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Updated By Prateek Lakhera on 13 Oct, 2025 17:33
The topics covered under NIFT 2026 include Quantitative Ability, Communication Ability, English Comprehension, Analytical Ability, General Knowledge & Current Affairs, and Case Study. CAT evaluates candidates based on Design Ability, Creativity, Illustration Skills, Innovative Use of Colours, Observation Power and Innovation in the Development of a Concept. Find the detailed NIFT entrance exam 2026 syllabus below.
Predict your Percentile based on your NIFT Entrance Exam performance
Predict RankThe NIFT 2026 entrance exam syllabus is set by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), which has been notified by the conducting body through an information brochure on its official website. If you fully understand the syllabus of the NIFT entrance exam 2026, you will be well aware of the important topics, their level of preparedness, and which areas require your undivided attention. Before starting to adapt to the important NIFT 2026 preparation tips, if you want to get admitted to the institute, you must review the NIFT entrance exam syllabus 2026 thoroughly.
The General Ability Test (GAT), Creative Ability Test (CAT), and Situation Test (ST) might be challenging for candidates when compared to the NIFT entrance exam syllabus 2026, which varies according to the program of study for every examination phase. As such, it is strongly recommended that aspirants go over each section of the NIFT entrance exam syllabus 2026 in detail to avoid confusion. All the information candidates require on the syllabus for NIFT 2026 is covered on this page.
There are two main components in the NIFT 2026 entrance exam: the first stage comprises the written exams, including the General Ability Test (GAT) and the Creative Ability Test (CAT). CAT is mandatory only for B.Des. and M.Des candidates. Applicants for the B.Des programme must qualify for the written exams in order to proceed to the Situation Test, in which their practical skills and creativity will be evaluated within given parameters. It is mandatory for the candidates to undergo a Personal Interview (PI) for all postgraduate programmes, such as M.Des, MFTech, where a structured interview process will be conducted to assess their suitability and aspirations for the programme. The main highlights of the NIFT Entrance Exam Syllabus 2026 have been provided in the table below:
Exam Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Name of the Exam | NIFT 2026 |
Full-Form of Exam Name | National Institute of Fashion Technology |
Courses Offered | Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fashion Technology, Master of Design, Master of Fashion Technology, Master of Fashion Management |
Type of Exam | Undergraduate & Postgraduate |
Level of Exam | National Level |
Conducting Body | National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi |
Total Number of Seats | 5,289 (including UG & PG courses, excluding NRI students) |
Participating Institutes | 19 campuses |
Mode of the Exam | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
Application Mode | Online mode |
CAT evaluates design theory, color knowledge, drawing skills, design development, elements and principles of design, and creative thinking through hands-on exercises.
GAT includes Communication & English comprehension, Quantitative Ability, Analytical & Logical Ability, and General Knowledge & Current Affairs, testing reasoning, language skills, mathematics, and awareness.
The exam consists of the General Ability Test (GAT) and Creative Ability Test (CAT), assessing knowledge, analytical skills, communication, creativity, design aptitude, and visualization.
The NIFT entrance exam syllabus 2026 differs depending on the level of the program and the kind of academic speciality an applicant selected, as you may already be aware. The NIFT 2026 syllabus is discussed in the sections that follow.
Quantitative Ability: The test consists of questions on the following topics: division, fractions, rate of interest, multiplication, addition, work and task, ratio and proportion, and distance.
Communication Ability: It asks about synonyms, antonyms, words that have similar meanings in both plural and singular forms, idioms and phrases, one-word replacements, proper spelling, and more.
English Comprehension: This subtest looks at the applicant's basic English language skills as well as their ability to understand a scenario from a passage.
Analytical Ability: The purpose of this subtest is to evaluate the test taker's aptitude for drawing conclusions and using logic from the provided data.
General Knowledge and Current Affairs: This subtest's question is intended to evaluate the applicant's general knowledge and current events awareness.
Quantitative Ability: Addition, multiplication, work and task, ratio and proportion, division, fractions, percentage, rate of interest, and distance are the topics covered in this subtest.
Communication Ability and English Comprehension: This test covers topics such as matching words, synonyms, antonyms, single, plural, idioms, phrases, one-word replacements, accurate spelling, understanding a scenario from a text, and more.
Analytical Ability and Logical Ability: This subtest aims to assess the candidate's ability to draw conclusions and use logic from the provided material, as well as to recognise the given problem and apply reasoning to address its fundamental concerns. Creative and lateral thinking concepts and techniques should prove beneficial.
General Knowledge and Current Affairs: The purpose of this exam is to evaluate the applicant's current events and general knowledge.
Case Study: The scenario used in this subtest is taken from an industry setting. Assessing the applicant's managerial aptitude is beneficial here.
There will be some questions from the engineering profession in MFTech as well.
