Mastering Arithmetic for the NIFT GAT
The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) General Ability Test (GAT) is a critical component of the entrance examination that evaluates your quantitative aptitude, analytical reasoning, and English comprehension. Among these, the Quantitative Ability section often proves to be the deciding factor for many aspirants. Topics such as Fractions, Percentages, Rate of Interest, and Work & Task form the bedrock of this section. While NIFT is a design-centric institution, the ability to handle numbers is essential for fashion management, merchandising, and even technical design. Fractions and Percentages are ubiquitous in price calculations and fabric wastage estimations, while Interest rates are vital for understanding business finance. Work and Task problems develop the logical efficiency required for production planning. This comprehensive mock test is specifically designed for students on www.myentrance.in to simulate the actual exam environment, providing challenging problems that move beyond basic concepts into application-based scenarios. Success in these topics requires not just formulaic knowledge, but a deep conceptual understanding and the ability to apply shortcuts under time pressure.
💡 Expert Pro-Tip for GAT
In the GAT, speed is as important as accuracy. For percentage problems, always memorize the fraction equivalents (e.g., 12.5% = 1/8). This simple trick can save you up to 30 seconds per question, allowing you more time for complex logic-based puzzles.
Part 1: Fractions and Percentages
- Question 1: A designer uses 3/8 of a fabric roll for a dress and 1/4 of the same roll for a skirt. If 15 meters of fabric are left, what was the original length of the roll?
- A) 30 meters
- B) 40 meters
- C) 45 meters
- D) 60 meters
- Question 2: The price of a premium silk fabric increases by 20% in the first month and then decreases by 10% in the second month. What is the net percentage change in the price?
- A) 10% increase
- B) 8% increase
- C) 12% increase
- D) No change
- Question 3: In a design studio, 40% of the employees are designers, 35% are technicians, and the remaining 15 employees are administrative staff. What is the total number of employees?
- A) 50
- B) 60
- C) 75
- D) 100
- Question 4: Which of the following fractions is the largest: 5/7, 9/11, 2/3, or 8/9?
- A) 5/7
- B) 9/11
- C) 2/3
- D) 8/9
- Question 5: If 15% of A is the same as 20% of B, then A:B is equal to:
- A) 3:4
- B) 4:3
- C) 17:16
- D) 16:17
Part 2: Rate of Interest
- Question 6: A student takes a loan of Rs. 10,000 for her fashion project at a simple interest rate of 8% per annum. How much interest will she pay after 3.5 years?
- A) Rs. 2,400
- B) Rs. 2,800
- C) Rs. 3,200
- D) Rs. 3,500
- Question 7: At what rate of simple interest per annum will a sum of money double itself in 10 years?
- A) 8%
- B) 10%
- C) 12%
- D) 15%
- Question 8: Calculate the compound interest on Rs. 5,000 for 2 years at 10% per annum, compounded annually.
- A) Rs. 1,000
- B) Rs. 1,050
- C) Rs. 1,100
- D) Rs. 1,200
- Question 9: The difference between Simple Interest and Compound Interest (compounded annually) on a sum of Rs. 2,000 for 2 years at 5% per annum is:
- A) Rs. 5
- B) Rs. 10
- C) Rs. 15
- D) Rs. 2
- Question 10: A sum of money becomes Rs. 1,331 in 3 years at 10% per annum compound interest. Find the principal amount.
- A) Rs. 1,000
- B) Rs. 1,100
- C) Rs. 1,200
- D) Rs. 900
Part 3: Work and Task
- Question 11: A tailor can stitch a suit in 6 hours, while his assistant can stitch the same suit in 12 hours. If they work together, how long will they take?
- A) 3 hours
- B) 4 hours
- C) 5 hours
- D) 8 hours
- Question 12: 12 workers can complete a boutique renovation in 10 days. How many workers are needed to complete the same work in 8 days?
- A) 14
- B) 15
- C) 16
- D) 18
- Question 13: A can do a piece of work in 20 days and B can do it in 30 days. They work together for 5 days and then A leaves. How many days will B take to finish the remaining work?
