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How to Prepare for NID 2025 in 6 Months?
Edited By Ritika Jonwal | Updated on Jun 09, 2025 04:20 PM IST | #NID DAT
Thousands of students take the NID DAT Exam every year in hopes of pursuing a career in design in one of the several undergraduate and graduate programs offered by NID. How and where to start with the preparations is the typical question that any candidate faces. This article offers you a covert study strategy that covers all the important subjects and a month-by-month study schedule for thorough preparation for the NID Exam 2026. NID Exam 2026 is tentatively scheduled for January, 2026. Sincerity and additional effort are essential qualities for success on any aptitude test. There are two parts to the NID Entrance Exam.
This Story also Contains
- Phases of NID DAT 2026
- NID Exam Pattern 2026
- NID Syllabus 2026
- How to Prepare for NID 2026 in 6 Month - Study plan
- Books for NID Preparation 2026
Phases of NID DAT 2026
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.)
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.
NID Exam Pattern 2026
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 (40%) | Part I - MCQ | Part I - 40 marks |
Part II - Subjective type | Part II - 60 marks | |
NID DAT B.Des MAINS (60%) | Based on Drawing/ Sketching/ Model Making | 100 marks |
NID Syllabus 2026
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. |
How to Prepare for NID 2026 in 6 Month - Study plan
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. | ||
College Predictor
Know your admission chances based on your Category & NID DAT score by using NID DAT 2025 College Predictor.
Try NowAlso Check:
- NID DAT High Weightage Topics
- Top 10 Skills Required to Crack NID DAT 2026 Exam
- How to prepare for NID Studio Test
- 10 dos and don'ts for NID DAT
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Books for NID Preparation 2026
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.
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S.Aggarwal
- Analytical Reasoning by Magical Book Series by Arihant Publications and MK Pandey
- Design Drawing by Francis D.K.Ching
- General Knowledge Digest by Oswal Books
- The Fundamentals of Figure Drawing (Dover Art Instruction) by Charles Oliver
- Basic Rendering by Robert W. Gill
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it hard to crack NID exam?
The NID DAT entrance exam albeit filled with relatively simple questions, is one of the most competitive design entrance exams in the country. Aspiring students must possess a skilled hand at drawing and must pay attention to the Exam pattern and requirements of the entrance exam.
2. How to prepare for NID 2026 in 6 months online?
- Pick out the best Study material for NID 2026.
- Understand the exam syllabus and pattern
- Prioritize and follow a strategic timetable
- Practice the timetable diligently without confusion or laze.
3. Does NID DAT 2026 have negative marking?
No, NID DAT does not have negative markings for wrong answers.
4. How to score well in NID DAT?
- 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.
- Logical application and reasoning is a skill that comes with repeated practice. Expose yourself to as many questions as possible to get a hang of it.
5. What is the NID exam pattern 2026 for B.Des?
For B.Des, the NID exam pattern is divided into:
NID DAT Prelims (40%): Part I MCQs: 40 marks
Part II Subjective type: 60 marks
Upon qualification in this round, students move to
NID DAT Mains (60%): Drawing/ Sketching/ Modelling: 100 marks
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Questions related to NID DAT
Have a question related to NID DAT ?
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.
Sarishti bhagi 10 April,2025
No, IPU (Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University) does not accept NID DAT Prelims score for admission to the B.Des (Bachelor of Design) program.
Instead, IPU conducts its own entrance test or may consider CUET (UG) scores for B.Des admissions, depending on the latest admission guidelines. Always refer to the university's official prospectus for the year you're applying to for the final admission criteria.
NIT DAT (https://www.shiksha.com/design/articles/nid-admissions-2025-colleges-accepting-nid-entrance-exam-scores-for-bdes-mdes-courses-blogId-13097)
Rubina Naseer 04 April,2025
Hello,
Yes, it's possible to prepare for the NID DAT 2025 exam on your own, even with limited time, by following these steps:
- Understand the Syllabus : Focus on key areas like design principles, creativity, visualization, and observation skills.
- Solve Previous Papers : Practice with past NID DAT papers to understand question types and patterns.
- Time Management : Dedicate daily hours to sketching, problem-solving, and revision.
- Strengthen Drawing Skills : Practice daily to improve speed and accuracy.
- Use Online Resources : Utilize free tutorials, sample papers, and design blogs.
- Mock Tests : Take regular mock exams to assess progress and manage time efficiently.
Hope it helps !
Prachi Kumari 23 October,2024
Hello,
There are numerous websites which give free study material and classes to prepare for entrance exams NID DAT, UCEED, or NIFT. Here are a few popular ones:
YouTube: YouTube has many educators as well as institutes, which have been uploading free video lectures on important topics, on aptitude for design, and how to give these exams. Useful content can be found in the channels "Design Coach" and "NID Preparation".
You can download free courses offered on websites like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy on the topics of design principles, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Official Websites: Both NID and UCEED and also NIFT would usually release sample papers and previous question papers for self-preparation.
Study Groups: One can join online forums or social media groups which are dedicated to NID, UCEED, and NIFT preparation for peer-to-peer learning assistance.
The resource utilization would bring in good preparation for the exams and, therefore, increase in confidence.
Deepti Singh 07 October,2024
Hello,
Preparing for the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) entrance exam involves focusing on several key areas. Here’s a structured approach to get you started:
1. Understand the Exam Structure
Familiarize yourself with the NIFT entrance exam format:
- General Ability Test (GAT): Tests general knowledge, current affairs, and quantitative ability.
- Creative Ability Test (CAT): Assesses your creative and visual ability through sketching and design-based questions.
- Situation Test (for B.Des): Evaluates your ability to create a design from given materials.
- Group Discussion and Personal Interview (for M.Des/MFM): Tests your communication skills, understanding of the fashion industry, and design knowledge.
2. Gather Study Materials
- For GAT: Use general knowledge books, current affairs magazines, and quantitative aptitude guides.
- For CAT: Practice sketching and drawing regularly. Books on design and creativity can be useful.
- For Situation Test: Practice creating models from various materials and understanding design principles.
- For GD/PI: Prepare by staying updated on fashion trends, industry news, and developing a strong portfolio.
3. Create a Study Plan
- Daily Study: Allocate time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Weekly Goals: Set goals for completing practice papers and revising key concepts.
- Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to simulate the exam environment and improve time management.
4. Enroll in Coaching Classes (if needed)
Consider joining a coaching institute that specializes in NIFT preparation. They can provide structured guidance, practice tests, and expert feedback.
5. Work on Your Portfolio
If you’re applying for design courses, develop a strong portfolio showcasing your creative work. Include sketches, designs, and any relevant projects.
6. Refer to Previous Years’ Papers
Solving past years' question papers helps you understand the exam pattern and types of questions. It also aids in identifying important topics.
7. Stay Updated
- Follow fashion industry news to stay informed about trends and innovations.
- Read relevant books and articles about design and fashion.
8. Practice Creativity
Engage in activities that boost your creativity, such as drawing, painting, or crafting. Keep experimenting with new ideas and techniques.
By focusing on these areas, you'll build a solid foundation for the NIFT entrance exam. Good luck with your preparation!
You can also refer to the following articles to better understand the NIFT examination and its preperation strategy :-
1. https://design.careers360.com/articles/how-prepare-for-nift-entrance-exam
2. https://design.careers360.com/exams/nift-entrance-exam
Hope it helps !
Prachi Kumari 11 August,2024
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