NIFT Entrance Exam Syllabus 2026: Check Section-Wise NIFT Exam Syllabus PDF

NIFT Entrance Exam Syllabus 2026: Check Section-Wise NIFT Exam Syllabus PDF

Rajyalaxmi VenkatapuramUpdated on 15 Jul 2025, 11:35 AM IST

NIFT syllabus 2026 will be released online through the NIFT official brochure in October 2025 tentatively. The NIFT 2026 syllabus will be released at nift.ac.in through the prospectus and also will be made available at exams.nta.ac.in/NIFT/. The NIFT exam syllabus 2026 comprises of the topics related to the General Ability Test (GAT) and Creative Ability Test (CAT). NIFT entrance exam will be conducted in two parts - GAT and CAT for design admission based on the programme. Go through the full article to know topic-wise NIFT entrance exam syllabus 2026.

This Story also Contains

  1. NIFT Entrance Exam Syllabus 2026: An Overview
  2. NIFT Syllabus PDF Download
  3. NIFT Entrance Exam Weightage - UG & PG Programmes
  4. NIFT High-Weightage Topics for BDes
  5. NIFT Important Topics for BFTech
  6. NIFT GAT and CAT Syllabus
  7. NIFT Entrance Exam GAT Syllabus
  8. NIFT Entrance Exam Syllabus for CAT
  9. NIFT Preparation Books
  10. NIFT Exam Pattern 2026
  11. NIFT Syllabus for Situation Test
NIFT Entrance Exam Syllabus 2026: Check Section-Wise NIFT Exam Syllabus PDF
NIFT Syllabus

NIFT Entrance Exam Syllabus 2026: An Overview

Aspirants willing to appear for the NIFT 2026 entrance exam should be aware of all the important subjects and the topics from the NIFT 2026 syllabus and prepare accordingly. As the NIFT 2026 syllabus is yet to be released, candidates, meanwhile can refer to the previous year's NIFT entrance exam syllabus pdf free download link that is available on this page. The NIFT entrance exam syllabus consists of the topics based on which NIFT question paper will be prepared. To download, candidates must click on the “nift syllabus pdf free download”. Read the complete article to know more about the NIFT entrance exam syllabus 2026 and the complete NIFT GAT and CAT syllabus.

NIFT Syllabus PDF Download

The aspirants who are planning to appear for the NIFT entrance exam should be aware of the fashion designing syllabus NIFT pdf. The aspirants are hence advised to check the collection of NIFT syllabus books for the exam preparation. The NIFT entrance exam syllabus 2026 pdf includes the concepts required to prepare for the NIFT entrance exam to obtain admission into the next academic year. The authorities will release the NIFT entrance exam syllabus 2026 at the NIFT official website - nift.ac.in.

IIFT Design Admissions 2025

Recruiters: Tommy Hilfiger, USPA, Arvind etc

KL University B.Des Admissions 2025

A++ Grade by NAAC | Ranked #22 among all Indian Universities by NIRF in 2024 | 100% Placement, 60 LPA Highest CTC, 300+ Recruiters

ParticularsNIFT Syllabus Download Link
NIFT Exam Syllabus PDFDownload NIFT entrance exam syllabus pdf
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

NIFT Entrance Exam Weightage - UG & PG Programmes

Program

Test

Weightage

Bachelor of Design (BDes)

CAT

50%

GAT

30%

Situation Test

20%

Master of Design (MDes)

CAT

40%

GAT (sec A)

30%

PI

30%

Bachelor of Fashion Technology

GAT (sec A)

GAT (sec B)

30%

70%

Master of Fashion Technology

GAT

70%

PI

30%

Master of Fashion Management

GAT(sec A & B)

70%

PI

30%

NIFT High-Weightage Topics for BDes

Subjects

List of NIFT Syllabus Topics

English Comprehension

English Comprehension

Communication Ability

Correctly Spelt Word

Plural Form of Word

Opposite In Meaning (Antonym)

Similar In Meaning (Synonym)

