NIFT Syllabus 2025: Written Exams (GAT & CAT Syllabus), Chapter-wise Topics, No. of Questions

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 Nov 28, 2024 13:15 IST

NIFT Syllabus 2025 - NTA has notified the NIFT entrance exam syllabus 2025 through the information brochure.

The NIFT 2025 exam will be conducted in TWO stages.

1st stage will include the written exams - CAT and GAT. Shortlisted candidates have to NEXT appear in a Situation Test / Personal Interview.

The NTA will conduct the NIFT 2025 written exams on February 9, 2025.

The GAT paper will be administered online, while the CAT paper will be an offline-based exam. Note that GAT is mandatory for all courses, but only B.Des and M.Des candidates need to take the CAT.

NIFT 2025 GAT syllabus will include topics like quantitative analytics, analytical ability, Communication Ability & English Comprehension, etc. 

B.Des applicants, if shortlisted, need to take the Situation Test, which is a hands-on test. The test will evaluate one's material handling skills and innovative ability in a given situation with a given set of materials.

On the other hand, PG applicants have to undergo Case Study-based GD and PI. The duration of the GDPI will be 15-20 minutes.

The detailed NIFT entrance exam syllabus for both the written exams and the Situation Test/ Interview is given below

So, Keep reading!

Latest Updates:

 

Q:   When will the syllabus for NIFT 2025 exam be released?

A:

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) will release the syllabus for the NIFT 2024 exam at the time of the release of the admission brochure (or prospectus).

It will contain the detailed topics to be covered in the written exam and Situation Test/ GDPI.

Note that NIFT written exam comprise the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and General Ability Test (GAT). 

The prospectus will be updated online at the admission portal of NIFT - niftadmissions. 

The candidate can download the prospectus and go through the exam syllabus.

The NIFT 2025 written exam will be conducted in the 1st week of February 2025 (tentatively). Note that once the written exam are over, the candidate can focus their attention on the Situation Test/ Personal Interview.

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Q:   Is Maths required for NIFT?

A:

It is not compulsory to have studied Maths in Class 12 to appear for NIFT Entrance Exam. However, some questions from Mathematics are asked in the NIFT GAT section. Therefore, it is always beneficial to have some knowledge about the subject. The NIFT question paper for GAT will include questions from sections like logical and analytical reasoning, general awareness, verbal reasoning, and English . General knowledge questions may include topics like fashion industry, both local and global, and news of political and economic importance. The GAT paper will be conducted in a computer-based mode and will be for 120 minutes.

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Q:   Can I complete the NIFT 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 exam is quite vast, and most of the questions can range from medium to difficult.

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

If you are only beginning your NIFT 2025 now, you will have enough time to go through the entire syllabus. 

However, if 4 months is all you have, 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.

Also, 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:   Do we need to join coaching to prepare for NIFT entrance exam?

A:
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.
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Format of NIFT 2025 Exam

The NIFT entrance exam is conducted in TWO parts.

  1. Written exams
  2. Situation Test/ Personal Interview.

The written exams comprise the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and the General Ability Test (GAT). 

The GAT paper is mandatory for all courses. However, only B.Des and M.Des candidates need to take the CAT.

The scores of the written exams is used to SHORTLIST candidates for the Situation Test/ Personal Interview.

  • Candidates seeking admission to the B.Des program need to appear in the Situation Test
  • Meanwhile, PG applicants need to take the Personal Interview

The FINAL scores of results of NIFT 2025 will be prepared by giving weightage to the written exams and Situation Test/ Personal Interview.

Exception: The only exception is the B.F.Tech program, where applicants only need to take the GAT paper. This means, only scores of the GAT exam will be considered for preparing the merit list.

NIFT 2025 Syllabus for CAT

If you are seeking admission to the B.Des or M.Des course, then you need to take the CAT exam.

Here are a few important aspects of the exam:

As per the NIFT syllabus, the CAT test is administered to evaluate the intuitive ability, power of observation concept development, and design ability of the candidate. An important aspect of the test is the creative and innovative use of color and illustration skills.

During the exam, the candidate is not allowed to reveal their identity by marking the answer sheet. If found guilty, the candidate will be disqualified. 

