NIFT Exam Analysis 2026, Check NIFT Previous Year Exam Analysis Here

NIFT Exam Analysis 2026, Check NIFT Previous Year Exam Analysis Here

Sumeet SudarshanUpdated on 18 Nov 2025, 05:56 PM IST

The NIFT 2026 exam analysis will be available after the exam. NTA will conduct NIFT 2026 tentatively in the second week of February 2026. Through the NIFT exam analysis 2026, candidates will be able to check the difficulty level, type of questions, good attempt, and more. The NIFT admission process consists of two stages - the NIFT entrance exam and the NIFT situation test (for B.Des programme). In this article, get details of the NIFT exam analysis 2026 and the previous year analysis.

NIFT Exam Analysis 2026, Check NIFT Previous Year Exam Analysis Here
NIFT Exam Analysis

The NIFT entrance exam consists of the General Ability Test (GAT) and Creative Ability Test (CAT) and candidates have to appear for one or both depending on the type of programme they have applied for. 19 NIFT campuses in India offer NIFT admissions into UG and PG design programmes such as B.Des, B.FTech, M.Des, M.FTech, and MFM.

NIFT 2026 Exam Analysis

The exam analysis of NIFT 2026 will be updated in this section. The NIFT exam pattern will consist of the GAT sections - A and B. Addtionally, candidates have to appear for CAT and a situation test for B.Des.

NIFT Exam Pattern 2026

ProgrammeB.DesB.FTechCandidates opting for B.FTeh and B.Des
Paper nameGAT Section AGAT Section AGAT Section B

Section-A (2 hrs.) +

Section-B (1 hr.) +CAT

(3 hrs.)

LanguageEnglish/HindiEnglish/HindiEnglish/Hindi
Duration2 hours2 hours1 hour
SectionsNo. of questionsNo. of questions
No. of questions
Communication ability and English comprehension4040NA
Quantitative ability202015
Analytical and logical reasoning151515
GK and current affairs2525NA
Case studyNANA20
Total10010050
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

NIFT CAT Paper Pattern

Particulars

Details

CAT

Creative Ability Test

Conducted

B.Des and M.Des courses only

duration

3 hours

maximum marks

100

Question type

Descriptive - draw, sketching or writing


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

NIFT Previous Year Exam Analysis

NIFT previous year's exam analysis helps aspirants prepare for the NIFT entrance exam. By solving NIFT question papers, they can identify their strengths and weaknesses, as well as the exam pattern, difficulty level, marking schemes and types of questions. The exam analysis of NIFT will be based on the questions, time limit, cut-off marks, and feedback from the test takers. Candidates can also refer to the previous year exam analysis from NIFT question papers.

NIFT 2025 GAT Section-Wise Analysis

  • NIFT 2025 Comprehension section had 2 passage related questions. Some questions were also based on synonyms, antonyms and general grammar in fill in the blank form.

  • The NIFT Logical reasoning section was easy.

  • The Quantitative ability section was easy. Maths had more 10th class questions.

  • In the NIFT Gk section, most questions were from handloom, fabrics, gold & silver embroidery, author based.

IIAD Admissions 2026

EXAMS dates- 13-14 Dec | Leading Design College | Highest CTC: ₹12 LPA | Average CTC: ₹7.5 LPA | Scholarships for Deserving Students

IIFT Design Admissions 2026

Recruiters: Aditya Birla, Wildcraft, Tommy Hilfiger, Vero Moda etc | Only Fashion Institute in India to have entered the LIMCA BOOK OF RECORDS

NIFT 2025 Student's Reaction

Aspirants can check NIFT student reaction 2025 on this page. candidates can check NIFT question paper analysis in the below.

  • One student also shared a change in NIFT paper pattern, this year only two passages are asked this year.

  • In the Mathematics section, more focus is done on probability. Basically, class 10th Mathematics is asked.

  • The NIFT reasoning section was easy.

  • In GK, the majority of questions are asked from fashion and brands as compared to history and geography.

