What Types Of Questions Are Asked In NIFT Exam
  • What Types Of Questions Are Asked In NIFT Exam

What Types Of Questions Are Asked In NIFT Exam

Ritika JonwalUpdated on 06 Feb 2026, 01:06 PM IST

Students preparing for the NIFT entrance exam, one of the first questions that pops up in their mind is “What kind of questions are asked in NIFT exam?”And honestly, that’s a smart question to ask. Because NIFT is not a typical theory-based exam. It tests you on the basis of how you think, observe, analyse, and visualise, not how well students can mug up the facts.Hence,in this article, we will break down exactly what type of questions are asked in NIFT exam, covering CAT and GAT which will help students to prepare accordingly and help to boost ther NIFT 2026 preparation.

This Story also Contains

  1. Understanding the NIFT Pattern Over the Last 5 Years
  2. NIFT-GAT Trends Over The Last 5 Years
  3. NIFT-CAT Trends Over The Last 5 Years
  4. What Type of Questions Are Asked in NIFT GAT?
  5. NIFT-GAT Practice Questions and Answers
  6. NIFT-CAT Practice Questions and Answers
  7. How to Use These Questions To Prepare For NIFT 2026
What Types Of Questions Are Asked In NIFT Exam
What Types Of Questions Are Asked In NIFT Exam

Understanding the NIFT Pattern Over the Last 5 Years

As per the NIFT 2026 exam pattern, the changes observed in the last 5 years are as follows:

  • NIFT - CAT is now more focused on ideas than drawing skills - Candidates do not need perfect sketches. Clear ideas, creativity, and storytelling are given more importance.

  • NIFT-GAT has become very important for final ranks - Earlier ignored by many students, GAT now plays a key role in rank separation in NIFT 2026, especially when CAT scores are similar.

  • Reasoning and English are the main scoring areas in NIFT-GAT - These sections carry more weight than difficult maths or memorising static GK.

  • Maths questions are simple but concept-based - A strong understanding of basic concepts is enough; heavy calculations are usually not required.

  • Fashion and design awareness is now compulsory - Questions related to designers, fashion trends, sustainability, and the fashion industry appear every year.

  • Questions now take more time to solve - The paper has become lengthier, making speed and smart question selection very important.

  • Recent question papers matter the most - Practising NIFT sample papers and NIFT previous years question papers helps students to enhance their preparation.

  • Time-bound practice is essential - Attempting regular NIFT mock tests help student to improve their speed, accuracy and confidence.

NIFT-GAT Trends Over The Last 5 Years

  • NIFT GAT cannot be ignored anymore. If you take it lightly, it can seriously affect your rank. This section now helps separate top scorers from average ones.

  • Reasoning and English matter the most. These two sections together are more important than tough maths or memorising static GK facts.

  • Fashion and design knowledge is a must. Questions related to fashion, design, and industry trends come every year, so skipping this part is risky.

  • Speed and accuracy are more important than attempting everything. It’s better to solve fewer questions correctly than rush and make mistakes.

  • Practising NIFT's previous years' question papers helps the most.

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NIFT-CAT Trends Over The Last 5 Years

  • NIFT CAT has shifted from simple drawing tasks to concept-driven design problems
  • Storytelling and situation-based questions are now recurring
  • Idea clarity and originality matter more than advanced drawing skills.

  • Questions are becoming slightly lengthier, making time management crucial.

What Type of Questions Are Asked in NIFT GAT?

The General Ability Test (GAT) is objective (MCQ-based) and checks your aptitude, awareness, and language skills.

Type of Questions Asked in NIFT GAT - Section-wise Distribution

The most expected questions for NIFT GAT exam are summarised below in a tabular format.

GAT Section

Types of Questions That Can be Asked

Focus Areas

Quantitative Ability

Percentages, ratio, profit & loss, time & work, speed & distance, averages

Concept clarity over heavy calculations

Communication Ability

Vocabulary, synonyms & antonyms, sentence correction, reading comprehension

Practical English usage and language understanding

English Comprehension

Short passages, inference-based questions, tone and main idea

Reading speed, comprehension, and time management

Analytical Ability & Logical Reasoning

Series, patterns, blood relations, direction sense, logical deductions

Logical thinking and problem-solving skills

General Knowledge & Current Affairs

Fashion industry updates, designers, brands, awards, events, trends

Fashion awareness + current affairs knowledge

Type of Questions Asked in NIFT CAT - Section-wise Distribution

The most likely topics to appear in the NIFT-CAT 2026 exam are tabulated below.

