The NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) written examination is held in two parts namely CAT & GAT entrance exam. When we discuss the difference between CAT and GAT, the concept of entrance exams often comes to mind. These exams are required for applicants to get admission to the esteemed NIFT. Both the GAT and CAT exams encapsulate the different kinds of questions from different syllabus. Analytical GAT and creative CAT tests are required for admission to NIFT for B. Des (Bachelor of Design) and M. Des (Master of Design) candidates. However, candidates of UG or PG programmes in Fashion Technology Courses must only appear in the GAT entrance exam.
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Understanding The NIFT CAT (Creative Ability Test)
NIFT Creative Ability Test (CAT) measures the artistic and creative abilities of candidates wishing to enrol in undergraduate and postgraduate design programmes. The NIFT CAT is a pen-and-paper test that assesses a candidate’s conceptual visualisation, innovativeness, and creative thinking. It aims to evaluate your artistic sensibility and sketching abilities. The component of the questions reserves 40% for M.Des and 50% for B.Des. This section primarily consists of questions pertaining to design, art, and crafts that are meant to assess your critical thinking and ability to come up with original ideas. You need to be familiar with its syllabus tabulated below for a better understanding of the NIFT CAT exam pattern.
| Theory of Design | Basics of Drawing |
| Colors and their dynamism | Creative Inspiration |
| Shapes and forms: Natural and Geometric | Design and Innovation |
| Application of measurement tools Scales and Proportion | Evolution of theme |
| Color composition and its components | Shapes and Functions |
| Analysis of Pictures | Modeling: 2D and 3D |
| Development of design in the natural environment | Optical logic |
| Imagination, Innovation, and creation | Developing the Idea of shades and lights |
| Writing Skills and Creative Writing | Intelligence based drawing |
| Optical illusion and the world of colors | Fundamentals and Principles of Design |
Understanding NIFT GAT (General Ability Test)
If you are confused with a query of what is GAT exam, you can understand the importance of this exam by knowing its 30% weightage for B.Des and M.Des. You cannot ignore GAT preparation when you are getting ready for the NIFT Exam since it is significant for your B.Des and M.Des. However, you can never have a good preparation if you are not familiar with the syllabus and the subjects that are essential to cover. You can go through the syllabus of the GAT exam for NIFT to ace this exam.
| Subjects | Topics |
| Logical and Analytical Questions | Interest and rate of interest, Ratio & proportion, Fraction & Decimals, Distance and Time, Work and Speed, linear equation |
| Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning | Blood relationship, Distance, Syllogism, Sitting arrangements, Data Analysis, Number or Pattern Sequence |
| Understanding of English and Communication Skills | Antonyms & Synonyms; One-word substitution, Phrase, and Idioms, Correction of Spelling |
| Current News and GK | Current News and General Pedagogy |
Differences Between CAT And GAT
The following table describes the NIFT CAT vs GAT differences simply.
| Parameters | NIFT CAT | NIFT GAT |
| Overall Purpose | It primarily evaluates creative aptitude, innovation and visual thinking. It is used for courses focused on design, such as textile and fashion design. | It evaluates a wider range of competencies such as language fluency, analytical ability, and general knowledge. It determines whether a programme is appropriate for a variety of design fields, such as fashion, textile, and fashion communication. |
| Nature of Test | Subjective | Objective |
| Assessment | Creativity & Artistic Skills | GK, Verbal, Analytical Skills |
| Format | Pen & Paper Based | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Weightage | 50% For B.Des. | 30% For B.Des. |
| Scoring | The subjective nature of the CAT evaluation is based on the candidate’s work’s originality, creativity, and aesthetic appeal. It is frequently evaluated by a group of specialists who look at and grade the drawings. | The GAT is scored unbiasedly, with the candidate’s overall score being determined by the number of right answers. Subjectivity in the evaluation process is eliminated by computerised systems that perform the scoring. |
Final Thought
In conclusion, the GAT is an objective exam that determines a candidate’s general aptitude and understanding in a variety of subjects, whereas the CAT concentrates on assessing creative and artistic ability through subjective tests. When evaluating a candidate’s general suitability for admission to NIFT programmes, both exams are crucial. Visit The Opus Way to start your NIFT preparation!
