NIFT Previous Year Question Papers With Solution Download PDF Link here

Summary: Preparing for the NIFT exam 2026? NIFT previous year question papers can be an added advantage in exam preparation. Continue reading for insight into the NIFT last year question papers with solutions and direct download links.

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) will publish the official NIFT 2026 entrance exam questions and sample papers on its website.

Each year, sample papers are released to give you an idea of the types of questions, weightage, topics covered, and difficulty level. This post takes you through all NIFT previous year question papers and NIFT sample papers for all UG and PG courses.

Download Free Study Material for NIFT Exam 2026 by CreativeEdge

Download Year-wise NIFT Question Papers PDFs with Solutions for UG (B.Des) 

Practising NIFT previous year question papers for UG (B.Des) is one of the most effective ways to understand the actual exam pattern, difficulty level, and question trends of the NIFT entrance exam. These papers give aspirants a clear picture of what NIFT really tests, beyond what is mentioned in the NIFT syllabus.

By solving previous year NIFT question papers, aspirants can:

• Identify repeated question types and themes
• Judge the speed and accuracy required to crack NIFT GAT
• Judge the level of creativity expected in CAT
• Improve time management 
• Reduce exam-day surprises

NIFT PYQ	Download Link	NIFT PYQ - Number of Questions	NIFT Question Papers Difficulty Level
NIFT Question Paper 2025 with Answer Key (B.Des)	Download Here	100	Moderate (students found paper lengthy)
NIFT Question Paper with Answers PDF 2024	Download Here	100	Moderate to Easy (Students found GK tough)
NIFT Question Paper with Solutions PDF 2023	Download Here	100	Moderate (candidates found quant section difficult)
NIFT Question Paper 2021 with Answers (B.Des)	Download Here	100	Moderate to Easy
NIFT Question Paper B.Des 2020 with Answers	Download Here	100	Moderate Overall - Maths tough, English tricky & GK easy
NIFT Question Paper 2016 with Answers (B.Des CAT)	Download Here	3 questions with 2 to 5 sub-parts	Questions aimed to test creativity & design ability

For fully solved GAT papers (2015-2025) and solved CAT papers (with QR-based video solutions of each question), get yourself the best-selling NIFT Previous Year Papers Book by CreativEdge.

NIFT Previous Year Question Papers UG - Toppers’ Observation

• CAT questions focus on storytelling, product-based drawing, situation-based creativity, and theme interpretation
• GAT questions test basic maths, logical reasoning, data interpretation, vocabulary, grammar, and GK
• Moderate difficulty level, but time pressure plays a major role

NIFT Previous Year Question Papers - Year-Wise Trend Analysis

NIFT Exam Year	CAT Section Trend	GAT Section Trend	GK & Current Affairs Trend	Key Takeaways for Aspirants
NIFT 2025	High focus on visual storytelling, user-centric design problems, and observation-based creativity	Logical reasoning and English comprehension were moderate, quant slightly tricky	Heavy emphasis on design, fashion industry & contemporary issues	Creativity + clarity mattered more than artistic complexity. Speed was crucial in GAT.
NIFT 2024	Strong emphasis on product usability, daily life scenarios & creativity under time pressure	Logical reasoning dominant, maths relatively manageable	Current affairs leaned towards fashion, sustainability & design trends	Speed + idea clarity were crucial
NIFT 2023	Concept-driven CAT questions testing imagination, situation handling & innovation	Balanced mix of reasoning, English & GK	Static GK + design awareness more prominent	Well-rounded preparation worked best
NIFT 2022	CAT questions focused on practical problem-solving and sketching fundamentals	GAT easier compared to later years	Limited current affairs, more static GK	Scoring year for well-prepared students
NIFT 2021	Observation-heavy CAT with emphasis on idea development	Logical reasoning was slightly tricky	General awareness leaned towards static topics	Conceptual clarity outweighed artistic finesse
NIFT 2020	Traditional CAT questions with straightforward creativity	GAT comparatively simpler	GK weightage relatively low	Basic preparation was sufficient
NIFT 2019 & Earlier	Conventional drawing-based CAT questions	GAT predictable and syllabus-centric	Mostly static GK	Pattern stability, less unpredictability

