UPES B.Des Admissions 2026
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NID DAT Admit Card Date:11 Dec' 25 - 21 Dec' 25
Candidates can check NID syllabus 2025 high-weightage topics list in this article. NID 2025 syllabus important topics are based on the experts’ analysis and the previous year's question papers. The NID DAT syllabus 2025 has not been formally published by the National Institute of Design (NID). NID 2025 syllabus is inferred from the previous year's NID DAT exam papers. The NID 2025 syllabus for DAT covers a wide range of topics and is divided into two stages: Prelims and Mains. Students appearing for the NID DAT 2025 exam should prepare for topics such as image processing and visualisation, reflection and distortion of images, and shape construction.
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The NID DAT Prelims phase involves a written test conducted on paper, while the NID DAT Mains phase consists of a studio test and a personal interview. The NID exam syllabus differs for these two phases, Prelims and Mains. Understanding the NID exam 2025 syllabus for DAT is crucial for candidates as they prepare for the entrance exam. The NID DAT (Prelims) was held on January 5 and B.Des mains will be held on May 3. This article on the NID entrance exam syllabus for DAT 2025 provides detailed information on topics for each section, the marking scheme, and more. It’s a valuable resource for those aiming to excel in the exam.
The NID DAT Prelims syllabus 2025 is designed to acquaint candidates with the subject matter of the questions that will be posed in the NID DAT entrance examination. The duration of the NID DAT exam was 3 hours. Candidates who pass the NID DAT prelims will be required to take the NID DAT Mains exams. The students must be well acquainted with the NID DAT Prelims syllabus to pass the exam with a good score. The most common topics for the NID DAT Prelims syllabus have been noted down.
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
NID DAT Full Form | NID Design Aptitude Test |
Conducting Body | National Institute of Design |
Frequency of Conduct | Once a year |
Exam Level | National Level Exam |
Languages | English |
NID DAT registration fee 2025 | 3000 Rs [Online] |
Mode of Exam | Offline |
Participating Colleges | 7 |
Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
To gain a through understanding of the examination pattern and question types, it is strongly advised to practice with previous years’ NID DAT question papers. This will offer insights into the importance of various topics, the level of difficulty of the questions, and any particular trends. The NID exam syllabus details may differ for B.Des and M.Des programs. Hence, candidates are recommended to refer to the specific syllabus for their selected program.
Understanding the NID entrance exam BDes syllabus helps the students to score well. Candidates can check the important topics of NID DAT prelims syllabus 2025 for B.Des programme from the table below.
Innovation in design | Theme development | Exercises on imagination | Graphics & pictograms |
Principles of composition | Design Theory | Optical illusion | Form & function |
Inspiration & design development | Natural & geometrical form | Colour, pattern & texture | Drawing fundamentals |
Lateral thinking | Design Awareness | Creative thinking & writing | Ornaments & motifs |
Imagination & doodling | Understanding light & shade | Elements & Principles of Design | Colour psychology & optical illusions |
3D visualization | Lettering | Developing observation | Good design vs. bad design |
Optical illusion | Outline for beginners | Memory drawing | Innovation & Creation |
Mood, theme & colour inter-relationship | Visual logic | Colour terminology | Presentation techniques |
Picture analysis | Story pictures | Usage of colour in compositions | Natural & geometrical form |
Use of measurements, scale & proportions | Expression & emotion | Developing themes & colour associations | Foreshortening & perspective |
Inspiration & Creativity | |||
Based on the expert’s analysis and previous year question papers, candidates can check the NID entrance exam syllabus for Non-Verbal Reasoning.
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NID entrance exam syllabus topics for the analytical and logical reasoning section are mentioned below.
Below are some of the commonly asked topics from algebra and geometry.
