NMIMS DAT Syllabus 2026 (Part A & B), Section-wise Syllabus Details

NMIMS DAT Syllabus 2026 (Part A & B), Section-wise Syllabus Details

Edited By Rajyalaxmi Venkatapuram | Updated on Aug 14, 2025 10:22 AM IST | #NMIMS DAT

NMIMS School of Design specifies the NMIMS DAT syllabus 2026 at its web portal - nmimsdat.in officially. NMIMS DAT exam 2026 will be conducted in two parts. According to the NMIMS DAT 2026 syllabus, part A include topics like Visual & Spatial ability, Environmental & Social awareness, Logical reasoning and Observation & Memory. The Part B of NMIMS DAT syllabus includes a design challenge. Aspirants to review the NMIMS DAT 2026 syllabus thoroughly to gain a comprehensive understanding of all the key topics. The NMIMS DAT 2026 syllabus is a valuable resource as it outlines the significant areas from which questions for the NMIMS DAT will be derived. Read the complete article to know about the NMIMS DAT Syllabus 2026.

This Story also Contains
  1. NMIMS DAT 2026 Syllabus-Overview
  2. NMIMS DAT 2026 Syllabus
  3. NMIMS DAT Syllabus 2026:
  4. Guidelines for Portfolio Preparation for NMIMS DAT 2026
NMIMS DAT Syllabus 2026 (Part A & B), Section-wise Syllabus Details
NMIMS DAT Syllabus

NMIMS DAT 2026 Syllabus-Overview

The NMIMS DAT syllabus 2026 serves as a guide for the design candidates, detailing the topics that will be covered in the NMIMS entrance exam. The exam will be divided into two parts: Part A, which lasts for 20 minutes, and Part B, which spans 40 minutes. Candidates are required to take both parts of the exam.

Particulars

NMIMS DAT Details

Name of the Exam

NMIMS Design Aptitude Test

Commonly Known As

NMIMS DAT

Conducting Body

NMIMS School of Design

Exam Level

University Level Exam

Mode of Exam

Offline

NMIMS DAT 2026 Syllabus

The NMIMS School of Design will implement the modifications if required to the syllabus and examination format for the NMIMS DAT entrance tests. According to the NMIMS DAT exam pattern of the previous years, the test paper will be divided into two sections - Part A and Part B. The syllabus for NMIMS DAT 2026 Paper-I is specified as below.

The NMIMS DAT 2026 syllabus is designed to help candidates understand the topics that are covered in the entrance exam. The exam is divided into two parts: Part A and Part B.

Part A:

  • This part of the NMIMS DAT is a design aptitude studio test that evaluates the candidate’s ability to think creatively and devise unique solutions.

  • It consists of 50 multiple-choice questions (1 mark each) that test the candidate’s environmental and social awareness, logical reasoning, and observational and memory skills.

  • The duration of Part A is 20 minutes.

Pearl Academy B.Des Admissions 2025

No. 1 Design & Fashion Institute by ASSOCHAM, India Today, Outlook and The Week rankings | Last Date to Apply: 31st August

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 | Last Date to Apply: 31st August | Admissions Closing Soon

Part B:

  • This part of the test is a design challenge that assesses the candidate’s problem-solving and sketching skills.

  • Part-B consists of 2 questions and each question carries 25 marks.

  • Candidates must bring a pencil (HB/2B, 4B/6B), erasers, sharpener, sketch pens, and colour pencils for this part of the test. Cartridge paper of A3 size is required.

  • The use of a scale is strictly prohibited in the studio test/design challenge.

  • The duration of Part B is 40 minutes.

NMIMS DAT Syllabus 2026:

Particulars

Syllabus

Part - A

  • Visual & Spatial ability
  • General Knowledge
  • Logical reasoning
  • Observation & Memory

Part - B

Design Challenge: Problem Solving & Sketching of the Concept

  • Creative thinking

  • Representation of the concept

  • The uniqueness of the solution

Browse Top Fashion Design Colleges by Location

ITM Institute of Design and Media Admissions 2025

Faculty from A+ Design schools of India and Abroad | 100% Placement Assistance

WUD Design Admissions 2025

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

Guidelines for Portfolio Preparation for NMIMS DAT 2026

The NMIMS School of Design also outlines the specific process for portfolio preparation for the NMIMS DAT entrance exam. Here are the guidelines to be followed when preparing for the NMIMS DAT portfolio:

The portfolio should have at least minimum of 5 pages. The pages should be named as follows:

  • Page 1: Candidate Choice

  • Page 2: Candidate Choice

  • Page 3: Candidate Choice

  • Page 4: Product Sketching

  • Page 5: Rapid Sketching

Contents of the portfolio:

The portfolio is mainly to showcase the candidate’s hand skills. They should be the candidate’s best work.

  • Page 1, 2, 3: The candidate can choose any work that they want to display, such as perspective/nature drawing/sketches, painting, photography, or photographs of a model/sculpture that they have made. (Any of these categories is fine)

  • Page 4: Product Sketching (MUST HAVE). These are sketches that take time and capture the details of the product. Some examples are given in the reference section below.

  • Page 5: Rapid Sketching (MUST HAVE). These are sketches that capture the essence of the figure, nature, action, etc. They are not detailed and sketching process is quick. Some examples are given in the reference section below.

References:

  • Product Sketching

Product

  • Rapid Sketches

Rapid

Disclaimer: The above images are used as a reference and not for commercial value

Top Design Entrance Exams


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When will the authority conduct NMIMS DAT 2026?

NMIMS DAT 2026 will be conducted in March and June as per the concerned phases.

2. What is the syllabus of NMIMS DAT 2026?

According to the NMIMS DAT exam pattern, the entrance test consists of two parts - Part A and Part B. Part A has MCQs and Part B has drawing tests. 

3. Why should I solve the NMIMS DAT sample paper?

Practising the sample paper of NMIMS DAT will help students to get familiar with the questions format that appear in the entrance exam. Hence, by solving these sample papers of NMIMS DAT, test-takers will also be able to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.

Articles

Certifications By Top Providers

Certificate Program in Machine Learning and AI with Python
Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Artificial Intelligence
Via Columbia University, New York
Certificate Program in Design Thinking
Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Online BCA
Via Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham AHEAD Online
Post Graduate Certification in Data Science and Machine Learning
Via Management Development Institute, Murshidabad
VLSI Design using Verilog
Via National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology, Haridwar
Udemy
 1087 courses
Coursera
 505 courses
Edx
 330 courses
Vskills
 157 courses
Swayam
 136 courses

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

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