Updated on Dec 24, 2024 12:08 IST

The NID DAT 2025 (prelims) exam will be conducted on Janurary 5. If you are engrossed in DAT prelims exam preparation, here are some useful tips to avoid silly mistakes and increase your chances of success.

Common mistakes to avoid while preparing for NID DAT 2023

The NID entrance exam has two parts - DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. The National Institute of Design (NID) will conduct the NID DAT 2025 Prelims on January 5, 2025. Candidates who have registered for the exam can download the NID DAT 2025 admit card from December 24, 2024. The candidate needs to bring the admit card and an ID proof on exam-day. Also, they must follow NID DAT 2025 exam-day guidelines. The scores of NID DAT (prelims) will be used to shortlist candidates for DAT Mains. The M.Des DAT Mains 2025 exam will be conducted from March 3 - April 6, 2025. B.Des DAT Mains will be conducted from April 26 to May 4, 2025. If you are seeking admission to one of the NIDs, especially one of the top-ranked ones, it goes without saying that your preparation for NID DAT 2024 needs to be Spot OnFor instance, you need to cut down on any mistakes during NID exam preparation.

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It is because silly mistakes while preparing for NID have the potential to rock an otherwise steady boat.

Mistakes to avoid during NID DAT exam preparation

  • Skipping sample papers - Unless you solve sample papers and previous years' NID DAT question papers, you can’t fine-tune your problem-solving and time-management skills. Also, how do you check your progress by skipping this key exercise? So, start solving sample papers today, if you haven’t already.
  • Not taking mock tests - Like sample papers, mock tests are also key tools for NID DAT 2024 exam preparation. However, they are taken closer to the exam and can help the candidate get into the exam groove. Mock tests will provide insights into the structure of the question paper, the navigation process, and much more.
  • Skipping notes - If you make it a habit of taking notes, you will be able to jot down all important, tricky, and easy-to-forget but crucial points. Also, they can come in handy closer to the exam when you need to do a quick revision.  
  • Being inconsistent - Many students start their exam preparation with much fanfare only to go out of steam within a few days. Don’t do that. To succeed, you need to be relentless.
  • Not taking enough rest - But relentless doesn’t mean that you forget to sleep and rest. In fact, it is the exact opposite. You need to be fully rested before the start of the day; this way you would be raring to go. Also, during the day, ensure that you take 10-15 minutes breaks after every 2-3 hours. 
  • Falling sick - This again is a fallout of not taking rest, and also not staying hydrated. So stay hydrated, do some mild exercise, and stay in a positive frame of mind.
  • Procrastinating - If you fall into this trap of procrastination, there will be no light at the end of the tunnel. So, come out of it before you fall too deep inside the tunnel (i.e the habit of procrastination).
  • Getting ahead of oneself (or thinking too far ahead) - Finally, don’t start daydreaming about what will happen if you score this or that. Be in the present, because that is how you can win this battle! 

Mistakes to avoid during NID DAT exam

  • Arriving late at the exam center - The reporting time would be mentioned on the NID DAT 2024 admit card. Unless you want to increase your blood pressure on such an important day, don’t be late.
  • Not carrying the necessary documents and stationery - There is no excuse for not carrying the NID DAT admit card and a valid photo ID proof. Also, carry all the stationery you may need.
  • Wearing uncomfortable clothes - While you needn’t be fancy, there is no reason not to wear a comfortable dress. So, take note.
  • Is guesswork worth it? - There is no negative marking in NID DAT (Prelims). So, if you don't know the answer, there is no harm in answering questions based on guesswork. This way you only gain to gain a few free marks, without fear of being penalized.
  • Losing one’s composure - If the paper is easy, no need to get overexcited and commit a few silly errors. Rather, take a deep breath, thank your lucky stars, and get back to business, that of attending to the NID DAT question paper. Likewise, if the paper is hard, no need to lose your marbles. Again, take a deep breath, and channel your warrior instincts. Remember, if you are finding the paper hard, like you many others may also be finding it hard. So, what you need to do at that moment is eke out every extra mark you can!
Q:   Is the NID exam difficult?
A:

NID evaluates aspirants based on their knowledge, creativity and aptitude for design. Experts share that NID is one of the most challenging design entrance exams conducted in the country. However, if prepared well, the difficulty level of NID Entrance Exam is medium. On of the main reasons why NID is such a competitive exam is there are very limited number of seats. For instance, there are only 425 seats available for the BDes programme through NID. In contrast, the NIFTs offer 2748 seats.

