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NID Exam Pattern 2026 (Prelims & Mains), Marking Scheme, Negative Marking, total marks, No. of Questions
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The National Institute of Design (NID) released the NID exam pattern 2026 at the official website - admissions.nid.edu through its brochure along with the 2026-27 admission notification. The NID 2026 paper pattern informs the candidates about the structure of the NID DAT entrance exam which includes the total marks, NID 2026 marking scheme, section-wise questions, number of questions, and more. The NID DAT 2026 prelims exam will be conducted as a pen-and-paper-based test. Moreover, NID 2026 total marks will be 100. Aspirants who wish to know about the NID negative marking, should note that there is no negative marking for incorrect answers. Read the complete article for the NID entrance exam pattern 2026 pdf that includes the marking scheme, total marks, number and questions, and more.
This Story also Contains
- NID Exam Pattern - Highlights
- NID DAT Exam Pattern 2026
- NID DAT Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
- NID Prelims Exam Pattern - Types & Number of Questions
- NID DAT Mains Exam Pattern 2026
- Weightage and Marking Scheme for NID DAT 2026
NID conducts the Design Aptitude Test for admissions into the B.Des and M.Des programmes of participating NID campuses. The NID DAT syllabus is designed to test the candidate's design aptitude and suitability to pursue a career in design.
NID Exam Pattern - Highlights
The NID exam pattern 2026 Prelims & Mains is designed to evaluate the candidate's ability in solving design aptitude questions, drawing, and observation skills. Candidates who are preparing for the NID 2026 entrance exam need to familiarise themselves with the NID question paper pattern 2026. Candidates can check the points below to understand the NID exam pattern.
- DAT Prelims 2026 is a mix of (Multiple Choice Questions) and Reasoning (drawing and descriptive), and questions based on Logical Deductions.
- NID part A consists of 19 questions, while part B consists of 5 questions.
NID DAT Exam Pattern 2026
The overall structure of the entrance exam is specified in the NID 2026 exam pattern. As per the NID exam pattern the DAT consists of two stages: DAT prelims and DAT mains. The NID B.Des and NID M.Des exam pattern will include both these exams. The NID 2026 prelims exam will test the students' knowledge, skills, and behavioural abilities through objective and subjective questions. The NID exam syllabus topics covered in the NID prelims question paper will be on the concepts of design aptitude, creativity and visualisation.
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 EBookNID mains question paper for DAT 2026 exam will include a studio test, where students will be required to showcase their design skills. Students must familiarise themselves with the NID DAT 2026 syllabus to understand the NID exam pattern 2026 and prepare well for the NID DAT exam.
Candidates who qualify the NID DAT prelims will be eligible to take the DAT mains exam. Candidates who will clear both NID DAT prelims and NID DAT mains will get a chance to participate in a personal interview. Utilising the NID DAT prelims sample paper will provide insights for exam patterns. Candidates can check the NID exam pattern 2026 as per NID DAT sample paper from the table below:
The NID DAT entrance exam typically consists of two stages: Prelims and Mains.
NID Entrance Exam Pattern 2026
Stages | Brief Description |
Prelims (The First Stage) |
|
Mains (The Second Stage) |
|
NID DAT Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
Candidates interested in appearing for the NID DAT exam need to know the NID DAT exam pattern prelims to crack the exam. NID DAT exam pattern 2026 prelims consists of two sections namely objective-type of questions and subjective-type of questions. The NID BDes prelims paper pattern evaluates the candidates' aptitude for design, observation, creativity, and communication skills. Aspirants can check NID exam duration for the studio test through the DAT admit card 2026. As per the NID DAT exam pattern, the details of the NID DAT prelims of two sections are given below:
NID DAT BDes Prelims
Sections | Number of questions | Total Marks |
Part A | 19 | 25 |
Part B | 5 | 75 |
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NID Exam Pattern 2026 Prelims: Section-Wise Analysis
Understanding the NID exam pattern 2026 syllabus for Prelims is very important part of the exam preparation. Practicing the NID DAT Prelims sample paper can be beneficial for the students. The table below gives the students most important portions of the NID Exam Pattern 2026 Prelims which they should not miss.
