NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) will be conducted on January 5, 2025. On exam day, candidates need to report at the exam center at 8 am; note that gates close at 9.30 am. Also, don't forget to bring the admit card and a photo ID proof. Check the detailed exam-day guidelines here.
The National Institute of Design (NID) will conduct the next edition of the NID DAT exam on January 5, 2025.
On the day of the exam, the candidate must reach the NID DAT exam center on time, maintain the right code of conduct inside the exam hall, and follow a host of other guidelines, including those recommended by exam officials.
Explore colleges based on NID Entrance Exam
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.Note that the entry gates at the test center will close at 9.30 am, post which no candidate will be allowed inside the exam hall.
By following the NID exam-day guidelines, the candidate will ensure that they stay out of trouble and anxiety, and instead focus their entire energies on the exam.
Q: When will list of exam centers for NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) be released?
The National Institite of Design (NID) has released the list of exam centres for the DAT Prelims exam on September 3, 2024.
The list of exam centers have been published in the respective admission brochures for the B.Des and M.Des programs.
The DAT Prelims exam will be conducted in 22 cities across the country - Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Kurukshetra, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Patna, Raipur, Ranchi, Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada.
Note that each of these cities may have one or more exam centres.
The candidate can select their choice of exam centre at the time of filling out the application form. The NID DAT 2025 application form opened on September 3, 2024.
Q: When will the NID DAT 2025 Prelims exam be conducted?
The National Institute of Design (NID) will conduct the DAT Prelims exam on January 5, 2025.
The B.Des exam will be held from 10 am - 1 pm; meanwhile, the M.Des exam will be held from 10 am - 12.30 am.
The DAT Prelims for the B.Des programme will be conducted in a paper-and-pencil/pen mode. The question paper may incude both textual and visual questions. Other details like duration of the exam, marking scheme, etc. will be published in the DAT Prelims admit card.
The candidate needs to report for the exam at 8 am. Gates closing time is 9.30 am.
The DAT Prelims exam for the M.Des programme will be conducted offline and include a mix of objective and subjective questions. The paper will have a total of 100 questions.
Q: How can I select exam centers for NID DAT 2025 (Prelims)?
The NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) exam will be conducted on January 5, 2024. The exam will be administered in 22 cities across India. Note that each of these exam cities may have one or more test centres.
The candidate will have to select their choice of exam centres for the DAT Prelims exam when filling out the NID DAT 2025 application form.
The candidate must be careful when selecting the exam city, because they might not be allowed to change it later on.
NID Admission - Exam-day Schedule
On the day of the DAT Prelims exam, the candidate needs to report at the exam center at 8 pm. Note that one must ideally follow the reporting time to ensure a smooth exam-day experience.
Check out the detailed NID DAT exam-day schedule below.
Explore more Design exams with upcoming dates
18 Dec '24
20 Dec '24
16 Aug '24 - 25 Dec '24
3 Jan '25
22 Nov '24 - 6 Jan '25
10 Jan '25
10 Jan '25
10 Jan '25
13 Jan '25
10 Jan '25
| Event |
B.Des |
M.Des |
|---|---|---|
| NID DAT (2025) Prelims date |
Janaury 5, 2025 |
Janaury 5, 2025 |
| Reporting Time |
8 AM |
8 AM |
| Gate closing time |
9.30 AM |
9.30 AM |
| Time of the exam |
10 AM - 1 PM (Part I + Part II) |
10 AM - 12.30 PM (Part I + Part II) |
NID DAT exam-day guidelines
The NID admission officials will release detailed exam-day guidelines for candidates to follow. These guidelines pertain to documents one must carry with them, reporting and gate closing times.
Keep reading.
- Don’t scribble on the NID DAT 2025 admit card
- Bring a printed copy of the admit card - Without a printed copy of the NID DAT admit card, the candidate will not be allowed entry inside the exam center.
- A digital copy of the admit card will not be accepted.
- Reporting time: The candidate must report at the NID 2024 exam center at 8 am.
- Gate closing time: The gates of the examination center will close 30 minutes before the commencement of the exam. or at 9.30 am. No candidate will be allowed entry inside the exam center after 9.30 am.
- ID proof: Along with the admit card, also bring a valid photo ID proof. Again, note that digital/photocopy of the ID will not be accepted.
- Stationery items - Bring a blue/black ball-point pen (for filling the OMR sheet), scissors, glue stick, lead pencil (of varying grades), colors (such as oil pastels/color pencils/sketch pens, etc.) eraser, sharpeners, ruler, etc., for examination.
