School of Fashion Technology Common Entrance Test Exam Pattern 2026
School of Fashion Technology Common Entrance Test Exam Pattern
SOFT CET 2026 Exam Pattern: Overview
SOFT CET 2026 is the entrance test conducted by MKSSS's School of Fashion Technology (SOFT) for admission to its design programmes. The selection process has three mandatory components held on the same day: a General Ability Test (GAT), a Studio Test/Group Discussion, and a Personal Interview. The total marks for the selection process are 250.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | MKSSS's School of Fashion Technology (SOFT) |
| Components | GAT + Studio Test/Group Discussion + Personal Interview |
| Mode | GAT: online/offline (objective); Studio Test & Interview: online (Google Meet) |
| GAT Duration | 45 minutes |
| Total Marks | 250 marks |
| Negative Marking | None |
| Medium | English |
The GAT is an objective test. The Studio Test and Personal Interview are conducted online via Google Meet.
SOFT CET 2026: Important Dates
SOFT conducts the CET in more than one session through the year. The June session GAT and Studio Test are expected in early June 2026, historically held around June 6–7. The dates below are indicative and should be confirmed on the official website.
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Registration (June session) | Open |
| GAT (General Ability Test) | Early June 2026 (Expected) |
| Studio Test/Group Discussion | Early June 2026 (Expected) |
| Personal Interview | Same day as GAT (Expected) |
| Result/Selection List | To be announced |
The June-session tests have not been held yet as of today. Treat all dates above as expected until SOFT confirms them.
SOFT CET 2026: Detailed Exam Pattern
SOFT CET 2026 carries 250 marks across three components conducted on the same day. The GAT is a 45-minute objective test of 60 marks with +1 mark per correct answer.
- The GAT covers Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, Analytical Ability, and Creative Ability.
- The Studio Test/Group Discussion is the highest-weightage component at 140 marks, lasting 1 hour 15 minutes.
- The Personal Interview carries 50 marks and reviews the portfolio and statement of purpose.
- There is no negative marking in the GAT, so every question should be attempted.
SOFT CET Marking Scheme 2026
The marking scheme for SOFT CET 2026 is divided across the three components. The GAT awards +1 mark per correct answer with no negative marking.
| Component | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| GAT (General Ability Test) | 60 marks | 45 minutes |
| Studio Test/Group Discussion | 140 marks | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Personal Interview | 50 marks | Not specified |
| Total | 250 marks | - |
The Personal Interview evaluates the portfolio and statement of purpose. The GAT is an objective test with multiple-choice questions.
SOFT CET Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2026
The GAT covers four areas: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, Analytical Ability, and Creative Ability. The test is conducted in English medium.
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning
- Analytical Ability
- Creative Ability
The Studio Test assesses design and creative skills. The Personal Interview evaluates the portfolio and motivation.
SOFT CET Question Types 2026
The GAT uses objective multiple-choice questions. The Studio Test and Personal Interview are conducted online via Google Meet.
- GAT: Objective (MCQ) with online and offline options
- Studio Test/Group Discussion: Online via Google Meet
- Personal Interview: Online via Google Meet
SOFT CET Exam Pattern: Changes in 2026 vs Previous Year
The source does not specify any changes in the exam pattern for 2026 compared to the previous year. The three-component structure with GAT, Studio Test, and Personal Interview remains the same.
How to Prepare Based on SOFT CET Exam Pattern
Preparation should focus on the GAT sections: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, Analytical Ability, and Creative Ability. Since there is no negative marking, attempting all questions in the GAT is advisable.
For the Studio Test, design and creative skills are assessed. For the Personal Interview, the portfolio and statement of purpose should be prepared in advance.
SOFT CET Exam Pattern FAQs
The direct link to the SOFT official website for 2026 is soft.ac.in, which is marked as "Soon". The official website should be checked for updates on dates and registration.
All three components are mandatory for admission consideration. The GAT screens aptitude, the Studio Test assesses design skills, and the Personal Interview evaluates portfolio and motivation.
