How to Prepare for NIFT 2025: Section-wise Preparation Tips, Toppers Strategy & Guide

National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Exam 2025 ( NIFT Entrance Exam )

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Registration: 22 Nov '24 - 6 Jan '25

This exam is conducted for courses given below:
Manashjyoti Hazarika

Manashjyoti HazarikaManager Content

Updated on Dec 5, 2024 10:51 IST

NIFT 2025 preparation - Candidates seeking admission to design courses at the NIFTs need to have a clear strategy as to how, what, and from where they are going to prepare for the NIFT 2025 exam.

Note that NIFT is one of the most competitive design entrance exams in the country. Some 50, 000 candidates appear in the entrance exam every year.

So, you can't afford to put a foot wrong.

Note that the NIFT entrance exam is a two-tiered process, wherein candidates first appear in a written test (CAT and GAT). Shortlisted candidates next have to appear in a Situation Test / Personal Interview.   

The preparation for NIFT 2025 will include many layers, like following the best books, solving sample papers, and taking mock tests. 

In the previous edition of the exam, the NIFT exam pattern was revised. So, you also need to take this into account when preparing for the exam.  

Go through the article and learn how to prepare for the various sections of the entrance test.

Latest Updates:

Q:   What are some quick tips to prepare for the NIFT 2025 exam?

A:

While there is no shortcut to success, it is always possible to achieve more by being smart and making judicious use of ones time. 

Here are some useful tips that will help you prepare for NIFT 2025 exam. 

  1. At the outset, quickly go through the NIFT 2025 exam pattern and syllabus. Make sure that you follow the official syllabus and pattern when preparing for the exam.
  2. You need to take note if there are any new topics that are being added. Also, check if any old topics are dropped.
  3. Ensure you follow only the updated syllabus.
  4. Next, get hold of best books that cover the entire syllabus.
  5. Make a time table taking into account the difficulty level of each topic and also weightage carried by them.
  6. Take notes during study; these notes will come in very handy closer to the exam when you need to do quick revisions.
  7. Solve sample papers and previous years question papers.
  8. Take mock tests.
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Q:   When will the NIFT 2025 entrance exam be conducted?

A:

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.

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Q:   When do I need to start my preparation for NIFT 2025 exam?

A:

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.

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General tips to prepare for the NIFT exam

To crack the NIFT 2025 exam, follow the tips mentioned below::

  1. Get familiar with the NIFT 2025 syllabus and exam pattern - It is key to have a clear idea about the types of questions asked, weightage, test duration, and difficulty level. For example, the GAT test for the B.Des program carries only 30% weightage. You can easily prepare for the paper by following books like - NIFT preparation by Arihant. Some students in their over-enthusiasm go overboard and try reading up everything they find on the topic and end up buying one book after another. But this is unwarranted, as all this time can be used by the candidate to brush up their drawing skills. 
  2. Planning - Once you know what is in the syllabus or exam pattern, you can make your study plan. One reason why you should always make a study plan is it will keep you on your toes. For example, you will not want to idle away a day for you have assignments and topics lined up for that day; if you skip it, it will add up to your next day’s agenda!
  3. Take notes - At the beginning, your notes may not be up to the mark, like you won’t know what point to note down and what to ignore, but the good thing is it will come with practice. The notes you take will be a ready-reckoner that you can go for quick revision. This will come in handy, especially, in the last few weeks of the exam.
  4. Solve previous years’ question papers - This exercise is necessary to check one’s progress and develop problem-solving skills. Also, while the same question isn't usually repeated in the NIFT exam, some word meanings might get repeated. So, solving sample papers is important. 
  5. Take mock tests - In the last few days leading up to the NIFT 2024 exam, you must also take a few mock tests as well. These tests can be used to prepare oneself mentally for the tough day ahead. Mock tests typically have the same types of questions as the ones asked in the actual exam. By taking the mock test, you will also get the know the layout of the question paper, navigation process, etc.  
  6. Take sufficient rest - In all the hullabaloo about exam excitement, it is easy to ignore one’s health. For example, in some cases, students forgo sleep or don’t rest on time. This creates unwanted stress levels in the body, and the response time of the mind will also slow down. Too much stress and the candidate might even start hallucinating. 
  7. So, take proper rest in between your preparation; also, stay hydrated. 

