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NIFT Syllabus 2026 PDF Download Here [Subject-Wise]
December 30, 2025
Summary: Through a blend of Creative Ability Test (CAT) and General Ability Test (GAT), the NIFT Exam aims to evaluate students for artistic abilities, problem-solving skills and efficiency required to make a thriving career in fashion industry. Read on and download the NIFT Syllabus 2026 pdf with detailed topics to cover and ace your preparations!
The NIFT exam scores are utilized to offer various UG and PG programs in fashion and its related domains at the National Institute of Fashion Technology. Having insight into the NIFT Exam Pattern and syllabus for 2026 can help you decide which subjects and topics to concentrate on for this entrance test.
It is conducted in 2 stages. A CAT & GAT test followed by situation test or personal interview, depending on the program you have applied for.
This article takes you through the NIFT Syllabus 2026 the for each section along with important topics, best study material recommendations and expert tips to crack the exam. Keep reading!
NIFT Syllabus 2026 for Creative Ability Test (CAT)
NIFT CAT is administered for both UG and PG Design Programmes to evaluate a candidate's:
- Creativity
- Observation Power
- Intuitive Ability
- Imagination & Conceptulization
- Innovation and Development of Concept
- Innovative Use of Colours
- Illustration Skill
- Storyboarding & Sequential Drawing
- Product Redesign & Innovative Thinking
- Poster Making & Visual Messaging
- Design Problem Solving (with constraints)
Check: NIFT Previous Year Drawing Questions
NIFT Syllabus for CAT section (Only for B.Des & M.Des): Sample Questions
- Draw an imaginary creature using parts of 3 different animals.
- Redesign a toothbrush for elderly users.
- Create a poster on the theme “Save Water” using only visuals.
- Create a story in 4 frames based on the scene: “You miss your train.”
You must note that the National Institute of Fashion Technology has not released any official NIFT 2026 syllabus for the CAT exam, however our in-house experts at Toprankers who've led several toppers to their dream NIFT colleges, have prepared detailed NIFT syllabus with essential topic-wise list of various sections for your reference.
These topics are in-line with the NIFT question papers from the previous year, which are listed below.
NIFT Syllabus 2026 - Key Differences Between B.Des and M.Des CAT
|
Aspect |
B.Des CAT |
M.Des CAT |
|
Level of thinking |
Basic to intermediate |
Advanced and analytical |
|
Drawing complexity |
Simple to moderate |
Concept-driven, not necessarily detailed |
|
Idea depth |
Imaginative |
Strategic and contextual |
|
Evaluation style |
Creativity and presentation |
Design logic and intent |
Important Notes for Aspirants
- CAT is a scoring section, especially important for design-oriented courses
- Quality of ideas matters more than artistic perfection
- Clean drawings, clear concepts, and relevance to the question are critical
- Overcrowding, unnecessary detailing, or off-topic visuals can reduce scores
Resource: Complete NIFT 2026 Syllabus PDF FREE Download, that not only list out all the important topics that are most likely to be asked in the 2026 exam, but also gives you a doable study plan that you can follow along with school and other commitments. Created by our in-house experts (NIFT Alumni) and referred by our past year NIFT toppers, this fail-proof strategy can help you crack the exam in one go.
