Home Newsroom NIFT Exam: Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Job Prospects

NIFT Exam: Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Job Prospects

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) conducts an entrance exam for admission to its various undergraduate and postgraduate programs in design, such as Bachelor of Design (B.Des), Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.FTech), Master of Design (M.Des), Master of Fashion Management (MFM), and Master of Fashion Technology (M.FTech).

NIFT Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate Programs (B.Des and B.FTech)

B.Des: Candidates must have passed or be appearing in the 12th grade from a recognised Central/State Board of Secondary Examination.

B.FTech: Candidates must have passed or be appearing in the 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognised Central/State Board of Secondary Examination.

Age Limit: Candidates should be less than 24 years of age as of August 1 of the admission year (relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/PWD candidates).

Postgraduate Programs (M.Des, M.FTech, and MFM)

M.Des and MFM: Candidates must have an undergraduate degree from any institute/university recognized by law in India.

M.FTech: Candidates must have a B.FTech degree from NIFT or an equivalent degree from a recognized institute.

Age Limit: No age limit for postgraduate programs.

NIFT Exam Structure 

Exam 

Types of questions 

Mode of exam 

Duration of exam 

Creative Ability Test (CAT)

Descriptive and creative tasks

Offline (Pen and Paper)

3 hrs 

General Ability Test (GAT)

Objective (Multiple Choice Questions) 

Offline (Pen and Paper)

  • B.Des: 2 hrs
  • B.FTech, M.FTech, MFM: 3 hrs
  • M.Des: 2 hrs

Situation Test for B.Des

Practical test

Offline 

2 hrs 

Group Discussion and Personal Interview M.Des, MFM, and M.FTech


Face-to-Face Interview 

15- 30 minutes 

NIFT Exam Syllabus & Marking Pattern 

Exam 

Syllabus 

Number of questions 

Marks 

B.Des- Creative Ability Test (CAT) 

Tests creativity, innovation, and design ability

Typically 3 to 4 questions, varying each year

100 

B.Des- General Ability Test (GAT)

Quantitative Ability, Communication Ability, English Comprehension, Analytical Ability, General Knowledge and Current Affairs

100

100

Situation Test

This is for shortlisted candidates based on CAT and GAT, Test material handling and innovative ability

Typically 1 to 2 tasks

100

B.FTech, M.FTech, and MFM- General Ability Test (GAT)

Quantitative Ability, Communication Ability and English Comprehension, Analytical and Logical Ability, General Knowledge and Current Affairs, Case Study (specific to MFM and M.FTech)

150 

150 

M.Des- Creative Ability Test (CAT)

Tests creativity, innovation, and design ability.

Typically 3 to 4 questions, varying each year

100

M.Des- General Ability Test (GAT)

Quantitative Ability, Communication Ability and English Comprehension, Analytical Ability, General Knowledge and Current Affairs

120

120 

Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI)

This is for shortlisted candidates based on CAT and GAT.

Marks will be allotted based on evaluation criteria. 

To effectively prepare for the NIFT exam after grasping the syllabus, which covers verbal and non-verbal reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and more, click here to explore a variety of courses designed to help you succeed in this competitive exam.

What After NIFT Course Completion? 

After completing a program at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), graduates are poised for an array of promising career opportunities in the fashion and design sectors. Here are seven top career prospects:

Fashion Designer

Crafting apparel, accessories, or footwear for brands, retailers, or individual clients, specialising in areas such as couture or sustainable fashion.

Merchandiser

Strategise and oversee the production, marketing, and distribution of fashion products, ensuring alignment with market trends and consumer demands.

Fashion Stylist

Advising on fashion trends and curating outfits for media, entertainment, advertising, or personal clients to enhance their image and appeal.

Textile Designer

Innovating patterns and designs for textiles used in apparel, home furnishings, and other textile products, employing both digital tools and traditional techniques.

Fashion Retail Manager

Directing retail operations, including sales, inventory management, and customer service in physical stores or online platforms, while driving brand visibility and sales through strategic marketing.

Fashion Illustrator

Visualising and creating sketches or digital artworks of fashion designs, collaborating closely with designers to translate concepts into compelling visuals.

Fashion Entrepreneur

Establishing and managing their own fashion label, boutique, or online store, overseeing all aspects from design and production to marketing and sales.

Conclusion 

NIFT stands as a leading institution in India, shaping future leaders in fashion, design, technology, and management. Its highly competitive entrance exam opens doors to a world of creativity and innovation, offering students the chance to turn their passion into a dynamic career in the fashion industry. With a reputation for excellence, NIFT is the ultimate launchpad for aspiring fashion professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the NIFT entrance exam?

The NIFT entrance exam is a national-level test conducted by the National Institute of Fashion Technology for admission into its undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fashion design, technology, and management.

2. What is the eligibility criteria for the NIFT exam?

For undergraduate programs, candidates must have completed 10+2 from a recognized board. For postgraduate programs, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required.

3. What sections are included in the NIFT entrance exam?

The exam typically includes sections on the Creative Ability Test (CAT), General Ability Test (GAT), and Situation Test, which assesses creativity, design skills, and problem-solving abilities.

4. Is there a negative marking in the NIFT exam?

No, there is no negative marking in the NIFT entrance exam.

5. How often is the NIFT exam conducted?

The NIFT entrance exam is conducted once a year, usually in January or February, with admissions for the upcoming academic year.

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Kaihrii Thomas
Associate Content Writer

Instinctively, I fall for nature, music, humour, reading, writing, listening, travelling, observing, learning, unlearning, friendship, exercise, etc., all these from the cradle to the grave- that's ME! It's my irrefutable belief in the uniqueness of all. I'll vehemently defend your right to be your best while I expect the same from you!

Updated On: 17 Oct'24, 06:05 PM IST