NIFT ENTRANCE EXAM 2024: REGISTRATION, EXAM DATES, ELIGIBILITY, SYLLABUS, AND PREPARATION TIPS

NIFT 2024 - The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is all set to conduct its entrance exams in the first week of February 2024. These exams are a crucial step in your journey toward pursuing a degree in fashion and design. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through all the important details related to the NIFT 2024 entrance exams.

NIFT 2024 Entrance Exam

  • The NIFT 2024 entrance exams include the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and the General Ability Test (GAT).
  • Candidates pursuing B.Des and M.Des programs need to appear for both CAT and GAT.
  • On the other hand, B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech, and M.F.M candidates are required to take only the GAT.
  • The GAT will be conducted in a computer-based mode, while the CAT will be an offline-based test.

NIFT 2024 Application Process

  • Online registration for NIFT 2024 is expected to begin in the first week of November 2023.
  • To complete the application process, you'll need to register, provide personal and academic details, upload necessary documents, and pay the application fee.
  • For open category candidates, the NIFT 2024 application fee is INR 3000. 

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Our institute boasts an esteemed faculty, consisting of alumni from prestigious institutions like NID, NIFT, IIT, and CEPT, proficient in various design domains including apparel design, product design, animation, and design communication. This extensive expertise provides students with a holistic understanding, covering entrance exam preparation, industry requirements, and portfolio development.

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All India Toppers.

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Madhvi SinghMadhvi Singh - AIR 1
NIFT B.Des - 2009

C S JaswethC S Jasweth - AIR 1
NID M.Des (New Media & Interaction) - 2020

Arun Job Pynadath | StudentArun Job Pynadath - AIR 1
NID B.Des - 2018

Sreehari SSreehari S - AIR 1
NID B.Des - 2017

What is NIFT Entrance Exam?

NIFT Entrance Exam is a national-level examination conducted by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) for admission to various design programs offered by its participating institutes. These programs include B.Des, M.Des, B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech, and M.F.M. With a total intake capacity of 5,215 seats across 18 participating institutes, NIFT offers diverse opportunities for aspiring designers.

The NIFT entrance exam consists of two components:

  1. Written Exams: These include the General Ability Test (GAT) and the Creative Ability Test (CAT). GAT is mandatory for all programs, while CAT is specific to B.Des and M.Des candidates.
  1. Situation Test/Personal Interview: B.Des candidates qualifying the written exams proceed to the Situation Test, while PG candidates appear for a Personal Interview. The exception is the B.F.Tech program, where admission is solely based on GAT scores.

The final NIFT 2024 score for other programs is calculated by giving weightage to the written exams and the Situation Test/Personal Interview.

NIFT Entrance Exam 2024 Dates & Schedule

Take a look at the table for the complete schedule of NIFT Entrance Exam 2024 Exam

NIFT Entrance Exam 2024 Highlights

The important points related to NIFT 2024 entrance exam are given in the table.