Q:   Is the NID DAT exam very difficult to crack?
A:
NID DAT, along with NIFT and UCEED are among the most competitive national-level entrance exams in the country. The fact that there are only 425 seats for the B. Des and 347 seats for the M.Des programme makes it very competitive. But that being said, if the candidate prepares well and with the correct strategy, then the NID DAT exam can be cracked. Among the first things the candidate needs to do is prepare a efficient study timetable, get familiar with the syllabus and pattern, and use good books as reference material.
Q:   What is the difficulty level of NID DAT?
A:

The NID Entrance Exam is considered to be one of the toughest design entrance exam conducted in the country. In NID DAT, more weightage is given to subjective, drawing related questions. Thus, candidates need to be extremely creative and have a clear understanding of their concepts when appearing for the NID exam.

For preparing the final results for the  B. Des program, the DAT Prelims will be allocated 40% weightage, while DAT Mains will be given 60%.

During the DAT Mains, which comprises a Studio Test, the candidate is tested hands-on and have to show their drawing abilities, creativity, innovativeness, and material-handling ability.

10 Dos and Don’t for NID DAT 2025

Here are a few dos and dont’s candidates need to follow for the NID DAT 2025 exam.

Dos for NID DAT 2025

Don’ts for NID DAT 2025

Follow the NID DAT 2025 syllabus to prepare for the exam. Check out the topics, the types of questions asked, weightage, etc.

Don’t start your preparation late. The NID DAT syllabus is quite vast, and unless you start early, you may not be able to complete it on time.

Align your preparation with the NID DAT exam pattern. 


The exam pattern will tell you the types of questions asked, section-wise questions, duration, marking scheme, etc.


This inputs will help you prepare in accordance with the requirements of the exam.

Don’t forget to work on your drawing skills. It is because these skill comes with lots of practice and patience. 


If you suddenly try drawing a fortnight before the exam, it is not going to come naturally to you.

Build observation skills - If you are not a keen observer, you won’t be able to do very well in the DAT Mains exam, which includes a Studio Test.


During the Studio Test, you will be asked to make a story illustration, clay model, etc.

Don’t overlook the fundamentals of drawing - Many students in their eagerness to master the craft of drawing skip the basics.


This is not at all recommended.


If you skip the basics, there will come a point where you will feel handicapped and stuck.

Master perspective drawing and understand proportions - These skills will enable to do well in the Desing Aptitude Test and also showcase your abilities. 


You can practice drawing still drawing and then gradually move on to more complex ones.

Don’t overrely in digital equiments - Learning  drawing and related skills using digital is not a very practical idea. Instead, go for the traditional approach.


Yes, you can throw in a digital touch here and there, but that is it.

Be consistent with your exam preparation. Randomness is not the answer. Instead, you need to keep on hammering consistently.


For this to happen, you need to follow a strict routine. Jot down what are the tasks for the day, what you accomplished, the target for the next day, etc.

Don’t forget to pay close attention to proportion and perspective. For instance, drawing something without giving proper thought to the size, height, volume, extent, etc. will lead to a unconvincing sketch.


So, you need to keep these aspects in ming whenever you draw a painting. 

Solve sample papers and previous years’ NID DAT 2025 question papers.


If you solve enough sample papers, it will help you build your confidence and improve your problem-solving and time-management skills. 


You can start solving sample papers pretty early on your exam preparation days.

Don’t use digital tools as an alternative for traditional drawing methods. These traditional methods have been finetuned over centuries of years and is going to benefit you as well.

Read newspapers and magazines to keep track of important events. It is not just textbook knowledge that you must follow. Instead, you need to know what is happening in the actual world at the moment.

Don’t look too far ahead. Instead stay in the present moment. If you start daydreaming, it will take your focus from the work at hand.

Work on your time-management skills - You will have to complete the NID DAT question paper in a limited amount of time. Now, unless you are good at time-managment, you might not be able to complete the paper on time.

Don’t disregard the timetable. 


You made the timetable in the first place after considering all that you have to do to get a good score in the NID DAT 2025 exam.


But if you keep disregarding the time table again and again, you will fall back in your preparation.

Work on your colorring skills as it will come handy in the test. Note design skills will also help become a better designer.

Avoid drawing items just for the sake of it. Drawing something that is useful or helps you develop a skill.

Do timely revision. This exrerice will ensure that what you have read is internalized and 

Don’t skip any topics in the syllabus - If you finding a topic difficult, take help.


But there is no justification in skipping the topic altogether.

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Q:   Is it possible to crack NID DAT 2025 without coaching?
A:

It is not mandatory to take coaching to get a good rank in NID DAT 2025. 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 yourself learn these skills yourself. Also, a major thrust of the design aptitide 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 line, 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.

