NIFT Entrance Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme Explained
NIFT Entrance Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme Explained
NIFT Entrance Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme Explained
July 10, 2025
Understanding the NIFT entrance exam pattern is essential for anyone aiming to crack this prestigious fashion design exam. Whether you're a first-timer or repeating aspirant, this guide covers the detailed structure, subjects, and marking scheme for each stage of the exam.
Understanding the NIFT entrance exam pattern is essential for anyone aiming to crack this prestigious fashion design exam. Whether you're a first-timer or repeating aspirant, this guide covers the detailed structure, subjects, and marking scheme for each stage of the exam.
What Is the NIFT Entrance Exam?
The NIFT entrance exam is a national-level design entrance test conducted annually by the National Institute of Fashion Technology. It serves as the gateway to B.Des, B.FTech, M.Des, M.FTech, and MFM programs across India.
The NIFT entrance exam is a national-level design entrance test conducted annually by the National Institute of Fashion Technology. It serves as the gateway to B.Des, B.FTech, M.Des, M.FTech, and MFM programs across India.
Stages of NIFT Entrance Exam
The exam consists of three key stages (for B.Des aspirants):
● CAT (Creative Ability Test)
● GAT (General Ability Test)
● Situation Test (for shortlisted candidates)
For B.FTech and M.FTech aspirants, only the GAT is required.
The exam consists of three key stages (for B.Des aspirants):
● CAT (Creative Ability Test)
● GAT (General Ability Test)
● Situation Test (for shortlisted candidates)
For B.FTech and M.FTech aspirants, only the GAT is required.
NIFT CAT Exam Pattern
Overview of CAT
Overview of CAT
CAT focuses on evaluating a candidate’s intuitive ability, creativity in concept development, observation skills, and design ability.
CAT focuses on evaluating a candidate’s intuitive ability, creativity in concept development, observation skills, and design ability.
CAT Paper Structure
CAT Paper Structure
● Number of Questions: 3 questions (subjective & drawing-based)
● Time Duration: 3 hours
● Total Marks: 100
● Number of Questions: 3 questions (subjective & drawing-based)
● Time Duration: 3 hours
● Total Marks: 100
What’s Tested in CAT?
What’s Tested in CAT?
● Sketching & visualization
● Composition & color sense
● Originality of ideas
● Creative thinking
NIFT GAT Exam Pattern
Overview of GAT
Overview of GAT
GAT is objective in nature and evaluates logical, verbal, quantitative, and English communication abilities.
GAT is objective in nature and evaluates logical, verbal, quantitative, and English communication abilities.
GAT Paper Structure (B.Des)
GAT Paper Structure (B.Des)
Section & No. of Questions
Quantitative Ability: 20
Communication Ability & English: 25
Analytical Ability: 15
General Knowledge & Current Affairs: 15
Case Study: 25
Total: 100
Time Duration: 2 hours
Mode: OMR (WRITTEN)
NIFT GAT Pattern (B.FTech & M.FTech)
CAT Marking Scheme
CAT Marking Scheme
● No negative marking
● Subjective evaluation based on creativity, composition, and originality
● No negative marking
● Subjective evaluation based on creativity, composition, and originality
GAT Marking Scheme
GAT Marking Scheme
● +1 for every correct answer
● Yes, Negative marking
● +1 for every correct answer
● Yes, Negative marking
Situation Test for NIFT B.Des
What is It?
What is It?
Held after CAT & GAT for shortlisted candidates of B.Des.
Held after CAT & GAT for shortlisted candidates of B.Des.
Test Format
Test Format
● Duration: 2 hours
● Task: Create a 3D model from materials provided
● Also includes: Write-up describing concept, material used, and thought process
● Duration: 2 hours
● Task: Create a 3D model from materials provided
● Also includes: Write-up describing concept, material used, and thought process
What’s Evaluated?
What’s Evaluated?
● Spatial visualization
● Creative construction skill
● Innovative ideas
● Material handling
● Presentation and neatness
● Spatial visualization
● Creative construction skill
● Innovative ideas
● Material handling
● Presentation and neatness
Final Weightage in Selection Process
Test Component: B.Des (%) B.FTech (%) M.Des (%)
CAT 50 – 40
GAT 30 100 30
Situation Test/PI 20 – 30
Test Component:
B.Des (%) B.FTech (%) M.Des (%)
CAT 50 – 40
GAT 30 100 30
Situation /PI 20 – 30
How to Prepare Effectively?
● Solve previous year papers
● Practice sketching daily
● Take mock tests for time management
● Work on 3D model making skills
● Stay updated on current affairs
● Solve previous year papers
● Practice sketching daily
● Take mock tests for time management
● Work on 3D model making skills
● Stay updated on current affairs
Key Takeaways
● Understand each test section’s weightage
● Practice creative tasks regularly
● Develop good command over English & reasoning
● Focus on presentation in both CAT and Situation Test
● Understand each test section’s weightage
● Practice creative tasks regularly
● Develop good command over English & reasoning
● Focus on presentation in both CAT and Situation Test
Conclusion
Cracking the NIFT entrance exam is all about balancing creativity with clarity. Once you understand the pattern and marking scheme, preparing becomes a lot more structured. Whether you're aiming for B.Des or M.FTech, every mark counts. So, gear up and sketch your future into reality.
If you're looking for expert guidance and structured NIFT coaching, Studio Sector 4 offers specialized coaching programs for CAT, GAT, and Situation Test preparation. With experienced mentors, personalized attention, and regular mock tests, SS4 ensures you stay ahead in the competition and boost your chances of cracking NIFT.
Cracking the NIFT entrance exam is all about balancing creativity with clarity. Once you understand the pattern and marking scheme, preparing becomes a lot more structured. Whether you're aiming for B.Des or M.FTech, every mark counts. So, gear up and sketch your future into reality.
If you're looking for expert guidance and structured NIFT coaching, Studio Sector 4 offers specialized coaching programs for CAT, GAT, and Situation Test preparation. With experienced mentors, personalized attention, and regular mock tests, SS4 ensures you stay ahead in the competition and boost your chances of cracking NIFT.
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⏰ Time is ticking, and seats are limited! Don’t miss this golden opportunity to elevate your preparation and secure your spot in the top design colleges.
Fast-Track Your Way to NID, NIFT, and IIT with Studio Sector 4’s Crash Course!
We’re thrilled to launch the SS4 Crash Course—your ultimate toolkit for acing design entrance exams! This course is comprehensive, focused, and tailored to help you prepare like a pro, guided by experts/ alumni who have successfully walked the same path.
What You’ll Get -
⭐ Full Curriculum Revision: In-depth coverage of every topic.
⭐ Exclusive Design Material: High-quality, curated resources.
⭐ Session Recordings: Replay every detail, anytime.
⭐ Specially Designed Mocks: Real-exam simulations for top-notch practice.
⭐ Masters Special: Discipline-specific preparation tailored just for you.
⭐ Flexible Learning: Choose between offline and online options.
⏰ Time is ticking, and seats are limited! Don’t miss this golden opportunity to elevate your preparation and secure your spot in the top design colleges.