UPES B.Des Admissions 2026
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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.
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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 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.
Idea clarity and originality matter more than advanced drawing skills.
Questions are becoming slightly lengthier, making time management crucial.
The General Ability Test (GAT) is objective (MCQ-based) and checks your aptitude, awareness, and language skills.
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 |
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 |
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.
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:

Solution:

English numbers 3, 5, and 7 are integrated in a unique and creative way for a conceptual sketch of a public park.
Approach:
Understand the question first. Sit with the question and understand what is required from the solution. Hasty work often lets you make mistakes.
Choose three numbers and decide the format (e.g., Roman numerals, English digits, etc.).
Think of creative ways to incorporate the numbers into your drawing.
Sketch lightly at first to adjust and fit the design.
Enhance the drawing with simple details to represent the theme more clearly.
Double-check that the selected numbers are prominent and integrated into the design.
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Ques:

Solution:

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:
Read the requirements to understand how a creative and innovative approach is needed to create the solution.
Since the question is based on a futuristic approach, visually showing futuristic elements and patterns will be required to be incorporated.
Draw a berry-like structure with futuristic patterns infused (hexagons or circuits) to show it is artificially grown.
Included features such as tiny embedded pods for vitamin capsules or glowing veins.
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

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:

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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