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How To Prepare For NID Prelims (Part A & Part B) 2026

How To Prepare For NID Prelims (Part A & Part B) 2026

#NID DAT
Ritika JonwalUpdated on 28 Aug 2025, 08:12 PM IST

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.

This Story also Contains

  1. Exam Pattern of NID Exam 2026
  2. How to Crack for NID-DAT Prelims 2026
  3. Understanding of Part A (Aptitude Section)
  4. Understanding of Part B (Drawing Section)
  5. How To Prepare for NID-DAT: Studio Test & Interview - An Overview
  6. Preparation Books For NID DAT Prelims
How To Prepare For NID Prelims (Part A & Part B) 2026
How to Prepare for NID Prelims?

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.

Exam Pattern of NID Exam 2026

Before beginning with the preparation, let's first understand the exam pattern for NID DAT 2026.

Stages

B.Des Entrance Exam

Prelims(Written Examination): First Stage


  • This is a pen-and-paper-based test assessing design aptitude and foundational skills in an aspirant.

  • Conducted in two parts, Part A and B.

  • Part A contains some Multiple-choice and subjective-type questions.

  • Part B contains a few questions about basic modelling and sketching. Questions given in the paper will judge students' critical thinking and drawing abilities.

Mains (Studio Test and Interview): Second Stage


  • The shortlisted candidates get the chance to sit for the NID Mains examination.

  • Those candidates shortlisted from the prelims are invited for studio tests and interviews(for M Des. only) to evaluate their design thinking, problem-solving attitude, and communication skills through concept presentation.


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How to Crack for NID-DAT Prelims 2026

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)

Understanding of Part A (Aptitude Section)

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:

  1. Creative Thinking

  2. Elements and Fundamentals of Design

  3. Working Principles of Everyday Objects.

  4. Aptitude Skills

  5. Reasoning Skills

NID DAT 2026 Full Study Material
Students preparing for NID 2026 can access this study material for both prelims and mains. Download now to strengthen your preparation and boost your chances of success.
Download EBook

How To Prepare For NID DAT Prelims 2026 - Part A

  • Conceptual Understanding: Focus on understanding design fundamentals like color theory, perspective, form, and composition. Study design history, famous designers, and their contributions.

  • Practice MCQs: To achieve a good mark in NID 2026, hard work and regular practice are going to play a crucial role in solving MCQs from previous years' papers and practice tests. Use online platforms and books specifically designed for NID DAT preparation. Analyze why certain options are correct and others are incorrect.

  • Time Management: During practice sessions, time yourself to improve speed and accuracy. Learn to eliminate wrong options to narrow down choices.

  • Review and Learn: Review incorrect answers and understand the concepts behind them. Keep a notebook of important formulas, concepts, and shortcuts for quick revision.

  • Develop a Strong Visual Vocabulary: Strengthen your drawing skills and visual communication by regularly sketching everyday objects, faces, and landscapes. Expand your drawing flexibility by trying different mediums and techniques.

  • Study Design Vocabulary: Remember, every vocabulary has its importance. Go through the color, texture, and material, and design exposition in order to answer the question in part A.

  • Read about Recent Trends: Reading about the recent design, architectural, and technological advancements will enable you to answer questions regarding contemporary practices and the innovations in contemporary design.

  • Mind Maps for Design Theories: Create the mind map for a conglomerate of design concepts and theories. This approach will enhance your memory and visualization of concepts, ideas, and the historical relations that exist between them.

  • Practice the Sketching Speed: Since the exam will be time limited, ensure to practice sketching a variety of themes to a strict time schedule. Aim to capture significant shapes and the defined particulars of the objects.

  • Mock Exams and Simulated Environments: Download NID DAT Sample Papers and solve them to understand structure while you prepare for NID 2026. Taking and retaking mock exams and previous year papers under timed exam conditions will help you master the sensation of pressure that comes with the actual exam. This will build your confidence and help you get acquainted with the sensation of pressure that comes with the actual exam.

