NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 is expected to be held in February. If you are planning to appear for this design entrance exam, you might already know how competitive it usually gets. With around 22,000 students competing to secure a seat every year, it’s important to have a solid plan for your
NIFT entrance exam preparation
. Since the exam has several components, it is advised to start your preparation on time so that you can cover the syllabus and revise all important topics. Ideally, three months is enough time to prepare if you stay focused and use the right strategy. We have provided a 3 month study plan for
NIFT Entrance Exam 2026
in this article that breaks down what to study, when to study, and how to balance revision with practice.
Also Read:
What is a Good Score in NIFT 2026?
NIFT Entrance Exam Pattern Overview
Let’s first go through the NIFT exam pattern so that you can assess the time required to complete each part of the question paper.
Course | Test Name | Focus Area | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
GAT (General Ability Test) | Quantitative, English, GK, Logical, Design Aptitude | 2 hours | |
CAT (Creative Ability Test) | Drawing, Imagination, Creativity | 3 hours | |
GAT + CAT + Personal Interview | Similar structure with higher difficulty | GAT - 2 hours CAT - 3 Hours | |
B.FTech / M.FTech | GAT (Personal Interview for M.FTech only) | More emphasis on Math, Science, Reasoning | 3 hours |
Also Read: GK Questions for NIFT Exam
Detailed 3 Month Plan Study Plan for NIFT Entrance Exam 2026
Here is a detailed 3-month study plan for NIFT exam that you can follow. You can also tailor certain parts as per your strong and weak areas in the syllabus.
Month 1: Building Foundation
Use the first month to understand the exam requirements, difficulty level, sections, etc. Start with easier topics which you have a command over and gradually increase tthe difficulty of questions you practise.Section | Topics to Cover | Tips |
|---|---|---|
Quantitative Ability | Percentages, Ratios, Averages, Time-Speed-Distance, Profit & Loss | Revise school-level math; practice questions daily. |
English Communication | Grammar, Synonyms/ Antonyms, Reading Comprehension | Read one article daily; underline new words. |
GK & Current Affairs | Indian fashion industry, recent awards, designers, and brands | Read the news for 15 minutes daily. |
Logical Reasoning | Series, Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Puzzles | Use short quizzes; practice 2 sets daily. |
Creative Ability Test (CAT) | Basic drawing, shapes, forms, shading | Practice freehand sketching daily for 1 hour. |
Month 2: Strengthen and Practice
The second month is for expanding into the entire syllabus of NIFT and practising with more mock tests and NIFT sample papers . Keep revisiting the topics studied in the first month while steadily covering new chapters.Section | Topics to Focus On | Practice Tips |
|---|---|---|
Quantitative & Reasoning | Revision of Month 1 + Geometry, Simple Equations | Solve 2 NIFT mock tests per week; focus on weak areas. |
English & GK | Sentence correction, reading comprehension, design awareness | Practice short passages; revise important events. |
Creative Ability (CAT) | Imaginative sketching, design concepts, colour sense | Try drawing daily-life objects from different angles. |
Portfolio Practice (Optional) | If you plan to show a portfolio in the interview | Start building 4-5 sketches per theme. |
Month 3: Revise, Refine, and Time Your Mock Tests
In the final month of NIFT preparation, you have to focus majorly on revising everything you have already covered. Do not introduce yourself to new books and study material as it can hinder your pace.Section | Tasks | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
All GAT Subjects | Revise formulas, grammar, and GK notes | Avoid new topics; just revise. |
CAT (Creative Test) | Attempt timed sketching tasks | Focus on neatness, proportion, and creativity. |
Mock Tests | 2-3 full-length tests per week | Analyse and improve your weak spots. |
Revision | Flashcards, short notes | Keep a small notebook for last-minute review. |
Also Read: NIFT Entrance Exam Marks VS Rank: Previous Year Cutoffs, CMRs
Useful Tips for NIFT Entrance Exam Preparation
Even with a solid plan for NIFT preparation, you’ll need a few smart tricks to keep your momentum going.
- Keep short study sessions (like 45 mins + 10 mins break).
- Revise topics consistently after studying them.
- Keep a mix of creative and analytical study work daily.
- Observe things around you - shapes, ads, colour combinations.
- Watch art tutorials or NIFT student portfolios online.
- Follow fashion news, famous designers, and brands.
- Note down 2-3 new terms every day.
- Practice mock tests regularly.
- Review your mistakes.
Weekly Routine for NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 Preparation
Below is a weekly routine you can follow to prepare for the NIFT Entrance Exam.
Day | Morning (2 hrs) | Afternoon (2 hrs) | Evening (2 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
Monday | Quantitative & English | Sketching Practice | GK + Revision |
Tuesday | Reasoning & GK | CAT Drawing Practice | Mock Test + Review |
Wednesday | English Practice | Colour & Design Concepts | Newspaper Reading |
Thursday | Mock Test (GAT) | Review + Errors | Free Sketch Practice |
Friday | CAT Full-Length Test | Review | Relax / Hobby |
Saturday | Weak Areas Focus | Portfolio Work | Light Revision |
Sunday | Full-Length Test | Break / Analyze Scores | Rest |
Also Read: How to Prepare for NIFT Situation Test
Three months might sound short, but with the right preparation, you can easily crack the NIFT Entrance Exam 2026. Focus on the basics in the first month, build speed in the second month, and perfect your skills in the last month. If you divide your time between CAT and GAT, stay updated on current affairs, and practice with purpose, you’ll be able to crack the exam in 3 months.
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