SOFT CET 2026 Exam Pattern: 250 Marks, Marking Scheme, Sections and Duration

SOFT CET 2026 is the entrance test conducted by MKSSS’s School of Fashion Technology (SOFT) for admission to its design programmes. The selection has three mandatory components held on the same day: a General Ability Test (GAT), a Studio Test/Group Discussion, and a Personal Interview, carrying 250 marks in total. The GAT is an objective test, while the Studio Test and interview are conducted online via Google Meet.

• 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 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 your portfolio and statement of purpose.
• There is no negative marking in the GAT, so you should attempt every question.
• The GAT covers Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, Analytical Ability, and Creative Ability.

SOFT CET Exam Pattern 2026: Overview

The SOFT CET 2026 exam pattern is built around a single-day selection process with three mandatory tests. You must take all three to be considered for admission. The GAT screens your aptitude, the Studio Test assesses your design and creative skills, and the Personal Interview evaluates your portfolio and motivation.

SOFT CET 2026 is a 250-mark, single-day selection process combining an objective GAT, a Studio Test, and a Personal Interview.

SOFT CET Exam Pattern 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 you should confirm them on the official website.

The June-session tests have not been held yet as of today, so treat all dates above as expected until SOFT confirms them.

SOFT CET 2026: Detailed Exam Pattern

The full SOFT CET 2026 pattern spreads three components across one day. The GAT runs first in the morning, followed by the Studio Test, and the Personal Interview in the afternoon. The table below shows the marks and duration for each component.

Note: For the Personal Interview, you must prepare a digital portfolio of 4–5 pages and a statement of purpose. The Studio Test/Group Discussion carries the most weight, so it is the most important component to prepare for.

Source: School of Fashion Technology

SOFT CET Marking Scheme 2026

The marking scheme for SOFT CET 2026 is straightforward for the objective GAT. You earn marks for correct answers and lose nothing for wrong ones. The Studio Test and Personal Interview are evaluated by the assessment panel on qualitative criteria.

There is no negative marking in the GAT, so you should attempt every question.

SOFT CET Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2026

The objective GAT is the only component with subject-wise questions. It tests four broad areas to gauge your aptitude and creative thinking. The Studio Test and Interview are skill-based and not divided into academic subjects.

General Ability Test (GAT)

Studio Test/Group Discussion

This component assesses your creative, drawing, and design skills along with how you communicate ideas in a group setting. It carries 140 marks, the highest of the three components.

Personal Interview

The interview reviews your digital portfolio (4–5 pages) and statement of purpose. The panel evaluates your motivation, aptitude for design, and overall fit for the programme.

SOFT CET Question Types 2026

SOFT CET 2026 mixes objective and skill-based formats across its three components. Knowing each format helps you prepare the right way for each stage.

• 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 your communication, idea generation, and teamwork.
• Portfolio Review: Your 4–5 page digital portfolio is assessed during the Personal Interview.
• Statement of Purpose: A written statement reviewed to understand your 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.

No major change has been announced in the SOFT CET 2026 pattern — you can prepare using the established structure.

How to Prepare Based on SOFT CET Exam Pattern

Your preparation should match the weightage of each component. Since the Studio Test carries the most marks, give it the most attention while keeping the GAT steady.

1. Prioritise the Studio Test (140 marks) — practise sketching, design tasks, and idea generation regularly.
2. Build a strong digital portfolio of 4–5 pages early, since it drives your Personal Interview score.
3. Attempt every GAT question — with no negative marking, leaving blanks only costs you marks.
4. Cover all four GAT areas: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, Analytical Ability, and Creative Ability.
5. Practise speaking clearly for the Group Discussion to present ideas with confidence.
6. Write a focused statement of purpose that explains why you want to study fashion design.
7. Do a full mock run for time, since all three tests happen on the same day.