NID Exam Pattern 2027 - The National Institute of Design (NID) does not release the NID DAT 2027 Exam Pattern. The exam is conducted in two stages: Prelims and Mains.
DAT Prelims exam will be conducted as a paper-and-pencil test. It will be 3 hours and there will be two sections. Prelims Exam is only a shortlisting exam. Candidates who pass NID Prelims will be allowed to sit for Mains.
Go through the rest of the article to learn the full details of the NID DAT 2027 exam pattern for both Prelims and Mains.
- NID DAT 2027 Exam Pattern Highlights
- NID DAT 2027 Subject wise weightage
- NID DAT 2027 Total Marks and Marking Scheme
- NID DAT 2027 Exam Pattern - Prelims
- NID DAT Exam Pattern - Mains
- NID DAT 2027 Exam Pattern- FAQs
NID DAT 2027 Exam Pattern Highlights
DAT Prelims is the first stage of the two-stage NID admission process for B.Des and M.Des Programmes. The National Institute of Design will release the general outline of the DAT Prelims question paper structure in the NID admission handbook.
DAT Prelims 2027 Exam Pattern for B.Des program
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | The duration of the DAT Prelims paper for the B.Des program is THREE hours. The exam is mostly conducted from 10 am - 1 pm. |
| Sections |
DAT Prelims question paper will have two sections - Part I & Part II |
| Mode | Exam will be conducted as a paper-and-pencil/pen test |
| Type of questions | Question paper may include textual and visual questions |
| Language | Paper will be set in the English language only. |
| Negative marking | No Negative marking |
Also Read:
- NID DAT Previous Year Question Papers (2025-2016); Download Free PYQ PDFs
- NID vs NIFT - Differences, Participating colleges, Admission Process, Placements
DAT Prelims Exam Pattern 2027 for M.Des program
The key points related to the DAT Prelims exam pattern for the M.Des program are given below.
| Particulars |
Description |
|---|---|
| Sections |
There will be TWO sections.
These two tests will together evaluate the Design Aptitude of the candidate. |
| Total Questions |
100 |
| Types of questions asked |
A mixture of objective and subjective |
| Medium of the paper |
English |
| Maximum number of Disciplines |
Candidates can appear in a maximum of TWO disciplines for the M.Des program. Also,
|
| Test duration |
2 hours 30 minutes |
| Negative Marking |
There will be no negative marking |
Commonly asked questions
If you qualify for the NID DAT 2027 exam you can appear in the DAT Mains which is the 2nd stage of the two-stage NID admission process.
The DAT Mains exam will include tasks like Model Making, Audio-Visual Exercises, Evolving ideas, Material Manipulation, Importance of body language, Creative thinking, and Doodling. The Studio Test is hands-on test that will be conducted in offline mode.
To prepare for the Studio Test, develop their sketching skills, including line drawing, shadow drawing etc. Practice other stuff mentioned in the syllabus, including doodling, and try to improve their creativity.
NID DAT Prelims exam will be conducted offline and will be of 3 hours duration.
- Test will be conducted in the English language and include a maximum of 26 questions.
- Question paper will include both subjective and objective-type questions.
- Paper will be for 100 marks.
- Candidates who qualify in DAT Prelims have to next appear in DAT Mains.
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.
NID DAT 2027 Subject wise weightage
The final results of NID DAT 2027 will be prepared by giving weightage to NID DAT Mains.
Weightage for the NID DAT Final Results - B.Des
The weightage of the B.Des NID DAT 2027 Mains is
| Exam Component |
NID DAT Studio Sensitivity Test | In-person Sensitivity Test |
|---|---|---|
| Weightage |
60% |
40% |
Weightage for the NID DAT Mains - M.Des
The weightage of the B.Des NID DAT 2027 is:
| NID Mains Exam Component |
Studio Test |
Personal Interview |
|---|---|---|
| Weightage |
40% |
60% |
Commonly asked questions
The NID DAT 2027 (Prelims) exam will be conducted in the following 22 cities:
Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Kurukshetra, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Patna, Raipur, Ranchi, Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada.
If you have passed senior secondary exam from National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) with minimum five subjects, then you are eligible for NID DAT. The National Institute of Design recognizes boards like CBSE, IB, ICSE, or equivalent.
The candidate must make sure that they meet the eligibility criteria before filling out the NID DAT 2027 application form.
NID DAT Prelims is the 1st step of the two-step NID admissions process. DAT Prelims comprises a written exam that candidates need to clear in order to be eligible for DAT Mains.
NID DAT 2027 Total Marks and Marking Scheme
Here we bring you the sections, number of questions, and also the type of questions asked based on the analysis of previous years' papers.
