Preparation Tips for NIFT Situation Test

NIFT Application 2026 is closed now. The registration started on December 08, 2025. NIFT 2026 Application forms and Notifications can be out anytime now for B.Des, M.Des, B.F. Tech, M.F.Tech, and M.F.M programmes. The application form will be released at  @nift.ac.in. The NIFT entrance exam application form is the same for all courses. The application fee for NIFT is INR 2,000 (INR 500 for SC, ST, and PwD categories). NIFT Application forms can also be filled with late fees. The late fee is INR 5,000.

NIFT 2026 exam is expected to be conducted in the cities given below.

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 early. 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. Now unless the candidate is already well-versed, the exam will be very difficult. So, start early. The same goes for the GAT.

Along with going through the textbooks and solving problem sets, candidates must also solve previous years question papers to prepare for NIFT 2026. One of the main benefits of solving sample papers is that candidate will get to know the difficulty level, types of questions asked, and marking scheme. By analyzing the previous years question papers, candidate may also figure out trends that are followed in drafting question. 

NIFT Creative Ability Test or NIFT CAT will evaluate the intuitive ability, power of observation in concept development, and design ability of the candidate. To prepare for CAT the candidate must develop their observation skills, learn the basics of geometrical shapes, understand conceptualization, learn product drawing and shading. Additionally, the candidate must also work on their line quality. For instance, the candidate needs to ensure there are no jittery or multiple lines. To improve one's drawing skills, one may start with simple drawings and then move on to complex shapes. Also, while shading is not so important for the exam, shading skills can definitely help the candidate get a positive nod from the evaluator.

Joining a coaching for NIFT preparation is not really needed. Coaching is for those who want to learn how to draw things. But, if someone has this talent, which most students passionate about sketching and painting do possess, there is no need for coaching. One can prepare through self-study. For your understanding, I would like to give an example. In coaching, students are made to learn how to draw the 3D image by various techniques using measuring instruments but one who is natural at art can imagine what 3D image would look like if it has to be drawn on a paper and would draw the same. In both cases, the outcome is the same. Regarding theory, that is, GAT, if you are confident to solve Maths, History, Geography, General science up till class 10th level, then there is definitely no need for coaching. Though the level of English is a bit high you can improve it yourself.

NIFT Entrance Exam consists of NIFT Written exam: GAT and CAT. After this, the second stage is NIFT Situation Test and Personal Interview.

NIFT CAT is said to be the hardest and most time taking in the first stage. In the second stage, NIFT Situation test is considered to be hard. But all these can be cleared with practice.

The NIFTs are ranked among the top design colleges in India. As per India Today 2023 rankings for top fashion design colleges in India, the top 8 positions were occupied by NIFTs. In India Today 2022 rankings as well, the top eight positions were occupied by the NIFTs. NIFT Delhi was the number one ranked college, followed by NIFT Mumbai and NIFT Bangalore, in 2nd and 3rd positions. Speaking of placements at NIFT, candidates passing out of NIFT Delhi on average earns INR 5.5 LPA. Meanwhile, candidates passing out of NIFT Kolkata earns about INR 5.7 LPA. In comparison, NIFT Bengaluru pass outs can expect an average salary of INR 3 Lacs LPA.

For NIFT Preparation, candidates need to solve 30-40 sample papers in 6 months. When the exams are very near, one sample paper should be solved daily.