NID Prelims Exam Pattern - Types & Number of Questions
Total Questions in each section and marks per question | Number of topics | Topics (As per the NID DAT sample paper - official) |
Part 1 | ||
1 mark (15 questions) | General Knowledge And Current Affairs |
|
Analytical Ability |
| |
2 Marks (11 questions) | ||
English | Design related passage based question | |
3 marks (1 question ) | Text and Visual representation | Visual and text-based questions |
Part 2 (Subjective) | ||
15 marks (4 questions) | Design Aptitude Test/Drawing/Critical Thinking/ | |
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NID DAT Mains Exam Pattern 2026
Candidates seeking admission at NIDs need to clear both prelims and mains exam. To appear in the NID DAT mains exam candidates need to first clear the NID DAT prelims exam. There is no strict NID exam syllabus for Mains to follow, but the candidates need to be creative and good in sketching, drawing and crafts. DAT 2026 mains exam will be held in offline mode at NID campuses such as NID Ahmedabad, NID Gandhinagar, and NID Bengaluru. Following the studio test, candidates need to appear for a personal interview at the allotted campus.
NID DAT BDes MAINS
Particulars | Details |
Mode of exam | Offline |
Total marks of NID DAT | 100 |
Duration of Marks | 3 hours |
Mode of Language | English |
Type of questions | Based on Sketching/Drawing/ Model Making. |
Also Read: NID Exam is For What Purpose
NID Dat Exam Pattern Mains: Section-Wise Analysis
NID DAT B.Des Mains exam comprises multiple formats such as studio setup. The NID DAT question paper will be English language only and candidates will be evaluated on Drawing/ Sketching/ Model making based questions.
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Weightage and Marking Scheme for NID DAT 2026
As per the NID DAT exam pattern, the NID prelims and mains weightage of B.Des and M.Des will be different. The weightage of NID DAT 2026 for B.Des prelims and mains have been changed. The NID DAT BDes and MDes weightage is applicable only for Mains.
NID DAT prelims marking scheme will slightly vary every year. Candidates can refer to the previous year NID DAT sample papers for prelims to get an idea on NID marking scheme and exam pattern. NID DAT weightage will be 30:70.
NID Prelims and Mains Weightage for both B.Des and M.Des
The NID 2026 Prelims score will only be used to shortlist the candidates for NID DAT Mains exam. Hence candidates should note that the NID Prelims score will not be carried forward as any weightage for the NID 2026 Mains exam. The NID weightages for BDes and MDes are as follows.
B.Des Particulars | Weightage |
Studio sensitivity test | 60% |
In-person sensitivity test | 40% |
M.Des Particulars | Weightage |
Studio test | 40% |
Interviews | 60% |
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National Level | Institute Level |
NID DAT | |
Instructions for filling the OMR sheets for NID DAT 2026 Prelims
Students must keep in mind that the NID 2026 exam date and fill the application form before the application deadline. The students need to carry their exam admit card on the NID 2026 exam date and carefully read the instructions mentioned in it. Candidates need to be careful when filling the OMR sheets because they will be checked digitally. Here are the guidelines for filling out the OMR sheet.
Each multiple choice question will have four options. Candidates should use blue or black pen to fill the corresponding oval on the OMR sheet.
Only one oval should darken for each question. Marking more than one will be considered incorrect.
The correct method of darkening the oval will be found on the first page of the OMR answer sheet. Candidates must follow this procedure while filling out the ovals.
Candidates should not tear, mutilate, or bend the OMR answer sheet in any way.
You may also check:
- NIFT Syllabus
- UCEED Syllabus
- NID Syllabus
- CEED Syllabus
- NIFT Question Paper
- NID Question Paper
- UCEED Question Papers
Note: NID prelims and mains weightage 2026 is a crucial factor when determining the final selection process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How will I be evaluated in the NID Design Aptitude Test?
A:
Candidates' assessments include understanding of concepts, analytical abilities, creativity, and how well they present their ideas.
Q: Who prescribes the exam pattern of NID DAT 2026?
A:
The National Institute of Design prescribes the NID exam pattern 2026 prelims and mains for DAT.
Q: Is NID DAT tough?
A:
With a well-planned exam approach and strategic preparation, candidates acing the NID DAT exam is entirely feasible.
Q: What is the duration of the NID DAT entrance exam?
A:
NID DAT 2026 exam duration will be three hours for both the prelims and the mains exam.
Q: What is asked in the NID Design Aptitude Test?
A:
The NID DAT comprises two stages: the Prelims and the Mains. DAT prelims involve a written examination with both objective and subjective sections. NID DAT Mains assess candidates through studio tests and personal interviews, focusing on their ability to handle materials and demonstrate creativity.
Q: Does NID DAT have negative marking?
A:
No, there is no negative marking in NID.
Q: What are the total marks in NID exam?
A:
The total marks in NID exam will be 100
Q: In which mode will the NID DAT prelims exam be conducted?
A:
NID DAT 2026 prelims exam will be held in pen and paper mode.
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Questions related to NID DAT
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to NID DAT ?
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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