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NIFT entrance (B.Des, B.FTech)

The National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Examination (NIFTEE) admits students to design (B.Des), fashion technology (B.FTech) and postgraduate programmes at NIFT's 20 campuses. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the exam on NIFT's behalf. The 2026 written exam was held on 8 February 2026; the numbers below are from the NTA information bulletin for NIFTEE 2026.

At a glance

Conducted by National Testing Agency, for NIFT
B.Des GAT (computer-based) + CAT (paper-based), then a situation test
B.FTech GAT (computer-based) only — Section A plus Section B
Final weightage, B.Des GAT 30%, CAT 50%, situation test 20%
Final weightage, B.FTech GAT Section A 30%, Section B 70%
Marking (GAT) +1 for a correct answer, −0.25 for a wrong one, 0 for unattempted
Medium Hindi or English, as chosen in the application form
Who can apply 10+2 from a recognised board (B.FTech needs Mathematics); under 24 on 1 August of the admission year (relaxed by 5 years for SC/ST/PwD)

Official sources

Exam pattern

Programme Stage Mode Duration Questions
B.Des GAT Computer-based 120 min 100
CAT Pen-and-paper 180 min 3
Situation Test Hands-on - -
B.FTech GAT (Sec A) Computer-based 120 min 100
GAT (Sec B) Computer-based 60 min 50
  • Marking (GAT): +1 for a correct answer, −0.25 for a wrong one, 0 for unattempted.
  • Final weightage:
    • B.Des: GAT 30%, CAT 50%, Situation Test 20%.
    • B.FTech: GAT Section A 30%, GAT Section B 70%.
  • PG programmes: Written test(s) followed by a personal interview (30% weightage). M.Des also takes the CAT. MFM/M.FTech GAT is 180 minutes with 150 questions.
  • The GAT is bilingual (Hindi/English); where versions differ, English is final.

Syllabus

The GAT has four sub-tests: quantitative ability (arithmetic — addition through ratios, percentages, interest, work and task, proportion, distance); communication ability and English comprehension (synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitutes, idioms and phrases, spellings, singular/plural, passage comprehension); analytical and logical ability (inference and reasoning from given information, creative and lateral thinking); general knowledge and current affairs. B.FTech Section B and the PG papers add a case study. The CAT judges intuitive ability, power of observation in concept development, design ability, and creative use of colour and illustration skills. (Topic lists condensed from chapter 3 of the bulletin.)

How to prepare (free, in order)

  1. Sketch daily from observation. The CAT carries half the B.Des merit and the situation test rewards practice, not theory.
  2. Build small models from scrap material (paper, card, thread, clay) and describe each in a short English write-up, as the situation test demands.
  3. Drill GAT quant, reasoning and English to Class 10–12 level, and follow daily current affairs.

Free resources