HomeAnimation and Design ExamsNID Design Aptitude Test

NID Entrance Exam 2025: Registration (Started), Dates, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation

Ongoing Event
NID DAT Application Date : 03 Sep' 2024 - 03 Dec' 2024
Updated on 21st November, 2024 by Isha Jain

About NID DAT 2025

The National Institute of Design released the NID 2025 application form at admissions.nid.edu. The NID DAT 2025 application form start date is September 3, 2024. Candidates interested in pursuing the design programmes at NID can fill the application form in online mode only. Aspirants need to fill and submit the application form before NID DAT registration last date.

NID entrance exam will be conducted in two stages: Design Aptitude test prelims and Design Aptitude test mains. NID DAT 2025 prelims entrance exam will be conducted on January 5, 2025. NID exam date 2025 has been released through the official brochure at admissions.nid.edu. 

Candidates are advised to check the NID eligibility criteria 2025 before filling the application form. Candidates need to meet the eligibility criteria specified by the NID authorities such as academic qualification and age limit specified. Candidates who will complete the registration process will be able to access the NID DAT 2025 admit card by using their login credentials such as registered mail id and password. 

NID DAT 2025 Latest News and Updates

NID 2025 notification is out. Aspirants should keep checking admissions.nid.edu to view the NID notification 2025 where the important dates are available.  

NID offers B.Des and M.Des programmes with a duration of 4 years and 2.5 years respectively. NID DAT B.Des prelims exam is conducted in pen and paper based test. NID DAT question paper will be in english language only. Candidates who will qualify the NID DAT prelims exam will be eligible for the DAT mains examination. The main objective of the NID DAT exam is to assess the candidate's knowledge, skills and behavioural abilities. 

Along with the declaration of NID Mains result 2025, the authorities will also begin the counselling process. The NID counselling 2025 will begin with the registration process, followed by submission of campus and course preference, documents verification and payment of admission fee. 

Based on the question raised that "How many attempts are there for NID DAT in a year?", candidates can note that the candidate will be able to attempt for NID DAT only once in a year.

About NID DAT Entrance Exam

The NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) exam is a national level exam conducted by the National Institute of Design. NID entrance exam 2025 serves as a gateway for the students aspiring to pursue a career in fashion design and technology programmes offered by the institute. NID offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes such as Bachelor of Design (BDes),and Master of Design (M.Des). 

Read more

NID DAT 2025 Highlights

Full Exam Name
NID Design Aptitude Test
Short Exam Name
NID DAT
Conducting Body
National Institute of Design
Frequency Of Conduct
Once a year
Exam Level
National Level Exam
Languages
English
Mode Of Application
offline +1 more
Application Fee
Online : 3000
Mode Of Exam
offline
Mode Of Counselling
offline
Participating Colleges
19
Exam Duration
3 Hours
No Of Seats
225

NID DAT Important Dates

NID DAT NID Design Aptitude Test (session 2025)

03 Sep' 2024 - 03 Dec' 2024 . OnlineOn Going
Application Date
04 Dec' 2024 - 09 Dec' 2024 . Online
Application Correction Date
27 May' 2025 - 30 May' 2025 . Online
Others
Seat allotment, Token fee payment & Documents uploading - BDes

Read More

NID DAT Prelims (session 2025)

24 Dec' 2024 - 24 Dec' 2024 . Online
Admit Card Date
Prelims BDes
05 Jan' 2025 - 05 Jan' 2025 . Offline
Exam Date
Prelims BDes
01 Apr' 2025 - 01 Apr' 2025 . Online
Result Date
Prelims BDes

Read More

NID DAT Mains (session 2025)

14 Apr' 2025 - 14 Apr' 2025 . Online
Admit Card Date
Mains BDes
26 Apr' 2025 - 04 May' 2025 . Offline
Exam Date
Mains BDes
16 May' 2025 - 16 May' 2025 . Online
Result Date
Mains BDes

Read More

Candidates interested in pursuing the B.Des and M.Des programmes at NID should meet the eligibility criteria set by the institute.  The eligibility criteria of NID DAT for B.Des, and M.Des programs ensure that candidates meet the educational qualifications necessary for pursuing design education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. 

NID DAT eligibility criteria for B.Des

BDes NID eligibility criteria has been updated below. 

Educational qualification 

Applicants have to complete their HSC from any stream from a recognised board such as CBSE, IB, ICSE or equivalent. 