Idioms And Phrases

Quantitative Ability

Number System

HCF and LCM

Percentage

Profit and Loss

Average / Ratio

Simple Interest and Compound Interest

Time, Speed, Distance

Time and Work

Mixtures

Analytical Ability

General Assertion Reasons

Statement Conclusions

Series

Statements Correct/Incorrect

Blood Relation Reasoning

One Liner Seating Arrangement

Coding-Decoding Reasoning

Direction Sense

General Knowledge And Current Affairs

Static Gk

Fashion Industry Gk

Current Gk

NIFT Important Topics for BFTech

Subjects

List of NIFT Syllabus Topics

Communication Ability And English Comprehension

Substitute For The Given Word

Plural In Form

Nearest In Meaning

Idioms And Phrases

Wrongly Spelt Word

Prepositions

English Comprehension

Quantitative Ability

Profit And Loss

Number System

Simple And Compound Interest

Time Speed And Distance

Boat And Streams

Time And Work

Pipes And Cisterns

Mixtures

Quadrilateral

Mensuration

Ratio

Discount

Probability

Polynomial

Permutation And Combination

HCF LCM

Percentage

Analytical And Logical Ability

Statement Conclusion

Assertion Reason

Statements 1 And 2 Correct/Incorrect

Statement Argument

Odd One Out In Series

Blood Relation

Arrangement

Coding Decoding

Direction Sense

Age-Related Problems

Data Interpretation

Complete The Series

General Knowledge And Current Affairs

Static Gk

Fashion Industry Gk

Current Gk

Case Study

Caselets

NIFT GAT and CAT Syllabus

The students willing to enrol themselves for the NIFT admissions must know about the NIFT entrance exam syllabus 2026. NIFT 2026 GAT and CAT Syllabus helps the students to understand the NIFT exam pattern and syllabus in a better way to prepare. The NIFT's GAT and CAT exams are meant to screen the students based on their creative skills, aptitude and drawing skills. The GAT and CAT exam for NIFT is the first step to be taken towards their dream career. The NIFT entrance exam syllabus for fashion designing is different from other courses and this article help the students to understand the topics better.

NIFT Entrance Exam GAT Syllabus

The aspirants willing to obtain admission in to the design programs, must go through the NIFT GAT syllabus. General Aptitude Test (GAT) is a mandatory section for both BDes and BFTech programmes to obtain NIFT admission. The NIFT GAT question paper is compulsory for all the candidates. Below are some of the topics for the NIFT 2026 GAT syllabus as per the 5 sections.

  • Communication ability and English comprehension
  • Quantitative ability
  • Analytical and Reasoning / logical ability
  • General knowledge and current affairs
  • Case Study
Parul University B.Des. Admissions 2025

Last Date to Apply – 15th January 2025 | India's youngest NAAC A++ accredited University | NIRF rank band 151-200 | 2200 Recruiters | 45.98 Lakhs Highest Package

KR Mangalam University B.Des Admissions 2025

6 Lakh+ CUET Registrations | 500+ Companies Visited for Placement Top Recruiters: Apple Inc., Amazon, IBM, CISCO, Meta, Microsoft, Google

You may also check:

NIFT Entrance Exam Syllabus GAT

The NIFT 2026 GAT syllabus will be released officially by the NIFT authorities at nift.ac.in and also at nta.ac.in. The candidates are advised to check the NTA and NIFT websites regularly for the updates. Specifically for the aspirants to prepare well, Careers360 compiled a NIFT subjects list of topics that were frequently asked in the NIFT GAT question paper.

Section

Objective

Topics asked in NIFT GAT question paper

Quantitative Ability

This is to check the candidate’s quantitative ability

Addition, Fractions, Multiplication, Ratio and Proportion, Division, Percentage, Rate of Interest, Work and Task, Distance, etc.

Communication Ability and English Comprehension

This is to test the candidate’s communication ability in English language

Synonyms, Words with corresponding meanings, Antonyms, Singular, Plural, Idioms and phrases, One-word Substitutes, Correct spellings, Comprehending a situation from a given passage etc.

Analytical Ability and Logical Ability

To test the candidate’s capacity for inference and logic from the given information. And to identify the given problem and apply reasoning to solve the core issues of the problem

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

General Assertion Reasons, Statement Conclusions, Series, Statements Correct/Incorrect, Blood Relation, One Liner Seating Arrangement, Coding-Decoding, Direction Sense

General Knowledge and Current Affairs

To test the general awareness and current affairs of candidates

Fashion Industry GK, Static GK and current GK

Case Study

To evaluate the candidate’s managerial ability.


Structure of the NIFT GAT question paper - B.Des programme

Programme

Section

No. of Questions

B.Des

Quantitative Ability

20

B.Des

Communication Ability & English Comprehension

40

B.Des

Analytical & Logical Ability

15

B.Des

General Knowledge and Current Affairs

25

B.Des

Total

100

Structure of the NIFT GAT question paper - M.Des programme

Programme

Section

No. of Questions

M.Des

Quantitative Ability

20

M.Des

Communication Ability & English Comprehension

50

M.Des

Analytical and Logical Ability

25

M.Des

General Knowledge and Current Affairs

25

M.Des

Total

120

NIFT Entrance Exam Syllabus for CAT

The NIFT CAT exam stands for Creative Ability Test. The NIFT CAT exam question paper tests the candidate’s creativity skills, observation power, design ability, and perception. Only the design aspirants such as B.Des and MDes students need to solve the NIFT CAT exam question paper. The NIFT CAT syllabus for fashion designing is mark fetching and the students need to draw the answers according to the requirements. The NIFT CAT syllabus for BDes admission will be provided based on the topics specified below.

