Exam Pattern and Syllabus
NIFT Syllabus: GAT and CAT
NIFT does not publish a chapter-wise syllabus like board exams. Instead, the bulletin describes the areas tested in each paper. Here is what to expect in GAT and CAT.
General Ability Test (GAT)
Area | What it covers |
|---|---|
Communication Ability and English Comprehension | Vocabulary, synonyms and antonyms, idioms and phrases, spelling, sentence correction, reading comprehension and everyday English usage |
Quantitative Ability | Arithmetic — percentages, ratio and proportion, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and work, speed and distance, averages, basic algebra and geometry |
Analytical and Logical Ability | Logical reasoning, inference from information, puzzles, series, coding-decoding, data interpretation and problem solving |
General Knowledge and Current Affairs | Current events, general awareness, and awareness of fashion, design, art, culture and business |
Case Study (B.FTech, MFM) | Situations from the apparel and fashion industry to test managerial and analytical thinking |
Creative Ability Test (CAT)
CAT is taken by B.Des and M.Des candidates. It tests intuitive ability, power of observation, concept development and design ability through drawing and illustration. In 2026, the B.Des CAT had 3 questions in 180 minutes and was a pen-and-paper test.
Sketching and illustration — people, objects and scenes
Use of colour and composition
Creative interpretation of a theme or situation
Originality of ideas and clarity of presentation
How Much Each Paper Counts (B.Des)
CAT carries 50% of B.Des final merit, GAT 30% and the Situation Test 20% — so creative ability matters most.
Key Takeaways
GAT: English, quantitative, reasoning and general knowledge (plus case study for B.FTech and MFM).
CAT: drawing, observation, colour and concept development.
CAT carries 50% weight in B.Des final merit.
Pro Tip: For GAT General Knowledge, follow fashion and design news along with general current affairs — questions often touch on brands, designers and textile heritage.
Source: NIFT Admissions 2026 Information Bulletin and Admission Guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
Does NIFT have an official syllabus?
NIFT describes the areas tested in GAT and CAT rather than a chapter-wise syllabus.
What is asked in NIFT CAT?
Drawing and creative tasks that test observation, concept development, colour sense and design ability.
Is GAT the same for B.Des and B.FTech?
Section A is the same; B.FTech candidates also take Section B with quantitative, reasoning and case-study questions.