National Institute of Design Ahmedabad Paldi Answered Questions

NID DAT is one of the toughest entrance exams in the land. Also, given the large number of applicants, it is highely competitive.So, to have a chance of scoring a good score in the exam and be in the contetion for a seat in one of the top NIDs, one needs to ensure their preparation is full proof.Now unless you solve sample papers, there is no way to evaluate your preparedness for the exam. For instance, you may have completed the textual books and are confident about your ability to solve a proble. But what will you do if on exam do you find out that theoritical knowledge can take you only so far.However, if instead you solve enough sample papers you will get battle ready. 

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 2026.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

It is difficult to put a specific number as to how many sample papes one needs to solve. But that being said, you must try at least 10 sample papers. Also, make sure that the sample papers covers the entire syllabus and are not repetitative.For instance, some sample papers may contain the same types of questions, though the language may be altered a bit. If you need to get the maximum out of the sample papers, their content needs to be different.Also, along with sample papers solve practice questions, typically given at the end of a chapter or book.

The results of the DAT Prelims will include the qualifying status of the candidate. If the candidate fails to qualify DAT Prelims, he or she will not be eligible to appear in DAT Mains.Note that the Desing Aptitude Test (DAT) conducted by the National Institute of Design (NID) has two sub-exams: DAT Prelims and DAT Mains.Both the exams are mandatory.Also, the final merit list is prepared by giving weighatage to DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. So, if a can candidate fails to qualify DAT Prelims or doesn’t appear in DAT Mains, the candidate will be disqualified from the admission process.

Diploma candidates need to meet the following conditions for admission:Done full-time Diploma of 4-year duration after 10+2Diploma in the following subjects is accepted - Design/ Fine Arts/ Applied Arts/ Architecture.The Diploma must be done from a university or institute recognised by law in India.

The NIDs offer a full-time B.Des programme of 4-year duration, and a full-time M.Des programme of two-and-half years duration. The institute, in addition, also offers a PhD program. The programme can be pursed full-time or part-time. Admission to the design courses at the NID is conducted through a Design Aptitude Test (DAT). The exam comprise DAT Prelims and DAT Mains.The final result or merit list is prepared by giving weightage to DAT Prelims and DAT Mains.

The GATE closing time for both the B.Des and M.Des courses is 9.30 am (30 minutes before the commencement of the exam), after which no candidate will be allowed inside the exam centre. So, make sure that you reach the exam centre at 8 am (the official reporting time).Note that you may have to go through security checks and registration. If you are late, then you may face a lot of trouble, which is not a good thing to experience on exam day.

The institute has not released the separate placement data for BDes or MDes. However, the overall statistics are out. The table below depicts the NID Ahmedabad placement details for the 2023 passing-out batch:ParticularsPlacement Statistics (2023)the highest packageINR 30 LPAthe lowest packageINR 4 LPANo. of students opting for full-time placements837No. of offers made by industries for full-time placements620

Some of the well-known companies that were part of NID Ahmedabad placements in recent years are mentioned below:NID Ahmedabad Placements 2023: Top RecruitersMaruti SuzukiPiramal GroupZee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.SAP Labs India Pvt. Ltd.FlipkartAditya Birla Fashion & RetailIFB Industries Ltd.JSG Innotech Pvt. Ltd.AdobeRapidoTrident LimitedNutanix

It is not mandatory to take coaching to get a good rank in NID DAT. 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 learn these skills yourself. Also, a major thrust of the design aptitude 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 lines, 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.