NIFT 2026 Exam Analysis: CAT or GAT, Which Was Tougher?

The NIFT entrance exam for UG and PG programs was held today. ​​After the NIFT 2026 exam concluded, a common question among students is: was the Creative Ability Test (CAT) more difficult, or did the General Ability Test (GAT) require more effort? Initial reactions suggest that the paper seemed easy at first glance, but some sections required more focus than anticipated.

NIFT 2026 CAT vs GAT

The NIFT 2026 entrance exam took place today across the country, with numerous design students gathering in exam halls. The atmosphere was a mix of calm and nervous energy. The paper consisted of two main sections: the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and the General Ability Test (GAT). Since both tested different skill sets, students immediately began discussing which section they found more challenging. The CAT primarily focused on imagination, visual thinking, and the ability to translate ideas onto paper. The GAT, on the other hand, tested logic, general knowledge, language skills, and basic mathematics. Now, everyone is wondering which part of the NIFT 2026 exam was more difficult. Let's delve deeper into this.

Overall Difficulty Level

Immediately after the exam ended, candidates made the following comments about both sections.

Many students felt that the GAT was more difficult, not because it was actually very difficult, but because it required concentration until the very last minute.

CAT vs GAT Difficulty Comparison

The table below shows a simple comparison to make it easier to clearly see the differences.

Keeping this in mind, the CAT exam encouraged creativity, while the GAT exam quietly tested diligence. This difference proved to be just as significant as the students initially thought.

CAT 2026 Exam Analysis

The NIFT 2026 Creative Ability Test emphasized ideas over the neatness of the drawings. Some questions required a bit of extra thought. However, once the concept was understood, everything became easier, and the work flowed smoothly. It tested how you think, not just how perfect your sketches look.

Key points:

1. In the NIFT 2026 Creative Ability Test, the questions challenged you to observe real-world objects around you.
2. The emphasis was more on generating ideas than on keeping the lines neat and tidy.
3. Drawing skills were helpful, but it wasn't solely about that.
4. Some of the work looked a bit unconventional, yet it was mostly correct. Students who practice sketching regularly seemed more comfortable in this section.

Expected CAT Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Experts believe that CAT has done a good job of differentiating more creative candidates from those who rely mostly on practice.

GAT 2026 Exam Analysis

The General Ability Test felt like a silent race against time. Most students didn't even realize how quickly the minutes flew by. It required sustained focus and calm thinking until the very end.

Key points:

1. Quantitative Aptitude requires careful calculations.
2. The reading passages were long and demanding sustained attention.
3. General Knowledge included current affairs as well as familiar topics.
4. The Logical Reasoning questions seemed easy, but required careful consideration.
5. Many candidates were unable to complete all the questions, making this section feel more difficult overall.

Expected GAT Difficulty: Moderate but Time-Consuming

Students who were comfortable with mock tests probably handled it better, although they, too had to work quickly.

Based on initial reactions, here's a breakdown of each section of the GAT exam.