NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 – Syllabus & Topics Breakdown
NIFT entrance is divided mainly into CAT (Creative Ability Test) and GAT (General Ability Test).
B.Des candidates appear for CAT + GAT
B.F.Tech candidates appear for GAT only
1. Creative Ability Test (CAT)
(Only for B.Des)
CAT checks creativity, imagination, visualization, drawing skills, and design thinking.
Key Topics in CAT
Drawing & Illustration
- Freehand sketching
- Human figures (static & action)
- Daily life scenes
- Object drawing (from imagination)
- Perspective & proportion
Creativity & Visualization
- Visual storytelling
- Theme-based compositions
- Innovative concepts
- Situational illustrations
Design Elements
- Line, shape, form
- Texture & patterns
- Balance, rhythm, contrast
- Color theory (warm/cool, harmony)
Design Fundamentals
- Space & composition
- Positive–negative space
- Scale & proportion
- Visual hierarchy
Typical CAT Questions
- Illustrate a situation/story
- Design a poster/product
- Draw a scene based on a theme
- Conceptual illustration with explanation
Evaluation focuses on idea + execution, not just neatness.
2. General Ability Test (GAT)
(For B.Des & B.F.Tech)
GAT is an objective (MCQ) test.
A. Quantitative Ability
- Number system
- Percentages
- Ratio & proportion
- Average
- Profit & loss
- Time & work
- Speed, distance & time
- Simple interest
(Basic maths – Class 8–10 level)
B. Communication Ability & English
- Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms)
- Idioms & phrases
- One-word substitution
- Grammar (tenses, prepositions)
- Sentence correction
- Reading comprehension
C. Analytical & Logical Ability
- Series (number, alphabet)
- Coding–decoding
- Blood relations
- Direction sense
- Seating arrangements
- Puzzles
- Statement–conclusion
D. General Knowledge & Current Affairs
Very important for NIFT
Static GK:
- Indian culture & heritage
- Art & architecture
- Indian textiles & crafts
- Fashion history
- Famous designers (Indian & global)
- UNESCO heritage sites
Current Affairs (Last 1–1.5 years):
- Fashion weeks
- Awards & exhibitions
- Sustainability in fashion
- Government initiatives (craft, textiles)
- Major national & international events
E. Case Study (B.F.Tech only)
- Industry-based situations
- Apparel production problems
- Management decision-making
- Logical & practical thinking
Program-Wise Exam Structure (Quick View)
| Program | CAT | GAT |
|---|---|---|
| B.Des | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| B.F.Tech | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
What NIFT Really Looks For
✔ Creative thinking
✔ Observation skills
✔ Design awareness
✔ Practical logic
✔ Communication ability
NIFT CAT 2026 – Practice Questions with Model Answers
QUESTION 1: Situation Illustration
Question
“A busy Indian railway platform during festive season.”
Illustrate the scene showing emotions, crowd, and environment.
What to Draw (Model Answer Guidance)
- Foreground: Family with luggage, child holding balloons
- Midground: Vendors selling tea/snacks, people boarding train
- Background: Train, platform signboard, clock
- Human emotions: excitement, stress, happiness
- Perspective: One-point or two-point perspective
Color Suggestion
- Warm colors (yellow, orange) for festive mood
- Balanced contrast for depth
Examiner Looks For
✔ Storytelling
✔ Crowd management
✔ Proportion & depth
✔ Indian context authenticity
QUESTION 2: Product Design + Creativity
Question
Design a multipurpose study table for students living in small hostel rooms.
What to Draw
- Foldable table
- Storage compartments
- Adjustable height
- Laptop + book space
Model Answer Format
- Neat product sketch (3D view)
- 2–3 small detail views
- Short written explanation (4–5 lines)
Key Design Thinking
- Space-saving
- User comfort
- Practicality
QUESTION 3: Visual Storytelling
Question
Illustrate the proverb: “Where there is unity, there is strength.”
Model Concept Ideas
- People pulling a heavy object together
- Broken sticks individually vs bundle of sticks
- Team sport victory moment
Composition Tip
- Central focal point
- Clear visual metaphor
- Minimal background clutter
QUESTION 4: Poster Design
Question
Design a poster to promote “Save Water” campaign for urban India.
Must Include
- Title text
- Visual message
- Symbolism (tap, drop, earth)
- Slogan
Model Answer Tip
- One strong central image
- Limited color palette (blue + earthy tones)
- Clean typography (hand-lettered allowed)
QUESTION 5: Object Transformation
Question
Transform a plastic bottle into a useful product. Illustrate before & after.
Model Ideas
- Bottle → Desk organizer
- Bottle → Planter
- Bottle → Bird feeder
Presentation
- Left: Original object
- Right: Transformed product
- Arrow showing transformation
- Short explanation
QUESTION 6: Theme-Based Composition
Question
Illustrate the theme: “Sustainable Future.”
Model Concept
- Nature + technology balance
- Green buildings
- Solar panels
- People cycling, planting trees
Color & Mood
- Greens, blues
- Clean, hopeful tone
QUESTION 7: Daily Life Observation
Question
Draw a street food vendor and customers at evening time.
Model Answer Focus
- Light source (evening bulb)
- Steam from food
- Expressions of vendor & customers
- Indian street setting
How to Score High in CAT (Examiner Secret Tips)
✔ Clear idea > heavy shading
✔ Human figures matter more than perfection
✔ Show Indian context
✔ Don’t overcrowd the page
✔ Always leave margins
✔ Use pencils first, then colors
What You Should Practice Daily
- 2 human figures/day
- 1 perspective scene/day
- 1 concept sketch/day
- 15 min color practice