  • The eligibility criteria may differ depending on the course opted by the candidate. For instance, candidates seeking admission to the B. Des course needs to have passed 10+2 exam from a recognised institute and should be less than 24 years as of August 1, 2023. Relaxation of 5 years in the upper age limit applies for candidates belonging to SC, ST and PwD candidates. The detailed program-wise eligibility criteria are given below in this article.
  • The NIFTs currently offers the following specializations at the B.Des level - Fashion Design, Leather Design, Accessory Design, Textile Design, Knitwear Design, and Fashion Communication. Admission to the above courses will be on the basis of NIFT 2024 scores. Currently, there are 18 participating institutes that offer a combined intake of 5,215 seats (including domestic and NRI/Foreign national seats). Note that NRI/Foreign national don’t need to appear in the NIFT entrance exam.
  • The NIFT 2024 exam will be conducted in 37 cities across India (the list is published on the NIFT admission brochure). Note that the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) doesn't release the consolidated list of exam centres. It only publishes the list of cities where the written exam will be conducted. So, the candidate only has to select the exam city. Each of the 27 cities may have one or multiple test centres. The name and adress of the exam centre allocated to the candidate will be mentioned in the NIFT 2024 admit card. The exam city will be allocated basis information provided at the time of filling out the NIFT 2024 application form. The allocation will depend on various factors like number of test centres available in a city, seat intake, the address of the candidate, etc. Once an exam centre has been allocated, requests for a change will not be entertained.
  • NIFT is not only one of the most competitive entrance exams in the country, with a large number of applicants, but it is also among the toughest. The syllabus for the NIFT 2024 exam is quite vast, and most of the questions can range from medium to difficult. So, to prepare for an exam like NIFT 2024, you need to have enough time in your hands. If you are only beginning your NIFT 2024 now, i.e., with only a few months left for the exam, you need to pace your preparation accordingly. For instance, it will be foolhardy to try to complete the entire syllabus from the get go, because that you will put unnecessary pressure on yourself and things can only get complicated. Instead, what you can do is make a list of high-scoring, easy-to-prepare topics. First master these topics as fast as you can. Make a study plan if you need to. Once you are done with these topics, you can move to the next category of topics, and continue this strategy until you complete the entire topic. If you are not able to complete a topic because you are finding it too difficult, don’t panic and waste time jostling with it for long. Leave it for the time being, and come back to tackle it later if you have time in your hands. Do solve sample papers and previous years NIFT papers as much you can.
  • The NIFTs have a combined intake of 5,215 seats. Of these, 467 seats are reserved for NRI candidates. The seat intake is spread across the B.Des, M.Des, B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech, and M.F.M courses offered by the participating institutes. NRI candidates aren’t required to appear in the NIFT 2024 entrance exam. Instead, the admission process for these candidates will be based on merit of SAT/GMAT/GRE scores. Candidates who meet the prescribed eligibility criteria can apply for admission under NRI category.
  • NID (National Institute of Design) and NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) are two of the most prestigious design institutes in India. Admission to the NIDs is conducted through the NID DAT entrance exam, while admission to the NIFTs is based on NIFT entrance exam scores. Both institutes offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various design disciplines, including fashion design, textile design, graphic design, product design, and more. However, there are some basic and also major differences between the programs offered at the two institutes. NID is primarily focused on design education and research, and offers a wider range of design programs compared to NIFT. The academic curriculum of the NIDs emphasizes on design thinking, innovation, and problem-solving. It also offers programs in specialised areas such as Transportation & Automobile Design, Toy & Game Design, and Ceramic & Glass Design, which are not offered by NIFT. The NIFTs, on the other hand, are primarily focused on fashion education and offers a specialised curriculum in fashion design, textile design, fashion management, and other related areas. The academic curriculum of the NIFTs emphasizes on fashion trends, design aesthetics, and technical skills. It also has a strong industry connect and offers numerous internship opportunities, which can be beneficial for students seeking career opportunities in the fashion industry. In terms of placements, both NID and NIFT have a good track record of placing students in top design firms and companies. However, the placement opportunities may vary depending on the specialisation and individual skills. Ultimately, the choice between NID and NIFT depends on your interests, career goals, and the type of design education you are looking for. Both the NIDs and NIFTs are among the top-ranked design colleges in the country and offer an excellent academic platform for design aspirants, so you must do the necessary due diligence, research and evaluate the programs offered by both institutes before making a decision.
  • NIFT Lateral Entry Admission (NLEA) provides an opportunity to candidates who have completed their Diploma in relevant or related fields of Design & Technology for direct admission to the third semester of UG programmes of NIFT. Eligible candidates have to appear in the NIFT 2024 entrance exam to get lateral admission. Admission under lateral entry scheme will be strictly on merit of NIFT 2024 exam, which will include written examination, studio test/ technology aptitude test, and a personal interview. Candidates selected through lateral entry will join the regular UG students of NIFT in their second year. The seat intake under this scheme will be displayed on the website prior to seat allocation.

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NIFT 2024 Application Form

The NIFT 2024 application form is expected to be released in the first week of November 2023. Simultaneously, the institute will release the admission notification and information brochure, which will contain essential details such as eligibility criteria, fees, step-wise application process, seat matrix, and admission procedures. Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review these documents to ensure they meet the prescribed criteria.

How to apply for NIFT 2024

  1. Visit the NIFT Admission Portal: Start by visiting the official NIFT admission portal and look for the "Registration" link.