NIFT Syllabus for CAT

Following is the NIFT subjects list with the topics from which the candidates can expect questions in the NIFT CAT exam question 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 Syllabus: Creativity Ability Test (CAT) Important Topics

Aspirants are advised not to leave any topic mentioned in the NIFT entrance exam syllabus as the NIFT subjects list of important topics is a very crucial aspect. Candidates should check the list of important topics from the NIFT 2026 syllabus for the entrance exam and focus more on them. The topics included in NIFT CAT syllabus 2026 are as follows.

  • Creative ability
  • Observation power
  • Discernment ability
  • Design ability
  • Colour combination ability
  • Creativity in thought or concept development

NIFT Syllabus: General Ability Test (GAT) Important Topics

Provided below are the important topics required for the GAT exam for the candidates to go through during the preparation of the NIFT exam syllabus. Below is the list of NIFT's important topics.

  • General knowledge and current affairs
  • Effective Communication
  • Quantitative ability
  • Communication ability and English comprehension
  • Analytical and logical ability
  • Problem-solving approach
  • Case Study

You may also check:

NIFT Preparation Books

For the NIFT exam 2026, the applicants need to begin their preparation with the NIFT books. For this, the students check for the best NIFT preparation books. NIFT exam consists of GAT and CAT parts. And the NIFT situation test is for the shortlisted students. Hence, listed below are some of the NIFT books for preparation.

NIFT Book Names

Author Name

Anatomy and Perspective: The Fundamentals of Figure Drawing (Dover Art Instruction)

Charles Oliver

The Complete Guide to Perspective Drawing: From One-Point to Six-Point

Craig Attebery

Colour Psychology: Profit From The Psychology of Color: Discover the Meaning and Effects of Color: 2

Richard G. Lewis

Arihant Fast Track Objective Arithmetic Paperback

NIFT Arihant Publication

Word power made easy

NIFT Arihant Publication

Oswaal Objective General English For All Competitive Examinations Chapter-wise & Topic-wise A Complete book on English Language

NIFT Arihant Publication

Model-Making: Materials and Methods by David Neat

The Crowood Press (May 26, 2008)

NIFT Exam Pattern 2026

NTA is yet to prescribe the NIFT 2026 exam pattern which includes all the parameters of the NIFT entrance exam. Students have to go through the NIFT exam pattern provided, to know more about the format of the questions, maximum marks, marking scheme, number of questions, and many more, etc. The NIFT exam pattern is given below.

NIFT Exam Pattern

Particulars

NIFT Exam Details

Duration of the entrance exam

2 hours

Mode of the exam

Computer-based mode / Paper-based mode

Medium of the Language

English

NIFT Sample Paper

To understand the NIFT 2026 exam pattern and syllabus, the students must check to solve the NIFT sample papers. Solving the NIFT previous year's question papers help the students to advance their confidence levels and reduce stress levels. The candidates will get the complete picture of the NIFT entrance exam pattern, by practising the NIFT sample papers.

Top Design Entrance Exams

NIFT Question Paper

To get through the NIFT entrance exam, the best way is to practice the NIFT previous year's question papers. This helps the candidates to know and estimate the time required to solve the NIFT question paper, how to proceed answering the questions, and the weightage of the topic mentioned in the NIFT syllabus pdf.

NIFT Previous Years Question Papers

Must check the Design Colleges:

Knowing the NIFT 2026 syllabus plays an important role for the preparation to score well in the NIFT entrance exam.

NIFT Syllabus for Situation Test

The NIFT Situation test is the second stage of NIFT admission. The students who clear the NIFT entrance exam will be shortlisted based on their performance and will be eligible to appear for the second round called the ‘NIFT Situation Test’ for the design programme admission. NIFT situation test syllabus pdf will also be made available on the official website through the NIFT brochure.. Candidates must click on the “NIFT situation test syllabus pdf download” to check.

The NIFT situation test is to check the candidate’s innovative ability to create a 3-dimensional model with the provided theme and material to showcase the creativity skills in material handling. The fashion designing syllabus for the NIFT situation test consists of the following elements on which the candidates are evaluated.

  • Space visualization
  • Composition of elements
  • Innovative and creative use of the given material
  • Construction Skill
  • Colour scheme
  • Working methodology
  • The finesse of the model and overall presentation

NIFT Syllabus for Group Discussion (GD)

NIFT also conducts the group discussion round with the candidates. The candidates are evaluated on the following concepts.

  • Conceptual clarity
  • Ability to generate new ideas
  • Interpersonal skills
  • The contribution made to the topic
  • Leadership qualities
  • Knowledge of the topic assigned
  • Problem-solving approach
  • Effective communication

NIFT Syllabus for Personal Interview (PI)

The candidates shortlisted for the NIFT master programmes are supposed to attend the personal interview round and are evaluated based on the parameters given below.