NIFT 2025 Situation Test Exam Analysis

The Situation test for NIFT 2025 was moderately difficult, but the real challenge was time management in tandem with the theme and requirements of the questions asked. The exam was oriented to model making, which needed the awareness of material and corresponding properties. Thus wide use of material was a significant factor in NIFT 2025 Situation Test.

The NIFT 2025 Situation Test Question Paper can be accessed in PDF format after the exam. All candidates participating in the examination will be able to view the answer key, which will include comprehensive explanations to evaluate their performance accurately.

NIFT Exam Analysis 2024

  • The overall difficulty level of NIFT entrance exam 2024 was moderate.

  • Most students found NIFT GK questions to be on a difficult side as compared to other sections.

  • Questions from syllabus of 12th class had high weightage.

  • Moreover, NIFT question paper 2024 had tricky questions.

  • In Maths, questions were asked from topics like Percentage, ratio of proportion, Simple interest and compound interest

  • English was easy.

  • In GK, one question was asked on G-summit. Moreover, History was given high weightage in NIFT GK questions 2024. Some questions were also related to award winners.

NIFT Exam Analysis 2024- General Ability Test

Section

Number of Questions

Marks per Question

Difficulty level

Quantitative Ability

20

1

Easy

Communication Ability

25

1

Moderate

English Comprehension

25

1

Easy to moderate

Analytical Ability

15

1

Easy to moderate

General Knowledge and Current Affairs

15

1

Difficult

NIFT Exam Analysis 2023- General Ability Test (B.Des)

Section

Number of Questions

Marks per Question

Difficulty level

Quantitative Ability

20

1

Difficult

Communication Ability

25

1

Moderate

English Comprehension

25

1

Easy

Analytical Ability

15

1

Easy to moderate

General Knowledge and Current Affairs

15

1

Moderate

NIFT Exam Analysis - General Ability Test (M.Des)

section

Number of Questions

Marks per Question

Difficulty level

Quantitative Ability

20

1

Difficult

Communication Ability

30

1

Moderate

English Comprehension

30

1

Easy

Analytical Ability

25

1

Easy to moderate

General Knowledge and Current Affairs

15

1

Moderate

NIFT Exam Analysis - General Ability Test (B.FTech)

Section

Number of Questions

Marks per Question

Difficulty level

Quantitative Ability

10

1

Difficult

Communication Ability & English Comprehension

50

1

Moderate

Analytical Ability & logical skills

25

1

Moderate

General Knowledge and Current Affairs

25

1

Moderate

Case study

25

1

Moderate

NIFT Exam Analysis - General Ability Test (M.FTech)

Section

Number of Questions

Marks per Question

Difficulty level

Quantitative Ability

30

1

Moderate

Communication Ability & English Comprehension

45

1

Easy

Analytical Ability & logical skills

25

1

Easy to Moderate

General Knowledge and Current Affairs

25

1

Moderate

Case study

40

1

Moderate

NIFT Exam Analysis - General Ability Test (M.F.M)

Section

Number of Questions

Marks per Question

Difficulty level

Quantitative Ability

30

1

Moderate

Communication Ability & English Comprehension

45

1

Easy

Analytical Ability & logical skills

25

1

Easy to Moderate

General Knowledge and Current Affairs

25

1

Moderate

Case study

40

1

Moderate

NIFT Exam Analysis 2023 - Creative Ability Test (CAT)

In the Creative Ability Test (CAT), a total of 3 questions with a maximum of 100 marks were asked. Most of the candidates found the question of the Creative Ability Test easy. The questions that were asked in CAT were to make designs of letterboxes, phones, an automobile, etc.

NIFT Exam Analysis 2022

Candidates can also check past year NIFT exam analysis for a comparative exam analysis of NIFT 2024. Here, we provide the detailed NIFT paper analysis as per the question paper and what students and experts say.

  • While taking the NIFT entrance exam 2022, many candidates are facing home page issues to log in to the exam. Some students reported that the window would take longer to upload the photo.

  • Most of the aspirants who appeared in NIFT 2022 CAT found the question relatively easy while some students found it moderately difficult. A total of 3 questions were asked for a maximum of 100 marks in NIFT CAT.

