How NIFT CAT 2026 Aspirants Can Improve Freehand Sketching

Understand What Freehand Sketching Means

Freehand sketching means drawing without using any tools like rulers, compasses, or grids. It focuses on:

• Proportion and perspective
• Speed and fluidity
• Clarity of concept
• Aesthetic presentation

You should be able to sketch ideas quickly and communicate them visually.

Practice Basic Forms Daily

Everything you draw — from objects to humans — is built on simple shapes.

Start with:

• Circles, ovals, cubes, cylinders, and cones
• Practice shading and lighting to add depth
• Combine these forms to create complex objects like bottles, chairs, or lamps

Tip: Spend 15–20 minutes daily sketching basic forms before moving to complex subjects.

Train Your Observation Skills

The CAT paper tests how well you see and interpret your surroundings.
Try these exercises:

• Sketch objects around you from different angles
• Draw real-life scenes (market, park, classroom)
• Focus on proportion, posture, and perspective rather than perfection

Improve Line Quality

Your lines should be confident and clean, not shaky or overdrawn.
Practice:

• Contour drawing (single continuous line)
• Gesture drawing (quick movement sketches)
• Using varied line thickness to show depth and importance

Pro tip: Avoid erasing too much; train your hand to make fewer, stronger strokes.

Learn Human and Object Proportions

Many CAT questions involve drawing humans or everyday scenes.

• Use the 8-head rule for human figures
  Study hand and face proportions
• Observe how people move, sit, or carry object

Practice quick 2-minute sketches to capture body language and expression.

Practice Object Drawing from Life

Draw furniture, bottles, shoes, bags, or gadgets you use every day.

• Focus on shape, size, shadow, and perspective
• Add a light source and practice shading accordingly
• Gradually move from simple to complex compositions

Work on Creative Composition

CAT questions often test your ability to tell a story through sketches.

Example: “Draw a person using a discarded object creatively.”

To prepare:

• Practice concept-based sketching
• Combine imagination with realistic detailing
• Ensure your sketch communicates the idea clearly

Practice Under Time Limits

In CAT, time is short — and neatness counts.

Set a timer:

• 30 minutes for a full scene
• 10 minutes for quick ideation sketches
• Learn to plan, outline, and shade efficiently

Explore Different Media

Use pencil grades (2B, 4B, 6B) for different tones.

You can also try:

• Pen sketching for line control
• Dry shading with tissue or blending stumps
• Light color pencils for enhancement (only if permitted)

Develop Conceptual Thinking

CAT is not about how realistic your drawing looks — it’s about how creatively you think.

• Practice theme-based sketches (e.g., “Sustainability in Fashion”, “Urban Chaos”).
• Reimagine objects with new functions — this shows innovation.
• Mind maps help brainstorm before sketching.