- The question booklet for the NID DAT shouldn’t be brought outside the exam center.
- The candidate cannot leave the exam center until the NID DAT exam is over.
- Carry your own pencil, pens, sharpeners, erasers, rulers, etc.
- Verification of caste certificate - The verification of caste documents uploaded by the candidate will be done after the DAT Prelims exam. If any document is found to be invalid or incorrect, the candidate of the candidate will be summarily canceled.
- Note, that no refreshment will be provided inside the exam center.
- List of barred items - Mobile phone, any type of watch, bag, handbag, papers, notes, books, calculator, electronic gadgets, correction marker/white fluid, etc.
- Baggage Counter - There will be no baggage counter or arrangements at the NID exam center. Also, if any item is lost, the exam center and NID will not take any responsibility. It is, therefore, advised either not to carry the aforementioned items or to make your own arrangements.
- Illegal behavior: Keeping unauthorized material or indulging in copying or adopting unfair means will lead to disqualification.
- Requests for a change of exam center and date will not be entertained.
- Discrepancies, if any, regarding your particulars in the NID admit card can be emailed to admissions@nid.edu before the given deadline.
NID DAT - Guidelines related to attempting the exam
Here are some official guidelines that you must follow when attempting the NID DAT exam.
- There is no negative marking in DAT Prelims.
- You are not allowed to carry the question-cum-answer booklet or any part of it outside the examination hall. Doing so is a punishable offense.
- You cannot leave the exam hall until the exam is over.
Documents accepted as ID proofs for NID DAT 2025 exam:
The following documents will be recognized as acceptable documents for the DAT Prelims exam.m
- Passport
- Voter ID
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Driving License
- Attested (No photo provided ID)
Note that "Student ID - Current school/college" will not be accepted as an ID proof.
Q: What is the reporting time at NID DAT 2025 exam centre?
The reporting time for NID DAT 2025 will be mentioned in the admit card, along with gate closing time, and exam timings and date.
The candidate needs to report for the DAT Prelims exam at 8 am. The gates of the exam center will close at 9,30 am (or 30 minutes before the commencement of the exam). After that no candidate will be allowed inside the exam hall.
The DAT Prelims exam for the B.Des and M.Des courses will be conducted tentatively in the 4th week of December 2024.
Exam timings:
- B.Des - 10 am - 1 pm
- M.Des - 10 am - 12.30 pm
Q: Will I be allowed to enter NID DAT 2025 exam centre if I am late?
The reporting and exam commencement time for NID DAT 2025 will be mentioned in the admit card. The candidate must arrive at the exam centre as per the reporting time.
If the candidate is late, there is chance that he or she will not be allowed entry inside the exam center.
So, the candidate must start a bit early on exam day, taking into account the traffic situation. Note that exam officials will conduct registration formalities and frisking, etc. befor allowing the candidate inside the exam centre.
Q: When will the National Institute of Design conduct the NID DAT 2025 Mains exam?
The National Institute of Design (NID) will conduct the DAT Mains exam separately for the B. Des and M.Des programs.
The M.Des DAT Mains will be held from March 3 to April 6, 2025. The National Institute of Design will release the detailed program-wise schedule for the Studio Test and Personal Interview on its admission portal.
The DAT Mains exam for the B. Des program will be conducted from April 26 to May 4, 2025. The DAT Mains exam for the B. Des program comprises a Studio Test.
Meanwhile, the DAT Mains for the M.Des programme comprises a Studio Test and Interview.
The final results of NID DAT 2025 will be declared by considering the performance of the candidate in the DAT Prelims and DAT Mains.
Q: What will happens if a shortlisted candidate pay the fees and uploads all the required documents, but fails to attend NID online counseling?
In case, the candidate fails to report for the counselling, then his/ her candidature will be cancelled for that round. Such candidates, however, can still participate in the corresponding rounds. The only exception is for candidates who fails to attend the counseling in the last round. In such a case, the candidate will no longer be considered for admission. The counseling for NID that 2024 will be conducted separately for B. Des and M.Des courses.
Also, note that B.Des candidates will have to submit campus preferences as part of the counseling registration process.
Q: What is the reporting time for NID Studio Test?
The National Institute of Design will conduct the Studio Test for the B. Des program between April 26 and May 4, 2025. Meanwhile, the Studio Test and Interview for the M.Des will be held from March 3 to April 6, 2025. On the day of DAT Mains, the candidate needs to report at the exam centre on time.
For instance, the Studio Test for the M.Des programme commences at 9 am, but candidates need to get registered from 8 am onward. It is therefore mandatory to report on time. The candidate can consult the NID DAT 2025 admit card to check at what time they need to report for the Studio Test.
