NID DAT Preparation 2026: Subject-wise Books, Tips to learn Drawing & Improve Creativity and Aptitude

National Institute of Design Entrance Exam 2026 ( NID Entrance Exam )

DeskCalelnderRegistration - 11 Sep '25 - 1 Dec '25

This exam is conducted for courses given below:
Sayeba Naushad
Updated on Sep 12, 2025 15:03 IST

By Sayeba Naushad, Assistant Manager

NID DAT Preparation 2026 - Given that it is one of the toughest design entrance exams, if you want to ace the NID DAT 2026 with flying colors, you must pull out all the stops. An effective exam-preparation strategy will include elements like following the updated NID DAT syllabus and pattern, preparing a study plan and sticking to it, solving sample papers, and taking mock tests. 

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While many of these exam-preparation components are known to the candidate, the order and frequency can be unclear. Also, what to do if you get stuck or are not able to keep up with the exam-preparation plan? How do we do course correction? So, there are a lot of things that need proper attention to get the most out of your NID DAT 2026 preparation.  

In this article, we share some very useful but easy tips that you can incorporate into your exam preparation to ace the NID DAT exam. So, keep reading!

Q:   Is the NID DAT exam very difficult to crack?
Q:   Is it possible to crack NID DAT without coaching?
Q:   What tasks I need to do to effectively prepare for NID DAT 2025 exam?
Table of content
  • Step-wise NID Entrance Exam 2026 Preparation Plan
  • Prep Tips for NID DAT (Prelims) 2026
  • Prep Tips for NID DAT (Mains) 2026
  • NID DAT Topper Interviews and Preparation Strategy
  • Tips for NID Exam Day
  • NID DAT Preparation - FAQs
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Step-wise NID Entrance Exam 2026 Preparation Plan

The preparation for NID DAT 2026 will include the following steps

  1. Get familiar with the exam syllabus.
  2. Check out the NID exam pattern.
  3. Collect the best books for NIFT 2025 preparation.
  4. Make a monthly timetable.
  5. Solve NID past years’ question papers, sample papers, and mock tests.
  6. Get proper rest and stay positive.

Also Read:

 
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Which are the best books for NID Entrance Exam?
Q:   Where can I download the syllabus for NID DAT 2024?
Q:   How much time is needed to prepare for the NID DAT exam?
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Prep Tips for NID DAT (Prelims) 2026

NID DAT and NIFT are likely two of the most popular and difficult design entrance exams in the country. So, one needs to be very particular about one's exam preparation strategy, so that hiccups and errors don't derail the set goal.

Read below the tips to prepare for the NID DAT exam.

1. Get familiar with the NID Exam 2026 Syllabus

NID entrance exam pattern is such that candidates are evaluated based on their knowledge, comprehension, analysis, creativity, and visualization. NID DAT (Prelims) tentative exam pattern is as mentioned below:

Part

Type of Questions

Marks

I

Objective

30

II

Subjective

70

Total

100

There is no negative marking in NID DAT Prelims. However, if MSQ questions are asked in the exam, then the weightage allotted to them may vary from 0.5 marks to 4 marks for each question.

2. Know the syllabus for NID DAT Prelims

To perform well in the exam, aspirants need to know the NID entrance exam syllabus. Candidates can prepare better for the exam by knowing which topics to study in-depth and which require only superficial knowledge. Thus, to score well in the exam, aspirants need to go through the NID entrance exam syllabus and then formulate a strategy. 

3. Books to prepare for NID DAT Prelims (Aptitude Test)

The NID Aptitude Test carries 30% weightage

  • 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

4. Prepare a timetable

Like any exam, to prepare well for the NID 2026 entrance exam, aspirants need to prepare a timetable. Not only this, candidates are advised to prepare a daily, weekly, as well as a monthly prep plan for NID DAT Prelims. Further, candidates should attempt to complete their syllabus as soon as possible and keep the last month before the exam for revision and solving as many past years’ question papers, sample papers, and mock tests as they can.

5. Solve NID Sample and Previous years' Question papers

Candidates should attempt to solve as many NID entrance exam question papers as they can get their hands on. Solving actual question papers for the NID entrance exam would help candidates know the format of questions asked in the exam, along with understanding the exam pattern. Past years’ question papers for the NID entrance exam also help candidates in identifying important topics, resulting in aspirants securing higher marks in this design entrance test.

Also Check:

6. Solve NID Sample Papers and Mock tests

Candidates can test their knowledge of topics asked in the NID entrance exam by solving as many sample papers and mock tests as possible. Attempting mock tests as well as sample papers also helps candidates in making a strategy for time management when solving the question paper for the exam.

Read More:

NID Entrance Exam 2026 Section-Wise Prep Tips

Prep Tips for NID Entrance Exam 2026

Sample Questions for NID Entrance Exam

NID Entrance Exam: Sample Questions for DAT (Prelims)

7. Practice drawing for the NID DAT Entrance Test

Practice drawing whatever catches your imagination, or anything around you, be it your mom’s kitchen, the street you visit to buy daily groceries, the mall, or the security guard performing his duty.

