NID DAT Preparation 2024 - Subject-wise Books, Tips to learn Drawing & Improve Creativity and Aptitude

National Institute of Design Entrance Exam 2023 ( NID Entrance Exam )

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Manashjyoti Hazarika

Manashjyoti HazarikaManager Content

Updated on Jun 2, 2023 19:17 IST

NID DAT Preparation 2024 - The National Institute of Design (NID) will conduct the NID DAT 2024 Prelims exam tentatively in the 2nd week of January 2024. To do well in the exam, the candidate needs to get their exam preparation strategy right.

This includes selecting the right study material, making a study timetable, studying and doing one's exercises regularly, solving sample papers, and taking notes. Also, leading up to the exam, especially in the last few weeks, the candidate also needs to take a few mock tests.

But if NID 2024 aspirants prepare for their studies in advance, there are maximum chances to clear this exam with ease. The competition for NID DAT 2024 is high. So, if you want to ace the NID DAT 2024, you just need to pull out all the stops!

The NID 2023 admission process is a two-step process; candidates first appear in DAT Prelims. The scores of Prelims are used to shortlist candidates for the NID DAT Mains, which is a studio test round. 

In this article, Shiksha will take you through the step-wise process to ace the NID DAT 2024 exam.

Latest Updates:

  • To check DAT Prelims results for B.Des - Click Here

Step-wise NID Entrance Exam 2024 Preparation Plan

  1. Get familiar with the exam syllabus
  2. Check out the exam pattern
  3. Assemble the best books for NIFT 2024 preparation
  4. Make a monthly timetable
  5. Solve past years’ question papers, sample papers, and mock tests.
  6. Get proper rest and stay positive

Also Read:

Prep Tips for NID DAT (Prelims) 2024

NID DAT, along with NIFT, probably are the two most popular and toughest, 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.

  • Get familiar with the exam syllabus

NID entrance exam pattern is such that candidates are evaluated on the basis of 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.

  • 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. 

  • Books to prepare for NID DAT Prelims (Aptitude Test)

The 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
  • Prepare a time-table

Like any exam, to prepare well for the NID 2023 entrance exam, aspirants need to prepare a timetable. Not only this, candidates are advised to prepare a daily, weekly as well as monthly prep plan for NID DAT Prelims. Further, candidates should attempt to complete all their syllabus as soon as possible and keep the last month before the exam for revision and solving as many past years’ questions papers, sample papers, and mock tests, as they can.

  • Solve 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: Sample Paper DATPrelims BDes

 SamplePaper DATPrelims MDes 

  • 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 help candidates in making a strategy for time management when solving the question paper for the exam.

Aspirants can go through NID entrance exam preparation articles and sample questions below:

NID Entrance Exam 2023 Section-Wise Prep Tips

Prep Tips for NID Entrance Exam 2023

Sample Questions for NID Entrance Exam

NID Entrance Exam: Sample Questions for DAT (Prelims)

  • Practice drawing

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

There are various forms of drawing, like caricature, photorealism, figure, cartoon, animation, doodling, gestural, 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 re-draw. 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 takes less time. Do some research about color rendering, theory, emotions, etc. 

Note: Be original in your creations, because it is what will impress the jury. Conversely, copying designs from others can sink your boat pretty fast.

 

Prep Tips for NID DAT (Mains) 2024

The test pattern for NID DAT Mains is such that candidates are asked to make sketches/ models for a duration of three hours. Right after giving the studio test aspirants need to appear for an interview round.

Aspirants can also go through NID entrance exam preparation articles below:

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

NID DAT Topper Interviews and Preparation Strategy

The toppers have been there are done that. So, they are among the best placed to guide the candidate in their NID DAT 2024 exam preparation journey. Check here NID DAT Topper Interview and get useful insights.

