A BTech student of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Amit Kumar scored 67/100 and cleared National Institute of Design (NID) DAT Mains 2017. Amit had applied for two courses in NID Entrance Exam – New Media Design as well as Interaction Design. Rank 5 holder in NID DAT (Mains), Amit will be taking admission in New Media Design course at NID Gandhinagar.
Shiksha spoke to Amit to find out his experience of appearing for NID DAT Prelims and Mains. In this article, we will provide you with an insight on how to prepare for NID DAT (Mains) and what to expect in this stage of NID admissions.
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Q. How did you prepare your Portfolio?
Ans: For making my portfolio, I started collecting and collating my ideas from the day I started preparing for the exam. But I started making my portfolio only when the result for NID DAT (Prelims) was declared. My suggestion here for aspirants would be that they should start making their portfolio in the preparation stage itself. This is necessary because design is a time dependent process and the more time you spend on it, your idea will become better.
Read More: Tips to prepare portfolio for NID Entrance Exam.
Q. Any tips that aspirants should keep in mind for their Interview round?
Ans: You just need to be your creative best in the interview. For the interview round I would like to say only two things;
It doesn't matter how much work you have included in your portfolio. You will be asked questions like why you made this, is this is your original work etc, and how well you can explain your ideas is what matters.
Also, I feel that many talented students who are good in design are not that fluent in speaking English. So, to them I want say that you can explain your work in Hindi also. This is necessary because you can learn to speak in English but you cannot learn to be creative. Creativity is all they want to see and evaluate in the exam.
Apart from this, I want to advise aspirants that please be original and project yourself exactly as you are in NID interview round. Do not bluff in the interview because they (interviewers) are experts and they have more experience than you.
Q. Any advice for aspirants regarding what to expect in the Studio Test round?
Ans: In the Studio Test, aspirants should be ready for any situation. Also, if they are really sure about the branch that they have selected and have interest in it then the Studio Test in not such a big deal.
Q. Could you explain your experience of appearing for NID DAT (Mains) 2017?
Ans: My NID DAT exam was scheduled for the afternoon session. They interviewed 10 candidates before the DAT exam for NID admission and I was one of them. In NID DAT (Mains), aspirants should ensure that they are confident and should not get nervous after seeing the work of others. Always believe in yourself and your work.
I was asked three questions in my Studio Test for NID admissions 2017, which were as follows:
Question 1: Make a wearable device which can help to sort out any social problem. This device can use artificial intelligence, existing digital technologies etc. Also, if required this devise can also connect to your social network profile.
Question 2: Imagine a futuristic situation in which the user can integrate any technology in his body. Select your choice of technology and explain why you chose it. Also, explain how you want to use it.
Question 3: Make a sculpture using a one meter long aluminum wire on the theme "effect of communication technologies on society" and place this sculpture on the given cardboard. We were given a tool for bending and we had to make the sculpture by only using this tool, we were not allowed to cut the wire.
Q. Any word of advice for NID aspirants.
Ans: My only advice to NID aspirants is that – Keep learning and maintain this habit.
Other related articles:
NID Topper Arkita shares her NID DAT Prelims 2017 Prep Strategy
NID Entrance Exam 2017 Topper Interview: Arkita shares NID DAT Mains Experience
10 tips to crack interview for design courses at NID, NIFT & IIT
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Student Forum
Answered a month ago
Candidates will be able to apply online by registering on the official portal, filling out the form, uploading documents, and paying the application fee. The registration process will start after the release of the NID DAT 2026 official notification. National Institute of Design is expected to relea
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The NID DAT 2026 notification will provide information about eligibility, application process, fees, exam dates, exam pattern, and selection process. The notification provides details of seat capacity at each NID campus for both B.Des and M.Des.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
NID DAT 2026 notifications will be available on the official website of NID at admissions.nid.edu. Official notification of the NID entrance exam is all set to be out by the first week of September 2025. The notifications will be out for UG and PG programmes.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
National Institute of Design is expected to release the NID DAT 2026 Applications by the first week of September 2025 for B.Des and M.Des programmes. The registration for NID DAT 2026 will be on the official website of NID. Candidates can fill out the application form by registering, filling in info
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
NID notification for 2026 is expected to be out by the first week of September 2025. The official notification will be out on the official website of the NID and will contain details about the NID entrance examination.
The NID notifications will include:
General Information
Important Dates
Intake Capa
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
One can follow these tips for NID 2026 preparations:
- Know your NID Syllabus.
- Understand the exam pattern of NID DAT.
- Make the NID DAT 2026 preparation plan.
- Books to refer.
- Practice till you are perfect using mock tests and previous year's papers.
- NID DAT Exam Day Strategy.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
In general, the average salary after passing from NID is between 8-12 lakhs. It can also range between 17 and 50 lakhs, depending on the recruiter and the performance of the student.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes, there are placements in NID campuses. NID has separate Placement cells for the placement process. Placement in NID completely depends on the performance of the student during the selection interview. Some of the top recruiters of NID are:
- Malabar Gold & Diamonds
- J.P.Morgan
- Tcs
- The Asian Heritage F
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
NID students can get job opportunities in graphic designing, UX designing, animation, fashion communication, furniture designer, fashion consultant, Textile designer, web designer, product designer, film and video communication and much more.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
NID Ahmedabad has a good record of placements. NID Ahmedabad consistently leads in placement outcomes among NID campuses. In 2025, the average package was around ?21.3 LPA and the highest package was around ?30 LPA. The Total offers made were 620.
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Contributor-Level 10