Exam Pattern and Syllabus
NIFT Exam Pattern
The NIFT entrance exam has different papers for different programmes. In 2026, the General Ability Test (GAT) was computer-based and the Creative Ability Test (CAT) was pen-and-paper. GAT has negative marking: +1 for a correct answer, −0.25 for a wrong answer and 0 for an unattempted question. The pattern below is from the NIFT 2026 Information Bulletin and Admission Guidelines.
Paper by Programme
Programme | Stage 1 test(s) | Stage 2 |
|---|---|---|
B.Des | GAT (CBT): 100 questions, 120 min + CAT (PBT): 3 questions, 180 min | Situation Test |
B.FTech | GAT: 150 questions, 180 min (Section A 100 + Section B 50) | — |
B.FTech + B.Des | GAT: 150 questions + CAT: 3 questions | Situation Test (for B.Des) |
M.Des | GAT: 120 questions, 120 min + CAT: 3 questions, 3 hours | Personal Interview |
MFM | GAT: 150 questions, 180 min (including 30 case-study questions in Section B) | Personal Interview |
MFTech | GAT: 150 questions, 180 min | Personal Interview |
B.Des GAT: Section-wise Questions
Section | Questions |
|---|---|
Communication Ability and English Comprehension | 40 |
General Knowledge and Current Affairs | 25 |
Quantitative Ability | 20 |
Analytical and Logical Ability | 15 |
Total | 100 (120 minutes) |
B.FTech GAT Section B
Section B area | Questions |
|---|---|
Quantitative Ability | 15 |
Analytical and Logical Ability | 15 |
Case Study | 20 |
Total | 50 (60 minutes) |
Section A of the B.FTech GAT is the same as the B.Des GAT (100 questions in 120 minutes), making a total of 150 questions in 180 minutes.
Exam Day Timings (2026)
Programme | Timing |
|---|---|
B.Des | GAT 10:00 am – 12:00 noon · CAT 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm |
B.FTech, MFM, MFTech | GAT 10:00 am – 1:00 pm |
Key Takeaways
B.Des: GAT (100 Qs) + CAT (3 Qs), then Situation Test.
B.FTech: GAT only — 150 questions in two sections.
PG programmes: GAT (plus CAT for M.Des), then interview.
GAT marking: +1 correct, −0.25 wrong.
Pro Tip: In GAT, skip questions you cannot narrow down — each wrong answer costs a quarter mark.
Source: NIFT Admissions 2026 Information Bulletin and Admission Guidelines; NTA public notice (08.12.2025)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NIFT exam online or offline?
In 2026, GAT was computer-based (CBT) and CAT was pen-and-paper (PBT).
Is there negative marking in NIFT?
Yes, in GAT: +1 for a correct answer and −0.25 for a wrong answer.
How many questions are there in NIFT B.Des GAT?
100 questions in 120 minutes across four sections.