  • According to the NIFT candidates, the GAT paper was very tricky. The majority of NIFT exam takers found the QA section difficult, however, the English section was easier. The current affairs and GK section were moderately easy.

  • Candidates appearing for the M.FTech and B.FTech admission to the NIFT entrance exam 2022 found GAT questions moderately difficult. Other students found Analytical & Logical Ability questions quite tricky to answer.

NIFT Exam Analysis 2021 - Creative Ability Test (CAT)

In the Creative Ability Test (CAT), a total of 3 questions with a maximum of 100 marks were asked. Most of the candidates found the question of the Creative Ability Test relatively easy while few other students found it moderately difficult. The three questions that were asked in CAT are as follows.

1. Design two options of virtual spaces for a webinar.

2. Design new emoji to express anyone -

  • Don't know

  • See you

  • Good Morning

  • Good night

  • Shhhh

3. Select any musical instrument to depict four different festivals of your choice. You can modify the design - shape, pattern, and colour of the selected musical instrument to represent a particular festival. Use the below-given boxes, one box per festival. Mention the name of the festival below each box.

NIFT Exam Analysis 2021 - General Ability Test (B.Des)

According to the NIFT 2021 exam analysis, the overall GAT paper was difficult to moderate. Most of the candidates found the Maths section of GAT difficult whereas, a few candidates found it moderate to difficult. The English section was easy. While the General Knowledge and Current Affairs were easy to moderate.

NIFT Exam Analysis 2021 - General Ability Test (B.Des)

Section

Number Question

Difficulty level

English Comprehension

25

Easy

Quantitative Ability

20

Difficult

Communication Ability

25

Moderate

Analytical Ability

15

Moderate to easy

General Knowledge and Current Affairs

15

Easy to moderate

NIFT Exam Analysis 2021 - General Ability Test (B.FTech)

In conversation with the correspondent of Careers360, Ashish Sharma said that the Quantitative section of GAT was difficult while he found Analytical and Logical Abilities difficult to moderate. Students found the English section easy.

NIFT Exam Analysis - General Ability Test (B.FTech)

Section

Number Question

Difficulty level

Quantitative ability

30

Difficult

Communication ability and English comprehension

45

Easy

Analytical and Logical Ability

25

Difficult to moderate

General Knowledge and Current Affairs

25

Easy

Case Study

25

Moderate

What are the questions asked in NIFT?

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) entrance exam consists of various sections, and the type of questions asked can vary based on the specific course. The NIFT exam includes the General Ability Test (GAT), Creative Ability Test (CAT), Situation Test, Group Discussions, and Personal Interview. The GAT tests reasoning and English skills, the CAT assesses design skills, the Situation Test evaluates practical skills, and the Group Discussions and Personal Interview assess conceptual clarity and communication skills. Candidates can refer to the NIFT sample papers and previous year's question papers to learn about NIFT questions.

NIFT Exam Analysis 2020

According to the exam analysis of NIFT, candidates were able to do well in the Creative Ability Test which was for three hours and they had to answer three questions. The marking scheme included two questions of thirty marks each and one of forty marks. The first session of the exam which is the Creative Ability Test concluded at 1:00 p.m.

In the General Ability Test, candidates found the Maths section as tough, English tricky, and General Knowledge easy for most of the candidates. The NIFT exam analysis includes the overall and sectional difficulty level of the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and the General Aptitude Test (GAT). It is with the help of the exam analysis of NIFT 2020 that candidates will know what are the type of questions that were asked in the entrance exam, and what was the duration of the exam.

NIFT 2020 Exam Analysis for General Ability Test

According to NIFT 2020 exam Analysis, the General Ability Test was easy. Candidates found the Maths section difficult, the general knowledge section was easy while the English comprehension section was quite tricky. There were 100 questions in which the candidates were asked in GAT and they had to answer them in two hours. There was a negative marking for every wrong answer.

NIFT Exam Analysis 2020 for Creative Ability Test

As per the students who appeared for the creative ability test, most of the candidates found the questions relatively easy while some of them found it moderately difficult. The three questions that were asked in the creative ability test are:

Q.1. A bike was given and candidates were asked to complete the picture by depicting either two animals or an animal or a human being or two human beings. Candidates had to give a caption form the same.