Other additional qualifications

  • Applicants have to pass a 10+2 pattern from a state or central board such as  recognised by the AIU, or pre university examination under board or university recognised by AIU . OR

  • Applicants have to complete their HSC from any stream from a recognised board such as CBSE, IB, ICSE or equivalent. 

Age limit

As NID DAT age limit, candidates need to have at least 20 years before the specified date to be eligible for NID admissions.  However, the age relaxation of three will be available for reserved category students. 

NID DAT eligibility criteria for M.Des

Candidates can check the NID eligibility criteria for MDes courses. 

Educational Qualifications

  • Candidates need to hold a bachelor's degree of 4 years after 12th standard from a recognised institute or university.

  • Students need to pursue a full time diploma of 4 years duration in design, arts, fine arts, applied arts and architecture. 

  • Applicants must pass 3 years bachelors degree in any specialisation from a recognised board

  • Students appearing in the final year of the bachelors exam and not issued the certificate are also eligible. But the candidate should produce their certificate before the specified date mentioned by the authorities. 

Age limit

As NID age limit, Candidates belonging to the general and general EWS category born on after July 1, 1993 are eligible for the exam. Reserved category candidates will get the age relaxation of three years and five years of age relaxation for PwD category. 

The National Institute of Design released the NID DAT 2025 application form in online mode - admissions.nid.edu. NID 2025 application form start date is September 3, 2024. Candidates who are interested  in getting NID admission need to fill the NID DAT 2025 registration form before the last date. Candidates need to pay the requisite fees to complete the NID DAT registration. 

Checklist of documents required to fill the application form of NID DAT 2025. 

Here are the important list of documents required for filling the NID DAT application form.

  • Photograph

  • Signature of the candidate

  • Category  certificate like EWS certificate, OBC -NCL certificate, Caste certificate for SC , Tribe certificate for ST (if applicable)

  • Disability certificate (if applicable)

  • First and last page of passport for foreign/overseas applicants. 

Steps to fill the NID DAT application form 2025

Candidates need to follow these steps to fill the registration form of NID 2025. 

  • Applicants should register or sign up to fill the application form 

  • After registration, login and fill the NID application form 

  • Enter the required information and click the save and exit button. 

  • Upload the necessary documents and signature with specified dimensions 

  • Pay the NID application fee.

NID DAT Application Fee 

Applicants can check the NID DAT application fee that need to paid by the student as per their category:

Category

NID DAT application  fee

NID application fee with late fees

General

Rs. 3000

Rs. 4500

General - EWS

Rs. 3000

Rs. 4500

OBC-NCL

Rs. 3000

Rs. 4500

SC

Rs. 1500

Rs. 2250

ST

Rs. 1500

Rs. 2250

General- PwD

Rs. 1500

Rs. 2250

General EWS - PwD

Rs. 1500

Rs. 2250

OBC-NCL- PwD

Rs. 1500

Rs. 2250

SC-PwD

Rs. 1500

Rs. 2250

ST - PwD

Rs. 1500

Rs. 2250

Overseas (Supernumerary)

Rs.5000

Rs. 7500

NID DAT BDes 2025 Complete Guide

NID DAT BDes eBook gives in-depth information about the entrance test including the list of courses offered by NID, exam pattern, seat matrix, section-wise analysis, preparation strategy and more.

Download EBook

Documents Required at Exam NID DAT 2025

NID Design Aptitude Test 2025

  • Admit card and Photo identity proof

NID DAT 2025 Exam Centers

StateCity
Gujarat
Ahmedabad
Karnataka
Bangalore
Madhya Pradesh
Bhopal
Odisha
Bhubaneshwar
Chandigarh
Chandigarh
Tamil Nadu
Chennai
Uttarakhand
Dehradun
Assam
Guwahati
Telangana
Hyderabad
Rajasthan
Jaipur
West Bengal
Kolkata
Haryana
Kurukshetra
Uttar Pradesh
Lucknow
Maharashtra
Mumbai City
Nagpur
Delhi
New Delhi
Bihar
Patna
Chhattisgarh
Raipur
Jharkhand
Ranchi
Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram
Andhra Pradesh
Vijayawada
Indian Institute of Art & Design Admissions 2025

Associated with FDCI, CII & IIFTI | Merit-cum-means scholarships to deserving students

BITS Design School B.Des Admissions 2025

B.Des Admissions open for 2025 | 186K+ Alumni

The NID authorities will specify the NID DAT exam pattern 2025 to help the candidates understand the entrance exam. The NID total marks is 100. Candidates can check NID DAT test pattern 2025: 

