10 Steps To Successful Preparations For NIFT (UG) In Half A Year

  What is NIFT?

Aspiring Fashion designers aim to get into NIFT(National Institute of Fashion Technology). There are 16 NIFT’s across India. These institutes offer 4 year B.Des Programs and 2 year M.Des Programs across various specializations including Fashion Design and Fashion Technology.

There are two stages of the exam:

Stage 1 - NIFT Written Test (GAT + CAT)

Stage 2 - NIFT Situation Test

What happens in the NIFT Written Test?

The GAT (General Ability Test) has a definite syllabus consisting of quantitative ability, communicative ability, english, analytical ability, general knowledge and current affairs. The GAT tests candidates for their logical, analytical, awareness and communication abilities. It is after the GAT that the CAT takes place.

 Sections                                                     Number of Questions

English comprehension                                       25

Quantitative ability                                              20

Communication ability                                         25  

Analytical ability                                                   15

General knowledge and current affairs               15

The Creative Ability Test (CAT) varies each year. It’s unconventional and puts the candidate’s artistic and creative abilities to the test. Aspirants need to show a good understanding of colours, creativity and ability to communicate through sketching.

It is only after the candidate clears the Written Test, are they allowed to write the situation test. Generally, for every seat available, 5 aspirants will be called for the situation test.

What happens in the NIFT Situation Test?

In the situation test, the candidate will be given material and topics. They have to use the material to come up with something that will suit the topic.

The situation test is set up to see how the candidate can think on their feet and make optimum use of the materials given. After doing so the candidate must also provide a write up explaining their project, the write up must be in English.

 10 tips to crack NIFT entrance in 6 months – 1 year

Strategy:

GAT

• Dedicate at least 10-20 minutes of the day to each section (Math, English, Logical reasoning, General Knowledge)
• Read the newspapers, the Hindu and Deccan Chronicle are highly recommended. 

CAT

• Take the time to understand different works of art , the process and emotions behind it.
• Paint, draw and sketch with specific topics in mind.

Tips to crack the exam in 6 months to 1 year

1) SWOT  - This is a study method that is highly recommended, the full form being Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats. It is important to know what you’re strong and weak at. To analyse these areas and study accordingly., use DQ Labs. The testing platform offers MCQs and sets a time limit, the student has to work through the questions and submit it. It’s one of its kind because not only does it review the answers, it also measures your ability to perform in each section, in doing so it offers the student problems in areas they might be weak in or find difficult.

2) Regular practice – 6 months to 1 year maybe enough time but revision is a must , make use of the time and revisit what you’ve already studied. One needs to work hard and be creative as well, to be both the candidate has to make time to develop qualities that will remain evident in their work.

3) Practice mock papers – Towards the end it is advisable to take as many mock exams possible. Mock papers are very important, once the student finds all the topics manageable, they must make it a point to write mock papers. Mock papers help the student mentally prepare for exam, they help them deal with the time constraint. NIFT Coaching centres like DQ Labs collects details of the past papers and structuress similar papers for students to practice, the centre offers an online platform with mock test series as well. This will give the candidate a sense of what the actual exam will be like.

4) Look into details about the industry– Read up on the new designers in the industry. It is important to keep note of the fashion gurus, their styles and designs. It will help you get an idea of what’s trending, even act as a catalyst for your creativity. Follow blogs and the news to keep up with them.



5) Set deadlines for yourself -To complete the allotted amount of work within a stipulated time period must be strictly followed up on. It is important not to procrastinate or keep work for another day, that will only lead up to your study material piling and everything being stressful. Students who take a year to prepare have a really good head start , they can stress importance on a certain portion for weeks together, brush up and polish your understanding of each topic.

6) Join a reputed coaching centre – Coaching centres like DQ Labs offer well structured programs that help candidates crack the paper. There are mentors who have graduated from reputed institutes who will guide you through this process, they possess both experience and knowledge in the field and the course thus their input is invaluable.

7) Hone crafting skills – The candidate must understand that the course is rigorous and there are many practical submissions. So a part of the entrance requires you to think on your feet .To keep in mind both innovation and utility. Try your hand at origami, clay modeling, paper crafts and so on. This will help you think outside the box.

8) Read the newspaper - Current affairs covers a good portion of the general knowledge part in the GAT. Current affairs is very important. Skim through all the events that happened the past year. Meetings, sports, prizes, appointments, heads of offices and obituaries. You will find that Competition success, Manorama year book and the Leadthecompetition website provide reliable information since they have credible sources. Go through all of them over and over since this is theoretical knowledge that you are expected to retain. As for static GK, go through topics under history, geography, science.

9) Work on detailing – The examiners pay attention to intricate details and notice the overall neatness of your presentations. So it is important to harness and channel both into your work.

10) Talk to students in the institute – Coaching centres like DQ labs keep in touch with the students who are in reputed and well ranked institutes for fashion design. Get in touch with them and find out about their methods of preparations and see if you can incorporate it into your own.