NIFT and NID is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually. These institutes offer various programs of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. These exams are designed to test a candidate’s creativity skills like drawing, visualization, writing, and many more. Every year 40,000 students appear for the entrance exam across India and are selected based on the merit list. There are instances when students think about how to prepare for NIFT or what are the strategies, tips, and tricks to clear the NIFT exam, etc. Candidates need to devise a strategy to crack the NIFT entrance exam.
Steps to Prepare for NIFT Entrance Exam:FT
If cracking NIFT is your ultimate goal, then there are certain tips to follow right from day one or the beginning of the preparation:
- Know the syllabus: Every exam pattern has a syllabus to prepare and so the NIFT has. Go through the important topics and NIFT entrance exam syllabus before preparation.
- Sample papers and Mock tests: have a look at the sample papers, solved previous question papers, and mock tests of at least 10 years. This gives a rich idea of the question pattern.
- Try to Crack the Question Pattern: Solving question papers of the last 10 years will give you an idea of the exam question pattern and marking techniques. You can join best designing coaching institute in Patna for guidance in NIFT preparation.

NIFT Exam Structure, Stages, and Guidance:
NIFT exam is conducted in a three-tier process. To secure admission in design courses through NIFT, students need to appear for the Creativity Ability Test (CAT), General Ability Test (GAT) along with Situation Test and GD/PI. The exam is conducted for multiple courses:
- B. Des (Bachelor of Design)
- BF Tech (Bachelor of Fashion Technology)
- M. Des (Master of Design)
- MFM (Master of Fashion Management)
- MF Tech (Master of Fashion Technology)
NIFT CAT Exam:
It is a paper pencil-based test. The duration is for three hours in which students are given three to four subjective questions where they need to make sketches and answer the questions put forth to them.
NIFT GAT Exam:
Candidates need to appear GAT for admission in all courses like B. Des, BF Tech, M. Des, etc.
NIFT Situation Test:
Candidates who clear the NIFT entrance exam are eligible to appear for the NIFT situation test. GD/PI:
It is a professional interaction round for students who clear the first phase of NIFT M. Des, MFM and MF Tech.
GD/PI:
It is a professional interaction round for students who clear the first phase of NIFT M. Des, MFM and MF Tech.
Recommended Read: 10 Basic elements for Fashion Designing everyone should know
How to prepare for NIFT CAT/GAT /Situation Test
NIFT CAT is particularly designed to assess the drawing skills, observations, and visualisation abilities along with testing the writing skills. It has a wide range of topics to cover. Hence, you can face any type of questions based on different topics. Students need to focus on the creative part to score good marks.
To score the maximum marks in GAT, students are required to focus on General knowledge, Mathematics up to class 10th level should have a logical bend of mind and continuous use of English as a language.
Some Tips on How to Crack NIFT Entrance Exam
In the NIFT Situation Test, every student is evaluated on their ability to handle the material provided to them to make 3D models. Here, think of a concept first sketch what you have in mind, and thereafter try to create the same using different materials.
- The practice is the key to success. Try to sketch almost everything and anything seen around you.
- Take ideas from advertisements, posters, banners, etc.
- Browse information through the newspaper, magazines, and online sites.
- Ignore erasing while sketching it will help your line become more confident.
- Give importance to detailing where ever required.
- While sketching first make a light sketch and later darken the drawing once you are a pro at it
- Stick to the prescribed syllabus of the NIFT entrance exam.
Tips To crack NIFT Interviews:
Every candidate who aspires to take admissions in Design College must be prepared for the final round of interview. It is one to one professional interaction conducted by authorities. The candidates will have to face a panel of interview and have to answer their questions.
Things to remember during the NIFT interview:
#1 Be Punctual: It is mandatory to reach the venue on time for an interview.
#2 Dress Appropriately: Though there is not any specific dress code for the interview you should dress formally.
#3 Be Confident: Being confident is the key to a smooth interview. Try to maintain eye contact as this will show that you are well aware of the questions asked.
#4 Good Manners are always appreciated: Maintaining basic etiquette is always noticed by the interviewers. Thank and greet them politely. Do not be rude while replying.
#5 Carry a comprehensive portfolio: Make sure you carry an all-inclusive portfolio before leaving for the interview. Also carry your best work as panelists will be interested in having a look.
#6 Using slang is a big NO: An interview is a formal event so make sure not to use slang while replying to the panelists.
#7 Do your homework: It will be helpful if you have done your homework/research about the course and college you are applying for, this shows that you are interested in getting admission in that particular college.
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