NIFT Syllabus 2026 for General Ability Test (GAT)
The NIFT Syllabus 2026 for GAT to pursue the NIFT Fashion Designing Course includes the following components:
- Quantitative Ability
- Communication Ability & English Comprehension
- Analytical & Logical ability
- General Knowledge & Current Affairs
- Case Study
Check: NIFT Answer Key
The section-wise details of the NIFT syllabus GAT section are as follows:
|
Section |
Objective | Topics Covered in NIFT GAT Syllabus |
| Quantitative Ability | This section tests your quantitative ability skills | Addition, Multiplication, Division, Fractions, Percentage, Rate of Interest, Work and Task, Ratio and Proportion, and Distance. |
| Communication Ability | You will be tested on language skills and their use in day-to-day communication in English. | Synonyms, Antonyms, Words with corresponding meanings, Singular, Plural, One-word Substitutes, Idioms and Phrases, Spelling correction. |
| English Comprehension | Your reading and comprehension abilities of a given situation in the unseen passage are tested in this section. | English language skills through the questions based on the course |
| Analytical Ability | The questions are designed to test your capacity to infer and use logic from the given information. | Questions from the areas of logical reasoning where you are supposed to draw logical conclusions from the analytical reasoning questions |
| General Knowledge and Current Affairs | Questions are designed to test your general awareness and current affairs. | Current affairs and general knowledge. |
| Case Study |
This test is based on an industry environment, where you analyze and provide solutions to the questions. It is designed primarily to test your managerial skills. |
|
Check: Download NIFT Results links here
NIFT Syllabus 2026 - Key Differences Between B.Des and M.Des GAT
The General Ability Test (GAT) in the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) entrance exam evaluates aptitude-related skills for both B.Des and M.Des candidates. While the core areas remain similar, the depth, complexity, and expectation level differ significantly between UG and PG aspirants.
B.Des vs M.Des – NIFT GAT Section Comparison
|
Parameter |
B.Des GAT |
M.Des GAT |
|
Level of difficulty |
Moderate |
Moderate to High |
|
Focus of questions |
Fundamentals and basic application |
Conceptual understanding and analytical application |
|
Logical reasoning |
Basic reasoning, pattern recognition |
Advanced reasoning, multi-step logic |
|
Quantitative ability |
Simple arithmetic, percentages, ratios, speed–time |
Data interpretation, applied numeracy |
|
English comprehension |
Vocabulary, grammar, basic reading comprehension |
Critical reading, inference-based questions |
|
GK & current affairs |
Basic awareness (design, fashion, culture) |
Design-centric awareness with deeper context |
|
Analytical ability |
Straightforward problem solving |
Scenario-based and decision-oriented questions |
|
Question framing |
Direct and simpler |
Complex, layered, and interpretation-driven |
|
Expected approach |
Speed + accuracy |
Accuracy + reasoning depth |
|
Evaluation intent |
Assess readiness for undergraduate design learning |
Assess design maturity and postgraduate aptitude |
NIFT Syllabus 2026 for Situation Test
This evaluation is for admissions into all the NIFT participating colleges.
The test helps determine the creative dimension of your mind, and you are asked to prepare a prototype or 3D model from the materials received. In this test, as a part of the NIFT 2026 syllabus, you are largely evaluated based on the below-mentioned parameters:
- Space visualization
- 3D model creation based on a given theme, functional product design, or story-based scenarios
- Innovative and creative use of allotted materials
- Functional Product Design
- Composition of elements
- Colour scheme
- Overall presentation
These parameters will be evaluated in the write-up you will have to write along with the model/prototype making, explaining the concept behind the model constructed.
Prepare well for this test because once you clear this, the life at NIFT that awaits you is exciting!
Sample questions for Situation Test
1. Design a headgear/ mask inspired by:
- Alien
- Underwater Creatures
- Mythological Character
2. Create a scene based on:
- Folk tales like Ramayana
- Fairy tales
- A tale from the Panchtantra
3. Design a character depicting the city/culture you belong to.
4. Create a futuristic office area of:
- Author
- Social Media Influencer
- Veterinary
5. Create models on any of the following themes:
- Digital India
- Make in India
- Save Girl Child
Read More: How to download NIFT Admit Card
NIFT Syllabus 2026 for Group Discussion (GD)
The panel of experts will assess your leadership qualities, conceptual clarity, problem-solving skills, etc., in the group discussion.
| Conceptual clarity | Knowledge of the topic assigned |
| Contribution to the case | Interpersonal skills |
| Ability to generate new ideas | Problem-solving approach |
| Leadership qualities | Effective communication |
Overall, learn effective ways to attempt CAT questions in NIFT or short tricks to score more marks on the GAT paper to boost your score.
NIFT Syllabus 2026 for Personal Interview (PI)
You will be tested on the following parameters during the personal interview for the exam:
There's no defined NIFT 2026 syllabus for this round, it just have to be your confidence and clarity that makes you stand out!
| Career orientation | Aptness for the field |
| Good Communication Skills | General awareness and aptitude |
| Overall personal achievements in academics and co-curricular activities | Creative and lateral thinking |
Check: Which NIFT campus is better?