Q.2.Prepare a comic strip in which candidates were given four boxes were given and we had to make in black white

  1. Visiting a dentist

  2. My trip to mars

  3. Me as a fish

Q.3. There were three patterns that were given and it was of fabric and candidates had to colour as per them any one of the following themes. At the same time, candidates were also asked to write and tell the reason why they had used a particular colour.

  1. Travel

  2. Festival

  3. Meditation

NIFT 2019 Exam Analysis for Creative Ability Test

According to the exam analysis of NIFT 2019 for the creative ability test, candidates found the questions easy. They did not face any problem while answering the questions as they understood what was asked in it. In all, there were three questions.

One of the questions was wherein the candidate had to imagine themselves in 2050 and accordingly create a design using any of the following:

Candidates had to create an umbrella or roll lock or lunch box. The question was of thirty marks

As per NIFT 2019 exam analysis, there were five geometrical figures that were given and candidates had to create a design by using them. Here the candidates could not change the form, however, they could increase or decrease the size but no change in form was allowed.

By using these images candidates had to make either a letterbox or a wind chime or a personal desktop. This particular question was of 30 marks.

The third question that was asked in the creative ability test (CAT) of NIFT was that the candidates had to draw within the four boxes that were provided and they had to showcase the evolution or four stages of a particular thing. It could be a bird taking a flight from the ground into the sky, or how does a rose evolves from a bud to a flower or a shirt from being wet to the stage of drying. The question was of forty marks.

NIFT Exam Analysis 2019 for General Aptitude Test

According to the NIFT 2019 exam analysis, the overall GAT paper was easy. Different candidates found various sections easy or difficult. However, most of them found English easy while the majority of them found the quantitative ability section as difficult.

Total Number of Questions asked in GAT paper of NIFT 2020

S.No

Sections

Total number of Questions

1

English comprehension

25

2

English grammar

25

3

Mathematics

20

4

Reasoning

15

5

General Knowledge

15

General English - As per the exam analysis of NIFT 2019, the 25 general English questions that were asked were mainly related to synonyms, antonyms, the meaning of idioms.

Reasoning - The reasoning section was also easy. One of the questions that were asked in this section was heights were given of 5 friends and pointers were there then 5 questions were based on those Pointers like who was the shortest, who 2 had equal height etc

General Knowledge - According to the NIFT exam analysis, some students found the general knowledge section as easy while others found it difficult. Some of the questions that were asked in the general knowledge section are:

Q. Who wrote Malgudi Days

Q. Whose birth anniversary is celebrated as National Education Day on November 11.

Q. Who owns the FBB brand?

Q. Start something new - which brand has this tagline?

Q. Who is the brand ambassador of Aurelia?

Q. Which city was the largest dome in the world inaugurated by the vice president of India?

Q. Who is the author of Malgudi days?

Q. Who was captain of the Indian women's cricket team in the Caribbean tour?

Q. Live fit - from which brand?

Quantitative Ability - In this section, questions were asked from the following topics:

For Quantitative ability, questions were asked on topics such as:

  • Work and time

  • Time and speed (questions no trains)

  • LCM HCF

  • Profit and loss

  • Ratio and proportion

  • Simple interest and compound interest

  • Age questions

  • Find the factors of 72

  • Simple arithmetic equations etc

Top Design Entrance Exam

NIFT Exam Analysis 2019 for CAT

In NIFT CAT 2019, the maximum weightage given was 100 marks. Candidates can check the table below to know the types of questions asked in the same, along with the allotted marks.

S No

Question

Marks

1

Design any one product for the year 2050 from the following choices:

  • Umbrella

  • Lunch box

  • Door lock

30 Marks

2

Given the basic geometric shapes - rectangle, circle, hexagon, right-angled triangle, triangle over a circle (teardrop), you can rotate, repeat but not slice, create any one product given below and explain in 100 words.