Key Insights from NIFT Previous Year Question Papers:

• CAT has shifted from pure drawing skills → design thinking, creative expression and storytelling.
• GK questions now demand awareness of fashion, design & current affairs
• GAT difficulty has increased gradually, especially logical reasoning
• Time pressure is becoming a major deciding factor every year

Must Read: NIFT Exam Analysis - All Previous Year Papers Analysis

Download NIFT Sample Question Papers (UG) with Answer Key PDFs

FREE NIFT Sample Papers PDF Download	Question Papers Link	Answer Key Link (with detailed explanations)
NIFT Sample Paper 1	Click Here	Click Here
NIFT Sample Paper 2	Click Here	Click Here
NIFT Sample Paper 3	Click Here	Click Here

For more such solved sample papers, get yourself the best-selling NIFT Sample Papers book by CreativEdge.

Check: NIFT Fee Structure 2025

Download NIFT Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions PDF for PG

For serious aspirants, NIFT previous year question papers for PG (M.Des) are not just practice material, they are a direct insight into NIFT’s expectations from postgraduate designers. Consistent analysis of these papers can significantly improve performance in the written exam, interview, and overall selection process.

Sections Covered in NIFT PG Previous Year Question Papers

Most NIFT M.Des question papers broadly cover:

• Design aptitude and sensitivity
• Logical and analytical reasoning
• Case-based problem solving
• Visual analysis and interpretation
• General design awareness (design movements, products, spaces, materials)

This makes previous year papers especially useful for understanding what depth of thinking is expected from M.Des aspirants.

NIFT PYQ PDF	Download Link
NIFT M.Des CAT 2018	Download Here

Also Check: NIFT Exam Eligibilty

How to Download the NIFT Previous Year Question Papers PDF

There are two reliable ways to download NIFT previous year question papers PDF - you can either download the NIFT question papers from the above links or the official NIFT website. 

1. Download NIFT Question Papers with Answers from this Article (Recommended)

The easiest and most aspirant-friendly way to access NIFT previous year question papers PDF is by clicking the links corresponding to year-wise papers in the section above.

• Papers are arranged year-wise and exam-wise (UG & PG)
• Includes expert guidance on how to approach questions, not just PDFs
• Saves time by eliminating the need to search across multiple pages
• Ideal for aspirants who want practice + strategy together

2. NIFT Papers Download from the Official NIFT Website

You can also download NIFT previous year question papers PDF directly from the official NIFT website.

Steps to download from the official website:

1. Visit the official NIFT website
2. Go to the Admissions / Entrance Exam section
3. Navigate to Previous Year Question Papers
4. Select the relevant year and programme (UG or PG)
5. Download the PDF files

Important to note:
The official website usually provides only raw question papers, without solutions, explanations, or preparation insights.

Download High-scoring NIFT Drawing Questions + Solutions

How to Solve NIFT Question Papers

Following these tips can help in utilising the NIFT question papers to enhance your preparation:

• Attempt NIFT entrance exam question papers in a timed exam-like environment. Do not take breaks while solving question papers. 
• Cross-check your answers with the solutions given after solving the NIFT Previous Year Papers. This way, you are aware of your mistakes and improve them. 
• Analyse both correct and incorrect answers
• In CAT, focus on idea relevance, composition, and neatness
• In GAT, track weak areas like maths or reasoning and revise accordingly
• Compare multiple years to spot recurring patterns
• Try to solve as many question papers as possible to enhance your preparation for NIFT 2026.

Check: NIFT Preparation Books

Ideal Time Strategy While Solving NIFT Question Papers

Since NIFT GAT and CAT are conducted separately on the same day, aspirants must follow distinct time strategies for each paper based on the course they’re appearing for.

