NID DAT Study Material 2026: Best Books, Sample Papers, Mock Tests

NID DAT Study Material 2026: Best Books, Sample Papers, Mock Tests

Edited By Ritika Jonwal | Updated on Jun 05, 2025 10:33 AM IST | #NID DAT

NID DAT (Prelims) exam will tentatively be conducted in January 2026. The Design Aptitude Test (DAT), often known as the NID Entrance Exam, is extremely demanding and demands a great deal of preparation in advance. Therefore, students have to buckle up with their NID 2026 preparation and strategies. To assist you stick to a plan and be ready for the entrance exam, it is crucial that you use trustworthy and thorough NID DAT study resources. In addition, students need to thoroughly comprehend the exam format by consulting the sample papers from the previous year.

This Story also Contains
  1. NID Study Material 2026
  2. Books for NID 2026
  3. NID Sample Papers 2026
  4. NID DAT 2025 Question Paper
  5. NID Mock Tests - Free PDF Download
NID DAT Study Material 2026: Best Books, Sample Papers, Mock Tests
NID DAT Study Material 2026: Best Books, Sample Papers, Mock Tests

Students must predominantly have a keen understanding of the requirements of NID 2026 syllabus. They must also review and judge the NID question paper thoroughly. The NID Study Material 2026 is hence given in the following sections.

NID Study Material 2026

The NID exam prepares students for admission to various design programs offered across NID campuses, including B.Des, M.Des, and other specialized design courses. Candidates need to create an effective exam plan and use the best NID study materials for 2026 to prepare for the entrance exam. Choosing the right NID 2026 study material is essential for students who aim to excel in the design entrance exam. The NID entrance exam is held annually in multiple cities across India. To fully understand the exam requirements, prospective students must review the NID exam pattern. Below is a list of the best NID study materials to help students in their preparation.

Books for NID 2026

Preparing students often end up choosing multiple unreliable books that contribute to much waste of time. Students must choose books apt for the NID entrance exam syllabus. Hence aspiring students must smartly pick out the best NID study material 2026 for preparation. Applicants can also download the free NID preparation books, which will contribute to the list of the NID preparation books listed in the table below:

Parul University B.Des. Admissions 2025

Registrations Deadline- 05th July | India's youngest NAAC A++ accredited University | NIRF rank band 151-200 | 2200 Recruiters | 45.98 Lakhs Highest Package

WUD Design Admissions 2025

International tie-ups | Project based learnings | Attractive Scholarships | State of the art infrastructure | Applications Closing Soon!

Section

Name of the Book

Authors Name

  1. Quantitative Aptitude

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations

R.S. Aggarwal


Objective Quantitative Aptitude

OSWAL Books


Mathematics for class X

NCERT


Fast Track Objective Arithmetic

Rajesh Verma

  1. Logical and Analytical Reasoning

A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning

R.S. Aggarwal


Analytical Reasoning by Magical Book Series

Arihant Publications ,

M.K Pandey


Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning

R.S. Aggarwal

  1. Design Aptitude

Design of Everyday things

Don Norman


Design Drawing

Francis D. K. Ching


Basic Rendering

Robert W.Gill


NIFT/ NID/ IIFT entrance exam guide

Surendra

  1. General Knowledge

General Knowledge Digest

OSWAL books


Manorama Yearbook


General Knowledge

Manohar Pandey

  1. Sketching and modelling

The Fundamentals of Figure Drawing (Dover Art Instruction)


Charles Oliver


Profit From The Psychology of Color: Discover the Meaning and Effects of Color: 2


Richard G. Lewi

Must-read articles to become a designer:

NID DAT 2025 College Predictor
Know your admission chances based on your Category & NID DAT score by using NID DAT 2025 College Predictor.
Try Now

NID Sample Papers 2026

Aspiring students are required to solve previous years' sample papers to apply topics from NID study material better. This will help them identify and understand the question paper syllabus and NID exam pattern. Practicing a lot of NID previous question paper is advisable to understand the DAT and Sketching ability required for the examination. Solving sample papers will also boost aspiring students confidence for the actual exam. Candidates can check the sample papers here:

NID DAT 2025 Question Paper

The NID DAT 2025 exam saw a shift in its pattern, with Part A focusing solely on non-verbal reasoning, removing verbal reasoning and quantitative aptitude. Part B, emphasizing sketching and creative design tasks, became more challenging and time-consuming. This shift made the exam more focused on creativity and time management. For NID DAT 2026, candidates should expect a continued emphasis on design and creative problem-solving, with less focus on traditional reasoning, making practice in creative skills and time management crucial for success.

It is important for students to practice question papers and understand their weak and strong points. Students should practice NID question papers every week to get a hang of time constraints and pick up the pace while solving. Candidates can refer to NID DAT 2025 prelims question paper for better command on the preparation. This will also help students in creating a better study plan tailored to them.

Since NID does not release its official question papers every year, here are some previous years’ question papers tabulated below.

