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

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

Rajyalaxmi VenkatapuramUpdated on 04 Nov 2025, 03:03 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 interview
30%

M.F.M candidates opting for M.Des

GAT (Sec-A)

30%

CAT
40%
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:

Pearl Academy B.Des Admissions 2026

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

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

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 2026 Most Important Topics
Get ready for NIFT 2026 with this comprehensive eBook covering CAT & GAT, featuring key topics, tips, and sample questions.
Download EBook

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is NIFT negative marking policy?
A:

The NIFT negative marking policy is +1 for every correct answer and -0.25 negative marking for every wrong answer.

Q: NIFT negative marking scheme is applicable to which section?
A:

The NIFT GAT section has the negative marking scheme.

Q: Is there any negative marking in NIFT exam?
A:

Yes, the NIFT objective questions have negative marking applicable in it.

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Questions related to NIFT Entrance Exam

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to NIFT Entrance Exam ?

Hello,

Yes, a diploma holder in Computer Engineering can apply for the NIFT entrance exam , but only through the lateral entry route.

NIFT allows candidates with a 3-year or 4-year engineering diploma from a recognized board to apply for B.F.Tech (Fashion Technology) through lateral entry. The diploma must be approved by AICTE or the State Technical Board.

The age limit is usually 24 years for the general category.

So yes, you are eligible, as Computer Engineering is an engineering diploma.

Hope it helps !

Hello aspirant,

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has determined the official date for NIFT 2026 applicant registrations, which is expected to open in November 2025. Online applications will be accepted through January 2026.

For complete information, you can visit our site through following link:

https://design.careers360.com/exams/nift-entrance-exam

Thank you

Hello Neharika

These are the topics which are most important in the Current affairs section in respect to NIFT Entrance Exam:

1. National and International Awards and Honors
2. Government Schemes and Initiatives
3. Sports
4. Appointments and Newsmakers
5. Science and Technology
6. Indian and World Economy
7. International Relations
8. Fashion Industry Updates
9. Books and Authors
10. Art and Culture
11. Environmental and Social Issues

To know more about NIFT Entrance Exam: NIFT Entrance Exam by CAREERS360

Hope this answer helps! Thank You!!!


Hello,

According to the sources, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) entrance exam for 2026 will be held in February 2026. Also, the registration period may open from November 2025.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello,
It’s completely understandable to feel disheartened after not getting a seat in the first and second rounds, especially when you’ve filled all the colleges and have your hopes set on a particular course like Fashion Communication . With an OBC rank of 1910 and CMR 7192, your chances can improve in the upcoming counselling rounds as more students withdraw or shift to other colleges.
So make sure to check the further rounds of counselling and don’t lose hope. Many students get seats in the 3rd, 4th, and mop-up rounds. You can also consider updating your preference list or keeping a wider range of courses and campuses open in case you're okay with related fields.
Keep checking the official NIFT website for updates on seat allotment and further counselling instructions.
Thank you