Also Read:

Q:   How many mock tests do I need to take for the NIFT 2025 exam?

A:

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) may or may not conduct mock tests. So, the candidate can take mock tests conducted by coaching institutes or by online outlets to practice for the exam. Typically, the more mock tests a candidate takes, better it is from an exam point of view. That being said, mock tests are usually taken closer to the exam to give finishing touches to ones preparation. For instance, by taking mock tests, the candidate will learn to hone ones time management skills, along with improving problem-solving skills. Note that the candidate must solve sample papers and previous years NIFT question papers, along with taking mock tests, to effectively prepare for the exam.

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Q:   Do I need to solve previous years papers to prepare for NIFT 2025 exam?

A:

Along with doing through the textbooks and solving problem Sets the candidate must also solve previous years question papers to prepare for NIFT 2025. One of the main benefits of solving sample papers is the candidate will get to know the difficulty level, types of questions asked, and marking scheme. Also, previous years papers are great tools to improve ones time-management and problem-solving skills. By analyzing the previous years question papers, the candidate may also figure out trends that are followed in drafting question. Further, note that there are some questions that may be repeated, with a slight change in the wording or concept. If the candidate solves previous years question papers, the candidate will be able to easily solve them.

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Q:   How can I prepare for the Creative Ability Test (CAT) of NIFT 2025 exam?

A:

The Creative Ability Test or 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 imporve ones 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.

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Special Tips to prepare for NIFT (CAT) Creative Ability Test 2025

A paper-pencil-based test, NIFT CAT is of three hours duration. In NIFT CAT, aspirants are given three to four subjective questions wherein they need to draw/ make sketches and answer the questions put forth to them.

The CAT test for the B.Des program carries 50% weightage and is the most important component of the entrance test. 

Step-wise preparation tips for NIFT (CAT)  

  • Inspiration and creativity - The candidate must develop the skill of minutely observing things, and situations, and must take a mental image of it. This kind of exercise will help in memory drawings. Keen observation will also help the candidate to understand the dynamics of various elements in a setting and the interplay between them. This in turn will not only inspire the candidate but also open the floodgates of creativity!
  • Geometrical Shapes - The world we live in is filled with items of various geometrical shapes. Learn to draw various geometrical shapes one at a time, till you master all of them.
  • Concept Development - Before starting to craft a drawing, the conceptualization process must be dealt with first. Identify what you are going to draw, what components and elements you are doing to use, and why. The candidate is urged to work on their observation and visualization skills. Visualization skill in the sense that you must be able to foretell how the drawing would look like, the story it is going to tell, etc.
  • Principles of Composition - In this type of drawing, the student can practice combining or arranging different elements and create different compositions. Note that the NIFT exam may ask the candidate to draw a particular sequence, and practice of composition drawing will come in handy in such cases.
  • Product Drawing - Product drawing is basically the 2D representation of 3-dimensional objects. Products can be anything, be it your tiffin box, shocks, spectacles, t-shirt, or washing machine. Draw sketches of as many products can, as it will help you tackle any product-drawing-related question asked in the exam.
  • Poster Drawing - Make a list of all the trending topics and make poster drawings for each one of these topics. 
  • Shading - Learn the various elements of shading including - reflected light, full light, case shadow, halftone, and shadow edge. If you master the art of shading, you can add the illusion of form, shape, and light to your drawings.
  • Coloring - Once the student has learned the A, B, and C of coloring, he or she can start playing around with different colors. 
  • Human figures - The subject of your human figures could be a relative, a friend, a rickshaw puller, an ice cream seller, a school security person, an old and wrinkly-looking old woman, etc.

Q:   What is the exam pattern for the NIFT CAT paper?