DAT Prelims Exam Pattern 2027 (B.Des) - Sections, Type, and Number of Questions
The question paper structure of DAT Prelims for the B.Des program is given below.
| NID DAT Prelims B.Des Exam Pattern | ||
|---|---|---|
| Exam Part | Type of Questions | No. of Questions |
| Part I | Objective type questions | 22 |
| Part II | Subjective type questions | 4 |
| Total No. of Questions | 26 | |
Marking Scheme for NID DAT Prelims 2027
The marking scheme for the DAT Prelims exam is given in the table below.
| Type of Question | No. of Questions | Marks for Each Question |
|---|---|---|
| Objective-type questions | Questions 1 to 14 | 1 mark |
| Questions 15 to 22 | 2 marks | |
| Subjective-type questions | Question No. 23 | 15 marks |
| Question No. 24 | 20 marks | |
| Question No. 25 | 15 marks | |
| Question No. 26 | 20 marks | |
| Total Marks | 100 marks | |
Commonly asked questions
To give oneself a higher chance of securing a good rank in NID DAT, it is important to use good-quality books a reference material.
Here are some of the best books recommended by experts and previous rank holders to prepare for the NID DAT exam.
- NID (B. Des. ). Entrance Books and Test Series by AFAINDIA
- Basic Rendering by Robert W. Gill
- Design drawing by Francis D. K. Ching
- NIFT/NID/IIFT Entrance Exam Guide by RPH Editorial Board
Along with following the official NID DAT exam pattern and syllabus, do these tasks to prepare for NID DAT exam:
- Solve sample papers - You can starting solving sample papers very early on in your preparation, for instnce after completing a chapter.
- Solve previous years’ papers - This exercise will help you get an idea about the nature and structure of the exam, including difficulty level, types of questions asked, marking scheme, and much more.
- Take mock tests - Mocks are usually taken closer to the exam date. It will help you fine tune your preparation and fix the mental aspect of taking an entrance exam.
- Take notes during study - This exericise will not only help you stay focused, but also help you jot down important and difficult points. This in turn will make revision easier and quicker.
A candidate would ideally need around 6 months or so to prepare for the NID DAT exam. He can take up to 3 months if his fundamentals are strong.
NID DAT 2027 Exam Pattern - Prelims
NID DAT Prelims exam has two sections Creative Ability Test (CAT) and General Ability Test (GAT). The question paper is of 100 marks and there is no negative marking. It is an offline test (Pen/Pencil & Paper test).
| Exam Stage | Test Section | Weightage / Style | Topics & Skill Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Prelims (Written) |
Creative Ability Test (CAT) | 75% – 80% Subjective /Drawing |
• Perspective Drawing: 1, 2, and 3-point indoor/outdoor scenes (e.g., markets, stations). • Storyboarding: 4–6 frame sequential narratives with expressive human figures. • Product Redesign: Improving ergonomic functions and utility of everyday objects. • Design Concepts: Composition, color psychology, light/shadow, and visual metaphors. |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 20% – 25% Objective / MCQ |
• Visual Reasoning: Pattern completion, paper folding, mirror images, cubes, and dice. • Design GK: Art movements, traditional crafts, textiles, logos, and history. • Aptitude & English: Logical puzzles, basic data math (ratios, averages), and comprehension. |
NID DAT Prelims Syllabus for the B.Des program
The syllabus for NID B.Des DAT is as follows.
| NID DAT Prelims Syllabus for B.Des Program |
||
|---|---|---|
| Design Outline for Beginners |
Colour Terminology | Inspiration & Design Development |
| Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship | Design Theory |
Elements & Principles Of Design |
| Natural & Geometrical Form | Innovation in Design | Principles of Composition |
| Lettering |
Optical Illusion | Understanding Light & Shade |
| Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions | Form & Function |
Colour, Pattern & Texture |
| Theme Development | Creative thinking & writing | Picture Analysis |
| Visual Logic |
Good Design vs Bad Design | Drawing Fundamentals |
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
Candidates are advised to be thorough in their preparation when they plan to appear for NID DAT. Being regular in studies is a must when appearing for NID Entrance Exam. NID Prelims comprises both objective and subjective questions. 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.
Yes, under unforeseen circumstances, the National Institute of Design reserves the right to change the nature and structure of the NID exam. This means all tests can be conducted online or offline, or a combination of online and offline, depending on how the National Institute of Design deems it fit.
So, the candidate is urged to keep looking up this space for all the latest on the NID 2027 exam.
NID DAT Entrance Exam 2027 Prelims exam will be conducted offline in pen and paper mode. It will be conducted at the NID test centres.
