How to Prepare for the Creative Ability Test (CAT) in Interior Design Entrance Exams
Published by Shikha Kumari on May 09, 2025
If a candidate wishes to pursue an interior design course, they might have to go through entrance exams such as the NID entrance exam, DAT, UCEED, etc. One of the sections available in all entrance exams is the Creativity Ability Test. This section is specifically designed to test and assess the candidate’s originality, visualisation, and design sensibility. In this blog, we are going to discuss this element.
Creative Ability Test in Interior Design
The Creative Ability Test in interior design at NIFT evaluates five key areas: originality, conceptualisation, painting, colours and design sensibility, and visualisation skills. Candidates should prepare themselves to present their art in a concise yet impactful manner.
| Skill Area | What It Looks For |
| Originality & Imagination | Can you come up with unique, thoughtful ideas? |
| Conceptual Thinking | How well can you interpret a theme or problem visually? |
| Visualization Skills | Can you sketch a space, object, or concept clearly and proportionally? |
| Design Sensibility | Do your ideas reflect balance, form, function, and aesthetics? |
| Color Sense | Do you use colours meaningfully, not just randomly? |
Sample Questions (Interior Design – NIFT CAT Style)
There are multiple online NIFT CAT-style exam papers available for free. These questions, as mentioned below, cover areas such as designing, storytelling, and expression.
Q. Draw and colour a cosy reading nook in a modern studio apartment. Label the key elements. Show textures, lighting, and furniture from a 2D or 3D perspective.
Q. Illustrate the idea of “Minimalism” in interior space. Use only 3 objects and a background.
Q . Redesign a kitchen utensil (like a whisk or spatula) as a multi-functional item for a compact kitchen.
Q. A family of 5 is moving into a 1 BHK. Sketch the interior layout that accommodates work, sleep, study, and entertainment. Focus on the smart usage of limited space.
Aptitude Test for Interior Design
1. Visual & Spatial Ability
Spatial Ability assesses how well you can imagine and manipulate 2D and 3D objects. For example, you may be asked: “Which 3D shape will you get if you fold this net?” or “A top view and side view of a room are given, and you’ll have to identify the corresponding front view.”
2. Creativity & Design Sense
Candidates with a good design sense have an eye for aesthetics, colour harmony, layout balance, and proportions. For example, if you’re designing a small living room, which colour palette would make the room appear more spacious and relaxing?
A) Navy Blue and Maroon
B) Beige and Pastel Green
C) Red and Yellow
D) Grey and Black
3. Logical Reasoning & Pattern Recognition
As a future designer, you should be able to recognise patterns, so CAT assesses your ability to spot patterns and solve puzzles. For example, find the next figure in the sequence based on rotations, flips, or additions.
4. Observation & Attention to Detail
A candidate should be able to spot inconsistencies or subtle changes in a visual. For example, look at two images of a room and find 5 differences in furniture layout, lighting, or structure.
Interior Design Interview Questions
Some of the questions that can help in both the creative ability test and in further interview rounds, if conducted, are as follows:
- Why do you want to pursue interior design?
- What does “interior design” mean to you?
- Who is your favourite interior designer or architect and why?
- What inspires your creativity?
- How do you stay updated with design trends?
- Have you ever worked on any design-related project before?
- What are your strengths that you think suit this field?
- How do you approach a new design problem or challenge?
- Describe a space you admire and what you like about it.
- What do you think is more important, function or aesthetics?
- How would you design a small room to make it feel spacious?
- What role do colours play in interior design?
- Do you sketch or draw? Can you show us your work?
- How do you handle criticism or feedback on your work?
- What materials or textures do you like working with?
- What design software are you familiar with (if any)?
- How do you manage your time during a creative project?
- What are you hoping to learn in this course?
- Where do you see yourself after completing this program?
- Why did you choose this particular college for interior design?
Interior Design Knowledge Quiz
Candidates should practice with previous year’s interior design question papers as well as through Interior Design questions and answers PDFs. We are providing you with the free downloadable Creative Ability Test in Interior Design PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which exam is best for interior design?
Popular design entrance exams for interior design include NIFT, NID, UCEED, CEED, and AIEED.
Is NIFT for interior designing?
NIFT focuses on fashion-related design, not interior design, so it’s not ideal for aspiring interior designers.
Which entrance exam is best for designing?
The best exam depends on the design field you’re interested in, with options like NIFT, NID, CEED, and UCEED for various design disciplines.
Who is eligible for NID interior design?
Eligibility for NID’s interior design program includes a degree or diploma in design, fine arts, or architecture after class 12.
Is CUET for interior design?
CUET can provide access to colleges offering interior design programs.
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