  2. Registration: In the registration form, you will be prompted to enter your personal details, including your name, email ID, phone number, and other relevant information. Upon successful registration, an applicant account will be created, which you will use to fill out the rest of the application.

  3. Log In and Fill Out the Application: After registration, log in to your applicant account to access the application form. Here, you will need to provide additional information and select your preferred exam center.

  4. Document Upload: NIFT 2024 requires you to upload specific documents, including a recent passport-size color photograph and a scanned signature. Ensure that your photograph meets the following criteria:

    • File size: 100KB (maximum)
    • Format: jpeg only

    Your scanned signature should adhere to these specifications:

    • Ink color: Blue/Black
    • Background: White
    • File size: 100KB (maximum)
    • Format: jpeg only
  5. Payment of Application Fee: The final step in the application process is paying the application fee. For candidates in the OPEN category, the fee is INR 3,000. However, candidates belonging to the SC, ST, and PwD categories need to pay only INR 1,500. Ensure that you complete this step to finalize your application.

NIFT 2024 Eligibility criteria

B.Des Program Eligibility

  • Age: Candidates should be less than 24 years old as of August 1 of the admission year.
    • Relaxation: A 5-year relaxation in the upper age limit is granted for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.
  • Academic Eligibility: Candidates must fulfill one of the following criteria:
    • Passed the 10+2 examination from any recognized institute.
    • Cleared the Senior Secondary School Examination conducted by the National Open School with a minimum of five subjects.
    • Obtained a 3 or 4-year diploma recognized by AICTE or a State Board of Technical Education.
    • Passed any Public School/Board/University Examination in India or foreign countries recognized by the Association of Indian Universities as equivalent to a 10+2 system.
    • Completed the General Certificate Education (GCE) Examination (London/Cambridge/Sri-Lanka) at the Advanced (A) level/International Baccalaureate.

B.F.Tech Program Eligibility

  • Age Limit: Maximum age should be less than 24 years as of August 1 of the admission year. A relaxation of up to 5 years is applicable for candidates in the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/Person with Disability (PWD) categories.
  • Academic Qualification: The candidate must have:
    • Passed the 10+2 examination.
    • Obtained a passing grade in the Senior Secondary School Examination conducted by the National Open School with a minimum of five subjects.
    • Completed any Public School/Board/University Examination in India or foreign countries recognized by the Association of Indian Universities as equivalent to the 10+2 system.
    • Attained a General Certificate Education (GCE) Examination (London/Cambridge/Sri-Lanka) at the Advanced (A) level/International Baccalaureate (IB).

M.Des & M.F.M Program Eligibility

  • Age Limit: There is no specified age limit.
  • Academic Qualification: Candidates should hold an Undergraduate Degree in any discipline from any Institute/University recognized by law in India, or an Undergraduate Diploma of minimum three years duration from NIFT/NID.

M.F.Tech Program Eligibility:

  • Age Limit: There is no specified age limit.
  • Academic Qualification: Candidates should have completed B.F.Tech. from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) or B.E/B.Tech. from any Institute/University recognized by law in India.

Note: Candidates who are in the process of completing their qualifying examination in the year of admission can also apply, subject to fulfilling the necessary eligibility conditions at the time of seat allotment/admission.

Fee Structure

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NIFT 2024 Syllabus

The NIFT 2024 examination comprises two essential stages: the written exams and the Situation Test/Personal Interview. The written exams are a critical component of this process, and understanding their syllabus is vital. Let's delve into the details of the NIFT 2024 syllabus for the written exams:


GAT (General Ability Test)

  1. Quantitative Ability: Addition, Multiplication, Division, Fractions, Percentage, Rate of Interest, Work and Task, Ratio and Proportion, and Distance.

  2. Communication Ability and English Comprehension: Synonyms, antonyms, words with corresponding meanings, singular and plural forms, one-word substitutes, idioms and phrases, correct spellings, and comprehending a situation from a given passage, among others.

  3. Analytical Ability and Logical Ability: Problem-solving and logical reasoning skills.

  4. General Knowledge and Current Affairs: general knowledge and current affairs.


CAT (Creative Ability Test)

The Creative Ability Test is designed to assess your intuitive ability, power of observation, concept development, and design ability. It's a significant part of the assessment for B.Des and M.Des candidates.

