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    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:

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    Last Date to Apply: 26th March | 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 Situation Test PYQ's with Solutions
    eBook guides NIFT Situation Test aspirants with exam pattern, past questions, model-making skills, material handling, time management, and expert tips.
    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,

    I am providing you the link below through which you will be able to download the NIFT Question papers with solutions PDF

    Here is the link :-

    https://design.careers360.com/articles/nift-question-paper

    In the above link , you will get the direct links to download the year vise question papers with solutions ,

    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

    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