NIFT

Gauging MFMs worth is a matter of individual expectations from the programme. Some may find MFM extremely worthwhile while others may trash it altogether. Worth according to me is the function of:
Expectations from the programme and institute
Career path decided upon by the student
That said. Mfm in spite of carrying the word management is primarily a buying and merchandising programme. Remember that NIFT is a design school. Even though management subjects are taught as a part of MFM curriculum, the depth is lacking on the management front. The profiles which pop up after MFM are around 60% from buying and merchandising. The rest 40% is retail planning, e-commerce (apparel), store operations, etc. Some MFM students have ventured into consulting, advertising and FMCG as well. However, such cases are only a handful with most operating in core apparel profiles. A good programme if you wish to study the basics of management along with fashion subjects. A bad choice if you're planning to super-specialize or go for big bucks. Mfm does not allow you to specialize. Electives are there but specialisation in real terms is lacking. Most subjects are taught in a shallow manner. You have to seek alternate means to enhance your knowledge apart from the classroom. The best centres to pursue MFM are Delhi & Bangalore. Beyond these centres, you enter a zone of uncertainty. I am not saying that you won't be successful if you pursue MFM from any other NIFT centres but Delhi and Bangalore tag provides you with maximum opportunities after this programme. The average packages have risen over the past few years but they're still not on the higher side. Let's keep the figure at 4.5 to 5 LPA. There are yearly variations in average packages. But yes, it has definitely gone upwards from 3.6 LPA around in 2012. Packages do improve after relevant work experience after MFM but yes, patience is foremost.

The best guide books for the NIFT Entrance Exam are these:
1. NIFT Entrance Exam Guide by Surendra
2. NIFT Exam Guide by Verma
3. Prashant Kumars NIFT Entrance Examination Preparation Guide
You can access all these by joining a good coaching institute. I think, ICAD India is one of the best coaching centres for NIFT entrance examination preparation. They show good results. Other than the ones mentioned above, one could also try these following books:
1. Bright Careers Guide NIFT Entrance Exams
2. NIFT/NID Exam Guide by Datason RP
3. Concepts of Pattern Grading
Practice is the key to succeed and one will do better if one joins a coaching centre.