NID DAT 2025 Exam Pattern for B.Des 

Candidates can check the NID DAT exam pattern from the following table

Particulars

B.Des

M.Des 

Type of Question

Objective and Subjective

MCQ 

mode

Prelims: Paper and pen/pencil test

duration

Will be announced on the admit card

The exam pattern of NID DAT B.Des for prelims as per official sample papers 

Parts

Part A

Part B

Pattern

Objective & Subjective 

Subjective

Questions

(1 Q- 15 Q) - 1 marks 

(16 - 26) - 2 marks  

27 Question - 3 marks

28Q-31Q - 15 marks


Marks 

15 + 22+ 3 

15 x 4 marks

Total Marks Allotted

40 marks

60 marks

The exam pattern of NID DAT M.Des for Prelims as per official sample papers 

Papers

Paper 1

Pattern

MCQ (objective)

Questions

1Q - 34 Q - 1 mark

35Q - 37 Q - 2 marks


Marks 

34 + 6

Total Marks

40 marks 


Other Design Exams

Chandigarh University Common Entrance Test
Ranked #1 Among all Private Indian Universities In QS Asia Rankings 2025 | Scholarships worth 210 CR
ADYPDC Design Aptitude Test
DYPDC Design Entrance Exam (ADYPU CET) 2024 | World-class visiting faculty
UPES Design Aptitude Test
Ranked #46 amongst Universities in India by NIRF | Ranked #1 in Academic Reputation in India by QS World University Rankings

Candidates who want to crack the NID DAT examination need to take the NID DAT mock test to boost their preparation. By practising the NID DAT 2025 mock test , candidates can familiarise themselves with the exam structure. NID 2025 mock test helps the candidate to understand the actual exam environment. By regular practice with the NID DAT mock test candidates can know time management, how much time they take to solve the question, and areas that need to be focused more. With the help of mock tests of NID DAT 2025, candidates can know their strengths and weaknesses to grasp the section that needs more practice. 

Candidates should follow useful preparation tips to stand out from the rest. Apart from showing dedication and honesty, knowing some practical tips helps them to a great extent in cracking the NID DAT exam. Careers360 gives the best tips on how to crack NID DAT and get admission to a reputed institute.

  • Solving NID DAT Sample Papers is one of the best ways to prepare for the NID DAT exam as it gives them an idea of the type of questions that will be asked in the entrance exam. Candidates can also know about the marking scheme of the exam.

  • Attempting DAT mock exams helps candidates understand the difficulty level of the exam.

  • Reading previous year's NID DAT question papers is a great way to prepare for exams.

  • It is important for students to prepare a well-thought-out study plan and follow it religiously.

  • Candidates should also follow the best books for NID DAT preparation. There are many books like the NID DAT book by RS Aggarwal, Design Drawing by Francis D.K. Singh, Robert W. Gill's basic rendering, and NID mock test series, candidates can follow.

The authorities will issue a NID DAT 2025 admit card for prelims on December 24, 2024. Candidates who will complete the registration process of NID DAT will be able to download the NID DAT admit card. It is crucial for students to carry the NID DAT hall ticket to the exam centre. If they fail to bring the admit card, candidates will not be entered to the NID DAT 2025 exam centre. Candidates need to bring any one of the valid documents such as pan card, driving licence, aadhar card, etc along with the NID admit card 2025. 

Steps to download the NID DAT 2025 admit card 

Candidates can access the NID DAT admit card 2025 by following the below steps: 

  • Go to the NID official website - - admissions.nid.edu

  • Click the NID DAT admit card tab on the home page.

  • Enter the credential such as email id and date of birth in the login window. 

  • Click the submit button and check the details mentioned on the admit card. 

  • Take the print out of the download admit card for further reference. 

Last year, the authority did not release the NID DAT answer key for the prelims and mains exam. This year, is the answer key for NID DAT 2025 for prelims exam is released, the link to download will be updated. The purpose of the NID DAT exam answer key is to help candidates get an idea of their possible scores.

Candidates can match their answers with the NID DAT 2025 answer key with the answers given by them in the entrance exam. While calculating the marks, the candidates should follow the same marking scheme as given on the day of the actual examination.

