NID DAT Exam

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NID DAT 2025-26

NID (National Institute of Design) DAT (Design Aptitude Test) is a competitive entrance examination for admission to the undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) design programs at the National Institute of Design (NID) in India. The test is conducted annually by the institute and is considered one of the most prestigious design entrance exams in the country.

The NID DAT exam measures the candidates' aptitude, creativity and design sensitivity through a series of tests that include drawing, observation, concept development, design problem-solving, and written communication.

The exam is divided into two parts:

  • NID DAT-Preliminary

    This is the first stage of the exam and it is a multiple-choice objective type test. The test measures the candidate's design aptitude, general knowledge and observation skills.
  • NID DAT-Mains

    Candidates who qualify for the preliminary round are eligible for the mains exam. The mains exam is a studio test that measures the candidate's problem-solving and design skills. It includes tasks such as drawing, sketching, model making, and written communication.

The NID DAT is considered to be a challenging exam and requires a lot of hard work, dedication and practice. The result is announced between February to May.

B. Design Important Dates

Events Dates
Application form release date 3rd September 2024
Last date for submitting online applications 3rd December 2024
DAT Prelims Admit Card Download 24th December 2024
DAT Prelims Exam Date 5th January 2025
DAT Prelims Result Announcement Date 1st April 2025
Admit Card for DAT Mains Release Date 14th April 2025
DAT Mains Exam Date Any Day between 26th April 2025 (Saturday), 4th May 2025 (Sunday).
DAT Mains Result Announcement Date 16th May 2025
Rechecking Request for DAT Mains 16th May 2025 to 17th May 2025
Provisional Offer Letter of Admissions 10th June 2025

M. Design Important Dates

Events Dates
Application form release date 3rd September 2024, Tuesday
Last date for submitting online applications 3rd December 2024, Tuesday
DAT Prelims Admit Card Download 24th December 2024, Tuesday
DAT Prelims Exam Date 5th January 2025
DAT Prelims Result Announcement Date 17th February 2025
Admit Card for DAT Mains Release Date 24th February 2025
DAT Mains Exam Date 3rd March to 6th April 2024
DAT Mains Result Announcement Date 30th April 2024
Rechecking Request for DAT Mains 30th April to 2nd May 2024
Provisional Offer Letter of Admissions 20th May 2025, Tuesday

NID DAT Application Form

The steps to apply for NID DAT are listed here:

  • Visit the official website of the National Institute of Design (NID) https://admissions.nid.edu/
  • For registering candidates must provide a valid email address and an active mobile number
  • After registration, login credentials will be sent via an email to the registered email address
  • For the step-2 login
  • Click on the link for the NID DAT application form.
  • Fill in the required personal and educational details in the application form.
  • After filling out the form click on ‘Save and Continue’ to go to the next section ‘Upload Document’
  • If candidates want to continue the form later then click on ‘Save and Exit’
  • Upload the required files, including the candidate's photo and signature..
  • For M. Design, candidates who are applying in only one discipline have to appear in DAT Prelims comprising of the test paper for one discipline only
  • For M. Design, candidates who are applying in only two disciplines will have to appear in DAT Prelims comprising two test papers, one for each discipline.

For more details visit the NID DAT Application.

NID DAT Syllabus

The B.Des syllabus includes topics on design principles, elements of design, drawing and sketching, visualization and spatial ability, analytical and creative thinking, etc. The M.Des syllabus encompasses advanced topics such as design research techniques, design thinking, innovation, design management, design ethics, and sustainability. The NID DAT syllabus is designed for evaluating a candidate's design aptitude, creativity, visualisation skills, and logical reasoning abilities for both the B.Des. and M.Des. programmes.

For more details visit the NID DAT Syllabus.

NID DAT Exam Preparation

  • Familiarize with the exam pattern and syllabus for the NID DAT, as this will help identify the areas that need to focus on.
  • The NID DAT tests a candidate’s design aptitude and creativity, so it's important to practice different design exercises.
  • The NID DAT tests the ability to observe and visualize, so it's important to practice these skills. The NID DAT also tests creativity, so it's important to practice thinking outside the box and coming up with new and original ideas.
  • The written test and studio test are time-bound, so it is important to practice time management skills.
  • Take as many mock tests as possible to become accustomed to the structure and timing of the exam.

For more details visit the NID DAT Exam Preparation.

NID DAT Exam Pattern

For the B.Des and M.Des programmes, there are two sections to the NID DAT exam: Part A and Part B. Part A of the exam is a written test, and Part B is a studio test. Depending on the particular programme the applicant is looking for, the NID DAT test pattern also varies slightly and might involve other elements like a portfolio review or an interview. The NID DAT exam pattern is an important factor in the admissions process for NID's B.Des and M.Des programmes. It is designed to evaluate the candidate's overall design aptitude, creativity, and logical reasoning abilities, as well as their ability to solve design problems.

For more details visit the NID DAT Exam Pattern.

NID DAT Ranking

The National Institute of Design releases the minimum qualifying criteria for each category of candidates, and they are based on several variables such as the number of seats available, the number of candidates applying, and the difficulty of the exam. Candidates from different categories, like the General, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD, and Overseas candidates, have different qualifying criteria. They must meet the minimum qualifying criteria for their respective categories to be eligible for further rounds of admissions. The candidate's performance on the written exam, studio test, and personal interview, as well as their academic background and professional experience, are considered for the final selection for admission to NID's B.Des and M.Des programs.

For more details visit the NID DAT Ranking

NID DAT Counselling

NID DAT result 2025 will be announced between February to May. The results typically include the list of candidates who have been selected for admission to the various design programs offered at the institute. The selection is based on the scores obtained by the candidates in the written test, studio test and interaction with the candidate by the panel. The NID DAT 2025 counselling process is the next step after the results of the examination have been announced. The counselling process is typically conducted by the National Institute of Design (NID) and is designed to finalize the admission of selected candidates to the various design programs offered at the institute.

For more details visit the NID DAT Counselling

The candidate's rank in the merit list, their preferred choice of program and discipline, and the availability of seats are considered during the seat allocation.
The result for DAT Prelims B.Des will be released on 1st April 2025 and B.Des Mains will be released on 16th May 2025.
For B.des, candidates have to qualify 10+2 in any stream from a recognized board and for M.Des program, candidates must qualify their Bachelor of Design from a recognized university.
The exam will be three hours in duration for Prelims.
Guide for NIFT/NID/IIFT 2024 by Arihant Publication, Design drawing by Francis D.K.Ching, NIFT/NID/IIFT Entrance Exam Guide by RPH Editorial Board

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