UPES B.Des Admissions 2026
Ranked #45 amongst Universities in India by NIRF | Ranked #1 in Academic Reputation in India by QS World University Rankings
NID DAT Admit Card Date:11 Dec' 25 - 21 Dec' 25
Hi students, many students prepare for and take the NID DAT each year in order to gain admission and pursue a career in design in one of the many undergraduate and graduate programs that NID offers. The most common question that any candidate encounters is how and where to begin the preparations. For comprehensive NID Exam 2026 preparation, this article provides you with a month-by-month study program and a secret study method that covers all the key topics. Sincerity and extra work are necessary for every aptitude exam to be successful. The NID Entrance Exam consists of two sections - Prelims and Mains. The National Institute of Design has announced the NID DAT exam date to be conducted on 21st December, 2025.
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DAT Prelims: A paper-based exam that evaluates sketching, Design Thinking, Design Aptitude, and Observational skills. (Program lengths for B.Des and M.Des vary.)
As per the revised selection process , the NID DAT 2026 prelims result will not have any weightage in the final selection of candidates for B.Des and M.Des programmes. The NID 2026 prelims exam will be a qualifying exam to shortlist candidates for the mains exam. NID Mains exam will have 60% weightage for studio test and 40% weightage for in person interview for NID B.Des selection.
DAT Mains (for qualifiers): For B.Des programs, Studio Tests go deeper into your design discipline (e.g., sketching, model making & other sensory evaluations are well-crafted). Tests for M.Des programs include Studio Test(as per Domain), Portfolio Round & Interview (focusing on Discipline specific inquiry) Apart from the written tests, students must also extensively understand how to prepare for NID Studio test.
To get a detailed understanding of the requirements of the examination, one must go through NID DAT Exam Pattern. For NID DAT exam preparation, it is important to do so, to understand weightage distribution per topic to prepare effectively for this strictly time-bound examination which is important to know how to score well in NID DAT 2026. Students can look at NID DAT sample papers to deepen their understanding of the syllabus and how to approach the exam. The pattern is as follows:
Particulars | Type of questions | Maximum marks per section |
NID DAT B.Des Prelims Qualifying Exam | Part I - MCQ | Part I - 40 marks |
Part II - Subjective type | Part II - 60 marks | |
NID DAT B.Des MAINS | Based on Drawing/ Sketching/ Model Making | 100 marks |
Students preparing for both B.Des and M.Des must be comprehensive with the NID 2026 DAT Exam Syllabus for NID DAT exam preparation. They must understand concepts and how to apply them effectively. The syllabus provides aspirants with a detailed understanding of what to pay the most attention to. Students can refer to a detailed NIT DAT Syllabus to begin NID DAT exam preparation effectively. The Syllabus consists of :
Drawing Fundamentals | The NID DAT tests a candidate’s basic drawing skills, such as perspective, shading, texture, and composition. Candidates should be able to draw simple objects and scenes accurately and realistically. |
Design Theory | The NID DAT also tests a candidate’s understanding of basic design theory, including the elements and principles of design, color theory, typography, and graphic design basics. Candidates should be able to apply these concepts to their creative work. |
Creativity and Problem-solving | The NID DAT is designed to assess a candidate’s creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Candidates should be able to come up with original and innovative solutions to design challenges. They should also be able to think critically about design and understand the different factors that influence it. |
General Knowledge | The NID DAT also includes a section on general knowledge, which covers a wide range of topics, such as science and technology, current affairs, and social and cultural issues. Candidates should be well-rounded individuals with a broad range of interests. |
A student’s NID DAT exam preparation requires a comprehensive and intensive structure to study and apply the syllabus. One must follow a single strategy with discipline to see results. It is important to pick out the best NID DAT study material and begin preparation early on. Topics must be sorted based on the level of difficulty. Also refer to NID DAT 2025 question paper for understanding on structure. Here is a detailed timetable to help students how to prepare for NID 2026 in 6 months in India.