A:

Candidates seeking admission to the B. Des and M.Des course also need to take the Creative Ability Test CAT written exam, in addition to the GAT. The CAT exam will be conducted in an offline, pen-pencil mode. CAT will be a drawing-based exam of 3 hours duration. The CAT will evaluate various skills of the candidate including Intuition skill, power of observation, innovation in the development of a concept as well as design ability. Further, it will examine the creative as well as innovative use of color and illustration skills of aspirants. It is mandatory for B. Des and M.Des candidates to appear in the CAT paper, or else they will not be invited for the Situation Test.

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Q:   How do I prepare for the NIFT General Ability Test (GAT)?

A:

The General Ability Test GAT along with the CAT is the 1st stage of the NIFT exam. The test is conducted in a computer-based mode and includes objective-type questions. To prepare for the GAT exam, the candidate must carefully go through the exam syllabus and make a study time table. Next, the candidate has to gather the best books available for the test. When studying for the exam, the candidate must ensure that they not only clear the concepts, but solves all the related problems to better understand the concepts and develop problem-solving skills. Also, after completing a chapter, it is mandatory to do frequent revisions. Another important tool for NIFT GAT exam preparation is sample and previous years question papers.

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Q:   What are the dos and don'ts for the NIFT CAT exam?

A:

The NIFT CAT exam will be administered in an offline mode and will be a drawing-based exam. During the course of the exam, the candidate is not allowed to write any personal details and place identification marks. The CAT exam will evaluate the candidate on parameters like intuitive ability, power of observation in concept development, and design ability. To prepare for the CAT the candidate needs to work on geometrical shapes, product drawing, line quality, shading, human figures, principles of composition, etc. To improve ones figure drawing skills, one may stick drawing, before moving on to block drawing, and then evolving to add clothes and other items.

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NIFT Written Exam 2025 - Weightage

The program-wise exam components and weightage are shown in the table below. The candidate needs to refer to this table to have a clear idea as to how they need to prepare for the NIFT entrance exam.

NIFT Entrance Exam Pattern & Weightage

Program

Test

Weightage

Bachelor of Design (BDes)

CAT

50%

GAT

30%

Situation Test

20%

Master of Design (MDes)

CAT

40%

GAT

30%

GD/PI

30%

Bachelor of Fashion Technology (BFtech)

GAT

100%

Master of Fashion Technology (MFTech)

GAT

70%

GD/PI

30%

Master of Fashion Management (MFM)

GAT

70%

GD/PI

30%

Also Read:

NIFT 2025 - Programs, Test Duration, Number of Questions

Candidates need to appear for NIFT GAT for admission in all courses – BDes, MDes, BFTech, MFTech and MFM. NIFT GAT exam pattern is as mentioned in the table below:

Course

No of Questions

Duration

BDes

100

2 hours

MDes

120

2 hours

BFTech

150

3 hours

MFTech

150

3 hours

MFM

150

3 hours

Q:   What instructions are to be followed at the NIFT 2025 exam centre?

A:

The admit card for NIFT 2025 will contain the important guidelines that candidates need to follow at the NIFT 2025 exam centre. Additionally, also check out the NIFT admission portal before the exam.

It may contain important updates on the exam; for instance if an exam centre has been changed, it may contain an update. Or, it may contain additional guidelines.

Here are some key points related to exam-day instructions to be followed at the exam center: The candidate needs to report at the NIFT 2024 exam centre one hour before the commencement of the exam. The candidate can't leave the exam hall until the exam ends. Entry to the exam centre will only be allowed when the candidate produces their id card and a valid photo id proof. The candidate must refrain from adopting unfair means inside the exam hall, including cheating, etc. For the CAT the candidate will have to bring along stationery items like blue or black ballpoint pen, HB pencils, eraser, sharpener and dry colours.

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Q:   What items are allowed inside the NIFT 2025 exam centre?

A:

On the day of the NIFT 2025 written exam, the candidate must bring the following items with them:

NIFT 2025 admit card

A valid photo id proof

HB Pencils, Eraser, Sharpener, Dry Colours

Note that if the candidate arrives at the exam centre without the admit card and photo id proof, he or she will not be allowed to take the NIFT 2025 exam. However, the following items are not allowed inside the exam venue: Water bottle, Papers, Notes, Books, Calculator, Electronic gadgets, Mobile phone, Bag, Handbag, Correction marker/ white fluid.