NID DAT 2020 Topper Interview: Rank 5, Pramod Ranjan shares his prep strategy

NID Entrance Exam: Shortlisted candidate for UG course shares prep strategy

How to clear NID DAT? Tips from shortlisted candidate

NID Entrance Exam: Shortlisted candidate shares prep strategy to clear NID DAT

Know NID DAT Prep Tips from Shortlisted Candidate

NID DAT Topper Amit Kumar shares prep tips for NID DAT Prelims

NID Topper Arkita shares her NID DAT Prelims Prep Strategy

Tips for NID Exam Day

NID questions are quite difficult to predict. Questions in the NID exam are framed in such a way so as to test a candidate’s creativity level as well as how quickly they can put their ideas on paper. So, aspirants can go through some tips for NID 2023 exam day to find out how they can avoid mistakes when giving NID Entrance Exam 2023. 

  • 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 as per 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.

NID DAT Preparation - FAQs

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: Which are the best books for NID Entrance Exam?

A: 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 that 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
In addition to these books, the candidate must also make it a habit to solve sample papers and take mock tests. Mock tests can be taken closer to the exam.

Q: How to prepare for the NID DAT Prelims?

A: As per the NID DAT exam pattern, the design entrance test is conducted in two stages: that Prelims and that Mains exams. That prelims exam is a written aptitude test on design. Only such candidates who clear NID prelims can appear in the that Mains exam, which includes a studio test and Personal Interview (only for M.Des programme). To prepared for the B. Des programme, candidates need to follow these tips:
Follow the official NID syllabus
Get familiar with the exam pattern, including the types of questions asked, section-wise and topic-wise weightage, mode of exam, marking scheme, etc. Prepare a study plan taking into account time left for the exam
Follow high quality study material
Practice for the exam rigorously and diligently
Take mock tests and solve previous year's papers.

Q: How can I improve my sketching skills for NID DAT?

A: If you intend to get a good rank in NID DAT, you must be able to sketch quickly without compromising on the sketch quality. This means you must be able to able to conceive the idea as you sketch. Remember, when you are in the exam hall, time seems to just fly. So, it is vital that you are able to sketch uninhibited and fast, and with confidence. To improve your drawing skills, you can start by drawing tiny thumbnails first, then switching to the light hand and finishing with dry colours. You can use pencils, crayons, or even a pen to make the sketches.

Q: What topics will be covered in NID DAT Mains?

A: Candidates who qualify in the NID DAT 2023 exam has to next appear in the that Mains, which is the 2nd stage of the two-stage NID admission process. The that Mains 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. During the Studio Test, the material handling of the candidate will be tested, as well how creative and innovative the candidate is, and whether he or she could come up with impromptu solutions. To prepare for the Studio Test, the candidate must develop their sketching skills, including line drawing, shadow drawing, etc. They also need to practice other stuff mentioned in the syllabus, including doodling, and try to improve their creativity.

Q: What is the NID Interview and what aspects are tested during the interview?

A: Candidates who get shortlisted for that Prelims for the M.Des programme has to next appear in that Mains, which comprises a Studio Test and Interview. The Personal Interview is conducted after the Studio Test and carries a weightage of 30% (as per NID that). The interview will be conducted by a panel, which may include experts from industries/Academics. The purpose of the interview is to assess the general awareness, extracurricular activities, academics, and the field of interest of the candidate. It is mandatory for candidates to appear in the Personal Interview or else the candidate will not be included in the final merit list.

Q: How can I prepare for the NID that Interview?

A: The Personal Interview is an component of the NID admission process as it carries around 30 percentage weightage. Candidates who are shortlisted for that Mains has to appear in the Personal Interview along with the Studio Test. Here are some of the important tips to prepare for the interview. Read up on the Fashion Industry
don't given one liner answers. You can elaborate a bit without being verbose. The first impression does make a difference, so take note. Don't try to mislead and waste time of the interviewer. This way you have more to lose than gain. If you have made a list of commonly asked questions and prepared for them, you might be at an advantage. Improve your communication skills. Get creative
Measure your words carefully. Carry a positive body language.

Q: Where can I find NID DAT sample papers?

A: The National Institute of Design has uploaded the NID that sample on its official admission portal. To download a sample papers. Click on the sample paper link, no log in is required. The sample papers for NID that can be download in pdf format. The intent of these sample papers is to help the candidate get insights into the pattern and structure of the exam. By solving the sample papers, the candidate will get insights into the difficulty level of the exam, the types of questions asked, topics from which questions are asked, etc. Additionally, if the candidate solves enough sample papers, it will help him or her to develop problem solving and time management skills. So, all candidates must practice the NID that sample paper to gain confidence and get rid of exam fear.