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the mode of the NIFT entrance exam?
A:

The NIFT entrance exam GAT will be in computer-based mode and the NIFT CAT exam will be conducted in pen/paper-based mode.

Q: What is the General Ability Test (GAT) in NIFT?
A:

The GAT is the general ability test conducted as the part of NIFT entrance exam and the NIFT subjects list topics covered in GAT are as below:

General knowledge and current affairs, effective communication, communication ability, and english comprehension, quantitative ability, problem-solving approach, analytical and logical ability, and Case Study.

Q: What kind of topics are included in the Creativity Ability Test (CAT)?
A:

The topics included in the NIFT CAT syllabus are: 

Creativity in thought development, design ability, observation skills, and discernment ability.

Q: What is the NIFT Situation Test and what are the factors considered?
A:

The shortlisted candidates from the NIFT entrance exam are called for the next stage called the Situation test. The factors on which the NIFT syllabus for the situation test is based are as follows.

Innovative and creative use of given material, space visualization, construction skill, composition of elements, colour scheme, the finesse of the model, and overall presentation of the model created. 

Q: What is the syllabus of fashion designing entrance exam?
A:

The fashion designing entrance exam syllabus can vary for depending on the institution offering the course. However, most entrance exams for fashion design programs cover the following areas:

  • General Knowledge and Current Affairs related to fashion.
  • Creative Ability: drawing, design concepts, visualisation.
  • Communication Skills: English comprehension, vocabulary.
  • Analytical Ability: logical reasoning, basic mathematics.
  • General Aptitude: mental and problem-solving skills.
  • Situation Test (for some institutions): material handling, model creation.
  • Portfolio Assessment (if required): presentation of creative work.

For more detailed information regarding the fashion designing entrance exam syllabus refer the above article. 

Articles
|
Upcoming Design Exams
Ongoing Dates
GLS DAT Application Date

17 Aug'25 - 31 Jan'26 (Online)

Upcoming Dates
SEED Admit Card Date

5 Jan'26 - 11 Jan'26 (Online)

Explore Top Universities Across Globe
The University of Arizona, Tucson
The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
Yale University, New Haven
Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
Harvard University, Cambridge
Cambridge, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
University of Paris, Paris
45 Rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris
The Paris Institute of Political Studies, Paris
27, rue Saint Guillaume - 75337 Paris Cedex 07

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 10+2 exam is a requirement in order to be admitted to any undergraduate programme in fashion design.


You cannot be admitted because you are in class eleven. However, you can apply to NIFT for experience and practice, and if your application is accepted, you can take the entrance exam. If you pass, however, be aware that you will not be able to retain your results for admission.

Thank you

Hope this information helps you.

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) -

  • General - the maximum age should be less than 24 years as on 1st august in the year of examination
  • Reserved category - 5 years relaxation


Hope this information helps :)

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 School/University Examination conducted in India or abroad which is equivalent to the 10+2 system and is accorded by the Association of Indian Universities or,

3. If candidates complete the General Certificate Education (GCE) Examination (London/Sri Lanka/ Cambridge/) at the Advanced (A) level/International Baccalaureate (IB) then, they are eligible to apply or,

4. Students will also be eligible if they have passed the 10+2 examination conducted by the National Open School with at least five subjects or,

5. Diploma of 3 or 4 years which is recognized by AICTE or State Board of Technical Education.

Age limit - Candidates must be of 23 years of age as of August 1, 2022. However, candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST)/Person With Disability (PHP) get a relaxation of 5 years

Eligibility for B.F.Tech admission

1. Students must pass the Class 12 exam in the 10+2 pattern of examination with Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects from any recognized Central/ State Board of Secondary Examination, such as Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi, and Council for Indian School of Certificate Examination, New Delhi or,

2. Any Public School/Board/University Exam in India or in foreign countries which is equivalent to a 10+2 system with Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics as a mandatory subjects. It must be recognized by the Association of Indian Universities or,

3. General Certificate Education (GCE) Examination(London/ Cambridge/ Sri Lanka) at the advanced (A) level with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics/International Baccalaureate (IB) or,

4. Diploma of 3 or 4 years in any programme of engineering which is recognized by AICTE or a State Board of Technical Education or,

5. A passing grade in the Higher Secondary Education Examination held by the National Open School with at least five subjects - Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics

Age limit is same as B.des

You can check other details about eligibility criteria for NIFT from link below

https://www.google.com/amp/s/design.careers360.com/articles/nift-eligibility-criteria

Hope this was informative for you

Best regards!!

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 Examination in the allotted examination center as per the given schedule. You can select any city where examination is conducted while filling your preferences, make sure that you select the cities such that you can commute on the day of examination easily. Next year the list of examination cities may increase or decrease, the cities may vary.