Important Reminder: During the CAT, candidates must not reveal their identity by marking the answer sheet. This ensures a fair evaluation process.

Note: Only B.Des and M.Des candidates need to take the CAT written exam. The CAT evaluates your creative and design abilities, a crucial factor for students pursuing these programs.

NIFT Entrance Exam 2024 GAT - Test Pattern

NIFT 2024 Exam Preparation Tips

The NIFT 2024 written exams, tentatively scheduled for the first week of February 2024, are the gateway to your dream career in fashion and design. To ensure success, preparation is key. Here are essential preparation tips for both the General Ability Test (GAT) and the Creative Ability Test (CAT):

GAT Preparation Tips

  1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Begin by thoroughly understanding the GAT exam pattern and syllabus. This will help you identify the areas where you need to focus your preparation.
  2. Select the Right Study Material: Choose the best books and study resources tailored to the NIFT 2024 GAT. Consult with experts or teachers if necessary to ensure you have the most relevant study materials.
  3. Create an Actionable Study Plan: Develop a comprehensive study plan, ensuring you allocate ample time to each subject. Consistency and discipline are crucial.
  4. Start Early: Commence your preparation with at least six months to spare before the exam. Early preparation allows for a deeper understanding of the subjects.
  5. Take Detailed Notes: While studying, take organized notes. This practice will help you consolidate your knowledge and make it easier to revise later.
  6. Practice with Sample Papers: Solve as many GAT sample papers and previous years' NIFT question papers as you can. This will familiarize you with the exam format and help you manage your time effectively.
  7. Mock Tests: In the days leading up to the exam, take several mock tests. This will help you become comfortable with the test-taking environment and manage your time efficiently.
  8. Maintain a Positive and Healthy Mindset: Stay optimistic and healthy during your preparation. A positive mindset can enhance your performance. Engage in regular exercise, maintain a balanced diet, and get enough rest.

CAT Preparation Tips

  1. Enhance Observation and Creative Skills: The CAT is all about creativity and observation. Practice sketching and designing to improve your creative abilities. Observe your surroundings keenly to find inspiration for your designs.
  2. Master Geometrical Shapes: Understand the nuances of geometrical shapes, as these form the foundation of many designs. Proficiency in creating and manipulating shapes is essential.
  3. Conceptualize Before You Draw: Before putting your ideas on paper, conceptualize your designs in your mind. This will help you execute your creations more effectively and coherently.
  4. Improve Line Drawing Skills: Precision is key in CAT. Sharpen your line drawing skills to ensure your designs are clean and clear. Avoid jittery and unclear lines.
  5. Shading Basics: Although shading is not a primary focus in CAT, learning the fundamentals won't hurt. It can add depth and dimension to your designs, making them more visually appealing.
  6. Diversify Your Drawing Skills: CAT evaluates various types of drawings, from human figures to cartoons, perspectives, doodles, and more. Practice a wide range of drawing styles to be well-prepared.

Sample Papers

Sample papers play a dual role in your preparation. They sharpen your problem-solving skills by presenting a variety of practice questions, mirroring the exam's diverse challenges. This practice is invaluable for building your capacity to handle different question types.

Moreover, they serve as a training ground for time management. Solving sample papers under timed conditions familiarizes you with pacing requirements. It's a key skill for optimizing performance on the actual exam day.

Stimulating the exam environment, sample papers alleviate anxiety and boost confidence. Their questions match the NIFT exam's difficulty level, ensuring you feel well-prepared.

Past Papers

Moreover, they serve as a training ground for time management. Solving sample papers under timed conditions familiarizes you with pacing requirements. It's a key skill for optimizing performance on the actual exam day.

Stimulating the exam environment, sample papers alleviate anxiety and boost confidence. Their questions match the NIFT exam's difficulty level, ensuring you feel well-prepared. Previous year question papers reveal the exam's intricacies. They offer insights into question types, sections covered, and their respective weightage. This knowledge helps tailor your study strategy and focus on significant areas. Furthermore, analyzing previous years' papers exposes trends and changes. You can identify recurring topics or question types emphasized in the exam. By staying updated on evolving trends, you ensure your preparation remains current.