Careers360 Logo
ask-icon
share
    NIFT Exam Pattern 2027: Total Marks, Paper Pattern, Marking Scheme, No. of Questions

    NIFT Exam Pattern 2027: Total Marks, Paper Pattern, Marking Scheme, No. of Questions

    Sumeet SudarshanUpdated on 29 Apr 2026, 02:16 PM IST

    The National Institute of Fashion Technology will release the NIFT exam pattern 2027 on its official website - nift.ac.in. As per the NIFT 2027 exam pattern, there are two components in the NIFT entrance exam, which are the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and the General Ability Test (GAT). The GAT is a compulsory component of the NIFT entrance exam pattern for all programmes. In addition to the exam, candidates must also appear for the second stage of NIFT 2027, which consists of either a situation test for BDes or an interview for PG programmes.

    This Story also Contains

    1. NIFT Exam Pattern 2027 - Highlights
    2. NIFT 2027 Exam Pattern Details
    3. NIFT 2027 Exam Pattern UG Courses
    4. NIFT PG Exam Pattern 2027
    5. NIFT 2027 Negative Marking
    6. NIFT Exam Pattern 2027 for the Situation Test
    7. NIFT 2027 Section-Wise Weightage (GAT, CAT, Situation Test)
    8. NIFT 2027 Exam Timings
    NIFT Exam Pattern 2027: Total Marks, Paper Pattern, Marking Scheme, No. of Questions
    NIFT Exam Pattern

    For a better understanding of the NIFT 2027 exam pattern, aspirants are advised to refer to the previous year NIFT question papers. Read the complete article to know detailed information about the NIFT exam pattern 2027, including sections, types of questions, marking scheme and more.

    NIFT Exam Pattern 2027 - Highlights

    • As per the NIFT exam pattern details, the GAT test will be conducted online and the CAT test will be a paper-based test (PBT).
    • The GAT is compulsory for all programmes. However, the NIFT GAT paper pattern varies for different programmes.
    • The CAT is compulsory for BDes and MDes programmes.
    • The NIFT question paper pattern will be in 2 languages, i.e., Hindi and English.
    • The objective-type tests will have NIFT negative marking. The negative marks for any question will be 25% of the full marks for the question (for each wrong answer).

    NIFT 2027 Exam Pattern Details

    There are three main components to the NIFT exam pattern, which are given below

    • General Ability Test (GAT)
    • Creative Ability Test (CAT)
    • NIFT Situation Test (for BDes)
    Pearl Academy B.Des Admissions 2026

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

    JS Institute of Design UG Admissions 2026

    Outstanding Track Record in Placements.

    nift exam pattern

    NIFT 2027 Exam Pattern UG Courses

    The NIFT UG courses include BDes and BFTech. The NIFT GAT will be held in a computer-based test mode (CBT-online). The candidates are also advised to refer to the NIFT 2027 syllabus, along with the NIFT exam pattern. The NIFT CAT will be held in offline mode for the BDes programme

    A detailed description of the CAT and GAT exam pattern for all the courses is provided for your reference.

    NIFT GAT Exam Pattern 2027 - BDes

    Particulars

    B.Des admission

    Exam duration

    2 hours

    Mode of the exam

    Computer-Based Mode

    Medium of the exam

    English/Hindi

    The total number of questions

    100

    Total NIFT GAT marks

    100

    Also Check:

    NIFT 2026 College Predictor
    Check your admission chances for NIFT 2026 based on Home State, category, and expected rank. Use the College Predictor to explore best-fit campuses easily.
    Try Now

    NIFT Entrance Exam Pattern 2027 BDes - Number of questions

    NIFT BDes Entrance Exam Pattern

    BDes (Section-wise number of Questions)

    Communication Ability & English Comprehension

    40

    Quantitative Ability

    20

    Analytical and Logical Ability

    15

    Current Affairs and General Knowledge

    25

    Total

    100

    NIFT BFTech Exam Pattern 2027

    The BFTech course will consist of Sec-A and Sec-B in the GAT exam.

