NIFT Exam Syllabus 2026: Exam Pattern, Total Marks, Subjects, Exam Syllabus PDF

Having a clear knowledge of the NIFT exam pattern and syllabus is very essential when preparing for the NIFT exam. This is because, unless your preparation is strategic, it’s very difficult to clear such a highly competitive exam. Every year, thousands of aspirants compete for admission into NIFT. However, only those who have a strategic understanding of the NIFT paper pattern, total marks, and subjects are able to score properly.

This blog breaks down the NIFT syllabus and NIFT exam pattern 2026 for B.Des, B.FTech, and PG courses. It explains the NIFT marking scheme, syllabus, and NIFT Situation Test questions. We have also provided a complete NIFT entrance exam syllabus PDF for you. This guide has everything you need to start your preparation with confidence.

What is NIFT Exam?

The NIFT entrance exam is the national-level test conducted for admission into the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). NIFT is one of India’s top fashion and design institutes. It is organised annually. The NIFT entrance exam serves as the gateway to NIFT UG and PG programs in design, fashion technology, and management.

Thousands of students appear for this competitive exam every year. Through this exam, the students secure a seat at NIFT’s 18 campuses across India. The NIFT Delhi campus, however, is the most in demand. It is held in multiple exam centres across India, usually in January or February. Hope, now you have all the answers to your ‘What is NIFT exam’ query.

Purpose of the NIFT Exam

• To evaluate a candidate’s creativity, design aptitude, logical reasoning, and general awareness.
• To select students for courses such as B.Des, B.FTech, M.Des, MFM, and M.FTech.
• To ensure students are prepared for the multidisciplinary world of fashion and design.

NIFT Exam Syllabus 2026

The NIFT entrance exam syllabus 2026 is divided into two main written tests – GAT (General Ability Test) and CAT (Creative Ability Test) – along with a Situation Test (for B.Des) or GD/PI (for PG). The NIFT syllabus and question distribution vary depending on the program you are applying for.

General Ability Test (GAT) – Syllabus

The GAT is common for UG and PG courses and includes multiple-choice questions.

B.Des & M.Des (Duration: 120 minutes)

• Communication Ability – 25 (BDES) / 30 (MDES) questions
• English Comprehension – 25 (BDES) / 30 (MDES) questions
• Quantitative Ability – 20 questions
• Analytical Ability – 15 (BDES) / 25 (MDES) questions
• General Knowledge & Current Affairs – 15 questions
  Total: 100 questions (B.Des) | 120 questions (M.Des)

B.FTech, M.FTech & MFM (Duration: 180 minutes)

• Communication Ability & English Comprehension – 45 (B.FTech NIFT / M.FTech) | 50 (MFM) questions
• Case Study – 25 (B.FTech / M.FTech) | 40 (MFM) questions
• Quantitative Ability – 30 (B.FTech / M.FTech) | 10 (MFM) questions
• Analytical & Logical Ability – 25 questions
• General Knowledge & Current Affairs – 25 questions
  Total: 150 questions for all 3 programs

For M.FTech, a few questions are also based on engineering concepts.

Creative Ability Test (CAT) – Syllabus

The CAT evaluates a candidate’s:

• Intuitive ability
• Observation skills
• Concept development
• Design ability
• Creative and innovative use of colour & illustration

CAT is conducted for B.Des and M.Des only.

Note: Candidates must not reveal identity on CAT answer sheets; doing so results in disqualification.

Situation Test (for B.Des Applicants)

• Hands-on test to evaluate material handling and innovative ability.
• Candidates create a 3D model from given materials.
• Evaluation Parameters:
  • Space visualization
  • Creativity & innovation
  • Composition & colour scheme
  • Construction skill & neatness
  • Overall presentation
  • Write-up explaining the concept (only in English)

Use of outside material or identity marks on models/write-ups leads to disqualification.

Group Discussion (GD) & Personal Interview (PI): For NIFT PG Courses

Group Discussion (GD): Case-study-based discussion (15–20 minutes) evaluated on:

• Concept clarity
• Knowledge of the topic
• Contribution to the discussion
• Interpersonal skills
• Creativity & idea generation
• Problem-solving
• Leadership skills
• Communication ability

Personal Interview (PI): Evaluated on:

• Career orientation
• Aptness for the course
• Achievements in academics & co-curricular activities
• Communication skills
• General awareness, creative & lateral thinking

Section-Wise Details of GAT Sub-Tests

1. Quantitative Ability – Arithmetic, Percentages, Fractions, Ratio & Proportion, Work & Time, Simple Interest, Speed & Distance.
2. Communication Ability & English Comprehension – Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, idioms, one-word substitutions), grammar, spellings, and passage comprehension.
3. Analytical & Logical Ability – Logical reasoning, problem-solving, creative and lateral thinking.
4. General Knowledge & Current Affairs – Static GK + latest events, fashion industry updates.
5. Case Study (for MFM/M.FTech/B.FTech) – Industry-related problem-solving to test managerial ability.