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NIFT Topper Interviews and Preparation Strategy

Q:   When do I need to reach NIFT 2025 exam centre?

A:

The NIFT GAT exam is conducted from 9 am onwards for all the courses.  As per the official notification, candidates need to report at the exam centre at least 60 minutes before the commencement of the exam.

Note that the gates of the NIFT exam center will be closed 30 minutes before exam commences. This means, if the candidate arrives at the exam center after 8.30 am, he or she will not be allowed to entry inside the exam venue.

Also, at the time of reporting at the exam center, the candidate must bring their admit card and a valid photo ID proof. 

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Q:   What parameters will be evaluated in the NIFT Situation Test 2025?

A:

The NIFT 2025 Situation Test will evaluate the candidate on the following parameters: Concept development, which evaluates how one has answered the main subject of the question while remaining creative at its core. Whether the candidate is able to beautifully and intelligently convert the concept into a design/ product? How real-life is the 3D model? How much innovation is required to create the model. The amount of material exploration, experimentation and treatment given to otherwise simple craft raw material. Is the student able to explain the concept in the write up. If the student able to combine different types of materials considering their texture and weight. If the materials usage appropriate. Whether the student is able to utilise the resources not only in variety but also in quantity, that is, managing the limited supply.

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Q:   How can I prepare for the NIFT Situation Test 2025?

A:

To prepare for the NIFT 2025 Situation Test, the candidate needs to practice material handling. The candidate must be using different types of material like clay, aluminum foil, aluminum sheet, sun pack, foam, straw pipe, mouldable aluminium wire, etc. Practice cutting and attaching the material to make different types of models. When making a model, use a timer, because this way you will lean time-management and you brain will also start processing information accordingly. If you are getting stuck in your preparation, don't hesitate to take the help of peer, mentor, or your teacher.

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Last-minute tips to prepare for the exam

In the last few days leading up to the NIFT 2025 written exam, you need to keep the following things in mind.

  1. Focus on revision
  2. Don't start any new topic at this stage, as the exercise will be mostly futile and you will lose out on valuable time.
  3. Solve sample papers and take mocks
  4. Do an analysis of your mistakes, and see if you can find a quick remedy.
  5. Focus on the important topics, and see if you can 
  6. Instead of going through large blogs of texts in the textbooks, use your notes for quick revision.
  7. Stay positive and healthy.
  8. On exam day, ensure that you reach the NIFT exam center on time and are not late. Carry all essential items like documents, stationery items, etc.

Read More:

Q:   Can I solve sample papers of exams like NID to prepare for NIFT 2025?

A:

NID DAT and NIFT are two of the most important design entrance exams in the country. Both exams have a design aptitude test and many topics that overlap.

So, you can safely solve NID DAT sample papers as well. That being said you first job will be to complete the NIFT sample papers.

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Q:   Do I need to improve my drawing skills to do well in NIFT?

A:

To do well in an entrance exam like NIFT, the candidate is expected to have good drawing skills. Note that the NIFT paper will have two sub-exams - CAT and GAT.

The CAT or the Creative Ability Test will evauate the drawing skills of the candidate. 

So, unless you have above average drawing skills, you might struggle. 

To do well in the exam, work on your drawing and visualization skills.

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NIFT Entrance Exam Preparation 2025 - FAQs

Mentioned below are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to NIFT 2025 exam preparation:

Q:   How should I prepare for NIFT 2025 B.Des program?

A:

The NIFT 2025 entrance exam for the B. Des programme will include CAT and GAT written tests in stage 1. Candidates who qualify stage 1 have to next appear in a Situation Test. To prepare for the GAT written exam, the candidate needs to work on improving their analytical and logical abilities, and also keep track of GK and Current Affairs. Some of the best books to prepare for the NIFT exam are: NIFT/NID/IIFT entrance exam guide by Surendra Kavimandan, Arihant NIFT Entrance Exam Self-Study, NIFT Entrance Examination (Guide) by D Mittal, and Bright Careers Guide NIFT Entrance Exam. To practice for the CAT paper, the candidate needs to work on their drawing, observation, and creative skills. The candidate must lean various types of drawing, including line, silhouette, cartoon, sketch, figure, photorealism, etc.