Months | Topics | Drawing Exercise of the Month | ||
Quantitative Aptitude ( Class 10th) | Reasoning/Design Aptitude | General Awareness | ||
Month 01 | Percentage Ratio & Proportion Time & Work | Cubes/ Dice Arrangements for Counting the Surface, Edges & Points | Indian Art & Culture Indian Painters & Paintings | Straight Lines Circles & Ellipses Squares and Rectangles |
Patterns & Symbols related Coding & Decoding | Books & Authors Famous books and Authors | Freehand Curved Lines (Newspaper Sheet Size | ||
Month 02 | Simple & Compound Interest | Blood Relations | Typography Fundamentals, Different fonts and Their contextual Uses | Practise Simple forms sketching both organic forms and Geometric Volumes |
Profit and Loss | Water & Mirror Image Fundamentals | Traditional Printing Techniques: Tying And Dyeing | Fundamental of 2D Geometric Shapes | |
Image Analysis: For a given Scenario | Free Hand Doodling | |||
Month 03 | Speed, Time & Distance Problems | Coding-Decoding Operations Data Sufficiency | Elementary Topics of Civics like Fundamental Rights & Duties | Work on Human-Anatomy, 08/10-Head Sketches of Male-Females Postures and Movements |
Time & Work Questions up to 10th class Level | Concepts of Simple Machines, Operations and Working | Basics of Photography like Aperture/ Shutter speed & ISO basics, Different Operations on Camera | Combining Forms to make Animals and Insects, like making a rabbit by combining two Spheres. | |
Month 04 | Introduction to Geometry Fundamental of Various Shapes (like the Pentagon with 05 sides) | Visual Analogy: Interconnection between two Images | LOGOS: For different Governmental Agencies, Banks, Automotive Brands and Famous Companies of India | Walk & Run Cycles/Flight: For Humans, Animals & Birds (Choose animals from everyday life like Dogs, Cat & Squirrels etc) |
Geometry: Volume and Area | Paper Cutting/ Folding and Unfolding Techniques TANGRAM PUZZLES | FLAGS: Different Nations | Perspective Drawing: Interior and Exterior of a Room in your house from different view angles | |
REVISON EXERCISE 01: Percentage Ratio & Proportion Time & Work | DIFFERENT TYPES OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS: Percussion Wind Operated String Types Etc. | CUT/SECTION Views: Vegetables and Fruits from daily life Exposed View of Everyday Life Objects like torch, pen etc | ||
Month 05 | Fundamentals of Number Systems | Data Sufficiency/Blood Relations/ Decision Making | Different Awards & Awardess Different Categories like Sports/ Civilian Awards/Film/ Medi & Communication etc. | PRODUCT SKETCHING: Composition of 50 Objects from your surroundings in your household ranging from a Pin to a Car. |
REVISION EXERCISE 02: Simple & Compound Interest, Profit & Loss | Fundamental Desing Principles Like Gestalt etc. | NEWS: Major Headlines from This month and Last month | Human Product Interaction Sketches: like a man typing on the computer from a side view | |
Different Projection Methods : Ist & IIIrd Angle Projection Techniques | Indian Ranking in Various Indexes like Hunger Index, Happiness Index etc. | |||
Month 06 | Permutation & Combination | REVISION: All Reasoning Topics covered so far till 05th month FIGURE & MATRIX: Arrangements and Movements | NEWS: Major Headlines from This month and Last month | PERSPECTIVE SKETCHING: Outdoor Environments |
Probability Fundamental | COLOR THEORY: Fundamentals & Psychology of Colors | HUMAN ANATOMY: Practise | ||
REVISION EXERCISE 03 : Introduction to Geometry Fundamental of Various Shapes Geometry: Volume and Area | REVISION: NID previous year papers all topics asked | FUTURESCAPE: Imagining the earth and your surroundings make at least 10 future scenarios of our surroundings like Vegetable Market/ Police Stations etc. | ||
Also Check:
EXAMS dates- 13-14 Dec | Leading Design College | Highest CTC: ₹12 LPA | Average CTC: ₹7.5 LPA | Scholarships for Deserving Students
NAAC A+ & NBA Accredited | QS I-Gauge Gold rated University | Scholarships available for Meritorious students | Application Deadline: 28th Feb’26
Students must pick out the best NID DAT study material, to begin with intensive preparation. Out of the given NID syllabus 2026, here are a few best books for NID preparation for smooth and effective preparation within the 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The NID DAT entrance exam albeit filled with relatively simple questions, is one of the most competitive design entrance exams in the country.
Pick out the best Study material for NID 2026, understand the exam syllabus and pattern and prioritize and follow a strategic timetable
No, NID DAT does not have negative markings for wrong answers.
Focus and begin working on your weak points. Formulas and facts take up most of the time to learn as they require memorization, so start early.
As per the revised selection process , the NID DAT 2026 prelims result will not have any weightage in the final selection of candidates for B.Des and M.Des programmes. The NID 2026 prelims exam will be a qualifying exam to shortlist candidates for the mains exam. NID Mains exam will have 60% weightage for studio test and 40% weightage for in person interview for NID B.Des selection.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
Yes, if you are in Class 12, you are eligible to sit for the NID DAT 2026 (BDes) exam. The National Institute of Design allows students who are in their final year of Class 12 or have already passed to apply.
To know more access below mentioned link:
https://design.careers360.com/articles/nid-admission-2026
Hope it helps.
You can get the NIT DAT SYLLABUS, updated version from careers 360 in detail from careers 360 article. Follow the link given from The link of the syllabus article is given below from careers 360
https://design.careers360.com/articles/nid-dat-syllabus-2026
Yes you are eligible to appear for NID DAT for the M.Des programme. Since you are in final make sure you will have completed your BA by the required deadline. Also go through the specific specializations you want to apply for, some may require certain specific backgrounds to be eligible to apply for them. You can find more details here design.careers360.com/articles/nid-dat-eligibility-criteria
Hello,
To prepare for M.des exams like CEED or NID DAT, here are some points which you can follow:
Understand the pattern – focus on creativity, design aptitude, and problem-solving.
Practice sketching daily and improve visualization.
Study basics of color, form, and design concepts.
Solve previous papers and build a strong portfolio.
Stay consistent and observe everyday designs for new ideas.
THANKU.
Hi daksh
As 563 rank in nid dat exam cannot guarantee admission in designing college but it could be a good chance to explore some campus as if you are not from general category as category role plays an important role . But now you can do one thing focus on your strengthening your protofile or preparing for the studio test (bdes) or interview (mdes).
Thanks.
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Ranked #45 amongst Universities in India by NIRF | Ranked #1 in Academic Reputation in India by QS World University Rankings
Ranked 2nd in the IIRF 2023 Design School Ranking | Approved by AICTE | Highest CTC 13 LPA
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EXAMS dates- 13-14 Dec | Leading Design College | Highest CTC: ₹12 LPA | Average CTC: ₹7.5 LPA | Scholarships for Deserving Students