NID vs NIFT - Key Differences, Participating colleges, Admission Process, Placement

NID DAT and NIFT are the country's two most popular and competitive design entrance exams. In this article, we discuss what are the major differences and similarities between the two exams. 

If you plan to enroll in a design course in India, you will likely have to pass an entrance exam. NID DAT and NIFT are the two most popular design entrance exams in the country. The NIFT exam, conducted by the NTA, is for admission to the B.Des, M.Des, B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech, and M.F.M courses. The NIFT 2025 exam will be conducted on February 9, 2025. The application form for NIFT 2025 is open. Meanwhile, the National Institute of Design (NID) conducted the NID DAT entrance exam for B.Des and M.Des admissions. NID DAT 2025 exam will be conducted in TWO stages. DAT Prelims will be conducted on January 5, 2024. Candidates who get shortlisted next have to appear in DAT Mains. NID DAT 2025 application has closed. Here we bring you important points explaining the exams, how they are different, how to choose between them, and much more. So, keep reading.

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• NID DAT Admit Card 2025 OUT; Check important details here

NID vs NIFT 2025 - Important Features

The important features of the NID DAT 2025 and NIFT 2025 exams are mentioned in the table below.

Exam Name	NID	NIFT
Conducting Body	National Institute of Design (NID)	National Testing Agency (NTA)
Exam structure	Conducted in TWO stages DAT Prelims DAT Mains	Also, conducted in TWO stages: Written exams - CAT & GAT Situation Test/ Personal Interview
Exam Level	National level	National level
Courses offered	B.Des, M.Des, PhD	B.Des B.F.Tech M.Des M.F.Tech M.F.M
Participating colleges	There are FIVE participating colleges for UG courses There are THREE participating colleges for PG courses	There are 19 participating NIFTs

NID vs NIFT - About the Exam

What is the exam?

• NID DAT - The National Institute of Design conducts the NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT). The exam is conducted for admitting candidates to the B.Des and M.Des courses. The B.Des courses is of four years duation. The DAT will evaluate a candidate's design aptitude, drawing skills, creativity, visual observation, aptitude and reasoning skills, analytical and lateral thinking, etc.
• NIFT - The National Institute of Fashion Tehnology conducts the NIFT entrance exam.  The written exams includes the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and the General Ability Test (GAT). NIFT exam is conducted for admitting candidates to B.Des program (4 years duration), B.F.Tech, and PG courses (M.Des, M.F.Tech, and M.F.M). The CAT test will evaluate the intuitive ability, power of observation in concept development, and design ability of the candidate. Meanwhile, the GAT will include questions from sections like quantitative ability, communication ability, English comprehension, analytical ability, and GK and current affairs. 

Skills Tested

1. NID DAT - The question paper for NID is heavily tilted towards evaluating the design aptitude of the candidate. The aptitude test will evaluate the candidate's critical thinking, innovativeness, and design aptitude. The candidate also needs to have good drawing skills, creativity, and observation skills.
2. NIFT - The B.Des course at the NIFTs is designed for the fashion industry. This is the reason why the design entrance exam will not only test the design aptitude but also their understanding of design trends, different design material, critical and innovative thinking, etc. The candidate also need keep track of various design trends.

Situation Test/ Studio Test

• NID - Candidates who qualify in DAT Prelims are invited for DAT Mains, which includes a Studion Test. The studio test will be conducted offline at NID campuses. The exam center allocated to the candidate will be mentioned in the NID DAT 2025 admit card. The Studio Test will include two types of quesions . One set of questions will test the observation skills of the candidate, while the other set will test the conceptualization. As part of the Studio Test, the make a model using the material provided inside the exam venue. Note that there is no fixed pattern of the studio test.
• NIFT - B.Des candidates will be shortlisted for the NIFT 2025 situation test based on the GAT and CAT scores.  The test will evaluate the candidate's material handling and creative skills in a given scenario and with a given set of materials. The candidate will have to make a model using the given material and write a write-up explaining the model. The model will be evaluated on the spot. Also, the model will not be preserved for future reference. 

NID vs NIFT - Courses Offered

The NIFT 2025 exam will be conducted for admission to the B.Des, M.Des, B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech, and M.F.M courses offered by the participating colleges of NIFT 2025.

