NIFT CAT Question Paper with Solution 2026: Check Topic Wise Syllabus

Overview: Preparing for the NIFT Entrance Exam? Acing the CAT section of the NIFT exam is crucial to go to the next round of the NIFT selection process. Continue reading for previous year CAT question papers with solution, NIFT CAT 2026 question paper, preparation tips and more.

Download NIFT CAT 2026 Question Paper by CreativeEdge

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) conducts the NIFT entrance exam to select candidates for its undergraduate and postgraduate fashion and design programs. NIFT administers the NIFT Creative Ability Test (CAT) to assess candidates' creative aptitude for admission to the B.Des. and M.Des. programs.

Practicing the NIFT CAT question paper with solution is one of the most effective ways to improve performance in the Creative Ability Test (CAT) of the NIFT entrance exam. The CAT section evaluates a candidate’s creativity, drawing ability, visualization skills, design thinking, composition, and problem-solving approach.

By solving previous year NIFT CAT question papers with detailed solutions, aspirants can clearly understand the actual exam pattern, question difficulty, time pressure, and evaluation expectations.

This page provides authentic NIFT previous year CAT questions with answers, high-scoring drawing approaches, and examiner-oriented insights to help students refine sketch quality, layout planning, perspective accuracy, and visual storytelling.

Along with downloadable NIFT CAT question papers with solutions, this guide also includes question analysis, important topics, common mistakes, scoring tips, and model approaches aligned with real exam standards, making it a complete practice resource for serious NIFT aspirants.

Table of Contents

1. NIFT CAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme for B.Des & M.Des
2. NIFT CAT Previous Year Question Papers with Solution - FREE Download
3. NIFT CAT Question Paper 2026 - Frequently Repeated Topics
4. Sample NIFT CAT Question Papers
5. NIFT 2026 CAT Exam Preparation Tips

What is NIFT CAT Question Paper 2026?

The NIFT CAT question paper assesses a candidate's creative potential and problem-solving abilities. It evaluates your:

• Observation skills: How well you can perceive and understand visual information.
• Intuitive abilities: Your ability to grasp concepts and ideas without explicit explanation.
• Design aptitude: Your natural inclination towards creative problem-solving and visual communication.
• Creativity: Your ability to generate unique and innovative ideas.
• Understanding an idea: How effectively you can comprehend and interpret given concepts.
• Colour sense and application: Your ability to use colour effectively in your designs.

To succeed in the NIFT CAT exam, you'll need a blend of creativity and logical reasoning.

Check: NIFT Drawing Questions 2026

Check NIFT CAT Solved Examples Here!

NIFT 2026 Exam- Overview

The NIFT 2026 entrance exam consists of two parts: the CAT (Creative Ability Test) and the GAT (General Ability Test).

Particulars	Highlights
Mode of Exam	Offline
Language	English & Hindi
Number of Papers	2
Papers	General Aptitude Test (GAT)
	Creative Ability Test (CAT)
Type of Questions in GAT	MCQ Based questions on English, GK & Maths
Type of Questions in CAT	Perspective Drawing, Color Theory, Product Sketching, Storyboarding
Exam Duration	GAT: 2 Hours
	CAT: 3 Hours

NIFT CAT 2026 Paper Pattern for B.Des & M.Des - Section-Wise Questions and Marks

Program	Skill Tested in CAT Question Paper	Number of Questions	Weightage in Final Merit	Marks
B.Des	Drawing, visualization, creativity, design thinking	Varies by Year (3-4)	50%	100
M.Des	Conceptual thinking, problem solving, visualization, communication, design maturity	Varies by Year (3-4)	40%	100

Note: NIFT does not publish fixed question counts or marks distribution for CAT every year. Evaluation parameters are defined in the official admission bulletin.

Check: How to Attempt CAT Paper in NIFT 2026

NIFT CAT Question Papers with Solution – Free PDF Download

Candidates preparing for the Creative Ability Test can download NIFT CAT question papers with solution in free PDF format to practice real exam-level questions and evaluate their drawing performance accurately. Solving previous year NIFT CAT question papers with solutions helps aspirants understand actual question patterns, sketching expectations, composition requirements, and time management strategies followed in the exam.

These free downloadable NIFT CAT question paper PDFs include:

• Original CAT questions from past NIFT exams
• Step-by-step solution approaches and visual breakdowns
• High-scoring layout and composition techniques
• Common mistakes and improvement tips
• Time allocation guidance for each question

Practicing NIFT CAT solved question papers regularly allows students to benchmark their progress, improve drawing clarity, enhance creativity, and build confidence before the actual exam.