Q:   What is the difficulty level of NID DAT?
A:
NID Entrance Exam is considered to be one of the toughest design entrance exam conducted in the country. In NID DAT, more weightage is given to subjective, drawing related questions. Thus, candidates need to be extremely creative and have a clear understanding of their concepts when appearing for the NID exam. In NID DAT 2022 for the B. Des programme, the that Prelims carried 40% weightage, while that Mains carried 60% weightage. During the that Mains, which comprises a Studio Test, the candidate will be tested hand-on and have to show their drawing abilities, creativity, innovativeness, and material-handling ability.
Q:   Do we need to join coaching to prepare for NIFT entrance exam?
A:
Joining a coaching for NIFT preparation is not really needed. Coaching is for those who want to learn how to draw things. But, if someone has this talent, which most students passionate about sketching and painting do possess, there is no need for coaching. One can prepare through self-study. For your understanding, I would like to give an example. In coaching, students are made to learn how to draw the 3D image by various techniques using measuring instruments but one who is natural at art can imagine what 3D image would look like if it has to be drawn on a paper and would draw the same. In both cases, the outcome is the same. Regarding theory, that is, GAT, if you are confident to solve Maths, History, Geography, General science up till class 10th level, then there is definitely no need for coaching. Though the level of English is a bit high you can improve it yourself.
Q:   How to prepare for NID admissions?
A:

Candidates are advised to be thorough in their preparation when they plan to appear for NID that. Being regular in studies is a must when appearing for NID Entrance Exam. NID that Prelims comprises both objective- and subjective-type questions. The NID Entrance Exam preparation plan that candidates can follow includes: Know the NID exam pattern and marking scheme well Get well-versed with the NID that syllabus Prepare a time-table and strictly adhere to it Attempt NID previous year question papers Solve NID sample papers and mock tests Keep revising.

Q:   How to crack NID DAT 2025 without coaching?
A:

It is not mandatory to take coaching to get a good rank in NID DAT 2025. 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 yourself learn these skills yourself. Also, a major thrust of the design aptitide 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 line, 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.

The application form for NID DAT 2025 is now closed. The application form was open from September 3 to December 6, 2024.

The edit window for the exam was open from December 6-11, 2024.

Scores of NID DAT 2025 will be considered for admission to B.Des and M.Des courses offered by participating colleges.

Read More:
Design Industry Salary In India: Pay Scale, Skills, Job Details
NID DAT Mains Studio Test - Purpose, Preparation Tips, Test Pattern, Recommended Books

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Answered 3 weeks ago

National Institute of Design will start its B.Des Round 2 Seat Allotment after B.Des Seat Allotment Round 1. The remaining seats will be opened for Seat Allotment Round 2. The information regarding the same will be communicated to next qualifying candidate through their registered Email ID.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

NID B.Des Round-01 Seat Allotment, Confirmation of Seat, Payment of Non-Refundable Fees & Uploading of Documents for B.Des will start on May 27, 2025. The last date to pay the fee and upload the necessary documents is May 30, 2025. Candidates can change their campus selection multiple times betwee

...Read more

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

Upon verification of the documents uploaded by the candidate, if the documents are found to be incomplete/incorrect/invalid, the candidature of such candidates will be cancelled, and that seat will be allotted to the next qualifying candidate in the order of merit in their respective category

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

After the declaration of the NID DAT B.Des Mains/ Final result,  the following process will take place:

  1. Declaration of the NID B Des Final Result 
  2. Submission of Institute Selection preference
  3. Seat Alottment Round 1
  4. Payment of the fee (Non-refundable Token Fee) for Seat Confirmation
  5. Uploading the necessar

...Read more

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

The shortlisted candidates for NID SEAT Allotment Round for B. Des. will have to confirm their seat by the following process: 

  1. Paying the NON-REFUNDABLE Token Fees
  2. Uploading the required documents

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, candidates can review, change or modify the uploaded documents for NID B.Des until 5 pm, Friday, 30 May 2025. In case the candidate wishes to modify the uploaded documents, s/he can re-upload the documents until 5 pm, Friday, 30 May 2025.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

The NID B.Des Seat Allotment Round 1 will start on May 27, 2025 and will end on May 30, 2025. At the time of seat allocation, candiates will have to submit the fees and uplaod the necessary documents. 

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

The NID B.Des Provisional Letter for B.Des programme will be released on June 10, 2025. Provisional Offer Letters for B.Des Admissions 2025 will be issued to candidates who have paid the non-refundable token fee and whose uploaded documents have been successfully verified and found to be in order.

 

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, a candiate can change his/her college preference multiple times before the deadline (May 19, 2025, 5 PM). After the deadline, the last college selected will be considered final.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

The last date to submit the NID B.Des 2025 Campus/Institute Prefrence is May 19, 2025, 5 PM. The Submission window opened on May 16, 2025, 4 PM and will close on May 19, 2025, 5 PM. Window was activated with the declaration of NID B.Des Final Result. 

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 8