may contain an update. Or, it may contain additional guidelines.

Here are some key points related to exam-day instructions to be followed at the exam center: The candidate needs to report at the NIFT exam centre one hour before the commencement of the exam. The candidate can't leave the exam hall until the exam ends. Entry to the exam centre will only be allowed when the candidate produces their id card and a valid photo id proof. The candidate must refrain from adopting unfair means inside the exam hall, including cheating, etc. For the CAT the candidate will have to bring along stationery items like blue or black ballpoint pen, HB pencils, eraser, sharpener and dry colours.

NIFT Creative Ability Test or NIFT CAT will evaluate the intuitive ability, power of observation in concept development, and design ability of the candidate. To prepare for CAT the candidate must develop their observation skills, learn the basics of geometrical shapes, understand conceptualization, learn product drawing and shading. Additionally, the candidate must also work on their line quality. For instance, the candidate needs to ensure there are no jittery or multiple lines. To improve one's drawing skills, one may start with simple drawings and then move on to complex shapes. Also, while shading is not so important for the exam, shading skills can definitely help the candidate get a positive nod from the evaluator.