Candidates who qualify the NID prelims should get to know the NID Mains syllabus for DAT. The NID Mains is the next step for getting into design colleges through NID. Understanding the NID entrance exam syllabus 2025 is the main key to cracking the NID exam. As they prepare for the NID studio test or the NID DAT Mains 2025 exam, candidates can focus on the topics they need to study.
| Model making | Questions generally asked in an interview |
| Audio-visual exercises | Evolving ideas |
| Past studio test & interview questions | Interview tips |
| Material manipulation | Doodling |
| Creative thinking | Mock interview |
| Importance of body language | Guidance on portfolio-making |
Candidates should focus on the necessary topics while getting ready for the NID studio test. Here are the topics:
Model Making | Doodling |
How to Evolve Ideas | Audio – Visual Exercises |
Material Manipulation | Creative Thinking |
Candidates, for the NID DAT Prelims for the M.Des course, can refer to the following table for the subjects they need to focus on. This table will guide them in their study plan, helping them prioritise and organise their preparation effectively. Remember, understanding these topics thoroughly can significantly enhance your performance in the exam
Design Outline for Beginners | Colour Terminology | Inspiration & Design Development |
Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship | Design Theory | Elements & Principles Of Design |
Natural & Geometrical Form | Innovation in Design | Principles of Composition |
Lettering | Optical Illusion | Understanding Light & Shade |
Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions | Form & Function | Colour, Pattern & Texture |
Theme Development | Creative Thinking & Writing | Picture Analysis |
Visual Logic | Good Design vs Bad Design | Drawing Fundamentals |
Use of Measurements, Scale & proportions | Optical Illusion | Foreshortening & Perspective |
Developing Themes & Colour Associations | Inspiration & Creativity | Ornaments & Motifs |
Memory Drawing | Usage of Colour in Compositions | Expression & Emotion |
Exercises on Imagination | Lateral Thinking | Story Pictures |
Presentation Techniques | Imagination & Doodling | 3D Visualisation |
Graphics & Pictograms | Innovation & Creation | Design Awareness |
Developing Observation | ||
These are some of the important topics for the NID DAT 2024 syllabus for the M.Des course.
For those interested in the MDes course, the table below outlines the crucial topics that form part of the NID Mains syllabus for DAT 2025 studio test. This comprehensive list of topics will serve as a valuable resource for your preparation, helping you understand the breadth and depth of the subject matter that you need to cover.
Important Topics for NID Studio Test - M.Des | ||
Model Making | Doodling | How to evolve ideas |
Audio – Visual Exercises | Material Manipulation | Creative Thinking |
The NID DAT exam pattern is structured into two stages: Prelims and Mains. The Prelims stage is designed to test candidates’ knowledge, skills, and behavioral capabilities. The Mains stage, on the other hand, includes a Studio Test. Candidates who perform well in this test are then shortlisted for a personal interview. However, it’s important to note that the selection for the Mains stage is based on the performance in the Prelims stage. This comprehensive exam pattern thoroughly evaluates all aspects of a candidate’s design aptitude. Candidates can check the detailed NID DAT 2025 exam pattern for B.Des from the below table:
Particulars | Type of questions | Maximum marks per section |
|---|---|---|
NID DAT BDes Prelims (40%) | Part I - MCQ | Part I - 40 marks |
Part II - Subjective type | Part II - 60 marks | |
NID DAT BDes Mains (60%) | Based on Drawing/ Sketching/ Model Making | 100 marks |
The NID DAT MDes exam has two stages: Prelims and Mains. Prelims consist of a Common Design Aptitude Test (CDAT) and a discipline-specific test. The duration is 2.5 hours for one discipline and 4.5 hours for two disciplines. Mains include a Studio Test and an Interview. Candidates also need to submit a Statement of Purpose (SoP) of a maximum of 100 words per question in a PDF file of size not more than 2MB.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Aspirants can refer to previous year NID sample papers to get an idea of the topics that are asked in the NID DAT exam.
Yes, candidates can check tips and tricks to crack NID DAT 2025 along with the syllabus, exam pattern, and best books.
The authorities do not release any specific NID 2025 syllabus for the DAT exam. However, there are certain topics that aspirants should cover during their preparation.
On Question asked by student community
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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