Difference Between CAT and GAT in NIFT

Difference Between CAT and GAT in NIFT is a common query among aspirants gearing up for the NIFT 2026 entrance exam. Both Creative Ability Test (CAT) and General Ability Test (GAT) are significant parts of the NIFT test. While CAT is an offline test, NIFT GAT is a computer-based examination. CAT evaluates candidates’ sketching skills, creativity, and design thinking skills. GAT includes multiple-choice questions on quantitative ability, communication skills, logical reasoning, and general knowledge. Having different weightage in the overall selection process, candidates have to clear both CAT and GAT to get admission to BDes courses through NIFT.

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Difference Between CAT And GAT in NIFT Overview

Creative Ability Test (CAT) and General Ability Test (GAT) are two parts of the NIFT entrance exam assessing different skills. Both  CAT and GAT are essential for admission to NIFT’s design programs. Here is an overview of the key difference between CAT and GAT in NIFT: 

NIFT CAT vs GAT Marks Distribution

Depending on the program, the marks distribution for NIFT entrance exams assigns different weightages to Creative Ability Test (CAT) and General Ability Test. For BDes, NIFT GAT holds 30%, while CAT has 50% weightage in the final selection.  Check out the NIFT CAT GAT marks distribution across various courses: 

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Difference Between CAT and GAT Exam Pattern

NIFT CAT is a subjective test based on sketching and creative aspects of designing. It is conducted in offline mode, where candidates are required to draw objects as per instructions. For BDes and MDes course admission, candidates must qualify NIFT CAT to proceed with the admission process.

NIFT GAT is an objective, computer-based test that includes multiple-choice questions covering communication, quantitative ability, analytical skills, and general knowledge. Here is the summary of key differences between the CAT and GAT exam patterns in NIFT: 

CAT vs GAT NIFT Syllabus

CAT and GAT syllabi in NIFT focus on different skill sets. The CAT syllabus centers on creativity, observation, design knowledge, and drawing skills, aiming to evaluate imaginative and artistic abilities. GAT syllabus tests candidates’ overall aptitude and understanding. Given below are separate syllabi for both NIFT CAT and GAT. 

NIFT GAT Syllabus

NIFT GAT Syllabus aims to evaluate candidates’ overall aptitude, reasoning skills, and awareness of current affairs. Here are the key topics covered in each section of the NIFT GAT Syllabus: 

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NIFT CAT Syllabus

The syllabus for NIFT CAT includes topics like design theory, color terminology, composition, theme development, imagination, etc. The test requires candidates to solve design problems on paper through drawing and visualization skills. Here is the NIFT CAT Syllabus for your reference: 

CAT vs GAT Difficulty Level

The difficulty level between NIFT CAT and GAT varies significantly due to their nature. NIFT CAT difficulty level generally varies from moderate to difficult. However, NIT GAT tends to be more challenging for many candidates as it tests quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, communication, and general knowledge. Here is a comparative analysis of the CAT vs GAT Difficulty Level, based on previous exam trends, highlighting the difference between CAT and GAT in NIFT: 

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