What is NIFT Situation Test?
The NIFT Situation Test is the second stage of the NIFT admission process for B.Des aspirants who qualify the CAT (Creative Ability Test) and GAT (General Ability Test).
It carries 20% weightage in the final merit and plays a crucial role in:
Improving your All India Rank
Securing your preferred NIFT campus
Demonstrating practical creativity
The test evaluates your ability to think, create, and execute a concept using limited resources under time pressure.
NIFT Situation Test Overview
| Batch Type | Duration |
|---|---|
|
Stage |
After CAT + GAT |
|
Weightage |
20% |
|
Duration |
2 Hours |
|
Task |
3D Model Making |
|
Additional Requirement |
50–100 word write-up + Caption |
|
Mode |
Offline at NIFT Campuses |
NIFT SEAT MATRIX 2025
CUT-OFF MERIT RANKS 2024
NIFT PROSPECTUS 2025
NIFT FAQ’s 2025
NIFT Lateral Entry 2025
NIFT NRI Login 2025
NIFT Artisans 2025 login
NIFT Admission Guidelines 2025
Download 18 Years of Situation Test Original Exam Papers
Candidates are given a theme and a set of materials. They must create a 3D model representing their interpretation of the situation.
NIFT Situation Test Details
What You Have to Do?
- » Build a 3D model based on a theme
- » Use only materials provided
- » Convey a clear concept or story
- » Maintain neatness and balance
- » Write a short concept note
Importance
- » Boost your final rank (20% weight)
- » Improve campus selection
- » Highlight practical creativity
- » Practical exam advantage
*Candidates are not allowed to bring their own materials.
NIFT Situation Test Toppers
Join Pahal Design for 100% Success in NIFT Situation Test
Pahal Design offers a focused 15-day, 45-hour workshop (3 hours daily) for the NIFT Situation Test, prioritising students’ time and money. We cover material properties, innovative ideas, and aesthetic appeal, providing all necessary materials like papers, clay, wires, decorating items, and waste materials. Our mentors guide personalised planning, layout, and creative 3D model execution, emphasising logical and effective manipulation.
We analyse solutions from the last 10 years, conduct regular short tests with write-ups, and offer extra support for those with less hands-on experience. Special sessions on product writing (5% weightage) and mentorship from top design college alumni ensure exam readiness. Our approach is simple, practical, and enjoyable, with continuous guidance and immediate feedback. Students receive ongoing support via WhatsApp and email until the final exam.
NIFT Situation Test Evaluation Criteria
- Neatness and balance of the 3D model
- Effective use of the provided materials
- A clear message is conveyed through the model
- Hands-on skills and material manipulation
- An analytical, creative, and logical approach
- Managerial ability and time management
- Execution of the idea
Logical use of materials to reflect the theme - Precise write-up explaining the inspiration
- Aesthetic sense and visual appeal
Tips and Techniques for Situation Test
- Choose a theme and identify key elements around it (e.g., “spring forest” → trees, flowers, butterflies).
- Note mood keywords (warm, joyful, graceful) and select a matching colour scheme.
- Pick one element for inspiration (e.g., a butterfly) and creatively incorporate it into your 3D model.
- Focus on neatness, i.e., clean execution, makes even simple ideas impressive.
- Clearly explain your theme, inspiration, and design process in the write-up.
- Transform your element into a 3D object reflecting the keywords and colour scheme.
- Keep your idea practical within the time limit; avoid over-ambition.
NIFT calls three times the number of seats for the Situation Test, held at all NIFT centres.
Materials Provided by NIFT as per the last 10 Years
| Corrugated sheets | Origami paper | Scrub | Thumb Pins |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Thermocol bubbles |
Ribbon |
Cotton |
Cellophin Paper |
|
Poly bags |
Thermocol |
Tissue Paper |
Daily use waste material |
|
ICE Cream Sticks |
Straws |
Mount Board |
Paper Clips |
|
Buttons |
Balloons |
Clay |
Broomsticks |
*The Situation Test carries 20% weightage and plays a crucial role in securing admission and improving your rank, so choose your preparation institute wisely.
Pahal Design NIFT Situation Test Centres
NIFT Situation Test 2026 – FAQs
The NIFT Situation Test 2026 is the second stage of the NIFT B.Des admission process. It evaluates candidates through a hands-on 3D model-making task using limited materials within a fixed time.
Candidates who qualify the CAT (Creative Ability Test) and GAT (General Ability Test) will be shortlisted for the Situation Test.
The Situation Test carries 20% weightage in the final merit calculation for B.Des admissions.
Candidates will get 2 hours to:
- Create a 3D model
- Write a short concept note
- Provide a suitable caption
Candidates are required to:
- Interpret a given theme
- Create a 3D model using provided materials
- Write a 50–100 word explanation
- Give a title or caption
Based on previous years, materials may include:
- Thermocol
- Papers
- Ice cream sticks
- Straws
- Clay
- Cotton
- Wires
- Ribbons
- Mount board
- Tissue paper
- Buttons
- Balloons
Only provided materials must be used.
No. Candidates are not allowed to bring any personal materials. Only NIFT-provided materials can be used.
Examiners assess:
- Creativity
- Concept clarity
- Logical thinking
- Material usage
- Neatness
- Aesthetic appeal
- Stability of the model
- Time management
- Communication through design
It plays a crucial role in:
- Improving your final rank
- Securing your preferred NIFT campus
- Standing out among shortlisted candidates
NIFT typically calls three times the number of available seats for this stage.
No drawing is required. The test focuses on 3D model making and conceptual thinking.
Themes are usually based on:
- Social concepts
- Nature
- Daily life
- Abstract emotions
- Situational storytelling
Preparation should focus on:
- Hands-on model making
- Theme interpretation
- Material manipulation
- Time management
- Concept writing
Yes. Even a simple idea with neat execution can score higher than a complex but messy model.
Yes. The write-up explains your concept and contributes to the evaluation.