Topics included in NIFT CAT Syllabus 2025

  • Creative Ability
  • Power of Observation
  • Intuitive Abilities
  • Concept development Ability
  • Design Prowess
  • Ability to use colors
  • Illustration skills

NIFT CAT Syllabus 2025 - Important Topics

While the candidate is expected to diligently cover the entire NIFT CAT syllabus, it is also recommended that the candidate also practices the important topics given in the table below. It will improve the candidate's chances of scoring well in the exam. 

Important Topics of NIFT CAT Paper

Important topics for NIFT CAT Paper

Design Theory

Colour Terminology

Inspiration & Design Development

Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions

Elements & Principles Of Design

Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship

Natural & Geometrical Form

Innovation in Design

Principles of Composition

Creative thinking & writing

Optical Illusion

Understanding Light & Shade

Visual Logic

Form & Function

Colour, Pattern & Texture

Theme Development

Drawing Fundamentals

Picture Analysis

Memory Drawing

Inspiration & Creativity

Ornaments & motifs

Use of Measurements, Scale & proportions

Optical Illusion

Foreshortening & Perspective

Developing Themes & Colour Associations

Usage of Colour in Compositions

Imagination & Doodling

3D Visualisation

Presentation Techniques

Expression & Emotion

Exercises on imagination

Lateral Thinking

Story Pictures

Graphics & Pictograms

Innovation & Creation

Design Awareness

NIFT 2025 Syllabus for GAT

As per the NIFT 2025 Syllabus,  the GAT paper will include questions from the following topics: 

  • Aptitude
  • Communication Ability
  • English Comprehension
  • Analytical & Logical ability
  • General Knowledge & Current Affairs

NIFT GAT Syllabus - Test Components, Topics, Skill Tested

Topics

Skill Tested

Skill Tested, Types of questions

Quantitative Ability

This sub-test is designed to test the quantitative ability of the candidates.

The subtest consists of questions on Addition, Multiplication, Division, Fractions, Percentages, Rate of Interest, Work and Task, Ratio and Proportion, and Distance.

Communication Ability and English Comprehension

This sub-test is aimed at testing the language ability of the candidates in day-to-day communication in English.

It includes questions on synonyms, antonyms, words with corresponding meanings, singular, plural, one-word substitutes, idioms and phrases, correct spellings, comprehending a situation from a given passage, etc.

Analytical Ability and Logical Ability

This sub-test is designed to test the candidate’s capacity for inference and logic from the given information and to evaluate the candidate’s ability to identify the given problem and apply reasoning in solving the core issues of the problem.

Concepts and practices of creative and lateral thinking are likely to be useful.

General Knowledge and Current Affairs

This sub-test is designed to test the candidate’s general knowledge and current affairs.

Candidates must keep themselves updated with the latest happenings. 

Case Study 

The test will evaluate the candidate’s managerial ability.

 This sub-test is based on a situation in an industry environment. 

 

NIFT GAT Syllabus 2025 - Important Topics

The GAT paper will be conducted in a computer-based mode. If you prepare well for the paper, you can score very well. Here we list the important topics for the paper.

NIFT GAT Syllabus 2025 - Important Topics

Section

Topics

English

  • Synonyms
  • Antonyms
  • Para jumbles
  • Error spotting
  • One word substitution
  • Work Analogy
  • Sentence completion

Numrical Ability

  • Ratio and Proportion
  • Percentage
  • Profit and loss
  • Simple and Compound interest
  • Average / Ratio
  • Speed time and distance
  • Work and Time
  • Numbers
  • Area, Volume and Surface Area
  • Permutations and Combinations
  • HCF LCM
  • Probability
  • Time and Work

GK and Current Affairs

  • Static GK
  • Current GK
  • GK related to the fashion industry

Logical Reasoning

  • Series completion
  • Venn Diagrams
  • Seating arrangement
  • Statements Correct/ Incorrect
  • Blood relations
  • Character Puzzle
  • Coding Decoding
  • Data sufficiency
  • Syllogisms
  • Analogy
  • Direction Sense
  • Arithmetic reasoning
  • Clocks and calendar

Communication Ability

  • English Language
  • Grammar
  • Vocabulary and Reading skills 

 

NIFT 2025 GAT Question Paper Structure

The GAT paper is mandatory for all the courses offered by the NIFTs and will be conducted in a computer-based mode.

