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NID DAT Syllabus 2025 - The National Institute of Design (NID) doesn't release any official syllabus for the NID DAT exam.Â
So, to help the candidate, we have analyzed the previous years' NID question papers and have distilled out the important topics that candidates need to prepare for the design entrance exam.
The important topics are compiled based on previous years' DAT Prelims and DAT Mains question papers.
So, if you prepare for the NID DAT 2025 exam by consulting the important topics, you will not only know what and how to prepare but also give yourself a better chance of scoring well in the exam.
The important topics will provide insights into the weightage carried by various topics, the difficulty level of questions asked, and any specific trends.
The National Institute of Design will conduct the NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) exam on January 5, 2025.Â
Candidates are urged to follow the NID DAT 2025 exam-day guidelines. Also, if you are confused about what to wear for the exam, check out the NID DAT 2025 dress code.
Q: Â Is the NID exam difficult?
NID evaluates aspirants based on their knowledge, creativity and aptitude for design. Experts share that NID is one of the most challenging design entrance exams conducted in the country. However, if prepared well, the difficulty level of NID Entrance Exam is medium. On of the main reasons why NID is such a competitive exam is there are very limited number of seats. For instance, there are only 425 seats available for the BDes programme through NID. In contrast, the NIFTs offer 2748 seats.
Q: Â When will the NID DAT 2025 syllabus be released?
Candidates may note that the National Institute of Design (NID) doesn’t release any syllabus for either DAT Prelims or DAT Mains.
However, the institute will release the sample test papers for the NID DAT 2025 exam. The sample papers contain the questions similar to the ones that will be asked in the actual exam.
So, the candidate may download and practice the sample papers to get an idea about the difficulty level, types of questions asked, marking scheme, weightage, and topics covered.
Additional, the candidate may download the section-wise topics for the DAT Prelims and DAT Mains exam that have been prepared by consulting previous years’ question papers.
Q: Â Does NID syllabus change every year?
- NID DAT Prelims Syllabus for B.Des Program
- NID DAT Prelims Syllabus for M.Des
- NID DAT Mains Syllabus for B.Des (Studio Test)
- NID DAT Mains Syllabus for MDes (Studio Test)
- Previous years' NID DAT Question Papers
- NID DAT 2025 Exam Pattern
- How to Prepare for NID DAT 2025 (Prelims)
- NID DAT Syllabus 2025 - FAQs
NID DAT Prelims Syllabus for B.Des Program
Candidates appearing in DAT Prelims not only consult the syllabus to prepare for the exam.
Note that some topics will carry more weightage than others; please refer to previous years' DAT Prelims question papers to get an idea.
DAT Prelims Syllabus for the B.Des program
NID DAT Prelims Syllabus for B.Des Program |
||
---|---|---|
Design Outline for Beginners |
Colour Terminology | Inspiration & Design Development |
Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship | Design Theory |
Elements & Principles Of Design |
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 |
Also Read:
Q: Â Which are the best books for NID Entrance Exam?
Q: Â How can I improve my sketching skills for NID DAT?
If you intend to get a good rank in NID DAT, you must be able to sketch quickly without compromising on the sketch quality. This means you must be able to able to conceive the idea as you sketch. Remember, when you are in the exam hall, time seems to just fly. So, it is vital that you are able to sketch uninhibited and fast, and with confidence. To improve your drawing skills, you can start by drawing tiny thumbnails first, then switching to the light hand and finishing with dry colours. You can use pencils, crayons, or even a pen to make the sketches.
Q: Â Where to find NID DAT sample papers?
The National Institute of Design has uploaded the NID DAT sample on its official admission portal. To download a sample papers. Click on the sample paper link, no log in is required. The sample papers for NID DAT can be download in pdf format. The intent of these sample papers is to help the candidate get insights into the pattern and structure of the exam. By solving the sample papers, the candidate will get insights into the difficulty level of the exam, the types of questions asked, topics from which questions are asked, etc. Additionally, if the candidate solves enough sample papers, it will help him or her to develop problem solving and time management skills. So, all candidates must practice the NID DAT sample paper to gain confidence and get rid of exam fear.
