Careers360 Logo
ask-icon
share
    Does NIFT 2026 Have Negative Marking? Check GAT & CAT Marking Scheme Here

    Does NIFT 2026 Have Negative Marking? Check GAT & CAT Marking Scheme Here

    Himanshu ShekharUpdated on 02 Feb 2026, 05:00 PM IST

    One of the important aspects of the NIFT exam pattern is the marking scheme followed in the exam. There is negative marking in the NIFT entrance exam, which will have a significant impact on the candidate's preparation strategy and prospects in the exam. Candidates appearing for NIFT 2026 can check the details of NIFT 2026 negative marking in the information brochure. Go through the full article to know the negative marking in NIFT 2026, section-wise weightage, and more.

    This Story also Contains

    1. NIFT 2026 Entrance Exam Components
    2. Is there any negative marking in NIFT GAT exam?
    3. Does NIFT have negative marking for CAT?
    4. Effect of NIFT Negative Marking
    5. NIFT Marks Distribution
    Does NIFT 2026 Have Negative Marking? Check GAT & CAT Marking Scheme Here
    NIFT have Negative Marking

    NIFT 2026 Entrance Exam Components

    NIFT entrance exam has two stages, namely, GAT and CAT as given below.

    • NIFT GAT (General Ability Test): Objective questions and Computer-Based Test (CBT)
    • NIFT CAT (Creative Ability Test): Subjective questions and Paper-Based Test (PBT)

    The NIFT scoring system comprises the following weightages for GAT, CAT & other tests based on the course as below.

    ProgrammeTest

    Weightage

    BDes

    GAT

    30%

    CAT50%
    Situation test20%

    BFTech

    GAT (Sec –A)

    30%

    GAT (Sec –B)

    70%

    B. F.Tech candidates opting for B.Des

    GAT (Sec –A)

    30%

    CAT50%
    Situation test20%

    M.F.M

    GAT (Sec-A & Sec-B)

    70%

    Personal interview30%

    M.Des

    GAT (Sec –A)

    30%

    CAT40%
    Personal interview30%

    M.F.M candidates opting for M.Des

    GAT (Sec-A)

    30%

    CAT40%
    Personal interview

    30%

    M.F.Tech.

    GAT

    70%

    Personal interview

    30%

    Is there any negative marking in NIFT GAT exam?

    Yes, the NIFT negative marking scheme is applicable for the GAT (General Ability Test) section only. As per NIFT 2026 exam pattern, the GAT section includes NIFT multiple choice questions with choices to mark the answer.

    The wrong answers marked in the NIFT GAT test have a negative marking. The negative marking will be -0.25 for every wrong answer. For unanswered questions, no marks will be deducted. This NIFT negative marking policy is applicable for both UG and PG courses.

    Does NIFT have negative marking for CAT?

    The NIFT Creative Ability Test is a pen-and-paper-based subjective test that includes sketching and drawing. Hence, the NIFT negative marking scheme for the CAT section is not applicable.

    Also Check:

    UPES B.Des Admissions 2026

    Ranked #45 amongst Universities in India by NIRF | Ranked #1 in Academic Reputation in India by QS World University Rankings

    Pearl Academy B.Des Admissions 2026

    No. 1 Design & Fashion Institute by ASSOCHAM, India Today, Outlook and The Week rankings

    Effect of NIFT Negative Marking

    As the NIFT GAT section has negative marking, candidates are advised to concentrate on the accuracy of the answers which they are marking of. Aspirants need to be confident in marking the correct answers only and do not guess the answer if it is unknown. To avoid the NIFT negative marking, candidates should practise the NIFT GAT syllabus thoroughly that consists of the NIFT objective questions part.

    The NIFT negative marking policy ensures that the candidate should prepare well for the exam by understanding the NIFT 2026 syllabus and save time in answering the questions.

    NIFT Marks Distribution

    Candidates need to know the marks distribution in NIFT for each question. As the objective type test - GAT will have negative marking, the marks distribution in NIFT is classified as +1 for every right answer and -0.25 negative marking for every wrong answer.

    The total number of NIFT objective questions for each programme are as follows.

    Programme

    Total no. of questions

    GAT Section - A

    GAT Section - B

    BDes

    100

    -

    BFTech

    100

    50

    MDes

    120

    -

    MFTech

    150

    -

    MFM

    120

    30

    You may also check

    NIFT 2025 Ultimate Mock Test eBook
    "NIFT 2024 Ultimate Mock Test eBook" – your secret weapon to conquer the National Institute of Fashion Technology entrance test.
    Download EBook
    Articles
    |
    Upcoming Design Exams
    Ongoing Dates
    FDDI AIST Application Date

    1 Jan'26 - 20 Apr'26 (Online)

    Ongoing Dates
    SMEAT Application Date

    16 Mar'26 - 17 May'26 (Online)

    Explore Top Universities Across Globe

    Questions related to NIFT Entrance Exam

    On Question asked by student community

    Have a question related to NIFT Entrance Exam ?

    Hello aspirant,

    The nationwide Institute of Fashion Technology offers a nationwide entrance exam called NIFT for admission to its fashion design programmes.

    Every course has specific requirements that must be met in order to apply. For NIFT, there is no minimum age requirement, however it is evident that passing the

    Dear Aspirant,


    Yes! If you want to pursue your under graduation from nift after 12th or even if you are appearing for12th exam then you are eligible to apply for the exam. There are several courses offered by nift which includes undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes.


    Age (Undergraduate degree programmes)

    Dear aspirant

    NIFT 2023 ELIGIBILITY - B.DES admission

    1. Aspiring students must have completed a 10+2 board exam from any recognized Central/State Board of Secondary Examination, such as Central Board of Secondary Education/State Board New Delhi, and Council for Indian School of Certificate Examination, New Delhi or,

    2. Any Board/Public

    Hello,

    For BVoc courses in interior design, separate entrance exams are conducted by the concerned colleges. By giving NIFT you can only get admission in BDes and MDes courses in NIFTs and some other participating institutes.

    Hello,

    In 2022 NIFT Entrance Examination was conducted in 32 cities. The candidates have to select the preference of the examination cities while filling the application form. Based on the availability, preferences of the examination cities you will be allotted an examination center. You have to appear for NIFT Entrance