NIFT Study Material 2026: Best NIFT Books, Subject-Wise Study Material

Dreaming of getting into NIFT and building a career in fashion and design? You’re not alone! Every year, thousands of creative minds prepare for the NIFT Entrance Exam. However, what truly makes the difference is how well you prepare and the study material you choose. Cracking the NIFT exam requires the right set of NIFT books and preparation resources. These will help you sharpen your creativity and improve your speed. 

Moreover, by this, you gain the confidence to crack both the CAT (Creative Ability Test) and the GAT (General Ability Test). Whether it’s the highly recommended Arihant NIFT book or other trusted guides, picking the best resources will help you stay ahead in your prep. This blog will walk you through the best NIFT study material 2026. We have covered the top entrance exam books with extra tips and online resources. All that is needed in your preparation.

Best NIFT Books 2026: Subject-Wise NIFT Entrance Exam Book

Preparing for the NIFT Entrance Exam requires a balanced approach. You’ll need strong creative skills for the CAT. While you require sharp analytical and general knowledge for the GAT. Then your practical problem-solving skills will be tested in the Situation Test. To help you cover every aspect, here’s a subject-wise list of the best NIFT books 2026:

Books for NIFT GAT (General Ability Test)

The GAT section checks your quantitative ability, English, logical reasoning, and general knowledge. A mix of aptitude guides and exam-focused books works best here.

Recommended NIFT Books:

• Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams – R.S. Aggarwal (for maths basics & practice)
• Objective General English – S.P. Bakshi (for vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension)
• Arihant NIFT GAT Guide (covers reasoning, GK, and practice sets designed for NIFT): Arihant NIFT Book
• Lucent’s General Knowledge (for current affairs and GK)

Pro Tip: Spend at least 30 to 45 mins daily on GK updates alongside your book practice.

Books for NIFT CAT (Creative Ability Test)

This section measures your imagination, sketching, design sense, and creativity. Unlike GAT, there are no fixed answers. However, practising with the right books can help you improve presentation and originality.

Recommended NIFT Books:

• NIFT/NID/IIFT Entrance Exam Guide – Ramesh Publishing House
• The Fundamentals of Figure Drawing – Charles Oliver
• Design Drawing – Francis D.K. Ching (excellent for improving sketching & visualisation)
• Profit From The Psychology of Color: Discover the Meaning and Effects of Color – Richard G. Lewis
• Guide to NIFT/NID for Design Entrance Exam – Surendra Kavimandan
• NIFT Entrance Exam CAT Prep Books (various practice sketchbooks available from coaching publishers)

Pro Tip: Practice daily sketching – objects, people, and scenes. Use references but focus on originality.

Books for NIFT Situation Test

The Situation Test is all about model making, innovative use of materials, and 3D design concepts. While there aren’t many official books for this stage, some guides and practice kits can help.

Recommended Resources:

• Don’t make me think – Steve King
• Universal Principles of Design – Tom Kelley and David Kelley
• NIFT Situation Test Guide – Arihant Experts (includes past year’s questions & practice ideas)
• The Design of Everyday Things & Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things – Don Norman
• Creative Ability & Situation Test for NIFT/NID/IIFT – Ramesh Publishing House
• Mock material kits from coaching institutes (like BRDS, AFA, or Pahal Design)

Pro Tip: Focus on time management during mocks. Completing a creative model within the time limit is as important as the design itself.

Best NIFT Books 2026 – Quick Comparison Table

Best NIFT Study Material from Online Sources: Free and Paid

In this age of the internet, no preparation should be limited to books. There are many platforms on the web, and especially on YouTube, which you can refer to boost your NIFT preparation. The following are the online NIFT study materials which can help you:

• ‘Wifistudy by Unacademy’ YouTube Channel – will help in GAT preparation for quant and English. Basic Maths concepts are covered in videos like: Number System, Ratio and Proportion, Speed, Time and Distance and more.

• ‘Artistic Zone’ YouTube Channel – Go for Videos like How to Prepare for CAT. These videos will give you a clear insight into the test.
• Follow Rishika Designs YouTube Channel – for NIFT Situation Test preparation. You can refer to videos like NIFT Situation Test Models.

NIFT Study Material – Paid Platforms

There are some good paid coaching platforms you can refer to while preparing for NIFT. They are as follows:

• Rathore Design website
• Silica Institute’s platform
• Testbook’s platform
• Physicswallah Design platform

Tips for Using NIFT Books Effectively

• Create a Study Plan: Allocate time for GAT, CAT, and Situation Test; stick to a daily/weekly schedule.
• Focus on 1–2 Books per Section: Avoid multiple books to prevent confusion; finish one before moving to practice papers.
• Practice Daily: Sketching, model-making, and mock tests improve skills and confidence.
• Revise Regularly: Keep short notes for formulas, design tips, and GK facts; revisit sketches and models.
• Time Yourself: Simulate exam conditions for GAT, CAT, and Situation Test; prioritise easier tasks first.
• Use Extra Resources: Supplement books with online tutorials, apps, and discussion groups.
• Track Progress: Maintain a weekly tracker to identify weak areas and adjust your plan.

Pro Tip: Consistency + focused practice = success in NIFT 2026.