NID DAT Prelims Syllabus for M.Des
Aspirants can go through topics they should study when appearing for NID DAT Prelims for M.Des in the table below:
NID DAT 2025 Syllabus (Prelims) for M.Des Program |
||
---|---|---|
Design Outline for Beginners |
Colour Terminology | Inspiration & Design Development |
Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship | Design Theory |
Elements & Principles Of Design |
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 |
Candidates preparing for NID DAT 2025 can also go through the links mentioned below:
NID Entrance Exam Pattern | NID Entrance Exam Preparation Tips | NID Entrance Exam Question Papers |
Q: Â What are the best study material to prepare for NID DAT 2025?
The NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is a two-step entrance exam. The candidate first appears in DAT Prelims. If shortlisted, the candidate has to next appear in DAT Mains.
Here are some suggested study material for NID DAT 2025.
Quantitative Aptitude - Physics and Maths syllabus up to Class 10.
Logical Reasoning - Step-by-Step Verbal Reasoning by Philip Kay, How to Pass Diagrammatic Reasoning Test by Mike Bryon.
GK and Current Affairs - Read newspapers daily for current affairs. For static GK, read any good GK book for NID.
English - The Ultimate Guide for NIFT/NID/IIFT Entrance Exam by Arihant
Q: Â How to crack NID DAT 2025 without coaching?
It is not mandatory to take coaching to get a good rank in NID DAT 2025. It is because, the entrance exam will test the creative, drawing, and innovative skills of the candidate. Now, a coaching institute cannot exactly teach you to be creative or become innovative. Instead, with a little effort these skills can yourself learn these skills yourself. Also, a major thrust of the design aptitide test is to evaluate the drawing skills of the candidate. So, make it a point to work on your design skills, including learning how to draw line, shadow, figure, gesture, cartoon drawing, etc. When practicing drawing, also keep a tab on the drawing speed, as it will help you complete the paper in the allotted time.
Q: Â Where to find NID DAT sample papers?
The National Institute of Design has uploaded the NID DAT sample on its official admission portal. To download a sample papers. Click on the sample paper link, no log in is required. The sample papers for NID DAT can be download in pdf format. The intent of these sample papers is to help the candidate get insights into the pattern and structure of the exam. By solving the sample papers, the candidate will get insights into the difficulty level of the exam, the types of questions asked, topics from which questions are asked, etc. Additionally, if the candidate solves enough sample papers, it will help him or her to develop problem solving and time management skills. So, all candidates must practice the NID DAT sample paper to gain confidence and get rid of exam fear.
NID DAT Mains Syllabus for B.Des (Studio Test)
Candidates can go through topics they should ace while preparing for the NID Studio Test or NID DAT Mains 2025 exam below:
NID DAT 2025 (Mains) Syllabus for B.Des Program |
||
---|---|---|
Model Making |
Doodling | Typical questions asked in an interview |
How to Evolve Ideas | Audio – Visual Exercises |
Material Manipulation |
Material manipulation | Interview tips |
Body language and how it is important |
Previous years' question papers of Studio Test & Interview | Evolving ideas |
Portfolio making |
Q: Â What are the subjects in NID exam?
Some of the topics that aspirants should study as part of NID syllabus for that Prelims include Colour Terminology, Design Development, Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship, Design Theory, Elements & Principles Of Design, Theme Development, Visual Logic, Memory Drawing, Exercises on Imagination, etc. Candidates who qualify that Prelims has to next appear in that Mains. The that Mains includes a Studio Test for the B. Des programme. The paper may include questions like Doodling, Material Manipulation, Audio Visual Exercise, How to Evolve Ideas, etc. The candidate needs to prepare for the NID that exam as per the updated syllabus. It is recommended that along with the syllabus, the candidate also consults the exam pattern to prepare for NID that exam.
Q: Â How to prepare for NID admissions?
Candidates are advised to be thorough in their preparation when they plan to appear for NID that. Being regular in studies is a must when appearing for NID Entrance Exam. NID that Prelims comprises both objective- and subjective-type questions. The NID Entrance Exam preparation plan that candidates can follow includes: Know the NID exam pattern and marking scheme well Get well-versed with the NID that syllabus Prepare a time-table and strictly adhere to it Attempt NID previous year question papers Solve NID sample papers and mock tests Keep revising.