    Particular

    Details

    Exam duration

    3 hours

    Medium of the exam

    English/Hindi

    Mode of the exam

    Computer-Based Mode

    Total number of questions

    150 in Sec-A and 150 in Sec-B

    Browse Top Fashion Design Colleges by Location

    NIFT 2027 Entrance Exam Paper Pattern for BFTech - Number of questions

    Sections

    Sec-A

    Sec-B

    Communication Ability & English Comprehension

    40

    NIL

    Case Study

    NIL

    20

    Quantitative Ability

    20

    15

    Analytical & Logical Ability

    15

    15

    General Knowledge and Current Affairs

    25

    NIL

    Total number of questions

    100

    50

    NIFT 2027 Exam Pattern for CAT (Creative Ability Test)

    The Creativity Ability Test (CAT) will be for 3 hours as per the NIFT 2027 exam pattern. The NIFT CAT marks in total will be 100. As per NIFT CAT syllabus, the paper evaluates the candidate’s intuitive and design abilities, observation power in developing a concept and its design, innovative use of colour, and illustration skills. The NIFT CAT exam question paper will have questions that require drawn answers based on which students will be evaluated.

    NIFT PG Exam Pattern 2027

    Aspirants can check the NIFT exam pattern for MDes, MFTech, and MFM below.

    NIFT 2027 MDes Exam Pattern - Number of Questions

    Sections

    GAT

    Communication Ability & English Comprehension

    50

    Quantitative Ability

    20

    Analytical and Logical Ability

    25

    General Knowledge and Current Affairs

    25

    Total

    120

    Also Check:

    UPES B.Des Admissions 2026

    Last Date to Apply: 30th May | Ranked #45 amongst Universities in India by NIRF | Ranked #1 in Academic Reputation in India by QS World University Rankings

    MAHE Manipal BSc Animation 2026

    NAAC A++ Accredited | Accorded institution of Eminence by Govt. of India | NIRF Rank #3

    NIFT MFTech Exam Pattern - Number of questions

    Sections

    GAT

    Communication Ability & English Comprehension

    45

    Case Study

    25

    Quantitative Ability

    30

    Analytical & Logical Ability

    25

    General Knowledge and Current Affairs

    25

    Total number of questions

    150

    NIFT 2027 Exam Pattern - MFM Programme

    To get admitted to the NIFT MFM programme, the candidates must qualify for the NIFT entrance exam GAT test.

    NIFT MFM Exam Pattern 2027- Number of questions

    Sections

    GAT

    Communication Ability & English Comprehension

    50

    Case Study

    30

    Quantitative Ability

    20

    Analytical & Logical Ability

    25

    General Knowledge and Current Affairs

    25

    Total number of questions

    150

    NIFT 2027 Negative Marking

    The negative marking in NIFT 2027 is for the objective-type test. The NIFT negative marking is -0.25 (25% of full marks) for each incorrect answer. Candidates can check the NIFT paper pattern to know the negative marking in NIFT.

    NIFT Exam Pattern 2027 for the Situation Test

    The NIFT situation test is the second stage for candidates shortlisted for the BDes programme in the NIFT entrance exam. The situation test is a hands-on test conducted to evaluate the candidate’s skills to test the material handling and innovative ability with a provided set of materials in a given situation.

    Here in the situation test, the candidates have to create a model and that model will be evaluated on these parameters:

    • Space visualization
    • The composition of elements
    • Innovative and creative use of given material
    • Construction skill
    • The colour scheme
    • The finesse of the model
    • The overall presentation

    The above-mentioned parameters will be checked along with the write-up, explaining the concept/idea behind the model constructed. The write-up must be in the English language. No marks will be given for write-ups in any other language.

