NIFT CAT will be conducted as an offline pen & paper-based exam while GAT will be held online in the CBT mode. CAT applies to B.Des & M.Des programmes only while GAT applies to all Design courses. Find more about the NIFT 2026 CAT vs GAT section differences here.
NIFT 2026 CAT vs GAT Section Differences:
There are numerous fundamental differences between the
NIFT 2026
Creative Ability Test (CAT) and the General Ability Test (GAT) in a number of aspects like exam purpose, applicability, mode, duration, syllabus, question types, marking scheme, etc. It is mandatory for you to appear for GAT for all courses (including B.Des, M.Des, B.F.Tech, M.FTech, MFM), but CAT is conducted only for admission to design courses (B.Des, M.Des). Notably, only GAT is conducted and considered for specialized courses like B.F.Tech. CAT evaluates your creative and innovative thinking, drawing abilities, and skills in concept development. On the other hand, GAT assesses your expertise or aptitude in English language, quantitative skills, logic, case studies, communication, and general awareness. Find the distinct comparison of the differences between the NIFT 2026 CAT and GAT sections below.
Also Read:
Skills You Must Have to Crack NIFT CAT 2026 Exam
NIFT 2026 CAT vs GAT Section Differences
The differences between the NIFT 2026 CAT and GAT sections have been provided below in a comprehensive manner.
Point of Difference
CAT (Creative Ability Test)
GAT (General Ability Test)
Purpose of Exam
Evaluates your intuitive & creative abilities, skills pertaining to design, and visual ability
Evaluates your general aptitude including quantitative, verbal ability, and GK
Conducted for
B.Des & M.Des (Design candidates) programmes only
All programmes including B.Des, M.Des, B.F.Tech, M.FTech, MFM
Mode of Exam
Offline (Pen and paper-based)
Online (Computer-based test)
Duration of Exam
Approximately 3 hours for all programmes that are applicable
B.Des & M.Des: 2 hours
B.FTech, M.FTech, & MFM: 3 hours
Question Type
Drawing-based
Creative problem-solving
Design tasks
Objective (Multiple-Choice Questions - MCQs)
Nature of Questions
Sketching
Illustration
Creativity
Colour usage
Design concept development
Aptitude-based questions including quantitative, verbal, logical, and general knowledge
Syllabus
Design Theory
Colour Theory & Application
Observation & Visualization
Creative Thinking
Illustration & Drawing Skills
Understanding of Light & Shade
Perspective and Proportion
Storyboarding or creation of a series of panels to illustrate a short story or process
Abstract ideas, emotions, or themes
Design & Illustration for specific products
Scene & Perspective Drawing
GAT Syllabus for B.Des & M.Des (Duration: 2 hours)
Following are the sections covered in this paper:
Quantitative Ability: Basic mathematics (e.g., fractions, ratio & proportion, rate of interest, percentages, profit & loss, time & distance, time & work)
Communication Ability & English Comprehension: English grammar, vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms), reading comprehension, and sentence structure
General Knowledge & Current Affairs: Awareness of recent events, history, geography, and fashion industry news
GAT Syllabus for B.FTech, M.FTech, & MFM (Duration: 3 hours)
The sections covered in this paper include:
Quantitative Ability
Communication Ability & English Comprehension
Analytical & Logical Ability
General Knowledge & Current Affairs
Case Study (There will be a business or industry-related situation or problem and you will be asked to analyze it and answer the MCQs related to it)
Skills Evaluated
Drawing
Innovation
Creativity
Drawing
Visualization
Observation
Design aptitude
Creativity & imagination
Observation and intuitive ability
Illustration and Colour application
Conceptual thinking and design skills
Logical Reasoning
Analytical Reasoning
English language
Quantitative Ability
General Knowledge
Examples of Sample Questions
Creating a sketch of an innovative design or product
Developing concepts from the shapes or stimuli provided
Solving visual problems through creative usage of colour and shapes
Solving a math problem (e.g., percentages, time & work, ratio and proportion)
Going through the reading comprehension passages and answering related questions based on it
Analytical reasoning questions
Marking Scheme
No negative marking
There is a penalty for incorrect answers
0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer
Weightage in Final Merit
The weightage for design courses for Design courses have been provided below:
Programme
CAT Weightage
Situation Test / GD/PI
B.Des
50%
20% (Situation Test)
M.Des
40%
30% (Group Discussion & PI
The weightage for different Design programmes have been provided below:
Programme
GAT Weightage
Situation Test / GD/PI
B.Des
30%
20% (Situation Test)
M.Des
30%
30% (Group Discussion & PI)
B.FTech
100%
-
M.FTech
70%
30% (Group Discussion & PI)
MFM
70%
30% (Group Discussion & PI)
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for any queries related to the NIFT 2026 admission process, eligibility, preparation tips, etc.
Are you feeling lost and unsure about what career path to take after completing 12th standard?
Say goodbye to confusion and hello to a bright future!
-minakshi gatheUpdated on
January 17, 2026 08:33 PM
13 Answers
Aston, Student / Alumni
To pursue B.Sc. Fashion Design at LPU, candidates need 50% in Class 12, English proficiency, and a qualifying LPUNEST score. Alternatively, the B.Des. Fashion program offers a direct pathway for high achievers with 90% in boards and 50% in English, bypassing entrance tests while offering specific category relaxations.
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