NIFT GAT Time Strategy (All Courses)

GAT Exam Duration by Course:

Course	GAT Duration
B.Des	2 Hours
M.Des	2 Hours
BFTech	3 Hours
MFTech	3 Hours
MFM	3 Hours

Ideal Section-Wise Time Allocation – GAT (2 Hours)

Section	Ideal Time	Strategy
English Comprehension	15 -25 mins	Attempt first to build confidence
Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability	25 - 30 mins	Accuracy-focused, avoid overthinking
Quantitative Ability	25 - 30 mins	Skip lengthy calculations initially
General Knowledge & Current Affairs	15 - 20 mins	Quick scoring, no guessing
Review & Buffer	10 - 15 mins	Reattempt skipped solvable questions

Best Attempt Order:
English → GK → Logical → Analytical → Quant → Review

Check: Tricks to Solve NIFT Mathematics Questions

Ideal Section-Wise Time Allocation – GAT (3 Hours)

Section	Ideal Time	Strategy
English Comprehension	20 - 25 mins	Speed-based, accuracy matters
Logical Reasoning	30 - 35 mins	High-weight section, give priority
Quantitative Ability	35 - 40 mins	Avoid time traps
General Knowledge & Current Affairs	15 - 20 mins	Attempt only known questions
Analytical Ability	30 - 35 mins	Use elimination & visual logic
Review & Buffer	15 - 20 mins	Crucial for score improvement

GAT Strategy Tips from NIFT Previous Year Question Papers:

• Never start with Quant (time-consuming)
• GK should be attempted quickly & without guessing
• Accuracy > attempts (negative marking matters)
• Always reserve buffer time

Read: Expected NIFT 2026 Cut Off

NIFT CAT Time Strategy (Only for B.Des & M.Des)

CAT Exam Duration:

Course	CAT Duration
B.Des	3 Hours
M.Des	3 Hours

Ideal CAT Time Breakup (3 Hours)

CAT Stage	Ideal Time	What to Do
Question Reading & Planning	15 - 20 mins	Understand theme, plan layout
Ideation & Rough Sketching	35 - 45 mins	Develop strong concepts
Final Drawing & Composition	80 - 90 mins	Clean execution & detailing
Colouring / Shading	25 - 30 mins	Enhance presentation
Final Review & Refinement	10 - 15 mins	Fix proportions & clarity

CAT Time Management Rules from NIFT Question Papers

• Concept > artistic perfection
• Don’t over-invest time in the first question
• Leave margins, keep layout clean
• Ensure idea clarity is visible even at first glance

Must Check: NIFT Drawing Questions 2026

NIFT 2026 Exam Overview

Creative Ability Test (CAT):

As per the NIFT Exam Pattern, CAT is the first stage of the selection process for B.Des and M.Des courses. 

The NIFT question papers let you know the essential topics of the NIFT syllabus, types of questions and difficulty level of questions which are given high priority.

General Ability Test (GAT):

GAT is a compulsory paper for all 5 disciplines at NIFT - B.Des, B.FTech, M.Des, M.F.M, M.FTech.

As per the NIFT Exam Pattern from previous NIFT question papers, you can expect around 100-150 questions in GAT.  The general aptitude test mainly includes quantitative aptitude, communication, English, Analytical, GK, and current affairs. 

NIFT Situation Test:

If you pass both NIFT GAT and NIFT CAT exams, you are shortlisted for the second round - situation test. This is a hands-on test to evaluate your skills for material handling and innovative ability in a given situation with a given set of materials. And once you clear NIFT 2026 with excellent scores, you will be admitted to various UG and PG design courses at NIFT campuses.

Attempt Free Mock Tests to Boost Your NIFT 2026 Preparations

Conclusion

Incorporating NIFT previous year question papers into your NIFT exam preparation strategy is an invaluable tool. By familiarizing yourself with the question format, difficulty level, and recurring themes, you can significantly enhance your speed, accuracy, and confidence on exam day.

Remember, these NIFT last year question papers are a stepping stone, not a crutch. Pair your practice with a strong understanding of the syllabus, a well-rounded portfolio, and awareness of how many students appear for NIFT to solidify your chances of securing a coveted seat.