NIFT 2023 Question Paper with Answer Key; PDF Download (GAT & CAT)
NIFT 2023 question paper was conducted by NIFT in February 2023, and its GAT was rated difficult by many candidates. Solving the NIFT 2023 question paper is useful practice for a tough paper, and it helps you plan time under pressure. Download the GAT and CAT question paper below.
NIFT 2023 GAT Question Paper and Answer Key PDF
NIFT 2023 CAT Question Paper and Answer Key PDF
| Question Paper | PDF Link |
|---|---|
| NIFT 2023 M.Des CAT Question Paper and Answer Key PDF (Feb 05, 2023) (Shift 2) | Download PDF |
| NIFT 2023 B.Des CAT Question Paper and Answer Key PDF (Feb 05, 2023) (Shift 2) | Download PDF |
NIFT 2023 Paper Analysis and Difficulty
NIFT 2023 question paper was rated harder than usual by most candidates after the exam. Several found the GAT tougher than other design entrance tests that year. The difficulty was mainly in the calculation-heavy and reading-heavy sections, not in general knowledge.
● Quantitative and analytical questions had more calculations, which took up time.
● English comprehension had longer passages, so reading speed mattered.
● Since the paper was hard for everyone, qualifying scores were lower than in an easy year.
NIFT 2023 Marking Scheme by Course Group
NIFT 2023 marking depended on the course group, which is easy to miss. Design courses had no negative marking, so every question could be attempted safely. Technology and management courses lost 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. This is the main difference from 2024, when the penalty was applied to all programmes.
| Course group | Negative marking in GAT |
|---|---|
| Design (B.Des and M.Des) | None |
| Technology and management (B.FTech, M.FTech, MFM) | - 0.25 for each wrong answer |
CAT had no negative marking in any year.
NIFT 2023 Exam Pattern
NIFT 2023 kept the usual programme-wise split, with fewer questions for design courses and a longer paper for the technology courses. GAT was objective, and CAT was a three-hour drawing paper for B.Des and M.Des. The table below shows the question count and duration for each course.
| Programme | GAT questions | Duration | CAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Des | 100 | 2 hours | Yes |
| M.Des | 120 | 2 hours | Yes |
| B.FTech | 150 | 3 hours | No |
| M.FTech | 150 | 3 hours | No |
| MFM | 150 | 3 hours | No |
NIFT 2023 Situation Test
NIFT 2023 shortlisted B.Des candidates took a Situation Test after the written stage, held later in the cycle. In this test, candidates build a small model from a given set of materials and write a short note in English. The model is scored on space use, material handling, composition, colour and finish.
Colleges Accepting NIFT 2023 Scores
NIFT 2023 scores were used for admission to NIFT campuses, which numbered around 18 that cycle. Campuses differ in seats, city and popular branches, so the order of preference matters during counselling. The main campuses are listed below.
● NIFT New Delhi
● NIFT Mumbai
● NIFT Chennai
● NIFT Kolkata
● NIFT Bengaluru
● NIFT Hyderabad
● NIFT Gandhinagar
● NIFT Bhopal
● NIFT Bhubaneswar
● NIFT Jodhpur
● NIFT Kannur
● NIFT Kangra
● NIFT Patna
● NIFT Raebareli
● NIFT Shillong
● NIFT Srinagar
NIFT previous year question papers are the best way to learn the exam pattern, section weightage and the time needed for each programme. Solving papers from different years also shows how the exam has changed. Use the year-wise pages below to practise.
NIFT 2023 Question Paper FAQs
Ques: Was NIFT 2023 question paper tough?
Ans: By many candidate accounts, yes. Several rated the GAT harder than other design tests that season, mainly because of calculation-heavy quant and longer reading passages.
Ques: Did NIFT 2023 have negative marking for B.Des?
Ans: No. In 2023 the design courses had no negative marking in GAT, while the technology courses lost 0.25 per wrong answer. Uniform negative marking came from 2024.
Ques: Was an answer key released for NIFT 2023?
Ans: Yes, for the objective GAT paper. No answer key is released for the CAT drawing paper, since it is marked on merit.
Ques: Is a hard paper like NIFT 2023 worth solving?
Ans: Yes. A hard paper is good practice, because it tests your speed and accuracy when the questions are tougher than usual.
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