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Q:   Can I complete the NIFT 2025 syllabus in 4 months?

A:

NIFT is not only one of the most competitive entrance exams in the country, with a large number of applicants, but it is also among the toughest. The syllabus for the NIFT 2024 exam is quite vast, and most of the questions can range from medium to difficult.

So, to prepare for an exam like NIFT 2024, you need to have enough time in your hands.

If you are only beginning your NIFT 2024 now, i.e., with only a few months left for the exam, you need to pace your preparation accordingly. For instance, it will be foolhardy to try to complete the entire syllabus from the get go, because that you will put unnecessary pressure on yourself and things can only get complicated.

Instead, what you can do is make a list of high-scoring, easy-to-prepare topics. First master these topics as fast as you can. Make a study plan if you need to. Once you are done with these topics, you can move to the next category of topics, and continue this strategy until you complete the entire topic.

If you are not able to complete a topic because you are finding it too difficult, don’t panic and waste time jostling with it for long. Leave it for the time being, and come back to tackle it later if you have time in your hands.

Do solve sample papers and previous years NIFT papers as much you can.

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Q:   What is the exam pattern for NIFT 2025 Situation Test?

A:

Candidates will be shortlisted for the Situation Test on the basis of their performance in the CAT and GAT written exams. The Situation Test will evaluate the - material handling and the innovative ability - of the candidate. Some of the key parameters that will be evaluated include Space Visualization, Innovative and creative use of given material, the composition of elements, color scheme, construction skill, the finesse of the model and overall presentation, etc. After making the model, the candidate will also have to draft a write-up explaining the model. The write-up should clearly explain the concept/idea behind the model constructed. Also, the write-up should be in English only. Write-ups in any other language will not be accepted. The candidate has to make the model using material provided inside the exam hall. No other material will be allowed.

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Q:   How can I prepare for NIFT 2025 exam?

A:

To prepare for NIFT Entrance Exam 2024, you can follow the steps below: Understand the NIFT pattern and syllabus thoroughly. Make a monthly, weekly and daily time-table and stick to it. Collect high qualify and reliable study material to use as reference material for each subject. Attempt as many previous years' NIFT question papers as possible. Use a notebook when you are studying something, and jot down all the important or difficult points you come across. In the last few weeks leading up to the exam, take mock tests to mentally prepare for the exam and get a taste of the exam experience.

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Q:   How many questions are asked in NIFT GAT?

A:

The exam pattern for NIFT GAT varies from one course to the other. The total number of questions asked in NIFT GAT are mentioned below: BDes: 100 questions BFTech: 150 questions MDes: 120 questions MFTech: 150 questions MFM: 150 questions Note that the GAT or the General Ability Test will be conducted in a computer-based mode. Questions will be objective-type. The GAT paper for the B. Des and M.Des programs will be of 120 minutes. However, the GAT paper for the B.FTech M.FTech and MFM courses will be for 180 minutes.

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NIFT Entrance Exam Exam

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Answered 2 weeks ago

Hello greetings!

NIFT Exam Pattern 2025 B.It consists of 100 multiple-choice questions based on Quantitative Ability, Communication Ability, English Comprehension, Analytical Ability, and General Knowledge and Current Affairs. The exam is conducted offline.

Exam Details
GAT: 2 hours for B.Desand M.Des,

...more

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Manish Jaiswal

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

To do well in an entrance exam like NIFT, the candidate is expected to have good drawing skills. Note that the NIFT paper will have two sub-exams - CAT and GAT.

The CAT or the Creative Ability Test will evauate the drawing skills of the candidate. 

So, unless you have above average drawing skills, you

...more

M

Manashjyoti Hazarika

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The role of the NTA is confined to registration of candidates and conduct of the NIFT 2025 exam. The finalization of NIFT 2025 answer keys after inviting challenges, processing and declaration of results and preparation of the list of qualified candidates will be done by NTA in collaboration with th

...more

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Manashjyoti Hazarika

Contributor-Level 10

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