Q: Â What will be the mode of the NID DAT Studio Test?
The Studio Test for the M.Des programme will be conducted in offline mode at various NID campuses - NID Bangalore, NID Gandhinagar, and NID Ahmedabad.
The Studio Test will be conducted programme-wise; the schedule has already been released.
The details of the campus allotted to the candidate will be mentioned on the NID DAT Mains 2025 admit card.
The registration for the Studio Test will be conducted at the exam centre from 8 am onward. The Studio Test may be conducted in two time slots: 9 am - 12 noon, 2.30 pm -5.30 pm. The duration of the Studio Test is 3 hours.
Meanwhile, the interview will be conducted from 9 am onward.
NID DAT Mains Syllabus for MDes (Studio Test)
In the table below, aspirants can go through important topics or syllabus for NID DAT 2025 (Mains) for MDes course.
Important Topics for DAT Mains - M.Des |
||
---|---|---|
Model Making |
Doodling | How to evolve ideas |
Audio – Visual Exercises | Material Manipulation |
Creative Thinking |
Â
Q: Â When will the Studio Test and Interview be conducted for the M.Des programme at NID?
The Studio Test and Personal Interview for the M.Des programme will be conducted sometime starting March 2025. Candidates will be shortlisted for the Studio Test and Interview based on their performance in DAT Prelims. The Studio Test will be conducted in offline mode at various NID campuses. Eligible candidates have to get registered at the test centre. The Studio Test will start at around 9 am, followed by the Interview. It is mandatory for candidates to appear in both the Studio Test and the Interview. If any candidate skips the interview, he or she will not be considered for admission to the B.Des or M.Des course.
Q: Â What is the NID Interview and what aspects are tested during the interview?
Candidates who get shortlisted based on their DAT Prelims scores for the M.Des programme has to next appear in DAT Mains, which comprises a Studio Test and Interview. The Personal Interview is conducted after the Studio Test and carries a weightage of 30%. The interview will be conducted by a panel, which may include experts from industries/academics. The purpose of the interview is to assess the general awareness, extracurricular activities, academics, and the field of interest of the candidate. It is mandatory for candidates to appear in the Personal Interview or else the candidate will not be included in the final merit list.
The National Institute of Design (NID) has released the schedule for NID DAT 2024 (Mains).
Previous years' NID DAT Question Papers
One of the best tools to prepare for the NID DAT 2025 exam is previous years' question papers of the design entrance exam. Here are some of the benefits of solving previous years' papers:
- The previous years' papers will include the questions asked in the previous edition of the NID DAT exam.
- The candidate by solving these papers will be able to judge the difficulty level, types of questions asked, and also emerging trends.
- The candidate may also solve NID DAT question papers to improve one's problem-solving and time-management skills.
- Note that along with the question papers, the candidate is also urged to solve sample papers.
To solve previous years' question papers and sample papers - Click Here Â
Q: Â What is the difficulty level of NID DAT?
Q: Â What is the best time to solve NID sample papers?
Q: Â Can I carry the NID question paper with me after the exam?
NID DAT 2025 Exam Pattern
The NID DAT 2025 exam includes the DAT Prelims and DAT Mains sub-exams. The exam pattern for each exam is given belowÂ
NID DAT 2025 Exam Pattern - Prelims
Particulars | Description |
---|---|
Exam Duration | 3 hours |
Mode of exam | Offline |
Maximum Marks | 100 |
Maximum Questions | 26 |
Type of Question |
Objective and Subjective type question
|
Language | English |
Note: The full details of the DAT Prelims exams will be notified through the NID DAT 2025 admit card.
NID DAT 2025 Exam Pattern - Mains
Particulars | Description |
---|---|
Duration of the exam | 3 hours |
Maximum Marks | 100 |
Language of the exam | English |
Read More:
Q: Â Is there negative marking in NID DAT?