- A) 15 days
- B) 18 days
- C) 17.5 days
- D) 20 days
- Question 14: Pipe A can fill a tank in 10 minutes and Pipe B can empty it in 15 minutes. If both are opened together, how long will it take to fill the tank?
- A) 25 mins
- B) 30 mins
- C) 45 mins
- D) 60 mins
- Question 15: A is twice as efficient as B. If they together finish a task in 14 days, in how many days can A alone finish the task?
- A) 21 days
- B) 28 days
- C) 30 days
- D) 42 days
Part 4: Mixed Logical Challenges
- Question 16: If 2/3 of a number is 40, what is 25% of that number?
- A) 10
- B) 15
- C) 20
- D) 30
- Question 17: A sum of money at simple interest triples itself in 20 years. What is the rate of interest?
- A) 5%
- B) 7.5%
- C) 10%
- D) 12%
- Question 18: 10 men can cut 20 trees in 5 days. How many trees can 5 men cut in 10 days?
- A) 10
- B) 20
- C) 15
- D) 25
- Question 19: A person spends 20% of his income on rent, 30% on food, and 10% on entertainment. If he saves Rs. 4,000, what is his total income?
- A) Rs. 8,000
- B) Rs. 10,000
- C) Rs. 12,000
- D) Rs. 15,000
- Question 20: Two numbers are respectively 20% and 50% more than a third number. What is the ratio of the two numbers?
- A) 2:5
- B) 3:5
- C) 4:5
- D) 5:4
Answer Key & Detailed Explanations
1. Answer: B (40 meters). Explanation: The designer uses 3/8 + 1/4 of the roll. To add these, find a common denominator: 1/4 = 2/8. So, total used = 3/8 + 2/8 = 5/8. The fraction remaining is 1 – 5/8 = 3/8. We are told 3/8 of the roll equals 15 meters. Therefore, the full roll (1 unit) is (15 * 8) / 3 = 40 meters. In NIFT problems involving fractions, always work with the remaining portion to find the total.
2. Answer: B (8% increase). Explanation: Let the initial price be 100. After a 20% increase, it becomes 120. Now, apply a 10% decrease to 120. 10% of 120 is 12. So, 120 – 12 = 108. The net change from 100 to 108 is an 8% increase. Alternatively, use the successive percentage formula: a + b + (ab/100), which is 20 – 10 + (20 * -10 / 100) = 10 – 2 = 8%.
3. Answer: B (60). Explanation: Total percentage of designers and technicians = 40% + 35% = 75%. This means the remaining 25% are administrative staff. We are told 25% of the total (T) is 15. So, 0.25 * T = 15, which means T = 15 / 0.25 = 60. This type of problem tests your ability to translate percentages into absolute numbers quickly.
4. Answer: D (8/9). Explanation: To compare fractions, convert to decimals or use a common denominator. 5/7 ≈ 0.71, 9/11 ≈ 0.81, 2/3 ≈ 0.66, and 8/9 ≈ 0.88. Thus, 8/9 is the largest. A quicker design-student tip: if the difference between the numerator and denominator is the same (like 5/7, 9/11, 8/9 all have different gaps, but 8/9 is closest to 1), the fraction with the largest numbers is usually the largest.
5. Answer: B (4:3). Explanation: 15% of A = 20% of B can be written as 0.15A = 0.20B. Rearranging this for the ratio A/B gives 0.20 / 0.15. Simplifying the decimals, we get 20/15, which reduces to 4/3. Thus, A:B = 4:3. Understanding ratios is essential for color mixing and fabric proportions in design school.
6. Answer: B (Rs. 2,800). Explanation: Simple Interest formula is SI = (P * R * T) / 100. Here, P = 10,000, R = 8, and T = 3.5. SI = (10,000 * 8 * 3.5) / 100 = 100 * 8 * 3.5 = 800 * 3.5 = 2,800. Interest calculations are foundational for fashion business modules in the NIFT curriculum.
7. Answer: B (10%). Explanation: If a sum doubles, the interest earned is equal to the principal (SI = P). Using P = (P * R * 10) / 100, the P’s cancel out. 1 = 10R / 100, which simplifies to R = 10. Any sum that doubles in T years has a rate of 100/T.