  • Letterbox

  • Personal computer

  • Windchime

30 Marks

3

In the 4 boxes given, illustrate any one of the following

  • Bird flying taking flight

  • Rosebud to bloom

  • Steps of a wet shirt being dried

40 Marks

NIFT Exam Analysis 2018

NIFT 2018 GAT paper was according to students' expectations. The reading comprehension passages, however, were moderately difficult and lengthy. Questions from general knowledge and fashion aptitude were a bit tricky, which included company branding and advertising. The paper also included questions from major fashion events and fairs such as the Vastra Fair, like the Gulf of Mannar in geography, politics, and current affairs. Despite the paper being a bit difficult, students were able to finish the paper on the stipulated time.

In CAT, students were asked 3 questions with choices. The first question which was for 40 marks was based on instructional design. In the same question, four boxes were given and the student was asked to draw the steps involved to change a bulb or make a paper boat. The second question was also for 40 marks and was based on design wherein students were asked to make a bag either for marriage, a picnic, or for shopping. The third question was based on graphics for 20 marks. Students were asked to depict their personalities with basic geometric shapes. The questions in this section tested students' graphic design ability.

NIFT Exam Analysis 2017

As per NIFT exam analysis 2017, the Creative Ability Test (CAT) was tough and it tested students’ overall expertise of drawing abilities, sense of perspective, technicalities of drawing, and creative visualization. The paper had three questions, each with a choice of three options. The first question was from the ‘Space Design’ category wherein students had to draw any one of the following scenes:

  1. The view of the traffic signal from inside the car.

  2. A street play is being organized.

  3. A community festival celebration.

The second question in the NIFT entrance exam was based on visual graphics, where students had to illustrate in colour a print on a T-shirt based on any one of the following:

  1. Music is the soul of life.

  2. Save future wildlife.

  3. Dignity to aged.

The third question was communication through the doodle kind where the students had to express the distinction between the given pair of words through two separate visuals in given boxes.

  1. Balanced/ Unbalanced

  2. Crispy/ Soggy

  3. Cluttered/ Uncluttered

Browse Top Fashion Design Colleges by Location

NIFT Exam Analysis 2016

In 2016, students attempted three questions in the Creative Ability Test (CAT). The first question was based on color sensibilities where students were given four themes and they were required to do any two. Students had to show the transformation from one to another through colors. The choices were (a) Cocoon to butterfly (b) Dawn to Night (c) Spring to Autumn and (d) Shiny metallic to Rust. A total of 30 marks was allotted to this section.

Again, in the second question, students were given four choices of which students had to attempt any two. Students' ability to interpret the color and their emotional connection with the same was tested. The themes were (a)Sorrow (b) Happiness (c) Rebellious (d) Astonishment. This question was of 30 marks.

According to NIFT exam analysis 2016, the third question was aimed at testing students' design ability. In this particular question, students were not allowed to color or shade. They had to design four products, which carried 40 marks. The products should have been designed in any of the shapes chosen - triangle, square, circle, and rectangle. The categories asked were (a) A textile print (b) A footwear product (c) A table utility product (d) A clothing utility product.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When is NIFT 2026 exam
A:

NIFT 2026 exam will be held tentatively in the second week of February 2026.

Q: Is NIFT exam tough?
A:

As per previous year exam analysis, NIFT entrance exam is generally of moderate difficulty level. 

Q: Is situation test compulsory?
A:

For admission into NIFT B.Des programme, the situation test is a compulsorty step.

Articles
|
Upcoming Design Exams
Ongoing Dates
SEED Application Date

1 Aug'25 - 28 Dec'25 (Online)

Ongoing Dates
GLS DAT Application Date

17 Aug'25 - 22 Jan'26 (Online)

Ongoing Dates
WUDAT Application Date

8 Sep'25 - 30 Dec'25 (Offline)

Certifications By Top Providers
Graphics and Animation Development
Via National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research, Chandigarh
Certificate Program in Machine Learning and AI with Python
Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Computer Fundamentals
Via Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore
Artificial Intelligence Knowledge Representation and Reasoning
Via Indian Institute of Technology Madras
Udemy
 1087 courses
Coursera
 505 courses
Edx
 330 courses
Vskills
 157 courses
Swayam
 136 courses
Explore Top Universities Across Globe

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