How to Prepare for NIFT 2025: Exam Strategy, Key Topics, books and Last-Minute Tips

How to Prepare for NIFT 2025 – For Beginners

The NIFT program is divided into three stages GAT, CAT, and Situation Test. The weightage section has already been mentioned above. In this article, we will focus on preparing for the NIFT BDes program.

1. Start Early: It is always good to start early, immediately after the Intermediate/Board exams to cover the complete syllabus, i.e., for both GAT (General Aptitude Test) and CAT (Creative Ability Test).
2. Study Plan: Distribute the time strategically to focus on all the topics related to NIFT Exam Preparation which is explained in detail under the “Section-wise Preparation Strategy” section below.
3. Understand the NIFT exam syllabus in detail: Clarity of the NIFT syllabus will help a candidate in preparing for the NIFT entrance exam. It will help in mapping the strengths and weaknesses of the candidate. Accordingly, they can plan the time distribution for various subjects and topics. Here is the list of important topics of NIFT 2025.
4. Understand the NIFT exam syllabus in detail: Clarity of the NIFT syllabus will help a candidate in preparing for the NIFT entrance exam. It will help in mapping the strengths and weaknesses of the candidate. Accordingly, they can plan the time distribution for various subjects and topics. Here is the list of important topics of NIFT 2025.

NIFT - GAT Syllabus

Below is the list of important topics taken from the NIFT GAT syllabus.

1. Comprehension in English
2. General knowledge
3. The current affairs
4. Quantitative Ability
5. Analytic ability
6. Communication ability

NIFT Entrance Test - CAT Syllabus

Below is the list of important topics taken from the NIFT-CAT syllabus.

1. Designing ability
2. Illustration skills
3. Knowledge and use of color palette
4. Intuitive ability
5. Observation power

Special Tips to Prepare for NIFT (CAT) Creative Ability Test 2025

A paper-pencil-based exam, NIFT CAT is of three hours duration. In NIFT CAT, candidates are given three to four subjective questions in which they have to make sketches/drawings and answer the questions put before them. The CAT exam for the B.Des program carries 50% weightage and is the most important component of the entrance exam.

Step-wise preparation tips for NIFT (CAT)

1. Motivation and Creativity - The candidate must develop the skill of closely observing things and situations and create a mental image of the same. Such an exercise will help in the memory of images. Intense observation will also help the candidate understand the dynamics of various elements in the setting and the interaction between them. This in turn will not only motivate the candidate but also open the doors to creativity!
2. Geometric Shapes - The world we live in is full of objects of different geometric shapes. Learn to draw different geometric shapes one by one until you become a master of all of them.
3. Concept Development – ​​Before starting to create a drawing, the concept process must be tackled first. Identify what you are going to create, what components and elements you are going to use, and why. The candidate is encouraged to work on their observation and visual skills. Visual skills in the sense that you should be able to predict what the drawing will look like, what story it is going to tell, etc.
4. Principles of Composition - In this type of drawing, students can practice combining or arranging various elements and create different compositions. Note that in the NIFT exam, the candidate may be asked to draw a particular sequence, and in such cases, practicing composition drawing will come in handy.
5. Product Illustration - Product Illustration is a 2D representation of 3-dimensional objects. The products can be anything, be it your tiffin box, socks, glasses, t-shirts, or washing machine. Sketch as many products as you can, as this will help you solve any product illustration-related questions asked in the exam.
6. Poster Drawing - Make a list of all the trending topics and make poster drawings for each one of these topics. 
7. Shading - Learn the different elements of shading, including reflected light, full light, case shadows, halftones, and shadow edges. If you master the art of shading, you can add the illusion of form, shape, and light to your paintings.
8. Colouring - Once the student learns the A, B, and C of colouring, he can start playing with different colours.
9.  Human Figures - The subject of your human figures can be a relative, a friend, a rickshaw puller, an ice cream vendor, a school security guard, an old and wrinkled looking old lady, etc.

Best study material for NIFT 2025

Having a good set of study materials is essential while preparing for the exam. Good study material helps in understanding and covering the entire syllabus.

Below is the list of NIFT 2025 preparation books.

NIFT Written Exam 2025 - Weightage

The programme-wise exam components and weightage are shown in the table below. Candidates need to refer to this table so that they have a clear idea about how they need to prepare for the NIFT entrance exam.

NIFT 2025 - Programs, Test Duration, Number of Questions

Candidates will have to appear for the NIFT GAT for admission to all the courses - BDS, MDS, BFTech, MFTech, and MFM. The NIFT GAT exam pattern is mentioned in the table below:

Last-minute tips to prepare for the NIFT 2025 exam

You need to keep the following things in mind in the last few days before the NIFT 2025 written exam.

1. Focus on revision
2. Do not start any new topic at this stage, as practice will mostly be futile and you will lose valuable time.
3. Solve sample papers and take mock tests
4. Analyze your mistakes, and see if you can find quick solutions.
5. Focus on important topics, and see if you can
6. Use your notes for quick revision, instead of reading large blogs of lessons in textbooks.
7. Stay positive and healthy.
8. On the day of the exam, make sure you reach the NIFT exam center on time and do not be late. Carry all the necessary items like documents, stationery items, etc.