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Recommended eBooks

Related eBooks & Sample Papers

Understanding of Part B (Drawing Section)

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:

How To Prepare For NID DAT Prelims - Part B 2026

  • Attempt time for such a question: 20 minutes max. (use pencil 4B/6B)
  • Interpreting the Question: Where it has 02 parts basically as per new formats. Firstly, you are given a visual clue, following which you are required to make space for elderly people for safety, accessibility & other needs of an aged person. Secondly, you have to elaborate on an object used by elderly people.
  • Time Management: Refrain from getting conveyed when making a very detailed drawing. It is primarily required to keep the sketching minimalist but sufficient to express your thoughts.
  • Focus on Sketching Fundamentals: This is a test of Sketching Fundamentals, which includes understanding perspective, room layout, placement of objects, etc., in a limited time only. All detailing is to be done using pencil through sketching or hatching
  • Think and Plan: What could be the needs of elderly people, like a space with a minimalist layout, limited and necessary objects to meet the daily life needs of an elderly person like a comfortable chair to rest, space for medicines, wall clock, no object should have sharp edges, provision of good ventilation and light, etc.

Also Read:

Let's try to understand Part - B with Solved Example Question

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))

1715569844993

1715569846036

(Given below: Describing the Significance and Desing aspects of a Product: ( Resting Chair for Elderly))

1715569845531

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.

Top Design Entrance Exam

How To Prepare for NID-DAT: Studio Test & Interview - An Overview

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.

Preparation Books For NID DAT Prelims

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


  • The Ultimate Guide for NIFT/NID/IIFT Entrance Exam


  • Arihant Publications

Logical Reasoning


  • Step-by-Step Verbal Reasoning

  • How to Pass the Diagrammatic Reasoning Test


  • Philip Kay

  • Mike Bryon

Quantitative Aptitude


  • 10th standard Mathematics Textbook

  • 10th standard Physics Textbook


  • 10th standard NCERT textbooks

Design


  • Design Drawing

  • Origami Design Secrets: Mathematical Methods for an Ancient Art


  • Francis D. K. Ching

  • Robert J. Lang

General Knowledge


  • Read Newspapers like The Hindu, The Economic Times

  • Pratiyogita Darpan and Manorama Yearbook


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How to crack NID prelims 2026?
A:

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. 

Q: Will NID prelims 2026 be difficult?
A:

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.

Q: How to prepare for NID Prelims 2026 after Class 12th?
A:

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.

Q: What is a good score in NID Prelims?
A:

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. However, students check the previous years’ cutoff scores for each category and aim to score above those marks. This can increase their chances of qualifying for the Mains exam.

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Questions related to NID DAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to NID DAT ?
My son secured 563 Rank in NID DAT EXAM in 2025 but he could not have got Required Marks for NID College.Can he get addmission in good designing Colleges.Plz suggest colleges name

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.

Read Complete Answer
S
Sarishti bhagi
10 Apr'25
Do ipu accept nid DAT prelims score for bdes program

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)

Read Complete Answer
R
Rubina Naseer
4 Apr'25
is this possible that i will be able to prepare for the nid dat 2025 exam by my own. which is going to conducted on January 5th ? is there is any hope because time is very less.

Hello,

Yes, it's possible to prepare for the NID DAT 2025 exam on your own, even with limited time, by following these steps:

  1. Understand the Syllabus : Focus on key areas like design principles, creativity, visualization, and observation skills.
  2. Solve Previous Papers : Practice with past NID DAT papers to understand question types and patterns.
  3. Time Management : Dedicate daily hours to sketching, problem-solving, and revision.
  4. Strengthen Drawing Skills : Practice daily to improve speed and accuracy.
  5. Use Online Resources : Utilize free tutorials, sample papers, and design blogs.
  6. Mock Tests : Take regular mock exams to assess progress and manage time efficiently.

Hope it helps !

Read Complete Answer
P
Prachi Kumari
23 Oct'24
Free classes for nid dat, uceed and nift

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.

Read Complete Answer
D
Deepti Singh
7 Oct'24
where should i start to prepare for nift

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 !

Read Complete Answer
P
Prachi Kumari
11 Aug'24
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