SOFT CET 2026 Exam Pattern
The SOFT CET 2026 exam has three components held on a single day. The General Ability Test (GAT) is in the morning, followed by the Studio Test and the Personal Interview in the afternoon.
| Component | Mode | Marks | Duration | Time Slot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Ability Test (GAT) | Objective (online/offline) | 60 | 45 minutes | 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM |
| Studio Test/Group Discussion | Online (Google Meet) | 140 | 1 hour 15 minutes | 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM |
| Personal Interview (Portfolio + SOP) | Online (Google Meet) | 50 | Up to 3 hours (slot) | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Total | — | 250 marks | — | — |
A digital portfolio of 4–5 pages and a statement of purpose are required for the Personal Interview. The Studio Test/Group Discussion carries the highest marks among all components.
SOFT CET Marking Scheme 2026
The marking scheme for the objective GAT is simple. Correct answers earn marks, and wrong or unattempted answers do not lose marks.
| Component | Marks for Correct Answer | Marks for Wrong Answer | Marks for Unattempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| GAT (MCQ) | +1 | 0 | 0 |
| Studio Test/Group Discussion | Evaluated by panel (out of 140 marks) | ||
| Personal Interview | Evaluated by panel (out of 50 marks) | ||
There is no negative marking in the GAT. Candidates should attempt every question.
SOFT CET Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2026
The GAT is the only component with subject-wise questions. It covers four areas to test aptitude and creative thinking.
General Ability Test (GAT)
| Area | What It Tests |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Basic numerical and problem-solving ability |
| Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning | Logical reasoning with words and patterns |
| Analytical Ability | Interpretation, observation, and decision-making |
| Creative Ability | Design sense, visual thinking, and originality |
Studio Test/Group Discussion
This component checks creative, drawing, and design skills. It also checks how ideas are communicated in a group. It carries 140 marks, the highest of the three components.
Personal Interview
The interview reviews the digital portfolio (4–5 pages) and statement of purpose. The panel evaluates motivation, aptitude for design, and overall fit for the programme.
SOFT CET Question Types 2026
SOFT CET 2026 uses both objective and skill-based formats across its three components. Each format requires a different preparation approach.
- Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ): Used in the GAT, each with one correct option and +1 mark, no negative marking.
- Studio/Practical Task: A creative or design-based exercise evaluated qualitatively in the Studio Test.
- Group Discussion: Tests communication, idea generation, and teamwork.
- Portfolio Review: The 4–5 page digital portfolio is assessed during the Personal Interview.
- Statement of Purpose: A written statement reviewed to understand goals and motivation.
SOFT CET Exam Pattern: Changes in 2026 vs Previous Year
The SOFT CET pattern has remained stable. The three-component structure, the 250-mark total, and the no-negative-marking rule continue unchanged in 2026.
SOFT CET 2026 Exam Pattern at a Glance
SOFT CET 2026 has three components: GAT, Studio Test, and Personal Interview. The total marks are 250.
| Parameter | Previous Year | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Components | GAT + Studio Test + Interview | GAT + Studio Test + Interview |
| Total Marks | 250 | 250 |
| GAT Marks/Duration | 60 / 45 minutes | 60 / 45 minutes |
| Negative Marking | None | None |
No major change has been announced in the SOFT CET 2026 pattern. Candidates can prepare using the established structure.
Component-wise Marks and Weightage
The Studio Test carries the highest weightage at 140 marks. The GAT is 60 marks and the Personal Interview is 50 marks.
- GAT: 60 marks
- Studio Test/Group Discussion: 140 marks
- Personal Interview: 50 marks
All three components are mandatory. Final selection is based on combined performance out of 250 marks.
GAT Details
The GAT is a 45-minute objective test held from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM. It is available in both online and offline modes.
There is no negative marking in the GAT. Candidates earn +1 mark for each correct answer and lose nothing for a wrong one.
The GAT covers four areas:
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Analytical Ability
- Creative Ability
Studio Test and Personal Interview
The Studio Test/Group Discussion is scored out of 140 marks. It assesses creative, design, and communication skills.
The Personal Interview is scored out of 50 marks. Both components are evaluated qualitatively by an assessment panel.
The Studio Test/Group Discussion and Personal Interview are conducted online via Google Meet. Candidates need a digital portfolio of 4–5 pages and a statement of purpose for the Personal Interview.
How to Prepare Based on SOFT CET Exam Pattern
Preparation should match the weightage of each component. The Studio Test carries the most marks, so it deserves the most attention.
- Prioritise the Studio Test (140 marks) — practise sketching, design tasks, and idea generation regularly.