NIFT CAT Question Paper PDFs – B.Des

Year	PDF Type	Download Link
NIFT CAT Solved Question Paper 2026	Question Paper with Solution PDF	NIFT CAT 2026 solutions PDF download - Coming Soon
NIFT CAT 2025 B.Des	Question Paper with Solution PDF	Download Here
NIFT CAT 2024 B.Des	Question Paper with Solution PDF	Download Here
NIFT CAT 2023 B.Des	Question Paper with Solution PDF	Download Here
NIFT CAT 2022 B.Des	Question Paper PDF	Download Here
NIFT CAT 2021 B.Des	Question Paper PDF	Download Here

For fully solved NIFT last 10 years question papers with QR-based video solutions of all CAT questions, get yourself the best-selling NIFT Previous Year Papers Book by CreativEdge (Available on Amazon & Flipkart)

Also Check: How to Get Scholarship in NIFT 2026

NIFT CAT Question Paper PDFs – M.Des

Download M.Des previous year NIFT CAT question papers along with the NIFT CAT answer key & solutions to understand expected drawing approaches, evaluation criteria, and scoring patterns. These PDFs help aspirants analyze their performance and refine their execution strategy for higher scores.

NIFT CAT Question Paper Year	Download Link
NIFT CAT 2025 Question Paper - M.Des	Download Here
NIFT CAT 2024 Question Paper – M.Des	Download Here
NIFT CAT 2023 Question Paper – M.Des	Download Here
NIFT CAT 2022 Question Paper – M.Des	Download Here
NIFT CAT 2021 Question Paper – M.Des	Download Here

How to Use These NIFT CAT Solved Question Papers Effectively

1. Attempt the question paper in timed conditions before viewing the solution.
2. Compare your layout planning, proportions, perspective accuracy, and creativity with the model solution.
3. Identify gaps in concept clarity, drawing speed, and visual storytelling.
4. Redraw the solution using improved techniques to strengthen muscle memory.
5. Track progress across multiple years to observe improvement trends.

Downloading and practicing NIFT CAT question papers with solution PDFs consistently is one of the fastest ways to improve CAT performance and creative confidence.

Check: Expected NIFT 2026 Cut Off

Frequently Repeated Topics in NIFT CAT Question Paper 2026

Topic Area	Frequency in Past Papers	Typical Question Type
Perspective Drawing	Very High	Indoor or outdoor scene creation
Composition and Layout	High	Visual storytelling using shapes
Product Sketching	High	Object rendering and proportion
Human Figures	Medium	Gesture and posture drawing
Light and Shadow	Medium	Depth and realism enhancement
Material Representation	Medium	Texture rendering
Visual Problem Solving	Medium	Design thinking scenarios
Theme-Based Storyboards	Low–Medium	Narrative illustration

This table gives users pattern clarity and improves content authority.

Read more: NIFT Mathematics Questions 2026

Sample Question Papers with Solutions for NIFT CAT 2026

NIFT CAT Question Paper 2026 Important Topics

NIFT CAT 2026 Important Topics
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

Read More: Subject-wise NIFT Important Topics 2026

NIFT CAT Sample Question Paper for 2026 Prep

The following are some important questions curated from the previous year's NIFT Question Papers.

Q1. Visualise and draw any of the following as they would be in the year 2050. Colour the product using dry colours.

• Umbrella
• Door Lock
• Lunch box

Q2. Using the following shapes, that is, Circle, rectangle, Hexagon, Teardrop, or triangle, compose any one of the following: (a) Personal Computer, (b) Wind Chime, (c) Letter Box". Accompany it with a write-up of 100 words.

Q3. Depict the process on any one of the following in four frames.

• Budding & blooming of the Rose flower
• A Shirt on a clothing line from wet to dry       
• A bird taking flight from ground to sky

Read more: Job opportunities and salary after NIFT

Q4. Show one of the following procedures in four steps:

• Placing a bulb on a holder.
• A paper folding into a boat.

Q5. Design and illustrate in colour with details, a bag for yourself for any one of the given topics:

• Wedding             
• Picnic    
• Shopping

Q6. Depict your personality through a geometric shape in colour.

Q7. Draw any one of the following scenes:

• The view of the traffic signal from inside the car.
• A street play being organised
• A community festival celebration

Q8. Illustrate in colour a print on a T-shirt based on any one of the following themes:

• Music is the soul of life
• Save future wildlife
• Dignity to aged

Read more: Short tricks to crack the NIFT exam in six months

Q9. Express the contrast between the given pair of words through two separate visuals in given boxes. Out of the given three, one was to be attempted:

• Balanced/ Unbalanced
• Crispy/ Soggy
• Cluttered/ Uncluttered

Q10. Design a mascot for any one of the following topics:

• Keep city clean
• Pulse polio
• India against Corruption

Q11. Attempt any one of the options:

• Within the frames show "The landing of an aircraft."
• Draw landscapes of Spring, summer, autumn and winter. Colour suitably.

