• Updated on 3 Feb, 2026 by Souvik Podder
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NIFT Exam Pattern 2026 was released by the National Institute of Fashion Technology. NIFT Exam Pattern includes three parts: the General Ability Test (GAT), the Creative Ability Test (CAT), and the Situation Test. The GAT is an online multiple-choice test with 100 to 150 questions. It checks general aptitude, awarding one mark for each correct answer and deducting 0.25 marks for wrong answers. The CAT is an offline, subjective test with three questions to assess a candidate’s design and creative skills. The Situation Test (for B.Des. candidates) involves creating a 3D model using given materials. Candidates who wish to pursue B.Des or M.Des have to appear for both these tests. However, candidates seeking B.F.Tech, M.F.Test, and MFM admission only need to take the GAT. NIFT 2026 Exam is going to be conducted on February 8, 2026. Read here to know more about the NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern.
Table of Contents
NIFT Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
The NIFT 2026 examination will be conducted in three stages, consisting of one written paper, one drawing test, and a hands-on test. The GAT will be 2 to 3 hours long, while the CAT and the Situation test are 3 hours in duration each. Here are more details on the NIFT 2026 Exam:
Read more on NIFT 2026 Application
NIFT Exam Pattern 2026 Written Exams
NIFT 2026 comprises the written exams, and the written exams consist of the Creative Ability Test and the General Ability Test. Candidates may refer to the table listed below for more reference about the course-wise examination criteria:
Undergraduate Course
The candidate may refer to the table below to understand the requirements of the exam according to the courses:
Postgraduate Course
Candidates applying for the postgraduate courses are advised to visit the table below for course-wise exam requirements:
B.Des. and M.Des.
The GAT for the B.Des. and the M.Des. program has 100 and 120 total questions, respectively. Here is how the GAT paper will be structured in NIFT 2026:
B.F.Tech.
GAT paper for B.F.Tech. had the same topics as for B.Des. and M.Des., but included a case study. It had 150 questions, divided into two sections: A and B, which were to be completed within 3 hours or 180 minutes. Here is a breakdown of the B.F.Tech.’s GAT paper:
M.F.Tech. and MFM
The NIFT 2026 GAT exam pattern for MFM and M.F.Tech. The candidates had 150 questions and were given 3 hours to complete their papers. Here are more details on the GAT paper:
NIFT Exam Pattern 2026: CAT Pattern
NIFTEE’s CAT is a 3-hour-long offline test to judge candidates’ design aptitude. It is a subjective test with no negative marking. Here are the details of the NIFT 2026 CAT paper:
- The CAT is a pencil and paper subjective test.
- There are three questions.
- The test duration is three hours.
NIFT Exam Pattern 2026: Situation Test
NIFT’s situation test is a hands-on test for B.Des. candidates, where materials were provided to create a 3D model within 2 hours. Here is what applicants were required to do in the situation test:
- Candidates are given material to prepare a 3D model.
- Outside materials cannot be used.
- The time limit given to complete the test is 2 hours.
- A write-up in English must be submitted explaining the concept of the model.
NIFT Marking Scheme 2026
NIFT awards one mark for each right answer marked in GAT and deducts 25% for each wrong answer. There is no negative marking for unanswered questions. Here are the details of NIFT 2026’s GAT paper:
NIFT Syllabus 2026
The NIFT 2026 Syllabus for GAT is divided into four sections: Quantitative Ability, Analytical Ability, Communication and English Comprehension, and General Knowledge and Current Affairs. For CAT, candidates are judged on several areas, like creative ability, power of observation, intuitive abilities, concept development ability, design prowess, ability to use colours, and illustration skills.
NIFT GAT Syllabus 2026
The GAT tests candidates on their basic Mathematical skills, English and communication skills, and knowledge of current affairs. Here is what is covered under each section of the NIFT’s GAT examination:
NIFT CAT Syllabus 2026
The NIFT 2026 CAT syllabus is designed to judge the candidates’ ability to think intuitively, develop concepts, design skills, use colors, etc. Here is the syllabus for the CAT paper for NIFT 2026:
NIFT Situation Test Syllabus 2026
B.Des. program applicants who qualify for the GAT and CAT papers are invited for a situational test, where they are given materials to create a 3D model. Here is how candidates were judged in the NIFT 2026 situation test:
NIFT Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
What is the NIFT 2026 exam pattern?
The NIFT 2026 examination pattern consists of the General Ability Test, Creative Ability Test, and the Situation Test. The number of questions ranges from 100 to 150, depending on the course applied to, and the marking scheme is one mark for each correct answer.
Who can take the NIFT 2026 CAT paper?
The NIFT 2026 CAT paper is attempted by eligible B.Des., M.Des., and B.F.Tech. + B.Des. and M.F.Tech. + M.Des. candidates. The examination tests candidates’ creative abilities and design skills over a three-hour-long subjective test.
Can candidates bring outside material for the NIFT 2026 situation test?
No. Candidates are not allowed to bring their materials for the NIFT 2026 situational test. NIFT will provide all materials.
Is there negative marking in the NIFT 2026 Exam?
Yes, in GAT, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer. CAT is a subjective-based exam, so there is no negative marking.
What is the weightage of CAT, GAT, Situation Test, and Interview in NIFT 2026?
For B.Des courses, CAT has 50% weightage, GAT has 30%, and the Situation Test has 20%. For M.Des, CAT has 40% weightage, GAT has 30%weightage, and Personal Interview has 30% weightage in NIFT 2026.
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