Pearl Academy B.Des Admissions 2025

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

UPES B.Des Admissions 2025

Ranked #46 amongst Universities in India by NIRF | Ranked #1 in Academic Reputation in India by QS World University Rankings

NID Mock Tests - Free PDF Download

Why is it important to take Mock Tests for NID? The exam pattern is altered yearly, but the overall standing concepts being tested remain the same. Timed NID mock test series will give a student a true analysis of the question paper and how to solve it on time. Study guides and NID study material 2026 also serve as a great help in terms of solving the question paper section-wise and with speed. Here are links to NID entrance exam study material, guide, and mock tests:


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I prepare for NID exam 2026?

Students can begin by picking out important and productive NID Study material 2026. Solve many NID DAT sample question papers to get a clear idea of the exam’s requirements.

2. How to pick the best study material for NID DAT?
  • Study material must be comprehensive.

  • It must teach, make you understand, and apply concepts.

  • Pick study material with question banks if possible

  • Solve mock tests and sample papers up-to-date with the current NID Entrance exam syllabus and Exam pattern.

3. What are the best books for NID preparation?
  • 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

4. What are the best books for NID sketching?
  • The Fundamentals of Figure Drawing (Dover Art Instruction) by Charles Oliver

  • Basic Rendering by Robert W. Gill

5. What is the NID exam syllabus 2026?

Students will be tested based on these categories in the Prelims : 

  • Quantitative Aptitude

  • Logical and Analytical Reasoning

  • Design Aptitude

  • General Knowledge

Articles

Certifications By Top Providers

Certificate Program in Design Thinking
Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Machine Learning Zero to Hero
Via Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
Filmmaking Direction and Screenplay
Via School of Open Learning, University of Delhi, Delhi
Online BCA
Via Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham AHEAD Online
VLSI CAD Part 1 Logic
Via University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign
Post Graduate Program in User Experience Design
Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Udemy
 1087 courses
Coursera
 505 courses
Edx
 330 courses
Vskills
 157 courses
Swayam
 136 courses

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

University of Essex, Colchester
 Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ
University College London, London
 Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT
The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
 Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Post Code EH8 9YL
University of Nottingham, Nottingham
 University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD
Bristol Baptist College, Bristol
 The Promenade, Clifton Down, Bristol BS8 3NJ

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.

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:

  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 !

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:

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 !

View All
Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

3 Jobs Available
Animator

An animator creates moving images to bring characters and stories to life in films, games, ads, and more. They use software like Maya or Blender, work with teams, and follow storyboards. Key skills include creativity, storytelling, and attention to detail. With relevant education, animators can grow from junior roles to specialised or leadership positions in the industry.

2 Jobs Available
Industrial Designer

The concepts for manufactured products such as cars, home appliances, electronics and toys are developed by industrial designers. They combine art, business and technology to produce daily goods that people need. Individuals who opt for a career as Industrial Designers operate in a number of industries. Ironically, manufacturers employ only 29 per cent of industrial designers directly. Students can pursue Visual Communication to become Industrial Designer.

2 Jobs Available
Visual Merchandiser

A visual merchandiser is a professional who makes it look astonishing by utilising his or her designing skills. Visual merchandising contributes to awareness and brand loyalty among consumers. An individual, in visual merchandising career outlook, plays a crucial role in fetching the attention of customers and bringing them to the store. 

2 Jobs Available
Merchandiser

A Merchandiser is a professional who is responsible for optimising the sales of the store or business. He or she ensures that the retail and online stores are stocked up and analyses the sales data to improve and promote sales strategies. A Merchandiser is required to work closely with the buyers, suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers to provide customer services. 

Merchandiser in this career is also expected to monitor the product appearance and arrange and maintain product displays, and product pricing. He or she must have excellent analytical skills and a service-oriented approach. A Merchandiser plays an important role in maximising profits by setting up the prices and managing the performance of the ranges, promotions planning and markdown.

2 Jobs Available
Designer

A designer is a person whose career entails creating or changing designs for construction projects or arranging for others to do so or giving them instructions to do so. Individuals in the highest-paying designing jobs in India are employed in a variety of industries, including fashion, architecture, web graphics, and user experience. A career in design and technology comes in many different forms, including drawings, design details, specifications, bills of material, and design calculations.

2 Jobs Available
Fashion Designer

Fashion designers are creative professionals who transform ideas into stylish and wearable clothing and accessories. Using a combination of artistic flair and technical skills, they sketch designs, choose fabrics, and oversee the production process. Fashion designers stay aligned with trends, adapting their creations to suit the evolving tastes of the audience.

Fashion designers make trendy designer clothes, stay updated with the trends, using various modern elements into their designs. They are always coming up with new ideas and turning their creative visions into clothes people can wear. Their creations allow people to express themselves through what they wear, showing their unique style and identity.

2 Jobs Available
Interior Designer

An interior designer plans and manages interior spaces to be functional and visually appealing, considering human behaviour and safety regulations. They work on residential, commercial, and specialised projects, handling space planning, material selection, lighting, and project coordination. Key skills include creativity, technical knowledge, and communication. A degree in interior design, certifications, and internships help build a successful career in this dynamic, creative field.

2 Jobs Available
Back to top