NIFT 2026 (EXAM PATTERN)

The applicants will have to go through the entire NIFT exam pattern.  It informs the candidates about the format of the test.  Candidates would also benefit from knowing the marking guidelines used for the admission exam.  The GAT, CAT, GD, and PI interview rounds will be conducted by the authority.  The B.Des and M.Des programs will be subject to a general ability test (GAT).

To assess the candidate's capacity for intuition, design, and observation in concept development, a creative ability exam (CAT) will be administered.  This test's original and imaginative use of color and art skills is one of its key components.

General Ability Test (GAT)

The GAT is a written exam common to all programs. It evaluates general aptitude and language skills.

Creative Ability Test (CAT)

The CAT is applicable to B.Des and M.Des candidates only.

Purpose

To assess creative thinking, innovation, observation, imagination, and design skills.

Pattern

• Duration: 3 hours
• No fixed number of questions – usually 2 to 3 creative drawing-based questions
• Medium: English
• You must bring your own art materials (except answer sheets)

Situation Test (for B.Des only)

This is a hands-on test conducted after the written exam for shortlisted B.Des candidates.

Objective

To assess

• Material handling
• 3D model construction skills
• Innovative and functional thinking
• Visual and tactile communication

Pattern

• Time: 2 hours
• Material: Given at the test center
• Includes a write-up (English) explaining the concept and execution

Personal Interview (PI) – For PG Programs

Applicable for M.Des, M.F.Tech, M.F.M after the written test.

Evaluation Parameters

• Career goals and domain knowledge
• Creativity and design awareness
• Communication skills
• General and subject-specific awareness

NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern Key highlights

Exam Mode: The CAT exam will be administered offline (PBT), whereas the GAT exam will be administered online (CBT).

Duration: The B.Des/M.Des course will last two hours, and the other courses will last three hours.

Number of Questions- The total number of questions will be 150 for other courses, 120 for M. Des., and 100 for B. Des.

Question Types: Multiple-choice questions will be asked in NIFT 2026.

Medium: The question paper will be bilingual, meaning it will be in both Hindi and English.

Marking:  Students will receive one mark for each right response, and 25% of their points will be subtracted for each wrong response. 

NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern FAQs

Ques.1 What are the different components of the NIFT 2026 entrance exam?

Ans: The NIFT 2026 entrance exam consists of three key components (depending on the course):

• GAT – General Ability Test (All programs)
• CAT – Creative Ability Test (For B.Des & M.Des)
• Situation Test – For B.Des only (after written exams)
• Personal Interview (PI) – For PG courses (M.Des, M.F.M, M.F.Tech)

Ques.2 Is the NIFT exam conducted online or offline?

Ans: The NIFT exam is conducted in offline (pen and paper-based) mode only.

Ques.3 What is the total duration of the NIFT exam?

Ans. The duration of the NIFT exam is different for every section-

• GAT: 2 hours for B.Des/M.Des; 3 hours for B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech, and M.F.M
• CAT: 3 hours (for B.Des and M.Des)
• Situation Test: 2 hours
• PI: Duration varies (15–30 minutes)

Ques.4 What is the marking scheme in GAT?

Ans. The marking scheme for GAT-

• +1 for each correct answer
• -0.25 negative marking for every wrong answer
• No marks deducted for unattempted questions

Ques.5 What is the Situation Test in B.Des?

Ans.  The Situation Test evaluates your ability to create 3D models using provided materials. It checks:

• Creativity
• Aesthetic sense
• Material handling
• Functionality
• Concept explanation (via write-up)

Click Here for NIFT 2026 Eligibility Criteria