Note that the paper structure will be program-specific, including the number of questions asked per section, test timings, and weightage.

The question paper structure for each paper is given below.

NIFT 2025 question paper structure - B.Des

Program

B.Des

Paper

GAT

Language of the written test

English/Hindi

Test duration

120 minutes

Sections 

Number of Questions

Communication Ability 

25

English Comprehension 

25

Quantitative Ability 

20

Analytical Ability

15

General Knowledge and Current Affairs

15

TOTAL

100

NIFT 2025 question paper structure - M.Des

Program

M.Des

Paper

GAT

Language of the written test

English/Hindi

Test duration

120 minutes

Sections 

Number of Questions

Communication Ability 

30

English Comprehension 

30

Quantitative Ability 

20

Analytical Ability

25

General Knowledge and Current Affairs

15

TOTAL

120

NIFT 2025 question paper structure - B.F.Tech

Program

B.F.Tech

Paper

GAT

Language of the Written Test

English/Hindi

Test duration 

180 minutes

Sections

No. of Questions

Communication Ability & English Comprehension

45

Case Study 

25 

Quantitative Ability

30

Analytical & Logical Ability

25

General Knowledge And Current Affairs

25

TOTAL

150

NIFT 2025 question paper structure - M.F.Tech

Program

M.F.Tech

Paper

GAT

Language of the Written Test

English/Hindi

Test duration 

180 minutes

Sections

No. of Questions

Communication Ability & English Comprehension

45

Case Study 

25 

Quantitative Ability

30

Analytical & Logical Ability

25

General Knowledge And Current Affairs

25

TOTAL

150

NIFT 2025 question paper structure - M.F.M

Program

M.F.M

Paper

GAT

Language of the Written Test

English/Hindi

Test duration 

180 minutes

Sections

No. of Questions

Communication Ability & English Comprehension

50

Case Study 

40

Quantitative Ability

10

Analytical & Logical Ability

25

General Knowledge And Current Affairs

25

TOTAL

150

Note that:

  • The M.F.Tech question paper will also include questions from the engineering field.
  • The level of difficulty may vary for different questions.

Also Read:

NIFT 2025 Syllabus for Situation Test

B.Des candidates will be shortlisted for a Situation Test based on performance in the written tests (CAT and GAT). Here are key points about the NIFT 2025 Situation Test.

  • The situation test is a hands-on test that will evaluate the candidate’s skills for material handling and innovative ability in a given situation with a given set of materials.
  • The candidate will have to make a model/design using the given material.
  • Using any other material except those provided inside the exam venue is prohibited.
  • The model will be evaluated on 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. These parameters will be checked with the write-up explaining the concept behind the model constructed. 
  • The write-up should be in English. No marks will be given for write-ups in any other language. 
  • The candidate shouldn’t disclose their identity in any way; trying to do so could lead to disqualification.
  • The situation test will be evaluated on the SPOT. Also, note that the model will not be preserved for future reference.

Note: NIFT has the authority to modify the entrance exam scheme, including skipping any stage(s) due to unforeseen circumstances. 

NIFT 2025 Syllabus for Personal Interview

Shortlisted candidates for the Master's program (from the written entrance examination) are required to undergo a Case Study-based Group Discussion (GD) and a Personal Interview (PI).

NIFT 2025 GD Syllabus

The GD would comprise approximately 15 to 20 minutes of discussion on a case study assigned, on which a panel of experts will assess the candidates on various parameters including:

  1. Conceptual clarity
  2. Knowledge of the topic assigned
  3. Contribution made to the topic
  4. Interpersonal skills
  5. Ability to generate new ideas
  6. Problem-solving approach
  7. Leadership qualities
  8. Effective communication

Syllabus for NIFT 2025 Personal Interview

The PI will evaluate the following skills of the candidate.