NID DAT 2025: Important Dos and Don’ts
The list of dos and don’ts inside the NID DAT 2025 exam center is given below for quick reference:
| Dos |
Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Admit Card - Bring a printout of the admit card. |
Don’t Bring Banned Items Items like mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, calculators, etc, are not allowed inside the exam hall. |
| ID proof - Bring an ID proof in the original. Photocopies will not be accepted. |
Don’t Carry Bags or Purses |
| Be punctual. |
Bags, purses, and clutches are prohibited |
| Reach the exam center at least an hour in advance. |
Don’t wear unnecessary jewelry, including rings, bracelets, etc. |
| Follow the dress code. |
Take your seat immediately after entering the exam hall. |
| Do Follow the Dress Code |
Don’t leave your seat during the exam |
| Adhere to the dress code and wear simple, comfortable clothing. |
Don’t gossip or disturb other candidates during the exam. |
| Carry the stationery required to attempt the exam:
|
Do help or take help from other candidates. |
| Carry two passport-size photos, a transparent water bottle, and sanitizer. |
Don’t cheat or use unfair means. |
| Read the instructions carefully before attempting the exam |
Don’t scribble on the admit card or OMR Sheet |
| Follow all instructions on the admit card and given by the invigilator |
Don’t enter the exam hall late |
| Use the Washroom Before the Exam |
No candidate will be allowed inside the exam hall once the exam has commenced. |
| Carefully fill in all the particulars in the OMR sheet |
Don’t disregard instructions given by exam officials. |
| Mark answers clearly and accurately on the OMR sheet. |
Don’t cheat or indulge in malpractice of any kind. |
| Crosscheck the answers if you have time. |
Don’t waste time. Try to complete the paper within the given time. |
| Do Check Your Answers |
Don’t mishave with exam officials |
NID DAT admission process
The NID DAT entrance exam is a two-step admission process.
- The candidate first appears in DAT Prelims
- If shortlisted, the candidate has to appear in DAT Mains.
The final merit list will be prepared for candidates who appear in both exams. DAT Prelims will be conducted as a paper-and-pencil/ pen test.
Declaration of NID DAT 2025 results
The results of DAT Prelims for the B.Des program will be announced on April 1, 2025. The results for the M.Des program will be announced on February 17, 2025.
Candidates are also allowed to challenge the results of NID DAT 2025.
Read More:
Creating student-centric content for the higher education sector is my forte. Be it news, well-researched articles, or simple write-ups that update you on an exam date or help you fill out a form, I serve it in the ... Read Full Bio
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
3 Jan '25 | UCEED 2025 Issue of Admit Card... |
19 Jan '25 | UCEED 2025 Exam DATE |
22 Nov '24 - 6 Jan '25 | NIFT 2025 application form OPE... |
7 Jan '25 - 9 Jan '25 | NIFT 2025 application form OPE... |
Jan '25 | UID DAT 2025 exam date |
12 Sep '24 | UID DAT 2025 Registration STAR... |
Jan '25 | AIEED 2025 Exam Date |
Oct '25 | AIEED 2025 Application START D... |
17 Jan '24 | ISDI Challenge 2024 - Result (... |
14 Dec '23 | ISDI Challenge 2024 - Result (... |
16 Aug '24 - 25 Dec '24 | SEED 2025 Online registration |
2 Jan '25 - 12 Jan '25 | SEED 2025 Admit Card |
Jan '25 | PESSAT DAT 2025 Exam START Dat... |
Oct '24 | PESSAT DAT 2025 Application ST... |
13 Jan '25 | Pearl Academy Application Form... |
15 Jan '25 | Pearl Academy Admit Card 2025 ... |
Jan '25 | DEED 2025 Exam Dates (Phase 1) |
Oct '24 | DEED 2025 application START Da... |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?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.
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.
So, even if there are vacant seats left in SC, ST, and GEN-EWS category, such seats will lapse.
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
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.
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.
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
To apply under the overseas category, the candidate needs to be holding citizenship of a country other than the Republic of India. However, such candidates will have to meet the eligibility criteria prescribed for admission.
The candidate will be able to check the eligibility criteria in the respecti
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, institutes like NIDA, NIDAP, and others will conduct a mandatory foundation program. However, note that the duration of the foundation course may vary from one NID to another.
The candidate is urged to carefully go through the admission brochure to learn the full details on the foundation progra
M
Contributor-Level 10
Will NID DAT application fee be refunded if application is found to be ineligible?