NIFT conducts the CAT, or the creative ability test, to examine the illustrative and creative skills of an aspirant. NIFT CAT is the first stage of the exam held by the National Institute of Fashion Design. It examines the aptitude of the applicants, and they are tested based on their Design Ability, Creativity, Illustration Skills, Innovative Use of Colours, Observation Power and Innovation in the Development of a Concept. Enlisted below are topics that a candidate must go through to prepare for the NIFT CAT 2026 examination.
Ornaments & motifs | Design Theory | Design Awareness |
|---|---|---|
Colour Terminology | Expression & Emotion | 3D Visualisation |
Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions | Inspiration & Creativity | Picture Analysis |
Optical Illusion | Principles of Composition | Natural & Geometrical Form |
Usage of Colour in Compositions | Memory Drawing | Inspiration & Design Development |
Innovation & Creation | Story Pictures | Exercises on Imagination |
Creative Thinking & Writing | Foreshortening & Perspective | Optical Illusion |
Imagination & Doodling | Lateral Thinking | Visual Logic |
Graphics & Pictograms | Form & Function | Elements & Principles Of Design |
Innovation in Design | Understanding Light & Shade | Developing Themes & Colour Associations |
Theme Development | Colour, Pattern & Texture | Drawing Fundamentals |
Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-Relationship | Use of Measurements, Scale & Proportions | Presentation Techniques |
The General Ability Test or NIFT GAT is conducted in a written exam comprising of sections like Communication Ability and English Comprehension, Quantitative Ability, General Knowledge and Current Affairs, and Analytical Ability and Logical Ability. Mentioned below are the sections and important topics that candidates must prepare for NIFT GAT 2026.
Section | Important Topics |
|---|---|
Communication Ability and English Comprehension |
|
Quantitative Ability |
|
General Knowledge and Current Affairs |
|
Analytical Ability and Logical Ability |
|
Practice past papers and mock tests, improve English, solve reasoning and quantitative problems, and stay updated on current affairs.
B.Des and M.Des award 1 mark per correct answer, no negative marking; B.FTech and M.FTech deduct 0.25 marks per wrong answer.
Yes, B.Des candidates qualifying GAT and CAT take the Situation Test, assessing material handling, 3D model creation, spatial visualization, and practical design skills.
The situation test conducted by NIFT is a material handling exam. Candidates are assessed on the basis of their practical skills, uniqueness and creativity. Mentioned below are the key factors that a candidate seeking admission through NIFT should focus on while appearing for the NIFT 2026 Situation Test.
Colour scheme | Conceptualisation Skills |
|---|---|
Innovative ideas | Composition of elements |
Aesthetic appeal | Overall presentation |
Neatness | Working methodology |
Creative use of provided materials | |
Candidates appearing for the NIFT 2026 Group Discussion are shortlisted for admission to the leading college of the nation based on the mentioned parameters.
Knowledge of the topic assigned | Interpersonal skills |
|---|---|
Problem-solving approach | Contributions made to the topic |
Conceptual clarity | Leadership qualities |
Effective communication | Ability to generate new ideas |
The factors that come into play while assessing a candidate appearing for the NIFT 2026 Personal Interview are listed below.
Aptness for the field | Good Communication Skills |
|---|---|
Creative and lateral thinking | Career orientation |
General awareness and aptitude | Overall personal achievements in co-curricular activities and academics |
Also Read:
| Learn All About Cracking Interviews for Design Admissions in India | |
The official syllabus and pattern will be in the NIFT brochure on nift.ac.in and nta.ac.in, expected in November 2025.
The pattern remains similar to previous years, but candidates should check the official NIFT website for any updates.
Use design theory books, practice sketching, follow online design tutorials, and take mock CATs to enhance creativity and practical skills.
The NIFT 2026 exam pattern has been provided below.
