General Ability Test (GAT) Preparation Tips for NIFT Entrance Test 2025

The written tests for the NIFT 2025 exam will be held on February 9, 2025. The detailed schedule has also been released.

The written tests will comprise a General Ability Test (GAT) and a Creative Ability Test (CAT). GAT is mandatory for all candidates, but CAT is only required for B. Des and M. Des candidates. 

The GAT test will be considered in a computer-based mode, whereas the CAT will be offline based. Note that scores of the written exams will be used to shortlist candidates for a Situation Test/ Personal Interview.

The NIFT exam is among the competitive and is also considered among the toughest. So, it is recommended that the candidate starts their exam preparation well in advance, say with around 1 years time in hand. Note that the NIFT exam has various components like written exam and Situation Test /Personal Interview. Candidates seeking admission to the B. Des and M.Des courses need to prepare for both the CAT and GAT. The CAT is a drawing-based exam, meaning the candidate will be evaluated on parameters like intuitive ability, power of observation in concept development, and design ability. Now unless the candidate is already well-versed, developing these skills will take time. So, it is prudent to start early. The same goes for the GAT.

Joining NIFT Kolkata without entrance exam doesn't seem like a possibility. As per the Institution's admission guidelines, candidates must appear for the  The National Institute of Technology (NIFT) exam.  The exam is conducted once every year and has TWO parts:

• Written Exams - It comprise the GAT and CAT. The GAT paper is mandatory for all programs, while only BDes and MDes candidates need to take the CAT. 
• Situation Test/ Personal Interview - BDes candidates who get shortlisted have to appear in the Situation Test, whereas PG candidates need to appear in a Personal Interview. The only exception is BFTech program, where the admission merit list will be prepared solely based on GAT scores.  

For NIFT Delhi B.Des admission, candidates must have passed Class 12 from any recognised Central/State Board of Secondary Examination, such as Central Board of Secondary Education/ State Board New Delhi/ Council for Indian School of Certificate Examination, New Delhi. A passing grade in the Senior Secondary School examination conducted by the National Open School with a minimum of five subjects is also eligible to apply for the National Institute of Fashion Technology Delhi. 

The maximum age  of the aspirants should be less than 24 years as on Aug 1 of the year of admission to apply for NIFT entrance exam. The upper age limit may be relaxed by a period of five years for SC/ ST/ PwD candidates. Aspirants who are meeting the age and qualification requirement can apply for NIFT Entrance Exam 2024. NIFT is a national-level design entrance exam conducted by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) for admission to BDes course.

The total seat intake for NIFT Delhi M.Des course is 43, including all the categories such as Open, SC, ST, OBC (NCL), GEN- EWS, PwD (Open, SC, ST and OBC (NCL). For the NRI/ Foreign Nationals category, the National Institute of Fashion Technology Delhi M.Des total seat intake is 5. The mentioned seat count is as per the official website/sanctioning body. It is still subject to changes and hence, is indicative.