NID DAT Syllabus 2026: Section Wise Topics for Prelims & Mains

NID DAT Syllabus 2026: Section Wise Topics for Prelims & Mains

Edited By Rajyalaxmi Venkatapuram | Updated on Dec 05, 2024 06:39 PM IST | #NID DAT
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Aspirants interested in obtaining admission into the National Institute of Design through the NID DAT exam will be able to check and download the syllabus for BDes and MDes programmes. As the NID authorities do not release any NID DAT syllabus, the candidates can check the same online as per the previous year’s NID question papers. The NID 2026 syllabus for DAT will be available for both: Prelims and Mains. Candidates willing to appear for the NID DAT exam 2026 are advised to go through the syllabus thoroughly and practice mock tests. Read the complete article to know more about the NID DAT syllabus.

This Story also Contains
  1. NID DAT Syllabus 2026
  2. NID DAT Syllabus Topics for B.Des - Prelims
  3. NID DAT Syllabus for BDes Admission - Mains
  4. NID DAT Syllabus 2026 - M.Des Admission
  5. NID Entrance Exam Syllabus for MDes Prelims
  6. NID DAT MDes Mains Syllabus
NID DAT Syllabus 2026: Section Wise Topics for Prelims & Mains
NID DAT Syllabus 2026: Section Wise Topics for Prelims & Mains

The NID DAT Prelims syllabus 2026 will outline the key topics that candidates should familiarise themselves with, for the NID DAT entrance examination. The duration of the NID DAT exam will be 3 hours. Candidates who will successfully clear the NID DAT prelims will advance to the NID DAT Mains. To excel, it is important for the candidates to understand the NID DAT syllabus. Scroll down to get a detailed NID DAT 2026 syllabus structure.

NID DAT Syllabus 2026

The NID DAT exam 2026 will consist of two distinct sections: the Prelims and the Mains. The Prelims will be conducted in paper format and the Mains will include a studio test and a personal interview. The NID DAT syllabus pdf varies for each phase and a thorough understanding will be helpful for the candidates to excel in the entrance examination.

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NID DAT Syllabus Topics for B.Des - Prelims

As the National Institute of Design will not release the official syllabus, hence candidates can check the previous year question papers to understand the topics for preparation. However, candidates can check the NID DAT syllabus for BDes courses as per the previous year.

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

NID DAT Syllabus - Prelims - High-Weightage Topics

Section

High-weightage topics

General Knowledge And Current Affairs

  • Indian Geography

  • World Geography

  • IT and Computers

  • Sports

  • Environmental Awareness

  • Ecology

  • Books and Authors

  • Business Awareness

  • Indian Geography

  • General Awareness

Analytical Ability

  • Coding Decoding

  • Series-Non Verbal

  • Mirror and Water Images

  • Embedded/ Hidden Images

  • Cubes and Dices

  • Venn Diagram

  • Figure Counting

  • Direction and Distance Test

  • Paper Cutting and Folding

  • Linear/Circular Arrangement

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NID DAT Syllabus for BDes Admission - Mains

The shortlisted candidates from the Prelims exam need to appear for Mains examination. Mains is the second stage of the exam conducted to obtain NID admission. To prepare for the NID DAT Mains exam for BDes course, the candidates need to check the NID DAT exam syllabus for mains. The Mains exam consists of the NID studio test for which the syllabus is as follows.

NID DAT Syllabus BDes Mains

Model making



Questions generally asked in an interview

Material manipulation


Mock interview

Audio-visual exercises

Evolving ideas

Importance of body language

Doodling

Past studio test & interview questions

Interview tips

Creative thinking

Guidance on portfolio-making

NID DAT Syllabus 2026 - M.Des Admission

The applicants planning to appear for the NID DAT MDes exam can check the syllabus for Prelims and Mains. Provided below in the table are the topics to be covered under NID DAT Syllabus for MDes Prelims.

NID Entrance Exam Syllabus for MDes Prelims

Design Outline for Beginners

Colour Terminology

Inspiration & Design Development

Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship

Elements & Principles Of Design

Design Theory

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

Check Design Colleges:

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

NID DAT MDes Mains Syllabus

Provided below are the important topics for NID DAT Mains (Studio Test) for M.Des.

Model Making

Doodling

How to evolve ideas

Audio – Visual Exercises

Material Manipulation

Creative Thinking

Also Check:

Indian Institute of Art & Design Admissions 2025

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BITS Design School B.Des Admissions 2025

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When will the National Institute of Design release the NID DAT syllabus 2026?

The NID DAT syllabus for BDes and MDes programmes will not be released by the National Institute of Design. However, candidates can refer to the previous year NID DAT syllabus.

2. What is the duration of the NID DAT exam?

 The duration of the NID DAT exam will be 3 hours.

3. How many sections are there in the NID DAT 2026 exam?

The NID 2026 syllabus for DAT will be divided into two stages: Prelims and Mains.

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Questions related to NID DAT

Have a question related to NID DAT ?

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 !

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!

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