Candidates appearing for B.Des course need to appear in the written exam followed by a Situation Test. Meanwhile, those seeking admission to M.Des course and other PG courses have to appear in a Personal Interview after qualifying in the written exam.

Meanwhile, the NID DAT 2025 exam is conducted for admission to the B.Des, M.Des, and Ph.D. courses.

Check NID participating colleges.

NID	NIFT
B.Des specializations: Animation Film Design Exhibition Design Film & Video Communication Graphic Design Ceramic & Glass Design Furniture & Interior Design Product Design Textile Design Communication Design Industrial Design Textile and Apparel Design	The NIFTs offer the following specializations: Fashion Design  Leather Design  Accessory Design  Textile Design Knitwear Design Fashion Communication Fashion Interior
The NIDs have a multidisciplinary approach to teaching which allows candidates to have a more holistic understanding of design.	The NIFT curriculum is designed to give the candidate proper training in theoretical and practical aspects. The candidate will get to learn in depth various subjects included in the chosen discipline.
The teaching methodology may include workshops, hands-on training, projects, and real-world design tasks.	The candidate will get the opportunity to brush shoulders with industry experts, have internship opportunities, etc.

NID vs NIFT - Application Window

The application form for NIFT 2025 opened on November 22, 2024; the application is open online at niftadmissions.in. Eligible candidates can fill out the NIFT application form before the last date.

The application form for NID DAT 2025 was open from October 3-December 6, 2024. 

When filling out the application form for NIFT 2025, the candidate has to use only genuine and verifiable information. Note that if any anolamy is found in the application form, the candidate can be disqualfiied.

NID vs NIFT Eligibility Criteria

NID vs NIFT - Admission Process

Candidates seeking admission to B.Des and M.Des courses offered by NID participating institutes must appear in the NID DAT 2025 exam.

The NID DAT exam is conducted in two stages. 

1. DAT Prelims 
2. DAT Mains

The scores of DAT Prelims are used to shortlist candidates for DAT Mains. The final merit list of NID DAT 2025 will be prepared by giving weightage to DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. 

Weightage carried by DAT Mains and DAT Prelims

Program	DAT Prelims	DAT Mains
B.Des	40%	60%
M.Des	30%	70%

Meanwhile, candidates seeking admission to design courses at NIFT 2025 participating colleges need to appear in the NIFT 2025 entrance exam. The exam has the following stages.

1. Written exam
2. NIFT 2025 Situation Test (B.Des)/ Personal Interview (PG courses).

Note that B.F.Tech applicants only need to appear in the GAT written exam.

NID vs NIFT - Difficulty Level

There is a common notion that NID DAT is tougher than NIFT, especially for the B.Des program. One of the logic behind the difficulty level is there are only the NIDs have an intake of 425 seats for the B.Des and 347 seats for the M.Des program. 

Candidates may note that the academic curriculum at the NID is primarily focused on design education and research, and offers a wider range of design programs compared to NIFT. The design curriculum of NID emphasizes design thinking, innovation, and problem-solving. It also offers programs in specialized areas.

NID vs NIFT - Difference in exam preparation strategy

Particular	NID	NIFT
Exam structure	The NID exam has two Design Aptitude Tests (DATs) - DAT Prelims and DAT Mains The DAT will test the design, aptitude, and behavioral abilities of the candidates along with their drawing and problem-solving skills. The candidate next has to appear in a Studio Test and Portfolio round.	The NIFT exam includes a Creative Ability Test (CAT) and a General Ability Test (GAT). The CAT exam will evaluate the creative and intuitive ability of the candidate. The written exam will be followed by a Situation Test. The Situation Test will examine the candidate’s skills for material handling and innovative ability.
Studio Test and Interview	Candidates who get shortlisted for the DAT Mains will have to appear in a Studio Test. The studio test will evaluate the creativity of the candidate. During the Studio Test, the candidate will have to make a model with material provided in the examination hall.	The test will evaluate the candidate's material handling and creative skills in a given scenario and with a given set of materials.
Design Focus	It is generally believed that the NIDs have a broader design perspective. For instance, you get a broader set of specialization to pick from. This may mean you need to focus more on concepts like design principles, creative thinking, problem-solving, etc.	Unlike the NIDs, the NIFTs is more inclined towards fashion and fashion-related subjects. So, if you have a keen interest in fashion, NIFT may be more suited to you.
Portlio	The candidate may be asked for a portfolio as part of the DAT Mains interview. The portfolio must include the best works of the candidate and must cover a diverse spectrum of topics. The portfolio mustn't cover a narrow topic. The portfolio will help you to make a a first and lasting impression on the jury.	If you are asked for a portfolio during the interview, it may be limited to fashion-related topics. The portfolio must showcase a strong inclination towards fashion, fashion trends, materials, etc.

