What to expect in NID Interview round?

DAT Prelims is the first stage of the NID Entrance Exam which candidates need to clear to get shortlisted for the next stage (DAT Mains). The DAT Mains comprises a Studio Test and Interview. A program-wise schedule for the studio test and interview will be released by the National Institute of Design (NID) for candidates who have qualified DAT Prelims. The M.Des DAT Mains 2025 studio test and interview will be held in offline mode at NID campuses from March 3 - April 6, 2025. The type of questions asked in DAT Mains typically remains the same. In this article, a final year MDes student at NID – Pranav Prasun has shared his experience of appearing for the interview round for NID admissions. The National Institute of Design is scheduled to conduct the NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) exam on January 5, 2025. Admit cards for DAT Prelims can be downloaded from December 24, 2024. Candidates need to ensure that they follow NID DAT 2025 exam-day guidelines.

Q. What all happened in your interview round for NID admissions?

A. There were four people in my interview panel. I was given time to show my portfolio and then they began asking questions based on my portfolio, my background, why I want to join NID etc.

Broadly, most of the questions were on my background and why I wanted to join NID. However, as there were four people asking questions, there were various questions related to the products that I had made, few questions to check how much I know about what I have done were also asked.

Q. How long was the interview?

A. The interview was of 45 minutes approx. It was like a rapid fire round; as soon as I finished giving one answer the next panelist started asking his question.

Q. Which was the trickiest question asked in the interview round, as per you?

A. I don’t think any question was very tricky. But, yes, the frequency at which questions were asked was so high that at times there was not enough time to think and answer.

Q. How many students were called for the interview round after the Studio Test?

A. All students who come for the studio test round are called for the interview.

Q. How did you prepare for the interview round?

A. My background was Footwear Design and I had applied for Apparel Design course. I knew why I applied for that but I felt I was not able to clearly explain the same to anyone. Before the interview, I got a chance to interact with a very senior graduate of NID who suggested that I should be very honest while answering such a question.

He told me that – Not everyone knows every answer but if we are eager to learn, we can definitely know about it.

Also, in the interview round one has to present their portfolio to the panel. The portfolio can be prepared as a digital file or even as a hard copy. So, a lot of thought and hardwork needs to be put in the portfolio.

Q. Is there any dress code for the interview round?

A. No, there is no particular dress code for NID interview. 

NID DAT Dress Code 2025

While there is no dress code for the NID DAT 2025 exam, it is recommended that the candidate dresses sensibly for the exam. For instance, improper dressing may invite unnecessary attention, which is not at all recommended.

For example, if the candidate wears a dress with lots of pockets, there can be extended frisking and security checks.

It is recommended that the candidate dresses comfortably as it will help the candidate keep a calm head on such an important day.

Other important guidelines for NID DAT 2025 Interview

Here are a few pointers for the candidate appearing in the personal interview.

• Maintain a cheerful gait during the interview. It is not good to have a stern face.
• It is advisable to maintain eye contact as it will show you are confident and know the answers to the questions that are being asked.
• You mustn't have a hesitant body language as it shows you are unsure and not confident in your answers.
• Before entering the interview, ask for permission.
• Wear formal for the interview. Avoid wearing fancy items, especially clothing with lots of pockets. Also, face covering, unless for religious reasons, should be avoided.

Sample NID DAT 2025 Interview Questions

Here are some sample questions the candidate can expect in the DAT Mains exams.

1. Tell me something about yourself
2. Where are you from? What is the place famous for?
3. What do your parents do?
4. Why do you want to be a designer?
5. Who is your favorite designer and why?
6. Any particular reason why you want to join the NID? What do you bing to the table?

Read More:

• Subject-wise Books to prepare for NID DAT

• Download NID DAT practice Sample Papers

• Category and Course-wise NID DAT Cut-off