How to Prepare for NIFT without Coaching?

How to Prepare for NIFT without Coaching?

Ritika JonwalUpdated on 08 Jan 2026, 04:59 PM IST

Hello students, National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) conducts NIFT exam for admission to its graduate and post graduate design courses in India. NIFT entrance exam demands proper time and preparation by the candidates in order to crack the exam. The NIFT exam has two papers: GAT and CAT. The GAT is mandatory for all courses and is conducted on a computer. A lot of students ask this question “How to prepare for NIFT exam without coaching”, therefore experts have curated preparation tips and study strategies for students aiming for NIFT 2026 exam.

This Story also Contains

  1. Understand NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus
  2. NIFT Study Plan according to the Preparation Stage
  3. Preparation tips and study strategies for NIFT 2026 exam
  4. NIFT 2026 - Other Useful Study Resources - Free PDF Download

Understand NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Aspiring candidates for the NIFT entrance exam should check the NIFT exam pattern 2026 beforehand as it will help them to know important details for the NIFT 2026 exam. Aspiring students for NIFT need to comprehend the NIFT Exam syllabus and understand the topics and types of questions that can be asked from each section. Preparing with the help of exam syllabus will prepare students for any kind of surprise questions that can be asked in the NIFT exam.

The NIFT entrance exam 2026 CAT will be conducted in a pen and paper-based mode test, while the NIFT exam details for GAT test is that it will be held in a computer-based test mode (CBT-online).

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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

Last Date to Apply: 13th Jan | No. 1 Design & Fashion Institute by ASSOCHAM, India Today, Outlook and The Week rankings

NIFT Study Plan according to the Preparation Stage

Different preparation stages demand different numbers of hours that need to be put in by students in their effective NIFT 2026 preparation. Different stages are given below:

Preparation Stage

Key Topics

Daily Hours

Foundation (Early Stage)

Read articles, books and resources with daily practice exercises.

3-4 hours

Mid Stage (5-6 months left)

Solve sample papers with revision

3-6 hours

Intensive stage (3 months left)

Solve previous year question papers and take mock tests

6-8 hours

Last stage (1 month left)

Solve mock test, focused revisions

10-12 hours

Preparation tips and study strategies for NIFT 2026 exam

  • Start Early: It is always good to start early, immediately after the intermediate/board examination, to cover the entire course, covering the whole syllabus for both the GAT (General Aptitude Test) & CAT (Creative Ability Test).

  • Study Plan: Distribute the time to focus on all the subjects related to the NIFT - exam preparation strategically which is explained below in detail under the "Section-wise Preparation Strategy" section.

  • Speed & Accuracy: An aspirant must maintain speed and accuracy by regularly practising the NIFT sample questions from NIFT previous years' papers in their preparation for NIFT GAT Exam.

  • Focus on Strength Areas/Topics: It is always good to work on topics and practice the sections first so that it feels more confident. It is only sometimes necessary that one excels in all the sections, but it is better to focus on topics one feels most optimistic about.

  • Creative skills: Students need to focus on their creative ability while also enhancing their presentation skills in order to score high for the drawing section and preparation for NIFT CAT Exam.

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

NIFT 2026 - Other Useful Study Resources - Free PDF Download

It is important for students to refer to important books and resources for effective NIFT study plans. Students can go through these free PDFs and resources for the candidates to effectively prepare from.

10 Free NIFT Mock Tests of BDes with Detailed Solutions

Download Here

NIFT B.Des Sample Papers with Solutions

Download Here

NIFT 2026 most important topics

Download Here

NIFT UG 2026 Last Minute Preparation Tips & Mock Tests

Download Here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can students crack the NIFT 2026 exam without coaching?
A:

Yes, NIFT is one of the most challenging design entrance exams. However, with focused preparation and practice, it can be manageable to crack without coaching.

Q: How can I crack the NIFT 2026 exam with preparation at home?
A:

Aspiring students in order to crack the NIFT 2026 exam with preparation at home, should practice daily and stay motivated. Solve NIFT sample Papers and previous year questions to understand the exam language and develop speed and accuracy.

Q: How can students prepare for the NIFT 2026 exam?
A:

The key is to start early and stay consistent in order to crack the NIFT 2026 exam with a proper study plan.

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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

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

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!!