There is no negative marking in NID DAT 2025 exam. The candidate is recommended to go through the detailed exam pattern to get insights into the question paper structure, including types of questions asked, sections, etc. The DAT Prelims exam for the B. Des programme has two parts. Part I will include 22 objective-type questions, whereas Part II will include 4 subjective-type questions. Objective-type questions carry 1-2 marks, while subjective-type questions carry 15-20 marks. The total marks for the NID DAT Prelims will be 100 marks.
Q: Â What will be the pattern for NID DAT Prelims?
The NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) exam will be conducted on January 5, 2024.
As per the official pattern, the DAT Prelims exam wil be conducted offline and will be of 3 hours duration. The test will be conducted in English language and include a maximum of 26 questions. The question paper will include both subjective and objective-type questions. The paper will be for 100 marks. Candidate who qualify in DAT Prelims have to next appear in DAT Mains.
The candidate needs to consult the exam pattern along with the syllabus to prepare for the NID that exam. Note that the National Institute of Design also has the authority to make changes to the exam pattern.
Q: Â What will be the mode of the NID DAT Studio Test?
The Studio Test for the M.Des programme will be conducted in offline mode at various NID campuses - NID Bangalore, NID Gandhinagar, and NID Ahmedabad.
The Studio Test will be conducted programme-wise; the schedule has already been released.
The details of the campus allotted to the candidate will be mentioned on the NID DAT Mains 2025 admit card.
The registration for the Studio Test will be conducted at the exam centre from 8 am onward. The Studio Test may be conducted in two time slots: 9 am - 12 noon, 2.30 pm -5.30 pm. The duration of the Studio Test is 3 hours.
Meanwhile, the interview will be conducted from 9 am onward.
How to Prepare for NID DAT 2025 (Prelims)
With only a few months left for the DAT Prelims exam, ensure that the available time is put to the best possible use.
Here we bring you some tips that will make NID DAT 2025 exam preparation and your life easier:
- Go through the NID DAT 2025 syllabus (or previous years' question papers) and understand the types of questions asked, difficulty level, and topics covered.
- Refer to the official exam pattern
- Make a study timetable. It is likely that are in the middle of your exam preparation. In that case take note of the topics you have covered, the topics that remain, and how much time you will need to complete the syllabus.
- Start solving sample papers and previous years' question papers. You can take out the questions from the topics you have just completed and solve them. The more NID DAT sample papers you solve, the better you will get.Â
- In the days leading up to the exam, you can take a few mock tests to align your body clock and make last-minute adjustments to your preparation, if need be.
- Since the NID DAT exam will test your drawing and creative abilities, you must practice sketching and work on your creative abilities.Â
- Make sure you use the best NID DAT study material for exam preparation.
NID DAT Syllabus 2025 - FAQs
Check out the frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the NID DAT syllabus 2025 below.
Q: Â When will the final results of National Institute of Design be declared?
The National Institute of Design will declare the final results of NID DAT 2025 for the B. Des and M.Des courses eparately.
Final results for the B.Des program will be announced somtime in May 2025, while final results for the M.Des program will be announced aorund the last week of April 2025.
The final results would be prepared by giving weightage to DAT Prelims and DAT Mains 2024.
The National Institute of Design will declare the weightage for the two exams at the time of declaration of results or sometime thereabout.
In the previous edition of the exam, final results for B. Des programme was prepared by giving 40% weightage to that Prelims and 60% weightage to DAT Mains. Meanwhile, final results for M.Des will be prepared by giving 30% weightage to DAT Prelims and 70% weightage to DAT Mains.
Q: Â What is the syllabus for NID Entrance Exam?
Q: Â What is the application fee for NID DAT?
The application fee of NID DAT 2025 for the B. Des for General, General-EWS, OBC-NCL candidates is INR 3,000. SC, ST, PwD candidates only ned to pay INR 1,500. However note that the application fees for overseas candidates seeking admission to supernumerary seats is INR 5000. In case of the M.Des programme, the application fees for General, General-EWS, OBC-NCL candidates applying for one discipline is INR 3,000. If two disciplines are chosen, the application fee is INR 6000. Meanwhile, SC, ST, PwD candidate need to pay INR 1,500 for one discipline, and INR 3000 for two disciplines.
The NID DAT 2025 application form is now open.
Q: Â What will be the pattern for NID DAT Prelims?
The NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) exam will be conducted on January 5, 2024.