NIFT Exam Syllabus: At a Glance

NIFT Entrance Exam Syllabus PDF

Many students search for the official NIFT entrance exam syllabus PDF. For your benefit, we have directly provided the NIFT Entrance Exam Syllabus PDF link below.

Download the NIFT Entrance Exam Syllabus PDF here.

NIFT Exam Pattern 2026: Overview

The NIFT exam pattern 2026 is structured differently for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. To excel well, knowing the NIFT paper pattern, subjects, and total marks will help you prepare strategically.

NIFT Paper Pattern: Overview

NIFT Total Marks & Marking Scheme

The NIFT entrance exam 2026 has a well-defined marking scheme that varies depending on the course you are applying for. Understanding the NIFT total marks distribution and weightage for each test helps aspirants prepare more strategically and focus on high-scoring sections.

NIFT Total Marks

The NIFT exam total marks vary for different courses. The exam has 4 stages whose total marks are as follows:

• Creative Ability Test Total Marks: 100
• General Ability Test Total Marks: 100
• Situation Test (for B.Des): The total marks vary from year to year since it doesn’t have objective answers.
• Personal Interview Total Marks: Varies and is decided by the conducting authority.

Complete NIFT Paper Marking Scheme 2026

• NIFT Exam Marks for Correct Answer: +1 mark (for GAT and MCQ-based sections)
• NIFT Exam Negative Marking: Yes, -0.25 marks for each wrong answer in GAT.
• CAT & Situation Test: No negative marking since they are subjective/creative in nature.
• GD/PI: Evaluated on performance, leadership skills, communication, creativity, and analytical thinking (no fixed right/wrong answers).

Important About the NIFT Marking System

• Equal Importance of Creativity & Logic: For design courses like B.Des and M.Des, creativity-focused sections (CAT/Situation Test) carry more weight than aptitude tests.
• Technology vs. Design Difference: For B.FTech and M.FTech, the focus is more on analytical, technical, and management-oriented subjects.
• Situation Test Write-up: Apart from the model, candidates are also marked on the written explanation of their idea (clarity, relevance, originality).

NIFT Situation Test Questions: Complete Guide

The NIFT Situation Test is one of the most crucial stages of the admission process for B.Des aspirants. After clearing the CAT and GAT, shortlisted candidates are invited to appear for this test. It is designed to evaluate a student’s practical skills, creativity, and innovative thinking.

What is the NIFT Situation Test?

• A hands-on exam where candidates are asked to create 3D models or prototypes using the materials provided.
• Focuses on problem-solving ability, creative use of materials, aesthetics, and concept clarity.
• Candidates must also submit a write-up explaining their design and idea behind the model.

Key Components of the NIFT Situation Test Questions

• Model Making: Creating a 3D structure based on the given theme.
• Material Handling: Effective and innovative use of materials like paper, clay, straws, thermocol, fabric, etc.
• Time Management: Completing the model within the given time (usually 2–3 hours).
• Design Concept Explanation (Write-up): A short explanation that describes the theme, concept, and functionality of the model.

NIFT Situation Test Questions: What to Expect?

Candidates are usually given theme-based design problems. Examples include:

• Design a portable furniture piece using the materials provided.
• Create a decor item for a festive season.
• Design a toy for children.
• Create an eco-friendly product prototype.
• Make a fashion accessory or utility product with the given items.

(Note: These are sample ideas based on past patterns – actual questions may vary.)

NIFT Situation Test Write-Up

• Every model must be accompanied by a write-up explaining the idea.
• Key points to include:
  • Theme & concept
  • Materials used
  • Functionality & innovation
  • Aesthetic appeal
• A clear, concise, and well-structured write-up boosts scores significantly.

NIFT Situation Test Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation is not about perfection but about creativity and innovation. Marks are awarded based on:

• Creativity & Innovation
• Originality of Ideas
• Neatness & Finishing
• Material Handling Skills
• Aesthetic Appeal
• Conceptual Clarity (via Write-up)