  • There are various forms of drawing, like caricature, photorealism, figure, cartoon, animation, doodling, gestural, and technical, etc. Practice each form of drawing. Live sketching and still drawings also open up one's hands. 
  • During the exam, it is always a good idea to make a light outline, rather than putting rigid lines or curves. This way, there will be little need to erase and redraw. This, in turn, will keep the copy clean and tidy. 
  • Another tip is to learn the art of using dry color, as they are easier to handle and take less time. Do some research about color rendering, theory, emotions, etc. Be original in your creations, because it is what will impress the jury. Conversely, copying designs from others can sink your boat pretty fast.
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the syllabus for NID Entrance Exam?
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Prep Tips for NID DAT (Mains) 2026

The test pattern for NID DAT Mains is such that candidates are asked to make a sketch or model in THREE hours. After the studio test, the candidate will also have to appear in a personal interview.

Here are some useful tips to prepare for NID DAT 2026 (Mains):

  • Develop Observation & Visualization Skills - Remember that DAT Mains will not evaluate how much information you carry in your brain, but rather how effectively and creatively you can use that information to create something beautiful and awe-inspiring.
  • One way to develop your creative side is to be conscious of your existence and observe objects with a keen eye.
  • Solve Sample Papers - This is one of the best tools to prepare for the design entrance exam. To begin with, sample papers will help you improve your problem-solving ability and help you get a better understanding of the concepts. The candidate can start solving sample papers from the very early stages of their exam preparation. Further, using a timer, the candidate may also be able to work on their time management skills through the sample papers.
  • Work on your speed - While sample papers are a great tool to work on one’s speed, the candidate may also take mock tests to hone this skill. Mocks are usually taken closer to the entrance exam. When solving a problem, the candidate must try to solve it as quickly as possible. An in-depth understanding of the concepts and their relation to other concepts will aid in faster problem-solving. So, you must also make it a point to ensure that you properly master all the key concepts of the various topics.
  • Work on your general awareness - You need to know what is happening nationally and internationally, especially regarding events of importance. So, make it a habit to read leading daily newspapers, for instance, the Hindu, Indian Express, TOI, etc. Focus on the editorial and opinion pieces.

Also Read:

How to prepare for NID Studio Test?

What to expect in NID Studio Test?

NID Studio Test: Previous years' questions for PG admissions

5 Tips to prepare your portfolio for NID Entrance Exam

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is there negative marking in NID DAT?
Q:   What topics will be covered in NID DAT Mains?
Q:   Where to find NID DAT sample papers?
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Tips for NID Exam Day

Being one of the toughest and most competitive entrance exams in the country, it is not easy to predict the nature of the NID DAT 2026 Question paper in advance. The questions in the exam will be framed in such a way as to test a candidate’s creativity level as well as how quickly they can put their ideas on paper.

Here we bring some tips for NID 2026 exam day so that the student can avoid common and silly mistakes when taking the exam. 

  • Read questions carefully and thoroughly.
  • Read the solutions/ options in sequential order.
  • Make sure that you go through the answer options provided to you very carefully.
  • Try to attempt questions according to your strengths and weaknesses. Attempt those sections of the exam first in which you are good.
  • Do not be in a hurry to attempt the drawing questions.
  • Be careful with the media you use for your drawing questions.
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the reporting time at NID DAT Exam centre?
Q:   Will there be a baggage counter at NID DAT 2025 center?
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NID DAT Preparation - FAQs

Go through some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) on NID DAT 2026 exam preparation below:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How can I improve my sketching skills for NID DAT?
Q:   How to prepare for the NID DAT Prelims?
Q:   How can I prepare for the NID DAT Interview?
Q:   What is the NID Interview and what aspects are tested during the interview?
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NID Entrance Exam Exam

Student Forum

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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

...Read more

S

Sayeba Naushad

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. 

S

Sayeba Naushad

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.

S

Sayeba Naushad

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

...Read more

S

Sayeba Naushad

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

...Read more

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

One can follow these tips for NID 2026 preparations:

  1. Know your NID Syllabus.
  2. Understand the exam pattern of NID DAT.
  3. Make the NID DAT 2026 preparation plan.
  4. Books to refer.
  5. Practice till you are perfect using mock tests and previous year's papers.
  6. NID DAT Exam Day Strategy.

S

Sayeba Naushad

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.

S

Sayeba Naushad

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

...Read more

S

Sayeba Naushad

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.

S

Sayeba Naushad

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.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

32 Institutes accepting NID Entrance Exam

National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad

Paldi, Ahmedabad Public

National I
  • 16.84 Lakh
  • 4 years
  • |
  • Full Time

FLAME University

Lavale Village, Pune Private

FLAME Univ
    • 35.85 Lakh
    • 4 years
    • |
    • Full Time
    • 12.00 Lakh
    • 4 years
    • |
    • Full Time

    Woxsen University

    Hyderabad Private

    Woxsen Uni
      • 13.00 Lakh
      • 4 years
      • |
      • Full Time

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