NID DAT Mains exam: Studio Test and Interview, will be conducted offline at the test centres in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Gandhinagar.
NID DAT Exam Pattern - Mains
Candidates will be shortlisted for the DAT Mains based on their performance in the DAT Prelims. The qualifying status will be mentioned in the NID DAT Prelims scorecard.
DAT Mains 2027 Exam Pattern
The exam pattern for DAT Mains for the B.Des and M.Des programs is given in the table below.
| NID DAT Mains Exam Pattern Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Mode of exam | Offline |
| Duration of exam | 3 hours |
| Total marks | 100 |
| Language of question paper | English |
| Type of questions | Multiple formats (Drawing/ Sketching/ Model Making) |
NID Studio Test and Interview
NID Studio Test for B.Des Admissions: The studio test for NID admissions may comprise questions that aspirants have to solve in different formats, like drawing/sketching, hands-on model making, group discussions, presentations, etc.
NID Mains Exam Format for M.Des Admissions: As part of NID DAT Mains, candidates need to appear for a studio test followed by a personal interview round.
- Studio Test for M.Des Admissions: This test for MDes admissions at NID is being held separately for each specialization (that is, the course for which an aspirant has applied for admission). The studio test comprises different sections wherein questions of different formats (like hands-on drawing/sketching, hands-on model making, group discussions, etc) are asked. The duration of the test will be three hours.
- Personal Interview for M Des Admissions: The interview round for MDes admissions will be conducted immediately after the studio test is over.
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
NID DAT Mains exam for M.Des was conducted on March 08, 2026. Personal Interview was from March 21, 2026 to April 01, 2026. NID Admit card for M.Des Mains was out on February 24, 2026.
NID DAT 2026 (Prelims) exam will be conducted as a paper-and-pencil/pen test. The question paper will be set in English only.
Also, the duration for DAT Prelims will be notified in the NID DAT 2026 admit card.
Note that in the previous edition, the DAT Prelims test duration for the B.Des program was 3 hours, while the M.Des exam was 2 hours 30 minutes long.
The question paper for the B. Des will include both textual and visual questions. Meanwhile, DAT Mains for the M.Des program will include objective and subjective-based questions. Questions will be asked from two sections - 1) Common Design Aptitude Test, and 2) Discipline Specific Test.
Candidates who qualify DAT Prelims has to next appear in DAT Mains. DAT Mains for B. Des program includes a Studio Test, while DAT Mains for the M.Des programme, in addition, will include an interview. DAT Mains will be held in offline mode.
NID DAT 2027 Exam Pattern- FAQs
Go through the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to the NID DAT exam pattern below.
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 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.
The Studio Test for the M.Des programme will be conducted in offline mode at various NID campuses - NID Bangalore, NID Gandhinagar and NID Ahmedabad. The Studio Test will be conducted programme-wise and the schedule will be released soon.
The details of the campus allotted to the candidate will be mentioned on the NID DAT Mains 2027 admit card.
There is no negative marking in NID DAT 2026 exam. The candidate is recommended to go through the detailed exam pattern to get insights into the question paper structure, including types of questions asked, sections, etc. The DAT Prelims exam for the B. Des programme has two parts. Part I will include 22 objective-type questions, whereas Part II will include 4 subjective-type questions. Objective-type questions carry 1-2 marks, while subjective-type questions carry 15-20 marks. The total marks for the NID DAT Prelims will be 100 marks.
Yes, candidates can apply for M.Des programme through NID DAT.
- Diploma candidates need to meet the following conditions for admission:
- Done full-time Diploma of 4-year duration after 10+2
- Diploma 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 National Institute of Design (NID) will conduct the DAT Prelims exam in the third week of December 2026. B.Des exam will be held around 10 am - 1 pm. The candidates will be required to report for the exam at 8 am. Gates' closing time will be 9.30 am. DAT Prelims for the B.Des programme will be conducted in a paper-and-pencil/pen mode.
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 pursued full-time or part-time.
Admission to the design courses at the NID is conducted through a Design Aptitude Test (DAT). The exam comprises DAT Prelims and DAT Mains.
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 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.
Candidates need around 6 months to prepare for NID DAT Exam. In this time, focus should be on preparing syllabus given by NID. Candidates should make a plan and divide syllabus to study.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a month ago
Both institutions offer the BDes course but with completely different admission processes. IIT Indore accepts admission based on the UCEED entrance exam, while BITS Pilani considers the NID Entrance exam/ BITSAT exam result.
See the table below to compare both insttutions on different factors:
| Institution | NIRF Ranking | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| BITS Pilani | 11 | ₹ 30.8L |
| IIT Indore | 12 | ₹ 8.5L |
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