NIFT Books 2026: Subject Wise Best Books List to Crack NIFT Exam

Summary: Preparing for the NIFT entrance exam 2026? Choosing the right books for your NIFT preparation can help you gain an edge over the competition. Discover the best NIFT books preferred by toppers and experts.

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) entrance exam is a highly competitive gateway into the world of design education. With a focus on creativity, aptitude, and subject knowledge, taking the NIFT exam requires a well-rounded preparation strategy.

Let's look at some of the best NIFT books catering to different exam sections that are available to help you excel in the exam

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Best NIFT Books 2026 for Preparation

The first stage in the preparation process is to buy suitable NIFT study material. We have sorted out the NIFT entrance exam preparation books from the vast material available offline and online, which covers all the essential topics of the NIFT Exam Syllabus per the revised examination pattern.

Here is a list of the best NIFT Books for 2026. You can also download these NIFT entrance exam books as PDFs to study online. 

NIFT Books for CAT and GAT

Book Name	Author
Arihant NIFT Entrance Exam Self Guide	By Arihant Experts
NIFT Entrance Exam	By Dharmendra Mittal
NIFT Entrance Exam	By R.P Verma & A Kant
NIFT Exam Full Package	By LearnX
R. Gupta for NIFT Entrance Exam	By Surendra Kavimandan & Shabina Kavimandan
NIFT Previous Years' Papers Solved	By Ramesh Publishing House Editorial Board

Check: NIFT Answer Key 2025

NIFT Books for Situation Test

Name of the book	Author (Publication)
Don’t make me think	Steve King
Universal Principles of Design	Tom Kelley and David Kelley
100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)	Weinschenk Susan
The Design of Everyday Things	Don Norman
Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things	Don Norman

Attempt Free Creative Edges NIFT Mock Test 2026

Check: List of NIFT Exam Centres

NIFT Books and their Features 2026

Experts recommend the above-listed books for clearing the NIFT Exam with a high score, and their specifications are as listed below: 

Arihant's Entrance Exam Self Guide for NIFT Preparation

This NIFT Preparation Book has seven parts; each further divided into different chapters according to the latest syllabus and test pattern.

• Many MCQs have been provided, and after each chapter, there are two section tests for the rapid revision of the concepts and 3 practice sets.
• A thorough analysis of the NIFT Sample Papers has been presented to indicate the level and types of questions.

NIFT Entrance Exam Book by Dharmendra Mittal

This NIFT Preparation Book has seven sections: Numerical Ability, English Language and Comprehension, Reasoning and Logical Deduction, General Awareness, Case Studies, Creative Ability, Group Discussion, and Personal Interview.

• Each topic is subdivided into several chapters per the syllabus and exam pattern of the NIFT, NID.
• The book contains a detailed description of each topic and many solved MCQ problems designed based on the NIFT previous years' questions.
• Unsolved practice exercises are provided at the end of each chapter to help aspirants practice the concepts covered in each chapter, with two-section tests after each section.
• The book also contains the last three years' solved Papers NIFT exam to help aspirants get an insight into the recent examination pattern and the types of questions asked.

Check: Life at NIFT

R. Gupta for NIFT Entrance Exam Preparation

This NIFT book contains concepts according to the recent exam pattern and comprehensively covers every question encountered in the examinations.

• Numerous practice exercises incorporate questions from the latest papers of the NIFT, NID, IIFT, and other regional exams conducted by state universities. 
• This book deals with each aspect of fashion/design entrance exams and contains many questions on each topic.
• This book also contains NIFT Sample papers so students can understand exam patterns and the questions posed in the examination.

Check: How to Prepare for NIFT Entrance?

NIFT Exam Full Package by LearnX

• The book is divided into three parts: the first contains Lessons on freehand sketching for the NIFT drawing test, the second contains Comprehensive 'Design Theory' with graphic illustrations & examples, and the last includes the previous years' NIFT Question Papers with solutions.
• It is a self-study, accurate textbook with quality content for quick and efficient preparation for the NIFT Exam.

How will NIFT Books 2026 help you in your preparation?

You can enhance your preparation for the NIFT Exam by referring to the right book.

• The books prescribed for each subject include a detailed explanation of the topic.
• You can understand all the topics and concepts in depth.
• The books shall also include solved examples.
• For best results, you should refer to the right NIFT books.

Check: NIFT Exam Analysis

NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 - Overview

But before we can choose which is the best NIFT book for your exam preparation, let's first learn about the NIFT 2026 exam pattern.

The NIFT entrance exam 2026 is divided into two parts:

• Part 1: Consists of a combination of the CAT and GAT written exams. Candidates for B.Des and M.Des must take both the CAT and the GAT. Candidates for BF. On the other hand, Tech, M.F.Tech, and MFM only need to take the GAT.
• Part 2: If you qualified in Phase I, you must participate in this round. B.Des candidates are administered a situation test. Candidates for PG programmes must participate in a Group Discussion / Personal Interview (GDPI).

Suppose you are looking for BF. Tech admission will be considered solely based on GAT scores; there will be no Round II.

The admissions merit list is created by assigning weightage to each test component (see table below).

NIFT Weightage of Test Components 2026

Each test component, CAT, GAT, and Situation Test (GDPI for PG courses), has a specific weightage (as shown in the table below).

Programme	Test	Weightage
Bachelor of Design	CAT	50%
	GAT	30%
	Situation Test	20%
Master of Design	CAT	40%
	GAT	30%
	GD/PI	30%
Bachelor of Fashion Technology	GAT	100%
Master of Fashion Technology	GAT	70%
	GD/PI	30%
Master of Fashion Management	GAT	70%
	GD/PI	30%

Check: NIFT Online Coaching

Download Previous Year NIFT Questions with Solutions here

Conclusion

While NIFT preparation books are powerful tools, remember they're just one piece of the puzzle. Success in the NIFT exam requires a multi-pronged approach. Practice drawing, hone your observation skills, and immerse yourself in fashion. Utilize online resources, attend mock tests, and unleash your creative spirit.

With dedication, the right preparation tools, and a passion for design, you'll be well on your way to securing your seat at a prestigious NIFT campus.

Check: 6 months Preparation Strategy for the NIFT Exam