The NIFT entrance exam pattern basically entails distribution of marks amongst various sections/phases of the NIFT entrance tests. These sections include – 1. Written Test including GAT (General Ability Test) and CAT (Creative Ability Test), 2.) Situation Test; 3.) Group Discussion and Personal Interview.
GAT is the first and most vital phase of the NIFT entrance exam. The exam is mandatory for all the courses available – Bachelor of Fashion Design (B.Des), Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.F.Tech), Master of Fashion Design (M.Des), Master of Fashion Technology (M.F.Tech), Master of Fashion Management (MFM). The next phase of the NIFT entrance exam is the CAT (Creative Ability Test). Only those candidates who are seeking admission in fashion design courses such as Bachelor of Fashion Design and Master of Fashion Design must appear for the CAT. After successfully passing both the exams, candidates proceed to appear for the final phase known as the Situation Test/ Group Discussion/ Personal Interview.
NIFT Exam Pattern – Tests and their Respective Weightage
| Course | Test & Weightage |
| Bachelor of Design | CAT – 50%
GAT – 30% Situation Test – 20% |
| Master of Design | CAT – 40%
GAT – 30% Group Discussion/ Personal Interview – 30% |
| Bachelor of Fashion Technology | GAT – 100% |
| Master of Fashion Technology | GAT – 70%
Group Discussion/ Personal Interview – 30% |
| Master of Fashion Management | GAT – 70%
Group Discussion/ Personal Interview – 30% |
NIFT Exam Pattern – General Ability Test (GAT) Pattern
BACHELORS OF FASHION DESIGN
| Section | Number of questions |
| Quantitative Ability | 20 |
| Communication Ability | 25 |
| Analytical Ability | 15 |
| General Knowledge and Current Affairs | 15 |
| English Comprehension | 25 |
MASTERS OF FASHION DESIGN
| Section | Number of questions |
| Quantitative Ability | 20 |
| Communication Ability | 30 |
| Analytical Ability | 25 |
| General Knowledge and Current Affairs | 15 |
| English Comprehension | 30 |
BACHELORS OF FASHION TECHNOLOGY AND MASTERS OF FASHION TECHNOLOGY
| Section | Number of questions |
| Quantitative Ability | 30 |
| Communication Ability & English Comprehension | 45 |
| Analytical & Logical Ability | 25 |
| General Knowledge and Current Affairs | 25 |
| Case Study | 25 |
MASTERS OF FASHION MANAGEMENT
| Section | Number of questions |
| Quantitative Ability | 10 |
| Communication Ability & English Comprehension | 50 |
| Analytical & Logical Ability | 25 |
| General Knowledge and Current Affairs | 25 |
| Case Study | 40 |
NIFT Exam Pattern – GAT Format
- The NIFT GAT exam will be conducted in the pen and paper mode for all the courses.
- The duration of the GAT exam for the Fashion Design courses is 2 hours.
- Total number of questions for Bachelors of Design course is 100 and for the Masters of Design course is 120.
- On the other hand, for the fashion technology courses, the total number of questions would be 150, for which they will be allotted a time duration of 3 hours.
- 0.25 marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer in the Fashion Technology exam. However, there will be no negative marking in the GAT exam of design course applicants.
NIFT Entrance Exam – Creative Ability Test (CAT) Format
CAT exam is the second phase of exam for the candidates appearing for admission in Bachelors of Design and Masters of Design courses. The exam basically is conducted to judge the creative and intuitive skills of the candidates, which are essential for any fashion designing aspirant. The impeccable use of illustration skills along with exquisite use of the resources for preparing the model, are the two most important components of the exam. There will be three questions which together makes it a 100 marks exam. The duration of the CAT examination is 3 hours and it will be conducted in paper and pencil mode (drawing).
NIFT Exam Pattern – Situation Test
- Eligible candidates applying for Bachelors of Design course have to attend the Situation Test after successfully passing both GAT and CAT written exams.
- The marks are evaluated on the basis of material handling, innovative skills and observation of the candidates.
- A jury of professionals access the finesse of the model created by the candidate with the usage of the available resources.
- Candidates must also explain the concept and idea behind their model in a short write up. They must pen down the write-up in English language.
- Whoever impresses the jury with their combination of colour scheme and composition of elements score higher marks in the test and eventually get selected.
NIFT Entrance Exam Pattern – Group Discussion/ Personal Interview
- Those candidates who clear the written exam (GAT) for the Masters of Fashion Technology, Masters of Fashion Design and Masters of Fashion Management are shortlisted for the final Group Discussion and Personal Interview round.
- Candidates are judged on the basis of their in-depth knowledge of the subject, general awareness, creative and lateral thinking.
- Aspirants must have firm hold on topics like leadership qualities, conceptual clarity and career orientation.
- The duration of the personal interview is between 15-30 minutes.
NIFT Entrance Exam Pattern – FAQ’s
Q.1- What is the parameter of selection for the NIFT Bachelors of Fashion Technology course?
Ans- The only parameter of selection for the NIFT Bachelors of Fashion Technology course is getting qualifying marks in the GAT written exam. The 3-hour exam consists of 150 questions. Candidates applying for the Bachelors of Fashion Technology course do not need to appear for the Situation Test or Personal Interview.
Q.2- What is the weightage/pattern of entrance exam for the NIFT Bachelor of Design course?
The weightage/pattern of NIFT entrance exam for the Bachelor of Design course is CAT- 50 %, GAT- 30 % and Situation test- 20 %. GAT and CAT are both 3-hour tests of 100 marks each.
Q.3- Is the Situation Test mandatory for every candidate applying for the NIFT entrance test?
No, the Situation Test is given by only those candidates who have applied for the Bachelors of Design course and have been shortlisted on the basis of their qualifying marks in the GAT and CAT written exams.
Q.4- Which candidates are eligible for the GD/PI round of NIFT entrance examination?
Candidates who have applied for courses like Masters of Fashion Technology, Masters of Fashion Design and Masters of Fashion Management are eligible for the NIFT GD/PI round. Only those students who have been shortlisted after qualifying the GAT exam may appear for this round.