  • Career orientation 
  • Aptness for the course 
  • Overall personal achievements in academics and co-curricular activities 
  • Communication 
  • General awareness and aptitude, creative and lateral thinking

NIFT 2025 Preparation - Recommended BOOKS

Selecting the right books is a key element in your exam preparation. It is because if you don't get the NIFT 2025 book combination right, all your hard work and days and nights of toil may go up in flames!

So, here we bring you a list of books to prepare for NIFT 2025 recommended by toppers and experts.

NIFT Preparation Books 2025

Subject

Books

 

Arihant Books

Current Affairs and GK

Read newspapers: The Hindu, The Times of India


What to read:


  • Skim through the headlines; focus on what is happening of national and international import
  • Pick an editorial or opinion piece, and practice 10-20 new words every day. 
  • Maintain a notebook; make it a repository of all that you have learned; it will come in handy for quick revision.

Maths

NIFT Arihant 


Why - It covers the entire Maths portion needed for NIFT 2023.


However, if you want to do additional reading:


  • RS Aggarwal 

English 

NIFT Arihant

GAT

Solve previous years' NIFT question and sample papers for the last 10 years or so.


The trick is to solve as many sample papers as you can; also you may solve the same sample paper 3-4 times to check your progress.


Important:


  1. Even though there is a slim chance the same question will be repeated in the NIFT entrance exam, candidates claim that word meanings can get repeated.
  2. So, if the candidate practices the words given in those paragraphs carefully, it can help the candidate immensely.

Mock Test Books


  1. Learnx Mock Test Series Books
  2. NIFT Mock Test Series by NIFT Alumni

Taking notes

While it is well and good to follow the best books and solve sample papers, it is equally important that you make it a habit of taking notes.


Jot down all the important or troubling points in it. This notebook will work as a reference material in the future for quick revision.


If your notes are well prepared, you can revise all the topics in the syllabus in a jiffy! On the other hand, if you don’t take notes, you will have to go through each paragraph, chapter, or book to revise the key points. 

NIFT Sample Papers 2025

Candidates preparing for the NIFT 2025 exam must make it a point to solve previous years' question papers and sample papers of NIFT.

There are many benefits of solving NIFT sample papers.

  • The sample papers will contain similar types of questions to those asked in the NIFT entrance exam.
  • So, if the candidate practices enough sample papers, they can improve their problem-solving ability.  
  • The sample papers will give the candidate insights into the difficulty level of the exam, question type, weightage, etc.
  • If the candidate starts solving sample papers very early on in their preparation, then they can easily gauge the level of their progress.

NIFT Sample Papers (2012-2022)

NIFT Sample Paper Download Here
NIFT Sample Paper 2022 Click Here
NIFT Sample Paper 2015 Click Here
NIFT Sample Paper 2014 Click Here
NIFT Sample Paper 2013 Click Here
NIFT Sample Paper 2012 Click Here

To download section-wise NIFT sample papers - Click Here 

NIFT 2025 - Test Components and Weightage

Program

Test

Weightage

Bachelor of Design

CAT

50%

GAT

30%

Situation Test

20%

Master of Design

CAT

40%

GAT

30%

 PI

30%

Bachelor of Fashion Technology

GAT

100%

Master of Fashion Technology

GAT

70%

 PI

30%

Master of Fashion Management

GAT

70%

 PI

30%

Read More

NIFT Syllabus 2025 - FAQs

Go through the frequently asked questions (FAQs) on NIFT 2025 Syllabus.

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News

Get prep tips, practice papers, exam details and important updates

Download Important Dates for Design Exams

38 Institutes accepting NIFT Entrance Exam

Master of Design (M.Des.)
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    4.3

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    4.3

    Faculty & Course Curriculum

    4.1

    Crowd & Campus Life

    3.9

    Value for Money

    4.1

    Learning Experience

    0.0

    Course Support

    0.0
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  • Total Fees: ₹ 5.86 Lakh
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Master of Design (M.Des.)
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  • 2 years
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B.Design (Lateral Entry)
  • Total Fees: ₹ 5.63 Lakh
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  • 3 years
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B.Des. in Fashion Design (Lateral Entry)
  • Total Fees: ₹ 9.02 Lakh
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  • 3 years
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