Top Colleges Accepting NID DAT Score 2025 in India

Top Colleges Accepting NID DAT Score 2025 in India

Edited By Isha Jain | Updated on Dec 07, 2024 03:58 PM IST | #NID DAT
Upcoming Event
NID DAT  Admit Card Date : 24 Dec' 2024 - 24 Dec' 2024

The National Institute of Design (NID) will conduct the NID Design Aptitude Test prelims exam on January 5. NID DAT exam serves as a gateway for ambitious students aiming for B.Des and M.Des admissions at NID campuses and other result-sharing institutes.

Every student aspires to secure a seat in any of the NID colleges in India. Through NID DAT scores, design aspirants will have the opportunity to gain admission into some of India’s most prestigious design colleges. For a comprehensive list of the top colleges accepting NID DAT score in India for 2025, please read the complete article.

Top Colleges Accepting NID DAT Score in India

The NID Design Aptitude Test also known as NID DAT is a yearly examination. NID DAT is a two-stage entrance test that includes prelims and main exams. The NID DAT 2025 prelims will be held on January 5. Candidates who pass the prelims had to appear for the NID DAT main exam for both the B.Des and M.Des programs. Those who obtain a valid NID DAT score will be eligible for admission to NID colleges in India.

Pearl Academy B.Des Admissions 2025

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

Indian Institute of Art & Design Admissions 2025

Last Date to apply at IIAD, New Delhi- 17th Dec 2024 | Associated with FDCI, CII & IIFTI | Merit-cum-means scholarships to deserving students

Candidates who achieve valid scores in the NID Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT) will be considered eligible for admission into design programs at colleges accepting NID DAT score in India. The top NID colleges in India reveal prestigious schools famous for moulding the future of excellent design. In addition to all campuses of the National Institute of Design, a variety of other colleges and universities also offer admission to candidates based on their NID DAT 2025 score.

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

During the NID DAT counselling session, candidates are required to pay an admission fee to secure their allocated seats. The following is a list of the top colleges accepting NID DAT score in India for 2025 admission.

  1. National Institute of Design - The National Institute of Design, one of India’s premier design institutes, is responsible for conducting the NID Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT). All campuses of the National Institute of Design, including those in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam, recognize NID DAT scores. These campuses offer admission to candidates for Bachelor of Design (BDes) and Master of Design (MDes) courses based on these scores.

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

BITS Design School B.Des Admissions 2025

B.Des Admissions open for 2025 | 186K+ Alumni

  1. IILM School of Design (IILM), Gurgaon - IILM Gurgaon is a leading institution and ranks among the top colleges accepting NID DAT score to provide admissions. Established in 2004 as a private institute, IILM offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate design programs. The IILM School of Design in Gurgaon recognizes the NID DAT score, enabling candidates to pursue their passion in the field of design.

  1. World University of Design - The World University of Design (WUD), a private institution, is among one of the top colleges accepting NID DAT score 2025 for admissions. It offers BDes programs in various disciplines such as Product Design, Film and Video, Animation and Game Design, fashion design, Fashion Communication, Interior Architecture & Design, and more to candidates with a valid NID score.

  1. Shiv Nadar University - Shiv Nadar University, a private interdisciplinary research institution established in 2011 and located in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, India, is one of the universities that recognizes NID DAT scores. It offers admission to candidates in a variety of disciplines, including engineering, management, and humanities. Candidates who have passed the NID DAT are eligible to apply for design courses at the university. In addition to the NID DAT score, Shiv Nadar University also accepts scores from the Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED).

Note : These are some of the NID score-accepting colleges across the country.

Read Also:

Courses and Programmes Offered In the National Institute of Design

Courses

Faculty



B.Des

Faculty of Communication Design

Faculty of Industrial Design

Faculty of Textile, apparel, lifestyle, and accessory design





M.Des

Faculty of Communication Design

Faculty of Industrial Design

Faculty of Textile, apparel, lifestyle, and accessory design

Faculty of Information Technology Integrated programmes

Faculty of Interdisciplinary Design Studies

Popular Online Design Courses and Certifications

Details of the programmes offered

Courses

Programs

B.Des

Faculty of Communication Design

  • Animation Film Design

  • Film & Video Communication

  • Graphic Design

  • Exhibition Design

Faculty of Industrial Design

  • Furniture & Interior Design

  • Ceramic & Glass Design

  • Product Design

Faculty of Textile, apparel, lifestyle, and accessory design

  • Textile Design

M.Des

Faculty of Communication Design

  • Animation Film Design

  • Photography Design

  • Graphic Design

  • Film & Video Communication

Faculty of Industrial Design

  • Ceramic & Glass Design

  • Product Design

  • Universal Design

  • Furniture & Interior Design

  • Toy & Game Design

  • Transportation & Automobile Design

Faculty of Textile, apparel, lifestyle, and accessory design

  • Apparel Design

  • Textile Design

  • Lifestyle Accessory Design

Faculty of Information technology integrated programmes

  • Interaction Design

  • New Media Design

  • Information Design

  • Digital Game Design

Faculty of Inter-disciplinary design studies

  • Design for Retail Experience

  • Strategic Design Management

Popular Online Design Courses and Certifications

National Institute of Design Seat Matrix

Department

B. Design Specialisation

Seats

Faculty of Industrial Design

Product Design

19

Furniture Design

13

Ceramic and Glass Design

13

Faculty of Communication Design

Graphic Design

19

Animation Film Design

19

Film and Video Communication

13

Exhibition Design

13

Faculty of Textile, Apparel & Lifestyle Accessory Design

Textile Design

19

Top Design Entrance Exam

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the selection process for NID DAT 2025?

The selection process for NID DAT 2025 is based on the candidate’s performance in the exam. The NID DAT is a two-stage entrance test that includes preliminary and main exams. The preliminary exam is a traditional pen-and-paper test, while the main exam comprises a studio test, personal interview, and portfolio review.

2. Which colleges accept NID scores 2025?

Apart from NID campuses, colleges such as World University of Design and Shivnadar accept NID DAT scores. 

3. What is the seat matrix at the National Institute of Design?

The seat matrix of NID is given in the table below.

Department

B. Design Specialisation

Seats

Faculty of Industrial Design

Product Design

19

Furniture Design

13

Ceramic and Glass Design

13

Faculty of Communication Design

Graphic Design

19

Animation Film Design

19

Film and Video Communication

13

Exhibition Design

13

Faculty of Textile, Apparel & Lifestyle Accessory Design

Textile Design

19

4. What factors influence the NID DAT 2025 cutoff?

The NID DAT cutoff is determined by several factors, including the number of candidates taking the entrance test, the number of available seats, the difficulty level of the exam, and previous year cutoff trends.

5. How to apply for admission to NID score-accepting colleges?

Candidates who have qualified for NID DAT prelims and mains exams can apply for admission to NID score-accepting colleges by filling out the online application form available on the official website of the respective college. Candidates have to upload the required documents, pay the application fee, and submit the form before the last date. Candidates may have to appear for a personal interview or portfolio review as per the admission criteria of the college. The final selection will be based on the NID DAT score, academic performance, and performance in the interview or portfolio review.

6. How many NID colleges in India are there?

There are total of 7 NID colleges in India. They are at Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Gandhinagar, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Assam.

Articles

Upcoming Design Exams

Application Date:23 August,2024 - 28 February,2025

Application Date:24 August,2024 - 16 January,2025

View All Design Exams

Certifications By Top Providers

My SQL Basics
Via Great Learning
VLSI Physical Design
Via Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Textile Product Design and Development
Via Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
Graphic Design
Via Upskillist
Udemy
 1087 courses
Coursera
 505 courses
Edx
 330 courses
Vskills
 157 courses
Swayam
 139 courses

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

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!

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 animation career is one of the most interesting career options in the creative field. The primary job of careers in animation is to create multiple images, known as frames, that results in an illusion of movement called animation when displayed in a quick sequence. Students should pursue Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Visual Arts to opt for an animator career path. Individuals who opt for a career as an animator typically specialize in one of the media and may further concentrate on a specific area, such as characters, scenery, or background design. Animators typically use computer software to do such work.

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

Interior designers create various spaces, from indoor to outdoor, they provide a pleasing home environment, as well as, make the environment beautiful. It is the job of interior designers who study the art of transforming a space into what the client wishes for. Interior designers work with a wide variety of clients, starting from small house owners to big corporations. 

As part of the interior design career, individuals should also be aware of certain inspection regulations. Interior designing is to enhance the interior of a building to achieve an aesthetically pleasing environment. This is a part of both science and arts to make a certain place healthier and more peaceful for the people.

2 Jobs Available
Product Designer

Individuals who opt for a career as product designers are responsible for designing the components and overall product concerning its shape, size, and material used in manufacturing. They are responsible for the aesthetic appearance of the product. A product designer uses his or her creative skills to give a product its final outlook and ensures the functionality of the design. 

Students can opt for various product design degrees such as B.Des and M.Des to become product designers. Industrial product designer prepares 3D models of designs for approval and discusses them with clients and other colleagues. Individuals who opt for a career as a product designer estimate the total cost involved in designing.

2 Jobs Available
Graphic Designer

A graphic designer career designs products, displays, posters, hoardings, logos, and marketing materials. Graphic designers can get employment in publications, advertising and marketing firms, and much more. A graphic is a form of vision that can be associated with art, imagination, or expression. A graphic designer creates eye-catching images by combining layout, colour theory, and graphics.

A graphic designer combines technical skills with artistic vision to provide visual content. He or she develops layouts for books, brochures, advertisements, and websites using design tools. A graphic designer closely collaborates with teams or clients to comprehend project specifications and brand standards.

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
Back to top