Common Mistakes to Avoid while Preparing for NID DAT 2026

Follow the NID DAT 2026 syllabus to prepare for the exam. Check out the topics, the types of questions asked, weightage, etc.

Don’t start your preparation late. The NID DAT syllabus is quite vast, and unless you start early, you may not be able to complete it on time.

Align your preparation with the NID DAT exam pattern. 

The exam pattern will tell you the types of questions asked, section-wise questions, duration, marking scheme, etc.

These inputs will help you prepare in accordance with the requirements of the exam.

Don’t forget to work on your drawing skills. It is because these skill comes with lots of practice and patience. 

If you suddenly try drawing a fortnight before the exam, it is not going to come naturally to you.

Build observation skills - If you are not a keen observer, you won’t be able to do very well in the DAT Mains exam, which includes a Studio Test.

During the NID Studio Test, you will be asked to make a story illustration, clay model, etc.

Don’t overlook the fundamentals of drawing - Many students, in their eagerness to master the craft of drawing, skip the basics. This is not at all recommended.

If you skip the basics, there will come a point where you will feel handicapped and stuck.

Master perspective drawing and understand proportions - These skills will enable you to do well in the Design Aptitude Test and also showcase your abilities. 

You can practice drawing, still drawing, and then gradually move on to more complex ones.

Don’t overrely on digital equipment - Learning drawing and related skills using digital is not a very practical idea. Instead, go for the traditional approach.

Yes, you can throw in a digital touch here and there, but that is it.

Be consistent with your exam preparation. Randomness is not the answer. Instead, you need to keep on hammering consistently.

For this to happen, you need to follow a strict routine. Jot down what the tasks are for the day, what you accomplished, the target for the next day, etc.

Don’t forget to pay close attention to proportion and perspective. For instance, drawing something without giving proper thought to the size, height, volume, extent, etc., will lead to an unconvincing sketch.

So, you need to keep these aspects in mind whenever you draw a painting. 

Solve sample papers and previous years’ NID DAT question papers.

If you solve enough sample papers, it will help you build your confidence and improve your problem-solving and time-management skills. 

You can start solving sample papers pretty early on your exam preparation days.

Don’t use digital tools as an alternative for traditional drawing methods. These traditional methods have been finetuned over centuries of years and is going to benefit you as well.

Read newspapers and magazines to keep track of important events. It is not just textbook knowledge that you must follow. Instead, you need to know what is happening in the actual world at the moment.

Don’t look too far ahead. Instead, stay in the present moment. If you start daydreaming, it will take your focus from the work at hand.

Work on your time-management skills - You will have to complete the NID DAT question paper in a limited amount of time. Now, unless you are good at time management, you might not be able to complete the paper on time.

Don’t disregard the timetable. 

You made the timetable in the first place after considering all that you have to do to get a good score in the NID DAT 2026 exam.

But if you keep disregarding the timetable again and again, you will fall behind in your preparation.

Work on your coloring skills as they will come in handy in the test. Note design skills will also help you become a better designer.

Avoid drawing items just for the sake of it. Drawing something that is useful or helps you develop a skill.

Do timely revision. This exercise will ensure that what you have read is internalized and 

Don’t skip any topics in the syllabus. If you find a topic difficult, seek help.

But there is no justification in skipping the topic altogether.