NID 2025 ( UG & PG )
National Institute of Design (NID) Entrance Exam
National Institute of Design (NID) Entrance Exam
The National Institute of Design (NID) Entrance Exam is conducted for admission to B.Des (Bachelor of Design) and M.Des (Master of Design) programs at various NID campuses across India. It is one of the most competitive design entrance exams in India. It is conducted in two stages:
- DAT Prelims (Design Aptitude Test - Prelims) – A written test to evaluate creativity, observation skills, and design awareness.
- DAT Mains (Design Aptitude Test - Mains) – A hands-on studio test + interview to assess practical design skills.
BOOKs
PYQs
NOTEs
NEWS
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EXAM
Frequency of Exam
Once in a year
Exams
Mode of Exam
Qualification
- B.Des (Bachelor of Design) - Must have passed or be appearing for Class 12 from a recognized board
- M.Des (Master of Design) - Must have a bachelor’s degree or final year of graduation (any discipline) from a recognized university.
Total Marks
- NID DAT Prelims
- B.Des: 100 marks
- M.Des: 100 marks
- NID DAT Mains
- B.Des: 100 marks
- M.Des: 100 marks
Languages
Duration
- DAT Prelims - B.Des & M.Des: 3 hours (180 minutes)
- DAT Mains - B.Des: 3-6 hours
Marking Scheme
No negative marking
Download Past Year Papers
Download Syllabus
Download Study Material
HOW TO REGISTER
- Visit the official website and register
- Upload required documents (Photo, Signature, ID proof).
- Pay the application fee
- Submit the form and download the confirmation.
TIPS TO PREPARE
- Understand the Syllabus and design your study plan
- Work on Your Drawing & Sketching Skills
- Enhance Creativity & Observation Skills
- Solve Previous year's Papers & Mock Tests
- Work on Your Portfolio
TENTATIVE DATES
| Registration Starts | October 2024 |
| Admit Card Release | December 2024 |
| NID DAT Prelims Exam | 5 January 2025 |
| Prelims Result | March 2025 |
| DAT Mains (Studio Test & Interview) | 1 march- 4 April 2025 |
| Final Result Declaration | May 2025 |
EXPERT ADVICE
COUNSELLING
- Shortlisted candidates from DAT Prelims appear for DAT Mains (Studio Test + Interview).
- Final Selection = DAT Prelims Score (30%) + DAT Mains Score (70%).
- Qualified candidates submit documents & confirm admission based on merit ranking.
FAQs
1. What is the NID Entrance Exam?
The NID Entrance Exam is a national-level design aptitude test conducted by the National Institute of Design (NID) for admission to its B.Des (Bachelor of Design) and M.Des (Master of Design) programs across various NID campuses.2. What are the different stages of the NID entrance exam?
The NID selection process consists of:- NID DAT (Design Aptitude Test) Prelims – A written test assessing creativity, visualization, and problem-solving skills.
- NID DAT Mains – Studio test and personal interview (for shortlisted candidates).
3. Who is eligible for the NID Entrance Exam?
- For B.Des:
- Candidates must have completed or be appearing for Class 12 from a recognized board.
- Maximum age limit: 20 years (relaxation for reserved categories).
- For M.Des:
- A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Maximum age limit: 30 years (relaxation for reserved categories).
4. How often is the NID exam conducted?
The NID Entrance Exam is conducted once a year, usually in January (Prelims) and April (Mains).5. What is the exam pattern of the NID Entrance Exam?
- DAT Prelims:
- Mode: Pen & Paper
- Duration: 3 hours
- Total Marks: 100
- Sections:
- Objective-type questions
- Drawing-based and subjective questions
- DAT Mains (for shortlisted candidates):
- B.Des: Studio test (hands-on activities) + interview
- M.Des: Discipline-specific test + interview
6. Is there negative marking in the NID exam?
No, the NID Entrance Exam does not have negative marking.7. What is the syllabus for the NID Entrance Exam?
- Creativity and visualization
- Observation and analytical skills
- Sketching and drawing ability
- Problem-solving and logical thinking
- General design awareness
- Storytelling and composition skills
8. How can I apply for the NID Entrance Exam?
Candidates can apply online through the official NID website, fill out the form, upload documents, and pay the application fee.9. What is the application fee for NID DAT?
- B.Des: ₹3,000 (General), ₹1,500 (SC/ST/PwD)
- M.Des: ₹3,000 per discipline (General), ₹1,500 per discipline (SC/ST/PwD)
10. What is the validity of NID scores?
NID Entrance Exam scores are valid for one academic year only.11. How many seats are available in NID?
- B.Des: Approx. 125 seats at NID Ahmedabad
- M.Des: Varies across different NID campuses and disciplines
12. Can I apply for multiple disciplines in M.Des?
Yes, candidates can apply for up to 2 disciplines, but they must pay a separate fee for each.13. How should I prepare for the NID Entrance Exam?
- Practice sketching and creative problem-solving daily.
- Solve previous year papers and mock tests.
- Improve visual communication and observation skills.
- Stay updated with current design trends and general awareness.
14. Is coaching necessary for NID preparation?
Not mandatory, but coaching can help in structured learning and expert guidance. Self-study with consistent practice and creativity enhancement is also effective. Register with CollegeBol to know the best coaching institute and practise papers.15. Which campuses accept NID scores?
- NID Ahmedabad (Main campus)
- NID Gandhinagar
- NID Bengaluru
- NID Andhra Pradesh
- NID Madhya Pradesh
- NID Assam
- NID Haryana
607, 6th Floor, Aditya Building, Chimanlal Girdharlal Rd, near Mithakhali, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380006
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