Questions based on

Types of Questions That Can be Asked

What NIFT Is Likely to Test

Theme-Based Drawing

Drawing based on social issues, environment, or daily life themes

Creativity, imagination, and awareness

Scene Visualisation

Visualising real-life situations like classrooms, markets, public spaces, or travel

Observation, perspective, and detailing

Storytelling

Creating a short story using drawings or sequential panels

Narrative skills, expressions, and continuity

Product Design

Designing a product for specific users (kids, elderly, travellers, differently-abled)

User-centric thinking and innovation

Creative Problem Solving

Visual solution for a real-life design problem

Practical creativity and logical thinking

Pattern Making

Creating patterns using objects, shapes, or cultural elements

Design sense, repetition, and balance

Colour Composition

Applying colours to enhance mood and meaning

Colour harmony and presentation skills

Concept Illustration

Drawing abstract ideas like sustainability, movement, balance, or unity

Concept clarity and imagination

Material Representation

Showing textures like fabric, wood, metal, or glass

Visual understanding and finishing

NIFT-GAT Practice Questions and Answers

To help students better understand the format of the exam and the kinds of questions that may be asked in the NIFT GAT 2026, a few example questions from the NIFT General Ability Test are provided below.

Q1. Which fabric is known for its breathability and moisture-wicking properties, making it suitable for activewear?

A) Silk

B) Denim

C) Polyester

D) Bamboo

Correct Option - (D)

Explanation - The correct answer is D. Bamboo fabric is known for its breathability and moisture-wicking properties, making it a popular choice for activewear.

Q2. What is the purpose of a fashion runway show?

A) To sell clothing directly to consumers

B) To showcase a designer's latest collection to the press and buyers

C) To provide a platform for amateur models

D) To test the durability of clothing

Correct Option - (B)

Explanation - The correct answer is B. Fashion runway shows are primarily intended to showcase a designer's latest collection to the press and potential buyers, generating interest and orders for the upcoming season's clothing.

Q3.Thiruvalluvar is a famous poet of which language?

[A] Tamil

[B] Telugu

[C] Urdu

[D] Malayalam

Correct Option - (A)

Explanation - Thiruvalluvar Day is celebrated in Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal celebrations. On the occasion of Thiruvalluvar Day, chief minister MK Stalin launched the ‘Vallalar Palluyir Kappagangal’, a Rs 20 crore scheme announced for animal welfare.

Q4.Who is known as the ‘Steel Man of India’?

[A] O P Jindal

[B] Jamshed J Irani

[C] Jamsetji Tata

[D] Lakshmi Mittal

Correct Option - (C)

Explanation - Jamsetji Tata served as the Managing Director of Tata Steel in 1992 before retiring in 2001. Irani retired from the board of Tata Steel in June 2011, leaving behind a legacy of 43 years. He was conferred the Padma Bhushan in 2007 for his contribution to industry. Dr Irani was also the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Government of India in 2008 for his services in metallurgy.

Q5.Direction: From the given answer figures, select the one in which the question figure is hidden/embedded.


A)

B)

C)

D)

Correct Option - (C)

Explanation - Because there is no restriction on the rotation of the figure, we will check all the possible angles where the question figure can fit itself in the given option figures.By comparison of all the option figures, the given question figure is embedded only in the third option figure.

Q6..Direction: In the following figure, a rectangle represents Film critics, a circle represents Bakers, a triangle represents divers, and a square represents Football players. Which set of letters represents Football players who are not Divers?



A) ED

B) FD

C) GH

D) DC

Correct Option - (C)

Explanation - Both E and D are the letters that represent Football players who are not Divers.



Q7.Direction: How many quadrilaterals are there in the given figure?


A) 2

B) 3

C) 4

D) 5


Correct Option - (A)

Explanation - The given figure can be labeled as shown below –

There are 2 quadrilaterals in the above-labeled figure.