    NIFT 2027 Section-Wise Weightage (GAT, CAT, Situation Test)

    Programmes

    Weightage (As per last year)

    Bachelor of Design

    CAT: 50%

    GAT: 30%

    Situation Test: 20%

    Master of Design

    CAT: 40%

    GAT: 30% (Sec A)

    Personal Interview: 30%

    Bachelor of Fashion Technology

    GAT: 100% (Sec A: 30% & Sec B: 70%)

    Master of Fashion Technology

    GAT: 70%

    Personal Interview: 30%

    Master of Fashion Management

    GAT: 70%

    Personal Interview: 30%


    Top Design Entrance Exams

    NIFT 2027 Exam Timings

    The NIFT exam timings for each course will be scheduled and varied according to the test requirements of the programmes. Candidates will be advised to reach the examination centre at least an hour before the scheduled time to complete the pre-exam formalities, such as verification of the candidate and seat arrangements. Refer to the table below for NIFT exam timings as per last year.

    NIFT Exam Timings

    Programme

    Test

    Timings

    Bachelor of Design

    GAT

    CAT

    9:00 am to 11.00 am

    02.30 pm to 05.30 pm

    Bachelor of Fashion Technology

    GAT

    9:00 am to 12.00 pm

    Bachelor of Fashion Technology & Bachelor of Design

    GAT

    CAT

    9:00 am to 12.00 pm

    02.30 pm to 05.30 pm

    Master of Design

    GAT

    CAT

    9:00 am to 11.00 am

    02.30 pm to 05.30 pm

    Master of Fashion Technology

    GAT

    9:00 am to 12.00 pm

    Master of Fashion Management

    GAT

    9:00 am to 12.00 pm


    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: How many sections are there in the NIFT 2027 entrance exam?
    A:

    NIFT entrance exam consists of two broad sections - General Ability Test (GAT) and Creative Ability Test (CAT)

    Q: In what mode will the NIFT entrance exam 2027 be conducted?
    A:

    The NIFT 2027 entrance exam will be conducted in online mode for GAT and offline mode for CAT.

    Q: Is negative marking applicable for NIFT 2027 entrance exam?
    A:

    Yes, the NIFT entrance exam 2027 have negative markings. It is 25% of the full marks for the question (for each wrong answer).

    Q: How many times is NIFT entrance exam conducted in a year?
    A:

    The NIFT entrance exam is conducted once a year.

    Q: How many sections are there in NIFT GAT exam?
    A:

    The NIFT GAT exam will consist of two parts, i.e. Sec-A and Sec-B. 

    Q: How to prepare for the NIFT entrance exam 2026?
    A:

    Here are some of the preparation tips provided to prepare for the NIFT 2026 entrance exam.

    • Check and solve the NIFT question papers of previous years 
    • Develop creativity skill
    • Go through general knowledge books
    • Practice sketching and colouring with certain combinations of colours.
    Q: Is there negative marking in NIFT?
    A:

    Yes, there is NIFT exam negative marking in the GAT section. Total of 0.25 marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer in NIFT GAT exam. 

    Q: What is the exam pattern for the NIFT CAT paper?
    A:

    As per the NIFT 2026 exam pattern the Creativity Ability Test (CAT) is for 3 hours and the total marks for the NIFT CAT is 100. 

    Q: How many times is the NIFT exam conducted in a year?
    A:

    NIFT entrance exam is conducted once in a year by NTA.

    Q: How many attempts for NIFT?
    A:

    There is no certain limitation for NIFT attempts.

    Articles
    |
    Upcoming Design Exams
    Ongoing Dates
    ISDI Challenge DAT Others

    27 Feb'26 - 20 May'26 (Online)

    Ongoing Dates
    SMEAT Application Date

    16 Mar'26 - 17 May'26 (Online)

    Certifications By Top Providers
    Online Certificate Course on Cyber Laws
    Via Indian Law Institute, New Delhi
    Basic 3D Modeling using Blender
    Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
    Software Engineering Essentials
    Via Technical University of Munich, Munich
    Data Science for Engineers
    Via Indian Institute of Technology Madras
    Online MCA
    Via Dayananda Sagar University, Bangalore
    Online PGDCA
    Via MATS University, Raipur
    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,

    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