Introduction
The NIFT entrance exam isn’t just about creativity – it’s about speed, focus, and strategy. Every year, thousands of Student discover that even with months of study, exam-day time pressure can be their biggest hurdle. At SILICA Institute, we’ve spent two decades coaching students to crack NIFT with top ranks. One of our favourite training tools is the “Sample Paper Challenge” – a timed exercise designed to boost speed and accuracy.
In this blog, our experts show you how to take the challenge, why it works, and how to use Real NIFT Sample Papers and NIFT Previous Year Question Papers to build your exam-day stamina.
Why the “90+ in 20 Minutes” Challenge Works
“Most students know the answers but lose marks to poor time management,” says Senior Mentor at SILICA. “By practising under pressure, you train your brain to think faster, choose smarter, and stay calm.”
This mini-challenge compresses what you’ll face in the real exam into a short, focused drill. Instead of passively reading solutions, you actively simulate the exam, spot your weak areas, and improve in record time.
How to Take the Challenge
- Pick a Fresh Sample Paper
Download an Actual NIFT Sample Paper from our site or a Previous Year Paper you
haven’t solved before.
- Set a Timer for 20 Minutes
Create an exam-like environment: sit at a desk, no phone distractions, keep only a pen/pencil and a rough sheet. - Attempt 25–30 Questions
Choose a section (GAT or CAT) and solve as many as you can with accuracy. For CAT, focus on generating ideas and creating clean sketches. For GAT, push for speed in maths, reasoning, and English. - Score Yourself Honestly
Check your answers using the provided solutions. Calculate your marks. Did you hit 90+? If not, note down the topics that cost you marks. - Repeat with Variation
Change sections or question types each day. You’ll see measurable progress within a week.
SILICA Experts’ Tips to Maximise Your Score
- Know Your Patterns: “Look for question types that appear again and again in previous papers,” advises NIFT Prep Faculty at SILICA.
- Sketch Smart: SILICA Drawing Coach says: “Even in timed practice, keep proportion and clarity – neatness saves time later.”
- Use Shortcuts: Memorise quick maths tricks and English rules to shave off seconds.
- Stay Calm Under Pressure: Before starting the challenge, take two deep breaths to centre your focus.
Real Results from SILICA Students
Many of our toppers, including Khadeeja S (AIR 4, NIFT BDes 2024) and Dharsan MK (AIR 4, NIFT BFTech 2024), used timed sample paper drills in the weeks before the exam. Their speed improved, their mistakes dropped, and their confidence soared.
“Practising more questions and using SILICA’s recorded sessions helped me clear all my doubts.” – Khadeeja S
“I am really thankful to every staff member at SILICA who guided me in my NIFT journey.” – Dharsan MK
Practise This Every Day
You don’t have to wait for the final week to try this. Taking the 20-minute challenge once or twice a week builds muscle memory and exam stamina. Combine it with SILICA’s video lessons, solved papers, and mentor feedback for the best results.
Conclusion
The “90+ in 20 Minutes” NIFT Sample Paper Challenge isn’t just a trick– it’s a proven training method our mentors use with hundreds of students every year. By practising with authentic NIFT Sample Papers and Previous Year Papers under timed conditions, you can sharpen your speed, accuracy, and confidence.
Ready to test yourself? Download your sample paper now and start the challenge today. Call 9513731290 for free guidance from our NIFT experts.