- Build a strong digital portfolio of 4–5 pages early, since it drives the Personal Interview score.
- Attempt every GAT question — with no negative marking, leaving blanks only costs marks.
- Cover all four GAT areas: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, Analytical Ability, and Creative Ability.
- Practise speaking clearly for the Group Discussion to present ideas with confidence.
- Write a focused statement of purpose that explains why you want to study fashion design.
- Do a full mock run for time, since all three tests happen on the same day.
SOFT CET Exam Pattern FAQs
How many components does SOFT CET 2026 have?
SOFT CET 2026 has three mandatory components: the General Ability Test (GAT), the Studio Test/Group Discussion, and the Personal Interview. Candidates must take all three on the same day.
What is the total marks for SOFT CET 2026?
SOFT CET 2026 carries 250 marks in total. The GAT is 60 marks, the Studio Test/Group Discussion is 140 marks, and the Personal Interview is 50 marks.
Is there negative marking in SOFT CET 2026?
No, there is no negative marking in the GAT. Candidates earn +1 mark for each correct answer and lose nothing for a wrong one, so every question should be attempted.
What is the duration of the GAT in SOFT CET 2026?
The GAT is a 45-minute objective test held from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM. It is followed by the Studio Test and then the Personal Interview later in the day.
Which component carries the highest weightage in SOFT CET 2026?
The Studio Test/Group Discussion carries the highest weightage at 140 marks. It assesses creative, design, and communication skills, so it deserves the most preparation.
What subjects are covered in the SOFT CET GAT?
The GAT covers Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Ability, and Creative Ability. These areas test aptitude and design thinking together.
What is the mode of SOFT CET 2026?
The GAT is available in both online and offline modes. The Studio Test/Group Discussion and Personal Interview are conducted online via Google Meet.
What do I need for the SOFT CET Personal Interview?
Candidates need a digital portfolio of 4–5 pages and a statement of purpose. The panel reviews both during the 50-mark Personal Interview.
Has the SOFT CET exam pattern changed in 2026?
No major change has been announced for 2026. The three-component structure, 250-mark total, and no-negative-marking rule remain the same as in previous years.
When is the SOFT CET June session in 2026?
The June-session GAT and Studio Test are expected in early June 2026, historically around June 6–7. The tests have not been held yet, so confirm the exact dates on the official website.
How are the Studio Test and Personal Interview scored in SOFT CET 2026?
Both are evaluated qualitatively by an assessment panel. The Studio Test is scored out of 140 marks and the Personal Interview out of 50 marks.
Do I have to take all three SOFT CET components?
Yes, all three components are mandatory. Final selection is based on combined performance across the GAT, Studio Test, and Personal Interview out of 250 marks.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
SOFT CET 2026 Exam Pattern
SOFT CET 2026 has three mandatory components. You must take all three on the same day.
- General Ability Test (GAT)
- Studio Test/Group Discussion
- Personal Interview
SOFT CET 2026 carries 250 marks in total. The Studio Test/Group Discussion carries the highest weightage at 140 marks.
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 60 |
| Studio Test/Group Discussion | 140 |
| Personal Interview | 50 |
| Total | 250 |
GAT Details
The GAT is a 45-minute objective test held from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM. It is followed by the Studio Test and then the Personal Interview later in the day.
There is no negative marking in the GAT. You earn +1 mark for each correct answer and lose nothing for a wrong one.
The GAT covers these subjects:
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Analytical Ability
- Creative Ability
Mode of Examination
The GAT is available in both online and offline modes. The Studio Test/Group Discussion and Personal Interview are conducted online via Google Meet.
Personal Interview Requirements
You need a digital portfolio of 4-5 pages and a statement of purpose for the Personal Interview. The panel reviews both during the 50-mark interview.
Scoring and Evaluation
Both the Studio Test and Personal Interview are evaluated qualitatively by an assessment panel. The Studio Test is scored out of 140 marks and the Personal Interview out of 50 marks.
Your final selection is based on your combined performance across the GAT, Studio Test, and Personal Interview out of 250 marks.
Exam Pattern Changes for 2026
No major change has been announced for 2026. The three-component structure, 250-mark total, and no-negative-marking rule remain the same as in previous years.
Important Dates
The June-session GAT and Studio Test are expected in early June 2026, historically around June 6-7. The tests have not been held yet, so confirm the exact dates on the official website.