The National Institute of Design will declare the NID DAT results on its official website - admissions.nid.edu. The NID DAT results 2025 for M.Des and B.Des will be released separately by the authorities. Candidates will be able to download the NID DAT results by logging into the official website of NID by entering the login credential such as roll number/application number and date of birth.The authorities will prepare a separate merit list  for each category includes General, General- EWS, OBC-NCL, SC,ST, PwD and overseas. NID DAT B.Des merit list will be based on scores obtained in the DAT prelims exam. Candidates who will appear the NID DAT prelims exam can download the NID DAT 2025 results by following the below steps: 

Steps to download the NID DAT results 2025 

Candidates can check the NID DAT exam results 2025 ny using the below steps: 

  • Visit the official NID admissions website. 

  • Enter the login credential such as email id, application number, and date of birth

  • Enter the verification code will be displayed on the screen 

  • Candidates need to download the NID DAT results 2025 and take print out for further reference.   

The NID authorities will release the separate NID DAT cutoff for prelims and mains. NID DAT cutoff is the minimum score required for candidates to qualify for mains exam and other rounds. The authorities will release institute wise NID cutoff 2025.  The cutoff is the minimum scores required for candidates to qualify for the next stage. The NID cutoff is prepared by authorities based on various factors such as  availability of number of seats, nid dat exam difficulty, total number of candidate participation in the exam and last year cutoff trends. Candidates can below check previous year NID prelims cutoff. 

NID DAT 2024 Prelims Cutoff for BDes 

Category

Rank of last shortlisted for NID Mains

Score of last candidate shortlisted

OPEN

253

58.50

OBC - NCL

153

43.00

EWS

257

50.00

ST

181

43.75

SC

120

29.00

PwD

62

9.75
Overseas9624.25


The National Design institute will announce the NID 2025 counselling dates on its official website. Candidates seeking admissions for M.Des and B.Des programmes at NID campus need to qualify the exam and register for NID 2025 counselling process. Qualified candidates need to follow the below steps during the NID counselling process 2025:

  • Candidates who will qualify the NID DAT exam need to register for NID DAT counselling and give their preference of campuses

  • Candidates must upload the required documents specified by the NID authorities. 

  • The provisional offer letter will be issued based on the merit list, candidates category and seat availability for the eligible candidates.

NID DAT Seat Intake

Department

Specialization

Seats

Faculty of Textile, Apparel & Lifestyle Accessory Design

Textile Design

19

Faculty of Industrial Design

Product Design

19

Furniture Design

13

Ceramic and Glass Design

13

Faculty of Communication Design

Graphic Design

19

Animation Film Design

19

Film and Video Communication

13

Exhibition Design

13

List of Courses & Colleges Accepting NID Admission Test

BDes Courses at NID

Ceramic & Glass Design

Furniture & Interior Design

Product Design

Animation Film Design

Exhibition Design

Film & Video Communication

Graphic Design

Textile Design

Industrial Design

Communication Design

Textile & Apparel Design

Animation Film Design  

Ceramic and Glass Design            

Furniture & Interior Design         

Film & Video Communication    

Graphic Design

Product Design

Textile Design

Apparel Design

Lifestyle Accessory Design  

Strategic Design Management  

New Media Design         

Photography Design      

Toy & Game Design       

Transportation & Automobile Design

Design for Retail Experience      

Digital Game Design       

Information Design        

Interaction Design          

Universal Design

List of NIDs in India

NID Ahmedabad

NID Gandhinagar

NID Bengaluru

NID Andhra Pradesh

NID Haryana

NID Madhya Pradesh

NID Assam

Documents Required at NID DAT 2025 counselling

NID Design Aptitude Test 2025

  • Valid photo ID
  • Admit card
  • 10th marksheet
  • 10+2 marksheet

General Information

Contacts

07926629500 , 07926629600

Relevant Links

Official Website Link Click Here
Pearl Academy B.Des Admissions 2025

No. 1 Design & Fashion Institute by ASSOCHAM, India Today, Outlook and The Week rankings

Symbiosis Institute of Design | B.Des/M.Des 2025

Pre-placement as well as placements offered

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will the NID authorities commence the NID 2025 registration form?

The NID application form has been released on September 3, 2024.

2. Is there a negative marking in the written exam of NID DAT 2024?

There ia no negative marking for the incorrect answer in the NID DAT entrance exam.

3. Where will the prelims exam of NID DAT 2025 be conducted?

The NID DAT prelims exam 2025 will be held on January 5. 

4. Who is eligible for NID DAT 2025?

Candidates who cleared the 10+2 are eligible for B.Des programme. For M.Des programme, candidates must hold bachelor's degree or equivalent from recognised university are eligible. Candidates need to check the NID website for other criteria like age limit and more. 

