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 Entrance Exam Application Date:08 Dec' 25 - 06 Jan' 26
Hey there aspiring candidates! The General Ability Test (GAT) and the Creative Ability Test (CAT) are two of the parts for the NIFT exams. Candidates can better grasp the format, types of questions, and degree of difficulty of the NIFT 2026 by referring to the previous year's question papers. We have compiled NIFT Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions PDFs to help candidates prepare. These papers include information about the topics addressed, weighting, question kinds, and degree of difficulty to help you prepare for the NIFT 2026 exam. The application for NIFT 2026 is available today on December 9th, 2025. The NIFTEE Stage 1 Exam application deadline is January 6th, 2026, with a regular fee. Applications with late fees will be accepted between January 7th, 2026, and January 10th, 2026. The date of the NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 is February 8th, 2026.
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You can download the previous year NIFT Entrance exam question papers from the links below.
NIFT Year Question Paper | Free pdf |
NIFT 2024 Question Paper | |
NIFT 2023 Question Paper | |
NIFT 2022 Question Paper | |
NIFT 2020 Question Paper | |
NIFT 2018 Question Paper | |
NIFT 2015 Question Paper | |
NIFT 2014 Question Paper | |
NIFT 2013 Question Paper | |
NIFT 2012 Question Paper |
In the last ten years, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) has altered the NIFT entrance exam pattern so as to better evaluate the capabilities of candidates and bring them closer to industry practices.
Feature | Before (2015-2018) | After (2019-2025) |
Exam Pattern (B.Des) | GAT and CAT with a more generalized structure, limited sectional division. | GAT structured into Quantitative Ability, Communication, GK/Current Affairs, and Analytical Ability. |
Exam Pattern (B.F.Tech) | Focused primarily on analytical and general aptitude. | GAT includes distinct sections for case studies and specialized quantitative abilities. |
Weightage (B.Des) | CAT: 40%, GAT: 40%, Situation Test: 20%. | CAT: 50%, GAT: 30%, Situation Test: 20%. |
Weightage (B.F.Tech) | GAT accounts for 100%, with no sectional adjustments. | GAT still 100% but restructured with specific focus areas for better assessment. |
Negative Marking Implementation: In the GAT section, the candidate is penalized by 0.25 marks for answering incorrectly. This is to promote candidates to engage their thought processes.
New Arrangement: The GAT is now administered in a computerized format (CBT), however, the CAT continues to be provided in traditional pen and paper format (PBT).
The GAT's Computer-Based Testing (CBT) will continue: The General Ability Test (GAT) is likely to remain a CBT exam with an expectation of improved efficiency regarding the exam results in the future. NIFT will arrange some mock tests and students should make sure to focus on the NIFT preparation strategies, in order to allow candidates to practice the CBT interface.
The Creative Ability Test (CAT) will be on Paper: The Creative Ability Tests are likely to retain their paper format for the time being. It is far easier to assess a candidate's drawing, creativity and visualization skills using traditional approaches. The focus remains on originality, conceptual thinking, and the desire to innovate.
Weightage Distribution: Weightage distributions for B.Des are expected to remain the same as follows:
EXAMS dates- 13-14 Dec | Leading Design College | Highest CTC: ₹12 LPA | Average CTC: ₹7.5 LPA | Scholarships for Deserving Students
NAAC A+ & NBA Accredited | QS I-Gauge Gold rated University | Scholarships available for Meritorious students | Application Deadline: 28th Feb’26
CAT: 50%
GAT: 30%
Situation Test: 20%
For B.F.Tech, the GAT will likely account for 100% of the assessment.
Modular GAT Focus: These parts of the syllabus will be included: Quantitative Ability, Communication Ability, English Comprehension, Analytical Ability, General Knowledge & Current Affairs
Expectations of candidates can be:
20 questions on Quantitative Ability
40 questions on Communication and English Comprehension
15-25 questions on analytical ability and general knowledge
Negative Marking for wrong answers: The negative marking rule (0.25 marks deduction for each incorrect answer) in GAT is expected to continue, urging candidates to attempt questions cautiously.
You may also check:
Aspiring students preparing for the NIFT 2026 exam are advised to go through these important free PDFs given below curated especially by experts to help them in their study strategies and score high in the exam:
| NIFT 2026 most important topics | Download Here |
| NIFT UG 2026 Last Minute Preparation Tips & Mock Tests | Download Here |
| NIFT 2026 Most Important Topics | Download Here |
On Question asked by student community
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!!
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
World-class design education with a global curricular collaboration with Parson’s School of Design
Ranked #45 amongst Universities in India by NIRF | Ranked #1 in Academic Reputation in India by QS World University Rankings
Ranked 2nd in the IIRF 2023 Design School Ranking | Approved by AICTE | Highest CTC 13 LPA
No. 1 Design & Fashion Institute by ASSOCHAM, India Today, Outlook and The Week rankings
EXAMS dates- 13-14 Dec | Leading Design College | Highest CTC: ₹12 LPA | Average CTC: ₹7.5 LPA | Scholarships for Deserving Students