Q12. Design a creative poster for any of the following and write a suitable tagline

• Bookshop
• Cybershop
• Fruit shop

Attempt Mock Tests to Ace the NIFT CAT 2025 by CreativeEdge

NIFT CAT 2026 Exam Preparation Tips

• Familiarise yourself with the detailed NIFT syllabus to understand the topics covered and complement your preparation by practicing with the NIFT CAT question paper.
• Analyse past question papers to grasp the question pattern, difficulty level, and time management required.
• Develop a keen eye for detail. Practice observing your surroundings and capturing elements in sketches.
• Regular practice is crucial. Focus on proportion, perspective, and shading techniques.
• Understand colour harmony, contrast, and psychology to create visually appealing compositions.
• Practice brainstorming and generating innovative ideas. Explore different design styles and movements.
• Stay updated on current affairs, history, and culture.
• Practice puzzles, analogies, and logical deductions.
• Brush up on basic mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills.
• Solve mock tests under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
• Analyse your performance in mock tests to focus on areas needing improvement.
• Manage time effectively during the exam by allocating sufficient time to each section.
• Sample and question papers from past years are great tools for preparing for the NIFT CAT 2026.
• Aspirants should build a portfolio of creative work, including sketches, drawings, fashion design projects, and other creative endeavours.
• Students should take the NIFT CAT mock test to understand the exam pattern and time management.
• Observe the things that are around you and take mental notes of things.

Common Mistakes Students Make in NIFT CAT Question Paper

Even strong drawing students lose marks in NIFT CAT not because of poor creativity, but due to avoidable execution and exam-strategy mistakes. Understanding these mistakes early helps aspirants score higher and avoid unnecessary mark loss.

1. Poor Time Management

Many students spend too much time perfecting one part of the drawing and rush the rest of the answer. This leads to incomplete layouts, weak detailing, or unfinished coloring.

How to fix:
Practice solving CAT questions within strict time limits using previous year papers and timed mock tests.

2. Ignoring the Question Brief

A common mistake is focusing on aesthetics while missing key instructions such as user age group, environment, functional requirement, or constraints mentioned in the question.

How to fix:
Underline key requirements before sketching and ensure every visual element supports the problem statement.

3. Weak Perspective and Proportion

Incorrect perspective, distorted furniture sizes, or unrealistic human proportions reduce visual clarity and professionalism.

How to fix:
Regularly practice basic perspective grids, object scaling, and human proportions from solved examples.

4. Overcrowded or Cluttered Layouts

Students often try to show too many ideas in one sheet, resulting in cluttered visuals and poor readability.

How to fix:
Maintain clean composition, proper spacing, and clear visual hierarchy.

5. Lack of Concept Clarity

Some drawings look technically good but fail to communicate a clear idea, story, or problem solution.

How to fix:
Always start with a quick concept plan and ensure your drawing visually explains your solution.

6. Poor Labeling and Annotations

Missing labels, unclear arrows, or messy handwriting makes it difficult for evaluators to understand the design intent.

How to fix:
Use neat labeling, consistent arrow styles, and concise annotations.

7. Overuse or Misuse of Colors

Excessive coloring or incorrect color combinations distract from the concept and reduce visual balance.

How to fix:
Use limited color palettes and highlight only key elements.

8. Ignoring User Comfort and Functionality

Designs sometimes look creative but ignore ergonomics, usability, safety, or accessibility.

How to fix:
Always design from the user’s perspective and justify functionality visually.

9. Incomplete Storytelling

When the question demands scenario-based visualization, students fail to show interaction, context, or emotion.

How to fix:
Include minimal human figures, action cues, and environment details to strengthen storytelling.

10. Lack of Practice with Real Question Papers

Many aspirants rely only on coaching worksheets or random sketches and never practice full CAT papers.

How to fix:
Solve actual NIFT CAT question papers with solutions under timed conditions.

Read more: Basic differences between NID and NIFT exams

Free Demo Classes for NIFT CAT 2026 by CreativeEdge

Key Takeaways

• The NIFT CAT primarily assesses a candidate's creative potential and design aptitude.
• The exam emphasises drawing, observation, colour sense, and composition skills.
• Candidates are evaluated on their ability to think creatively and develop innovative solutions.
• Additionally, practicing with the NIFT CAT question paper will help you familiarize yourself with the exam format and the types of questions asked

Preparing for NIFT 2026? We can help you with exact strategic roadmap, study material and crucial feedback required to ace this exam.

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