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How to Attempt CAT in NIFT 2025: NIFT CAT Preparation Guide

Author : Nashid

August 12, 2024

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Overview: Learn how to attempt CAT in NIFT 2025 with our guide on the new online format, preparation tips, and strategic insights for mastering the exam. 

Candidates aspiring to join the B.Des or M.Des programs at NIFT must take the Creative Ability Test (CAT). The CAT is a written examination with a weightage of 50% for the B.Des program and 40% for the M.Des program.

Discover effective ways to attempt the CAT in the NIFT exam and time management, preparation tips, and other important details.

NIFT CAT Syllabus 2025

To understand the NIFT exam pattern well, you must know the syllabus thoroughly. And you might be wondering where you will get that information from.

The Creative Ability Test or CAT is designed to test the following:

  • Intuitive ability
  • Power of observation in concept development
  • Design ability of the candidate. 

To perform well in the test, the candidate must be able to use colour and illustration techniques creatively and innovatively.

To resolve that issue, here we have the complete list of Syllabus and topics which you need to cover folly to ace your examination:

Design Theory Colour Terminology Inspiration & Design Development
Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions Elements & Principles Of Design Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship
Natural & Geometrical Form Innovation in Design Principles of Composition
Creative thinking & writing Optical Illusion Understanding Light & Shade
Visual Logic Form & Function Colour, Pattern & Texture
Theme Development Drawing Fundamentals Picture Analysis
Memory Drawing Inspiration & Creativity Ornaments & motifs
Use of Measurements, Scale & proportions Optical Illusion Foreshortening & Perspective
Developing Themes & Colour Associations Usage of Colour in Compositions Imagination & Doodling
3D Visualisation Presentation Techniques Expression & Emotion
Exercises on imagination Lateral Thinking Story Pictures
Graphics & Pictograms Innovation & Creation Design Awareness

NIFT Exam Section-Wise Weightage

Program Test Weightage
Bachelor of Design (BDes) CAT 50%
GAT 30%
Situation Test 20%
Master of Design (MDes) CAT 40%
GAT 30%
GDPI 30%

Types of Questions Asked in the NIFT CAT Exam

Let us understand some of the aspects on which you will be evaluated in the NIFT Entrance Exam 2025:

Creativity  Use of Colors
Observation Power  Illustration Skills
Innovative Concept Design

Transitions based questions:

For Example:

  • Depiction of transition
  • The transition from a cocoon to a butterfly
  • Dawn to dusk
  • Life of Leaves
  • Human emotions
  • Life cycle    
  • How to scratch out a saree pallu
  • Table lamp
  • 2-D questions 
  • Geometrical shapes
  • Traditional designs
  • Analogous designs
  • Motifs

Check Out: NIFT CAT Question Papers with Solutions

Creativedge Results

Creativedge Results

How to Attempt CAT Section in the NIFT Exam

How do you attempt the CAT in the NIFT exam? The key to showing transitions is the use of the correct colour. Each of you has your approach to depicting such transitional scenes. However, our experts recommend a thoughtful approach here.

Example: Draw Dawn to dusk.

Let us look at the image given below:

Many of you begin colouring from the first to the last box, considering the first box to be Morning and the last box to be night.

But do you know, you could get confused with your colour choice in the middle!

Instead, if you draw the precursor and post cursor simultaneously, you won't lose track, as shown below in the image: 

Continue filling in from the outer box and meet in the middle so that you will have proper colour palette for the transition.

 

Also Read: NIFT Drawing Questions

Things to remember while drawing and colouring

  • Use correct division of space
  • Balance the design
  • Visual weight balancing
  • Colour balance
  • Connectivity and overlapping
  • Colour connectivity
  • Rhythmic lines

Check Out: NIFT Exam Syllabus 2025

Tips to Attempt CAT Section in the NIFT Exam

  • Be ready with your arsenal: Pen, Pencil and Colours
  • Use poster colours, but do not use them in corners to avoid spills. Pencil colours can cover corners.
  • Be mindful of your colours and keep colour Micro liner handy
  • Poster colour gives the advantage of variety. You can create any colour by adding white or any primary colour.
  • Use Analogous colours: 2 secondary and one primary colour. Examples of Analogous colours are given below in the image

  • Practice with NIFT Previous Year Question Papers
  • As the exam will be conducted, you can keep your water during the exam.
  • You can take the NIFT 2025 exam from your location and be in your comfort zone.
  • In such a situation, you must take care of strict time management. 
  • As per the NIFT Previous Year exam trend, we have compiled one more list of topics from which maximum questions are asked in the NIFT entrance exam

Time Management for the NIFT CAT Exam

When attempting the CAT section, note that students are given 3 hours to complete it. Time management can be tricky and subjective, differing from student to student. 

Most students will split the given 3 hours into 1 hour per question, but this can lead to a student spending more than an hour on the same question, trying to perfect it without an idea or thumbnail plan for the next. 

To alleviate this, students can divide their time as given below -

Total time given 180 minutes
Thumbnail and sketch plans for all questions 45 minutes (15 per question)
Final sketches and annotation + concept writing 135 minutes (45 minutes per question)

Preparation Tips for the NIFT CAT Exam

  • Familiarize yourself with the exam format, question types, and time allotted for the CAT section.
  • Analyze previous year's question papers to understand the difficulty level and types of questions asked.
  • Pay attention to details, colours, textures, and patterns in everyday objects.
  • Practice sketching subjects like people, objects, nature, and abstract forms.
  • Experiment with various mediums like painting, sculpting, photography, and digital art.
  • Find your own artistic voice and perspective.
  • Practice observing details in images, objects, and people.
  • Break down complex visuals into simpler elements.
  • Look beyond the obvious and find hidden meanings in images.
  • Develop a strategy to manage time effectively during the exam.
  • Prioritize questions based on difficulty level and point value.
  • Practice solving questions within the given time frame.
  • Create a portfolio showcasing your best creative work.
  • Include a variety of sketches, designs, and art projects.
  • Demonstrate your ability to think creatively and solve problems visually.

Key Takeaways

The shift to a remote proctored format for NIFT 2025 represents a significant change, prioritizing candidate safety while maintaining rigorous standards.

By understanding the exam's structure, preparing with the right materials, and employing strategic approaches to the Creative Ability Test (CAT), candidates can effectively understand how to attempt CAT in NIFT.

Embrace these NIFT preparation tips and strategies to optimize your performance and adapt seamlessly to the nuances of online testing for NIFT 2025.

Check Out: CAT and GAT for NIFT

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CAT exam in NIFT?

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What is a good score in CAT NIFT?

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Is CAT a very tough exam?

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If I am unable to score well in General Ability Test, then will I be able to get admission in NIFT?

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Is there any negative marking for NIFT Exam?

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Which are the sections included in NIFT GAT 2025 for Design Course?

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What is the basic academic qualification required to fill for NIFT 2025 application form?

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