Namely, ABFE, and ABCE.

Hence, the first option is correct.

Q8. If Rs.2000 amounts to Rs.2500 in 2 years at simple interest, what is the rate of interest per annum?

A] 8%
B] 37.5%
C] 25%
D] 12.5%

Correct Option - (D)

Explanation

I = A-P

= 2500 -2000 = 500

500 /2000 x 100 = 25 %

Interest for 2 years = 25 %

Interest for 1 years = 25% /2 = 12.5 %

Q9. The ratio of two numbers is 2:5. Their LCM is 120. Determine the second number.

A] 24

B] 45

C] 60

D] 85

Correct Option - (C)

Explanation

2 : 5 = 120

2x : 5x = 120
10x = 120
x = 12
Second number is 60

Q10. Direction: If the word PRINCIPAL is written as LAPICNIRP, how ADOLESCENCE can be written in that code?

A) ECNCESELODA

B) ECNECSLEODA

C) ECNESCEELODA

D) ECNECSELODA

Correct Option - (D)

Explanation - Given:

PRINCIPAL is written as LAPICNIRP.

Here, the code is obtained after reversing the order of the letters in the word.

Similarly, ADOLESCENCE will be coded as ECNECSELODA.

Hence, the fourth option is correct.

NIFT-CAT Practice Questions and Answers

Given below are a few sample questions from the NIFT Creative Ability Test so that students can have a better idea of the exam structure and the types of questions that can be asked in the NIFT 2026 CAT examination.

Ques:

1769601824665

Solution:

1769601824950

English numbers 3, 5, and 7 are integrated in a unique and creative way for a conceptual sketch of a public park.

Approach:

  1. Understand the question first. Sit with the question and understand what is required from the solution. Hasty work often lets you make mistakes.

  2. Choose three numbers and decide the format (e.g., Roman numerals, English digits, etc.).

  3. Think of creative ways to incorporate the numbers into your drawing.

  4. Sketch lightly at first to adjust and fit the design.

  5. Enhance the drawing with simple details to represent the theme more clearly.

  6. Double-check that the selected numbers are prominent and integrated into the design.

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Ques:

1769601825034

Solution:

1769601825157

Name of the Fruit: Berrylucose

Three Unique Properties:

  • Energy Boosting: Instantly restores energy levels by breaking down into glucose upon consumption.

  • Medicinal Benefits: Each fruit pod contains nano-capsules for curing common ailments like headaches or fatigue.

  • Self-Regenerating: The fruit regrows on its tree within hours, making it an endless source of food.

Approach:

  1. Read the requirements to understand how a creative and innovative approach is needed to create the solution.

  2. Since the question is based on a futuristic approach, visually showing futuristic elements and patterns will be required to be incorporated.

  3. Draw a berry-like structure with futuristic patterns infused (hexagons or circuits) to show it is artificially grown.

  4. Included features such as tiny embedded pods for vitamin capsules or glowing veins.

  5. Make neat and appealing designs with clear visuals for easy understanding by the jury.

Ques:

Make a black and white comic strip with a plot set in covid times using characters of any one of the following :-

A) Tenali Rama

B) Vikram Betal

C) Akbar Birbal

Ans: b) Based on Vikram Betal

1769601825226

Ques:

You are given:

  • Circle/bracket

  • S-shaped curved line

  • U-shaped line/arch

  • Straight line

  • Triangle/slant line/ square bracket

Design any one of the following:

  • A. Automobile

  • B. Piece of Utility

  • C. Weighing scale

(you can resize, rotate, and even repeat the same shape)

Ans:

1769601825270

How to Use These Questions To Prepare For NIFT 2026

  • Begin your NIFT 2026 preparation by solving these questions without time limits to build strong conceptual clarity.

  • Focus on understanding the exam pattern and question types asked in NIFT CAT and GAT.

  • Re-attempt the questions under timed conditions to improve speed and time management.

  • Analyze each answer carefully to identify strengths and weak areas.

  • Use these questions to recognize high-weightage topics and frequently asked concepts in the NIFT exam.

  • Revise weak sections such as design aptitude, visualization, logical reasoning, and general awareness regularly.

  • Practice consistently to build confidence, accuracy, and exam readiness.

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