Nine weeks is enough to build a solid NIFT preparation if you split your time well. This guide covers the key dates, the exam pattern, what each paper tests and a week-by-week plan. For the full admission process, read our NIFT Admission 2027 guide.
NIFT 2027 Key Dates
- Application opened: 16 October 2026
- Last date to apply (regular fee): 16 November 2026
- Last date with late fee: 21 November 2026
- Application correction window: 22 to 25 November 2026
- NIFT 2027 exam: Sunday, 10 January 2027 (GAT at 9 AM, CAT from 3 PM to 6 PM)
- Situation Test / Interview: March to April 2027
Have you not applied yet? Apply on exams.nta.nic.in/niftee before 16 November to avoid the late fee, and read the information bulletin first.
NIFT 2027 Exam Pattern for B.Des
NIFT admission has two stages.
Stage 1: Written exam
- GAT (General Ability Test): Computer-based, objective. For B.Des it is a 120-minute paper with 100 questions. A correct answer gets +1 and a wrong answer loses 0.25.
- CAT (Creative Ability Test): Pen-and-paper, 3 hours, subjective and drawing-based. There is no negative marking.
Stage 2: Situation Test
A hands-on round where you build a 3D model from given materials. There is no negative marking.
Final merit for B.Des: CAT 50%, GAT 30% and Situation Test 20%.
CAT carries the highest weight, so drawing and design thinking deserve most of your time. Other programmes follow different patterns, such as B.FTech, which is GAT only, so check the bulletin for your course.
What Each Paper Tests
GAT Topics
GAT is an objective test covering quantitative ability, communication and English comprehension, reasoning, and general knowledge and current affairs.
CAT Topics
CAT checks design theory, colour terminology, elements and principles of design, optical illusions, form and function, and drawing fundamentals. It also tests observation, creativity and how clearly you communicate an idea through sketches.
Situation Test
This tests material handling, conceptualisation, aesthetic appeal, colour scheme and composition, usually with a short written concept note. Check the bulletin and admit card for the permitted materials.
How to Prepare for Each Paper
GAT preparation
- Practise quantitative and reasoning questions daily with a timer.
- Read English passages and revise grammar and vocabulary.
- Follow current affairs and basic fashion, art and design general knowledge.
- Be careful with guessing. The negative mark of 0.25 punishes careless attempts.
CAT preparation
- Practise drawing every day: objects, people, scenes and fashion figures.
- Study colour wheels, colour schemes and design principles such as balance, rhythm and contrast.
- Practise turning a theme into a clear idea, with a sketch and a few labels.
- Take timed 3-hour practice papers to build stamina.
Situation Test preparation
- Practise making 3D models from paper, card, fabric scraps and similar materials.
- Work within a time limit and keep your model neat and stable.
- Practise writing a short concept note that explains your idea.
9-Week NIFT Study Plan
| Week | Dates | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9-15 Nov | Submit your application. Read the bulletin. Start daily sketching and GAT basics. |
| 2 | 16-22 Nov | Cover design theory and colour basics. Start sectional GAT practice. |
| 3 | 23-29 Nov | Use the correction window (22-25 Nov) only if needed. Begin timed CAT practice. |
| 4 | 30 Nov-6 Dec | Basic model-making for the Situation Test. Continue GAT and CAT daily. |
| 5 | 7-13 Dec | First full GAT mock test and one full CAT practice paper. Review mistakes. |
| 6 | 14-20 Dec | Strengthen weak GAT topics. Practise concept-based CAT questions. |
| 7 | 21-27 Dec | Two full mock days (GAT in the morning, CAT in the afternoon). Get feedback. |
| 8 | 28 Dec-3 Jan | Revise, refine and practise Situation Test models. |
| 9 | 4-10 Jan | Light practice, rest, check your admit card and centre. Exam on 10 Jan. |
Keep weekends for full mock tests, since the real exam has GAT in the morning and CAT in the afternoon on the same day.
Common Mistakes in NIFT Preparation
- Ignoring GAT. It is 30% of your merit, and a low score can cost you a shortlist.
- Treating CAT like a drawing contest. Examiners look for ideas, design sense and clear communication.
- Skipping Situation Test practice. Start model-making early, since it takes time to build skill.
- Not practising on the exam-day schedule. GAT and CAT happen on the same day, so build stamina.
- Preparing without feedback. Design work improves faster with expert review.
Prepare for NIFT with Ghaya
At Ghaya Institute of Design, Kozhikode, our NIFT coaching in Kerala covers GAT, CAT and Situation Test preparation, with crash-course options for students starting late. You can also download previous year question papers. Not sure which exam suits you? Read NID vs NIFT vs UCEED.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the NIFT 2027 exam?
Sunday, 10 January 2027. GAT is at 9 AM and CAT is from 3 PM to 6 PM.
2. What is the last date to apply for NIFT 2027?
16 November 2026 with the regular fee, and 21 November 2026 with a late fee.
3. What is the NIFT exam pattern for B.Des?
GAT (computer-based), CAT (pen and paper) and then a Situation Test.
4. How is the NIFT B.Des merit calculated?
CAT 50%, GAT 30% and Situation Test 20%.
5. Is there negative marking in NIFT?
Yes in GAT, where each wrong answer loses 0.25 marks. CAT and the Situation Test have no negative marking.
6. What is the NIFT Situation Test?
A hands-on test where B.Des candidates build a 3D model from given materials.
7. Is nine weeks enough for NIFT preparation?
Yes, with daily practice for GAT, CAT drawing and model-making, plus regular mock tests and feedback.
8. Can I correct my NIFT application form?
Yes, during the correction window from 22 to 25 November 2026. Only some details can be edited.
9. Which course needs only GAT?
B.FTech admission is based on GAT. Check the bulletin for other programmes.
Start Your NIFT Preparation with Ghaya
With the exam on 10 January 2027, every week counts. Register for a free demo class or contact our team to join our NIFT batch.