DSU- Dayananda Sagar University B.Des 2025
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NID DAT Application Date:11 Sep' 25 - 01 Dec' 25
The NID DAT exam, which stands for Design Aptitude Test, is administered by the National Institute of Design (NID). For individuals who are interested in design, it is a comprehensive evaluation process. This exam is intended to identify individuals with strong observational abilities, quick thinking and execution, outstanding communication skills, and critical reasoning and decision making skills that include sketching and drawing in authentic situations. By emphasizing these crucial areas, the NID DAT exam aims to select candidates who have a thorough understanding and proficiency in the field of design. The National Institute of Design has announced the NID DAT exam date to be conducted on 21st December, 2025.
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In order to become acquainted with the format of the test, students can also practice NID mock test online. The question that now comes up is: Why does NID perform DAT? The National Institute of Design (NID) conducts the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) for admission to its B.Des and M.Des programs. The NID DAT consists of a Prelims and a Mains exam. Thus, through this article, we will focus on how to prepare for NID DAT Prelims 2026.
Before beginning with the preparation, let's first understand the exam pattern for NID DAT 2026. 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.
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Stages | B.Des Entrance Exam |
Prelims (Written Examination): First Stage Qualifying Exam |
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Mains (Studio Test and Interview): Second Stage |
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Before beginning with the preparation for NID DAT Prelims 2026, let's first get thorough with its exam pattern and NID DAT Syllabus 2026. The list of important topics will help in the effective and smooth preparation of NID DAT prelims 2026. Students can also refer to NID DAT 2025 Prelims question paper for better understanding.
The NID exam consists of two parts A and B. Part- B completely focuses on the Sketching part. On the other hand, Part A has a mix of multiple-choice and subjective questions. The question paper consists of two Sections, with a new format as follows.
PART A: Aptitude Section ( 25 marks)
PART B: Drawing section (75 marks)
This section is usually moderate in difficulty level. It is generally most scoring and mostly logic-based, where fundamental/depth knowledge of concepts is sufficient to answer the questions. However, focused preparation is needed to perform well in an examination.
It is focused on accessing the following skills in an aspirant:
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This section usually scores but is very demanding in context to a good understanding of using technical and non-technical drawing skills as a medium to communicate the idea in an aspirant's mind.
This Section of Examination has evolved a lot in the past three years, where the focus has shifted not only to Problem-Solving Skills but now demanding more usability-oriented Visualization of a given scenario. This recent update in the 2025 examination has made the question paper lengthy, demanding good sketching skills and speed, along with the selection of appropriate camera angles to present the idea:
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Question: For example, given a room layout in perspective view, you must redesign it as a designer to meet an elderly person's needs, such as safety, accessibility, etc. Sketch the design, including furniture & modifications. Briefly describe the layout and significance of products in the room. (MM: 20 Marks)
(Clue Given: Three Lines as layout of space Space Design for Elderly with objects (20 mins))
(Given below: Describing the Significance and Desing aspects of a Product: ( Resting Chair for Elderly))
While describing a product, keep the following things in mind.
1. Always highlight Human Interaction with the Product: It is always more scoring and right to put human interaction with the product. Otherwise, a product only needs to make sense.
2. Choose Simple: Choosing an object to describe should be done smartly, fulfilling the question need otherwise it may be time-consuming.
3. Define Product Highlights: Major attributes that make the product appropriate to the user's needs, e.g., a pocket for medicines for old people in a chair.
Note: Preparation is a strategic game well crafted with time management, where one needs to work simultaneously on his/her strengths and weaknesses.
The NID Studio Test is the advanced stage of evaluating admission at NID in different streams. It further evaluates an aspirant's Sensory Reflection, Agility, and Problem-Solving Skills. Refer to these additional tips for how to prepare for NID Studio Test effectively.
The questions in the studio test are practical and situation-based, where one needs to respond immediately to a given scenario. It is usually doable within the time limit if one has meticulously followed the above-shared advice for prelims. Since there is no fixed format for questions, it is doable if you have trained your senses well, no matter the challenge.
Given below is the section-wise list of NID DAT preparation books. These books are highly recommended to study for the NID Prelims stage since these books will help in scoring good marks in the examination.
Subject | Name of the Books | Author of the Book |
English |
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Logical Reasoning |
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Quantitative Aptitude |
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Design |
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General Knowledge |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A good score in NID prelims can be expected around the range of 60-75 marks out of 100. However, you cannot reply on the given cut-off since it usually changes depending upon the level of the exam every year.
To clear NID prelims 2026, get yourself familiarised with the exam syllabus and exam pattern. Collect the good NID study material. Create a monthly timetable. Revise regularly and keep solving sample papers for practice tests.
Since prelims contain both the General Aptitude and the Creative Ability sections, candidates with adequate preparation through taking regular mock tests and solving sample papers, will be able to tackle the prelims effects effectively.
To prepare for NID DAT prelims after class 12th, candidates need to focus on improving their sketching. They also need to enhance their critical thinking abilities and problem-solving approach along with foundational concept building.
On Question asked by student community
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.
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)
Hello,
Yes, it's possible to prepare for the NID DAT 2025 exam on your own, even with limited time, by following these steps:
Hope it helps !
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.
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:
Familiarize yourself with the NIFT entrance exam format:
Consider joining a coaching institute that specializes in NIFT preparation. They can provide structured guidance, practice tests, and expert feedback.
If you’re applying for design courses, develop a strong portfolio showcasing your creative work. Include sketches, designs, and any relevant projects.
Solving past years' question papers helps you understand the exam pattern and types of questions. It also aids in identifying important topics.
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 !
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