NID vs NIFT - Career Opportunities

The NIDs and NIFTs are regarded among the best design colleges in the country. So, it is no surprise that both sets of institutes offer brilliant career opportunities. The focus of the NIFTs is limited to fashion and related subjects, but the NIDs offer a wide range of specializations like Graphic Design, Exhibition Design, Product Design, and Textile Design. The career opportunities that are available at each of these institutes are discussed in detail below.

Why are the NID and NIFTs hot destinations for placements:

1. The NIDs and NIFTs have some of the best faculty meaning the students learn from the best.
2. Students from these institutes have both strong practical and theoretical knowledge.
3. The students also get practical exposure as there are industry collaborations, internship opportunities, etc. 
4. The NIDs and NIFTs have some of the most robust alumni networks. So, fresh passouts are never left alone and are aways looked after.

 Career Opportunities - Difference between NID and NIFT

	NID	NIFT
Focus of the academic discipline	If you study a design course at the NIDs, you have a wide spectrum to choose from - Textile Design, Industrial Design, Ceramic & Glass Design, Exhibition Design,  etc.	On the other hand, the academic discipline of the NIFTs are more fashion-focused. For instance, you can select from disciplines like accessory design, textile design, fashion design, etc.
Industry connect	The NIDs are not very deeply connected to the fashion industry. Instead, it is linked every bit to other industries like footwear, industry, etc.	The NIFTs are more closely linked to the fashion industry. So, if you want to get into the fashion industry, the NIFTs can be a good starting place.
Design specializations	Some of the popular B.Des specializations offered by the NIDs include Animation Film Design, Exhibition Design, Film & Video Communication, Graphic Design, and Ceramic & Glass Design.	The NIFTs offer specializations like Fashion Design, Leather Design, Accessory Design, and Textile Design.
Approach to design	The NID have a wide academic scope and offer a problem-solving approach to design, focusing on innovation, user experience, and functionality.	The NIFTs, on the other hand, offer specialized fashion-related knowledge and practical training.
Career Trajectory	The graduates from the NIDs have a more wider job portfolio - fashion industry, healthcare, automobile, consumer electronics, etc.	Passouts from the NIFTs are employed by the fashion industry, retail outlets, textile industries, and other fashion-related business entities.

NID vs NIFT - Placement Report

Candidates may also consult the placement report of NID and the placement report of NIFT before making a decision as to which exam they intend to take.

NID graduates in the field of Graphic Design, Textile Design, Film and Video Communication, Exhibition Design, Furniture, and Interior Design, Ceramic, and Glass Design, may earn anything between 17 and 18 lakhs. 

NID Placement Report

NID Package level 2023	Salary 2023
Highest	INR 18 LPA
Average	INR 4.91 LPA
Lowest	INR 1.5 LPA

NIFT Placements: Highest/Average salary packages offered

Name of the NIFT	Highest Salary Offered	Average salary offered
NIFT Bengaluru	Rs. 5 LPA*	Rs. 3 LPA*
NIFT Bhopal	NA	NA
NIFT Chennai	NA	NA
NIFT Gandhinagar	NA	NA
NIFT Hyderabad	Rs. 6 LPA*	NA
NIFT Kannur	NA	NA
NIFT Kolkata	NA	Rs. 5.7 LPA**
NIFT Mumbai	NA	NA
NIFT New Delhi	Rs. 11 LPA**	Rs. 5.5 LPA**
NIFT Patna	NA	NA
NIFT Panchkula	NA	NA
NIFT Raebareli	NA	NA
NIFT Shillong	NA	NA
NIFT Kangra	NA	NA
NIFT Jodhpur	NA	NA
NIFT Bhubaneswar	NA	NA
NIFT Srinagar	NA	NA

*The salary figures are for the 2021 placements season. **The salary figures are for the 2019 placement season.