NIFT Entrance
Admission to B.Des and B.FTech programmes across the 19 campuses of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), plus M.Des/M.FTech/MFM at PG level.
Eligibility
For B.Des, candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 in any stream; B.FTech requires Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. The upper age limit is 24 years as on 1 August of the admission year, relaxable by 5 years for SC/ST/PwD. There is no restriction on the number of attempts within the age limit.
Age limit: 24 years (5-year relaxation for SC/ST/PwD)
Exam pattern
Held in a single day in two slots. The General Ability Test (GAT) is a computer-based MCQ paper covering quantitative ability, communication ability and English comprehension, analytical and logical ability, and GK/current affairs. The Creative Ability Test (CAT), for B.Des, is a paper-based drawing test judged on ideation, illustration skill and use of colour. B.Des candidates who clear the written stage face a Situation Test — hands-on model making with supplied materials; final merit weighs CAT roughly 50%, GAT 30% and the Situation Test 20%. B.FTech admission uses GAT alone.
Syllabus at a glance
GAT: arithmetic and quantitative ability, English grammar and comprehension, analytical/logical reasoning, and general knowledge with an emphasis on fashion, design and current affairs. CAT: observation, imagination, illustration and colour sense through open-ended drawing briefs. Situation Test: 3D construction, material handling and a written write-up of the concept.
Upcoming dates
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| NIFT 2027 registration opens | Dec 2026 | expected |
| Application deadline | Mid-Jan 2027 | expected |
| Admit card release | First week of Feb 2027 | expected |
| NIFT 2027 exam (CAT + GAT) | Feb 2027 | expected |
| Situation Test / interviews | Apr – May 2027 | expected |
| Final result and counselling | May – Jun 2027 | expected |
Expected dates follow the usual calendar; confirm on the official notification before planning.
Free prep material
Standard books
- NIFT/NID/IIFT Entrance Examination Guide — Arihant Experts
- Quantitative Aptitude — R.S. Aggarwal
- Word Power Made Easy — Norman Lewis
- Manorama Yearbook (current edition)
- Perspective Made Easy — Ernest R. Norling
How toppers play it
- Split preparation deliberately: CAT (about half the B.Des weightage) needs daily sketching practice, while GAT is a speed test you can raise quickly with timed drills.
- In CAT, examiners reward original ideas and clear visual storytelling over decorative finish — practise turning a theme into a concept sketch with a short annotation.
- Keep a fashion-and-design GK notebook (designers, textiles, Indian crafts, brand and industry news); NIFT's GK skews towards the field.
- Prepare for the Situation Test early: build quick 3D models from paper, wire and cloth scraps and write 50-word concept notes, since this 20% stage is decided in one sitting.
- For GAT, practise the quantitative section to Class 10 speed level and do not linger — communication ability and reasoning carry more questions.