As per the official pattern, the DAT Prelims exam wil be conducted offline and will be of 3 hours duration. The test will be conducted in English language and include a maximum of 26 questions. The question paper will include both subjective and objective-type questions. The paper will be for 100 marks. Candidate who qualify in DAT Prelims have to next appear in DAT Mains.
The candidate needs to consult the exam pattern along with the syllabus to prepare for the NID that exam. Note that the National Institute of Design also has the authority to make changes to the exam pattern.
Q: Â When will the Studio Test and Interview be conducted for the M.Des programme at NID?
The Studio Test and Personal Interview for the M.Des programme will be conducted sometime starting March 2025. Candidates will be shortlisted for the Studio Test and Interview based on their performance in DAT Prelims. The Studio Test will be conducted in offline mode at various NID campuses. Eligible candidates have to get registered at the test centre. The Studio Test will start at around 9 am, followed by the Interview. It is mandatory for candidates to appear in both the Studio Test and the Interview. If any candidate skips the interview, he or she will not be considered for admission to the B.Des or M.Des course.
News & Updates
Get prep tips, practice papers, exam details and important updates
NID Entrance Exam Exam
Student Forum
Answered 6 days ago
The reporting time for the DAT Prelims exam will be mentioned on the NID DAT 2025 admit card. Reach the exam center as per the reporting time. Note that latecomers will not be allowed inside the NID DAT 2025 exam center.Â
The gates at the exam center will close half an hour before the exam.
NID DAT 20
P
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 6 days ago
The National Institute of Design (NID) will release the NID DAT 2025 admit card for DAT Prelims on December 24. The direct link to download the admit card will be given on this page.
Note that admit cards will be issued only to successfully registered candidates.
To download the admit card, you need t
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The application fee once paid will not be refunded. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that the information entered in the application form are correct and verifiable. If at any stage, NID deems the information provided to be incorrect, the candidate can be disqualified.Â
Also, the c
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
No, unfilled seats in SC/ ST category will not be de-reserved. Meaning, such seats will not be transferred to the open category. The same applies to GEN-EWS category seats.Â
So, even if there are vacant seats left in SC, ST, and GEN-EWS category, such seats will lapse.Â
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, if there are unfilled seats in OBC-NCL, such seats will be de-reserved. Meaning, such seats will be transferred to the open category. Allotment of de-served seats  will be same as open category.
The allotment will be based on NID DAT 2025 merit rank.
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
When filling out the form, the candidate needs to upload the relevant caste/ tribe certificate (in English/ Hindi).
The certificate should be :
- Issued in the name of the candidate.
- Should clearly mention the caste/ tribe the candidate belongs to
- Be issued by a competent authority Â
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Candidates who are yet to appear for Class 12 exam in 2025 must have passed the exam in the first attempt. If the candidate has any backlog/ compartment/ supplementary or have not cleared the Class 12 exam, the candidate will not be considered for admission.
Also, any fee paid by the candidate will b
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Seats that are left vacant/ unfilled in overseas (supernumerary) category will lapse. This means such seats will not be transferred to other categories.Â
Candidates applying under overseas category are advised to go through the detailed admission process and eligibility criteria before applying.
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Candidates seeking admission under overseas category will need the following documents:
- Self-attested copies of the relevant pages of their passports.
- Self-attested copies of their grade sheets/ marksheets of SSC (Grade X) and HSC (Grade XII)
- Candidates in the process of completing their Grade XII need
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
As per information given in the NID admission handbooks, overseas candidates cannot apply for admission to GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, and ST seats. Such candidates can't also apply for age-relaxation, scribe, etc.
Also, the fee structure for overseas category is different.Â
M
Contributor-Level 10
28 Institutes accepting NID Entrance Exam
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- Total Fees: ₹ 16.42 Lakh
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- 4 years
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- Full Time
- Total Fees: ₹ 16.80 Lakh
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- 4 years
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- Full Time
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- Total Fees: ₹ 16.84 Lakh
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- 4 years
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- Full Time
- Total Fees: ₹ 35.85 Lakh
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- 4 years
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- Full Time
At what time do I need to report for NID DAT 2025 exam?