8. Answer: B (Rs. 1,050). Explanation: Amount with Compound Interest = P(1 + R/100)^T. Amount = 5,000(1 + 10/100)^2 = 5,000(1.1)^2 = 5,000 * 1.21 = 6,050. CI = Amount – Principal = 6,050 – 5,000 = 1,050. CI grows faster than SI, a concept crucial for long-term investments.
9. Answer: A (Rs. 5). Explanation: For 2 years, the difference between CI and SI is P(R/100)^2. Difference = 2,000 * (5/100)^2 = 2,000 * (1/20)^2 = 2,000 * (1/400) = 5. This shortcut formula is a lifesaver in the competitive GAT environment.
10. Answer: A (Rs. 1,000). Explanation: Using the CI formula: 1,331 = P(1 + 10/100)^3. 1,331 = P(1.1)^3. Since 1.1 cubed is 1.331, we have 1,331 = P * 1.331. Therefore, P = 1,000. Recognizing cubes (like 11^3 = 1331) helps significantly in math sections.
11. Answer: B (4 hours). Explanation: Using the combined work formula (xy) / (x + y), we get (6 * 12) / (6 + 12) = 72 / 18 = 4 hours. This harmonic mean approach is the fastest way to solve ‘togetherness’ problems.
12. Answer: B (15). Explanation: Use the formula M1D1 = M2D2. 12 workers * 10 days = M2 * 8 days. 120 = 8 * M2. M2 = 120 / 8 = 15. Efficiency and labor management are core topics for NIFT’s Apparel Production students.
13. Answer: C (17.5 days). Explanation: A’s 1-day work = 1/20, B’s 1-day work = 1/30. Together in 1 day = 1/20 + 1/30 = 5/60 = 1/12. In 5 days, they complete 5/12 of the work. Remaining work = 1 – 5/12 = 7/12. B takes 30 days for full work, so for 7/12 work, B takes 30 * (7/12) = 210/12 = 17.5 days.
14. Answer: B (30 mins). Explanation: In 1 minute, Pipe A fills 1/10 and Pipe B empties 1/15. Net fill in 1 minute = 1/10 – 1/15 = (3-2)/30 = 1/30. So, it takes 30 minutes to fill the tank completely. This logic applies to net productivity in manufacturing units.
15. Answer: A (21 days). Explanation: Let B’s efficiency be 1 unit/day, then A’s efficiency is 2 units/day. Together they do 3 units/day. In 14 days, they do 14 * 3 = 42 units (total work). A alone does 2 units/day, so A takes 42 / 2 = 21 days.
16. Answer: B (15). Explanation: If 2/3 * X = 40, then X = (40 * 3) / 2 = 60. Now, 25% of 60 is 0.25 * 60 = 15. Multi-step problems like this test your consistency across different arithmetic operations.
17. Answer: C (10%). Explanation: For a sum to triple, the Interest must be 2 times the Principal (SI = 2P). 2P = (P * R * 20) / 100. 2 = 20R / 100, which means 2 = R / 5, so R = 10%.
18. Answer: B (20). Explanation: Use the work formula (M1*D1)/W1 = (M2*D2)/W2. (10 * 5) / 20 = (5 * 10) / W2. 50 / 20 = 50 / W2. Therefore, W2 = 20. Logic: The number of ‘man-days’ is the same (50), so the output remains the same.
19. Answer: B (Rs. 10,000). Explanation: Total expenditure percentage = 20 + 30 + 10 = 60%. Savings percentage = 100 – 60 = 40%. We know 40% of Income = 4,000. So, Income = 4,000 / 0.40 = 10,000. Budgeting is a key skill for designers running their own labels.
20. Answer: C (4:5). Explanation: Let the third number be 100. The first number is 120 (20% more) and the second number is 150 (50% more). The ratio of the first to the second is 120:150, which simplifies by dividing by 30 to get 4:5.
Facing hurdles in your NIFT preparation?
Don’t let complex math stop you from reaching your dream design college. Get personalized mentorship, updated study materials, and unlimited mock tests on MyEntrance.
💬 Chat with our Experts on WhatsApp (+91 9526806124)