NIFT 2026 Exam Syllabus - Subject-wise Sample Questions (Solved)
| FREE NIFT Sample Papers PDF Download | Question Papers Link | Answer Key Link (with detailed explanations) |
| NIFT Study Material - Sample Paper 1 | ||
| NIFT Study Material - Sample Paper 2 | ||
| NIFT Study Material - Sample Paper 3 |
NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 Highlights
The NIFT 2026 entrance exam will be divided into two parts:
Step 1: Written exams
- General Ability Test
- Creative Ability Test (only B.Des and M.Des candidates need to take CAT)
Short listed candidates from the written entrance examination are required to take the Situation test/Group Discussion (GD) / Interview as applicable (except B.FTech).
Step 2: Situation Test (B.Des) & Personal Interview (All PG programs)
Let's take a look at the NIFT 2026 highlights in the table below:
| Exam Name | NIFT 2026 |
| Full-Form | National Institute of Fashion Technology |
| Courses Offered | Bachelor of Design (B.Des) |
| Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.FTech) | |
| Master of Design (M.Des) | |
| Master of Fashion Technology (M.FTech) | |
| Master of Fashion Management (M.F.M) | |
| Exam Type | Undergraduate & Postgraduate |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Conducting Body | National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi |
| Total seats | 4837 (including UG & PG courses, excluding NRI students) |
| Participating Institutes | 16 campuses |
| Mode of the exam | Offline (Pen and Paper) for CAT, Online Computer-based for GAT, and Offline Hands-on for Situation Test |
| Application Mode | Online mode |
NIFT Exam Pattern 2026
NIFT entrance exam paper pattern and the NIFT syllabus vary for each course. CAT & GAT exam for NIFT Phase 1 are written tests. For some courses both the exams are required while for other only GAT is required. This is followed by Phase 2 of NIFTEE which is Situation Test for some courses and GD/PI for others.
Exam rounds to attend for each course are as follows:
- For B.Des, you must appear for CAT, GAT, and Situation Test.
- For M.Des, you must appear for CAT, GAT, and GD/ PI.
- For B.FTech, you must appear for GAT.
- For M.FTech and MFM applicants, the selection process will be through GAT and GD/ PI.
Note:
- General Ability Test (GAT) will be a Computer Based Test (CBT).
- Creative Ability Test (CAT) will be a Paper Based Test (PBT).
The NIFT 2026 GAT Exam Pattern for B.Des and M.Des
| Programme | B.Des | M.Des |
| Paper Name | GAT | GAT |
| Language Of Written Test | English/Hindi | English/Hindi |
| Test Duration (Min) | 120 | 120 |
| Communication Ability | 25 | 30 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 30 |
| Quantitative Ability | 20 | 20 |
| Analytical Ability | 15 | 25 |
| General Knowledge and Current Affairs | 15 | 15 |
| Total No. of Questions | 100 | 120 |
Also Check: NIFT Exam Eligibilty
The NIFT 2026 GAT exam pattern for B.FTech, M.FTech & MFM
|
Programme |
B.FTech |
M.FTech |
M.F.M |
|
Paper Name |
GAT |
GAT |
GAT |
|
Language Of Written Test |
English/Hindi |
English/Hindi |
English/Hindi |
|
Test Duration (Min) |
180 |
180 |
180 |
|
Sections |
No. of Questions |
No. of Questions |
No. of Questions |
|
Communication Ability & English Comprehension |
45 |
45 |
50 |
|
Case Study |
25 |
25 |
40 |
|
Quantitative Ability |
30 |
30 |
10 |
|
Analytical & Logical Ability |
25 |
25 |
25 |
|
General Knowledge and Current Affairs |
25 |
25 |
25 |
|
Total No. of Questions |
150 |
150 |
150 |
Note: M.FTech will also have some questions from the engineering field. The number of questions may vary in each section and for each course year to year. The level of difficulty in questions for all courses may vary.