Exam Part | Details |
|---|---|
Written Exams | There are two main components in the NIFT entrance exam: |
Creative Ability Test (CAT) | |
General Ability Test (GAT) | |
The GAT is mandatory for all courses, while the CAT is required only for B.Des and M.Des candidates. | |
Shortlisting | You should qualify the written exam to become eligible for the next stage: Situation Test or Personal Interview. |
Situation Test | It is conducted for the B.Des programme that will evaluate your practical skills and creativity. |
Personal Interview | It is conducted for PG applicants |
Final Scores Calculation | Your performance in the written exams and Situation Test/Personal Interview will determine your final scores for NIFT 2026 |
B.F.Tech Program Exception | Only the GAT scores will be taken into consideration for applicants for the B.F.Tech programme for merit list preparation |
B.Des Course
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Paper | GAT |
Mode of Exam | Computer-Based exam |
Test Duration | 120 minutes |
Language | English/Hindi |
Quantitative Ability | 20 |
Sections | Questions |
Communication Ability and English Comprehension | 40 |
Analytical Ability | 15 |
General Knowledge and Current Affairs | 25 |
Total | 100 |
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Paper | GAT |
Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Exam |
Language | English/Hindi |
Test Duration | 120 minutes |
Sections | Questions |
Quantitative Ability | 20 |
Communication Ability | 30 |
English Comprehension | 30 |
Analytical Ability | 25 |
General Knowledge and Current Affairs | 15 |
Total | 120 |
Particulars | B.F.Tech | |
|---|---|---|
Paper Name | GAT - Section A (CBT) | GAT - Section B (CBT) |
Language | English/Hindi | English/Hindi |
Test Duration | 180 minutes | |
Sections | Number of questions | Number of questions |
Communication Ability and English Comprehension | 40 | NIL |
Quantitative Ability | 20 | 15 |
Analytical & Logical Ability | 15 | 15 |
General Knowledge and Current Affairs | 25 | NIL |
Case Study | NIL | 20 |
Total | 100 | 50 |
Particulars | Details | Details |
|---|---|---|
Paper | GAT | GAT |
Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Exam | Computer-Based Exam |
Language | English/Hindi | English/Hindi |
Sections | Questions | Questions |
Test Duration | 120 minutes | 120 minutes |
Communication Ability & English Comprehension | 45 | 50 |
Case Study | 25 | 40 |
Quantitative Ability | 30 | 10 |
Analytical & Logical Ability | 25 | 25 |
General Knowledge And Current Affairs | 25 | 25 |
Total | 150 | 150 |
Know best colleges you can get with your score
While appearing for the round of Group Discussion for NIFT admissions, candidates must focus on certain factors which will be considered while evaluating their performance. This includes Knowledge of the assigned topic, Interpersonal skills, Contributions made to the topic, Problem-solving approach, Effective communication, Conceptual clarity, Ability to generate new ideas, Leadership qualities, etc.
If you have a good understanding of the subjects that are asked in the NIFT GAT exam and you know all the basics of the Quantitative section, it is possible to complete the overall syllabus of NIFT GAT in two months. You have to follow a rigid schedule to study and practise papers and questions regularly.
NIFT conducts a situation test after the GAT and CAT exams are over. The Situation Test of NIFT is a material handling exam in which candidates are assessed on the basis of their practical skills, creativity, and uniqueness. There are some key factors that an aspirant appearing for the NIFT Situation Test must focus. They are Innovative ideas, Colour scheme, Neatness, Composition of elements, Conceptualisation Skills, Creative use of materials provided. Aesthetic appeal, Overall presentation, and Working methodology.
The topics asked in the General Knowledge section of NIFT GAT are Sports, Culture, History, Geography, Economy, General Politics, Indian Constitution, Countries & Capitals, Scientific Research, Current Affairs, India and its neighbouring countries, Literature, etc.
The Creative Ability Test (CAT) of NIFT examines the illustrative and creative skills of applicants. The topics which you must cover before appearing for the exam include Design Theory, Ornaments & Motifs, Design Awareness, 3D Visualisation, Colour Terminology, Inspiration & Creativity, Expression & Emotion, Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions, Natural & Geometrical Form, Picture Analysis, Innovation & Creation, Foreshortening & Perspective, Imagination & Doodling, Visual Logic, Lateral Thinking, Form & Function, Graphics & Pictograms, Elements & Principles Of Design, Theme Development, Presentation Techniques, Colour, Pattern & Texture, Use of Measurements, Scale & Proportions, etc.
In the Communication Ability and English Comprehension section of NIFT GAT, you will be asked questions on synonyms, words with corresponding meanings, antonyms, singular, plural, one-word substitutes, idioms and phrases, correct spellings, comprehending a situation from a given passage etc.
The section of Case Study in NIFT GAT for M.F.Tech, M.F.M., and B.F.Tech is based on a situation of an industry environment. It helps to evaluate the managerial ability of the student. The exam also has questions of the engineering for the candidates who apply for M.F.Tech admission.
No, the NIFT syllabus for the GAT and CAT sections is not the same. The GAT paper will cover topics from five sections, based on the NIFT 2024 syllabus: analytical ability, English comprehension, communication ability, quantitative ability, general knowledge, and current affairs. The NIFT CAT paper, on the other hand, will include questions that assess observational power, design ability, discernment ability, etc.
The syllabus for the NIFT entrance exam includes topics such as Colour Terminology, Colour, Pattern & Texture, Creative thinking & writing, Design Theory, Drawing Fundamentals, Form & Function, Inspiration & Creativity, Inspiration & Design Development, Memory Drawing, Optical Illusion, Ornaments & motifs, Picture Analysis, Theme Development, Understanding Light & Shade, Visual Logic, and more.
The NIFT GAT syllabus includes topics such as addition, antonyms, correct spellings general knowledge and current affairs, distance, division, fractions, idioms and phrases, multiplication, one-word substitutes, percentage, plural, rate of interest, ratio and proportion, singular, synonyms, words with corresponding meanings, work and task, and more.
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