5. What is NID DAT 2025?

NID DAT stands for National Design Institute of Design  Design Aptitude test 2025. Candidates seeking admission at NID campus need to appear for the NID DAT entrance exam. 

E-books and Sample Papers

Ebook image
1725+ downloads
Ebook image
1570+ downloads
Ebook image
21590+ downloads
Ebook image
1375+ downloads

Colleges Accepting NID DAT

Questions related to NID DAT

Have a question related to NID DAT ?

Hello Anupriya,

Yes, it is possible to prepare for the NID DAT 2025 on your own, even with limited time. With a focused approach, you can make the most of the time available before the exam on January 5th. Here’s a short strategy to help you:

  1. Understand the Syllabus : Get familiar with the exam pattern and syllabus, which includes General Knowledge , Logical Reasoning , Creativity , Drawing , and Design Awareness .

  2. Prioritize Topics : Focus on the most important and scoring sections. Prioritize creative thinking, observation skills , and drawing abilities .

  3. Practice Daily : Dedicate 4-6 hours a day to sketching, problem-solving, and studying previous years’ papers.

  4. Use Resources : Utilize online tutorials, books like NID Entrance Guide, and join online communities for tips.

  5. Mock Tests : Regularly take mock tests to track your progress and improve time management.

With consistent effort, you can prepare effectively within the available time. There’s definitely hope!

I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello aspirant,

There are several resources available for free online classes to prepare for NID DAT, UCEED, and NIFT:

YouTube Channels:

  • Design Career Hub: Provides comprehensive video tutorials, mock tests, and tips for NID DAT, UCEED, and NIFT.
  • Art & Design Academy: Offers free online classes and workshops for design entrance exams.
  • Design Institute: Provides video lectures, practice questions, and mock tests for NID DAT, UCEED, and NIFT.

Online Platforms:

  • National Institute of Design (NID): NID's official website offers free online resources, including practice questions and previous year papers, to help you prepare for NID DAT.
  • Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB): IITB's official website provides free online resources for UCEED preparation, including practice questions and mock tests.
  • National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT): NIFT's official website offers free online resources, including practice questions and previous year papers, to help you prepare for NIFT entrance exam.

Other Resources:

  • Design blogs and forums: There are many design blogs and forums where you can find helpful tips, advice, and resources for preparing for design entrance exams.
  • Social media groups: Joining social media groups dedicated to design entrance exams can connect you with other aspirants and provide access to valuable resources.

Additional Tips:

  • Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to success in design entrance exams.
  • Stay updated: Keep yourself updated with the latest exam patterns, syllabus changes, and important dates.
  • Seek guidance: If you are struggling with any particular subject or concept, don't hesitate to seek guidance from teachers, mentors, or online tutors.

By utilizing these free resources and following these tips, you can effectively prepare for NID DAT, UCEED, and NIFT without spending a lot of money.

I hope this information helps you.


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 !

No, diploma or polytechnic students are generally not eligible to apply for the NID DAT exam.
The eligibility criteria for NID DAT typically requires a 10+2 qualification or its equivalent. This means you must have completed your higher secondary education to be eligible for the exam.

I hope this information helps.


Stages of the Exam:

The PG NID entrance exam typically consists of two stages:

  • Prelims: This written test might include objective and subjective questions to assess your design aptitude, creativity, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of design principles.

  • Mains: Candidates who qualify in the prelims are called for the mains stage, which usually involves a studio test, design exercises, and sometimes a personal interview. The specific format might vary depending on the chosen M.Des. specialization.

Prelims Exam Pattern (General Expectations):

Here is a general idea of what the prelims might cover, though the specific weightage and question types can vary:

  • Design Aptitude: This section might assess your visual thinking, observation skills, ability to identify patterns, and spatial reasoning. Expect questions on visual perception, mental ability tests, and basic design principles.

  • Discipline-Specific Test (for some programs): Certain M.Des. specializations might have a separate test focusing on the specific design discipline.

  • General Aptitude Test: This section might include questions on analytical reasoning, verbal ability, and general knowledge.

Mains Exam Pattern (General Expectations):

The mains exam format is more program-specific, but might involve elements like:

  • Studio Test: This hands-on test assesses your design skills, creativity, and ability to translate ideas into visual form. The specific task or materials used can vary depending on the chosen specialization.

  • Design Exercises: You might be presented with design challenges or problems to solve creatively. This assesses your approach to design thinking and problem-solving.

  • Personal Interview (for some programs): Some specializations might have a personal interview to assess your motivation, interest in the field, and understanding of the program.

I hope it helps!

View All
Back to top