Read more: NIFT MFM Exam Pattern
NIFT CAT Exam Pattern for B.Des & M.Des
The Creative Ability Test (CAT) is a core component of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) entrance exam. CAT evaluates a candidate’s creativity, visualisation skills, problem-solving ability, and design thinking through drawing-based questions.
While the intent of CAT remains the same for both UG and PG aspirants, the complexity, depth, and expectations differ for B.Des and M.Des candidates.
NIFT CAT Exam Pattern - B.Des (Undergraduate)
|
Parameter |
Details |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Time Duration | 3 Hours |
| Mode | Offline, Pen & Paper |
|
Purpose of CAT |
Assess basic creativity, imagination, and visual expression |
| No. of Questions | 3 - 6 Subjective/Drawing-based questions |
|
Question type |
Drawing and visualisation based (subjective) |
|
Skills tested |
Creativity, observation, composition, colour sense, concept visualisation |
|
Difficulty level |
Moderate |
|
Nature of tasks |
Situation-based drawing, theme illustration, simple design problems |
|
Focus |
Idea generation and visual clarity rather than technical perfection |
|
Evaluation emphasis |
Originality, relevance to the theme, neat presentation |
Check: NIFT Exam Detailed Analysis
NIFT CAT Exam Pattern - M.Des (Postgraduate)
|
Parameter |
Details |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Time Duration | 3 Hours |
| Mode | Offline, Pen & Paper |
|
Purpose of CAT |
Assess advanced design thinking and conceptual maturity |
| Number of Questions | 3 - 6 Subjective/Drawing-based questions |
|
Question type |
Drawing-based and concept-driven (subjective) |
|
Skills tested |
Problem identification, ideation depth, visual reasoning, design sensitivity |
|
Difficulty level |
Moderate to High |
|
Nature of tasks |
Conceptual design problems, abstract themes, context-based scenarios |
|
Focus |
Depth of concept, logic behind ideas, and relevance to real-world design |
|
Evaluation emphasis |
Thought process, innovation, justification of design choices |
NIFT Preparation Books & Study Material 2026
Choose the right books that cover all topics per the latest Fashion Designing Syllabus NIFT to score good marks on the exam.
You may consider referring to the following NIFT Preparation Books listed in the table below:
| Name of the Book | Name of the Author |
| NIFT, NID, and IIFT Entrance Exam Guide | D Mittal |
| NIFT, NID/ IIFT Admission Test | By Surendra Kalimantan |
| Guide to NIFT/ NID for Groups A, B, and C | RP Datson |
| NIFT EntranceRPm Mock Papers | D Mittal |
| NIFT entrance exam preparation course | Prashant Kumar |
Or invest in CreativeEdge NID Study Material. 12+ booklets carefully created by industry expert mentors and NIFT Alumni to target and crack the NIFT entrance exam.
They offer just the right balance of theoretical concepts + explanations and practice exercises/previous year questions/mock tests.
Check: List of NIFT exam centres
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Conclusion
The NIFT Syllabus 2026 provides a comprehensive overview of the subjects and skills required to excel in the National Institute of Fashion Technology entrance exams.
NIFT offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fashion design, and understanding the NIFT 2026 syllabus is crucial, as around 50,000–60,000 students appear for the entrance exams each year.
The exams consist of a Creative Ability Test (CAT), General Ability Test (GAT), Situational Analysis, Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI) segments, each assessing specific skills and knowledge areas.
Check: NIFT Previous Year Question Paper with Solutions
Key takeaways:
- The Creative Ability Test (CAT) evaluates candidates' creativity, design skills, and artistic abilities, covering design theory, colour terminology, and visual logic.
- The General Ability Test (GAT) assesses quantitative ability, communication skills, English comprehension, analytical ability, general knowledge, and current affairs.
- The Situation Test evaluates candidates' material handling, innovation, creativity, and prototype development abilities.
- Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) measure leadership qualities, problem-solving skills, communication skills, and overall aptitude for the fashion industry.
- Thorough preparation and practice, especially in areas covered by the NIFT 2026 syllabus, are essential for success in these competitive exams.
Enrol here to boost your NIFT 2026 Exam Preparation: NIFT 2026 Online Coaching by CreativeEdge
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Vineeta Agrawal
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