Q: What is the syllabus for NID Entrance Exam?

A: The NID syllabus for that Prelims will include questions from topics like Drawing fundamentals, Innovation in design, Theme development, Exercises on imagination, Graphics & pictograms, Principles of composition, Design theory, etc. The syllabus for NID that Mains will include topics like Model making, Material manipulation, Audio-visual exercises, Importance of body language, Doodling, Creative thinking and the likes. Candidates may note that the National Institute of Design doesn't release any official syllabus. The important topics for the exam are identified by consulting previous years' question papers. The candidate is advised to visit the NID admission portal for the latest updates on NID Syllabus; alternately they may visit this page.

Q: How much time is needed to prepare for the NID DAT 2023 exam?

A: A candidate would ideally need 6 months to one year to prepare the NID that 2023 exam. This time frame will allow the candidate to go through each topic in depth and prepare for the exam effectively. However, if the candidate has a strong grip over the fundamentals and basis concepts, it may be possible to prepare for the exam even in 3 months or so. But as the time duration shrinks, one will have to be more judicious with the use of each day and hour and be meticulous. Having a well defined time table in place with help matters. The time table can include things like day-wise topics to read and revise, sample papers to be solved, etc.

Q: Is it possible to crack NID DAT 2023 without coaching?

A: It is not at all necessary to take coaching to get a good rank in NID DAT 2023. It is because, the entrance exam will test the creative, drawing, and innovative skills of the candidate. Now, a coaching institute can teach you to be creative or become innovative. Instead, with a little effort these skills can yourself learn these skills. 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.

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Comments

M

What is the difficulty level of NID DAT?

V

Vashu Chauhan

Beginner-Level 5

3 weeks ago

NID Entrance Exam is considered to be one of the toughest design entrance exams conducted in the country. In NID DAT more weightage is given to subjective, drawing-related questions.

V

Vashu Chauhan

Beginner-Level 5

3 weeks ago

By regestiring yourself for the entrance exam at the official website of NID.

V

Vashu Chauhan

Beginner-Level 5

3 weeks ago

You can visit the official website of NID and register your self for the entrance exam.

M

Will the National Institute of Design release NID question paper along with the answer key?

M

Manashjyoti Hazarika

Contributor-Level 10

4 weeks ago

The National Institute of Design (NID) in its admission handbook has clearly mentioned that it will not release any question papers nor answer keys for the NID DAT exam. The institute has mentioned in the handbook that the Prelims and Mains question papers are highly subjective, and so don't have...The National Institute of Design (NID) in its admission handbook has clearly mentioned that it will not release any question papers nor answer keys for the NID DAT exam. The institute has mentioned in the handbook that the Prelims and Mains question papers are highly subjective, and so don't have any model answers. Note that the NID DAT exam is conducted for admission to the MDes and BDes courses. The candidate may however download unofficial question papers for the Prelims and the Mains exam released by coaching institutes. The only thing the candidate needs to remember in this case is since they are not official, the questions may not be exact replicas; typically the questions are picked from candidates who have appeared in the exam.

M

Can I carry the NID question paper with me after the exam?

M

Manashjyoti Hazarika

Contributor-Level 10

4 weeks ago

No, the candidate is not allowed to carry the question paper of the NID exam with them after conclusion of the exam. In fact, the question papers of NID will not be released neither for that Prelims or that Mains. The reason for the non release of the question paper is because the NID question pa...No, the candidate is not allowed to carry the question paper of the NID exam with them after conclusion of the exam. In fact, the question papers of NID will not be released neither for that Prelims or that Mains. The reason for the non release of the question paper is because the NID question papers are highly subjective in nature. The question paper of NID DAT will be set in English language. Note that the candidate can download unofficial versions of the NID question papers released by the coaching institutes. These question papers will be mostly memory-based, compiled with the help of questions shared by candidates.

M

When will I be able to download the answer sheets of NID?

M

Manashjyoti Hazarika

Contributor-Level 10

4 weeks ago

The answer sheets of NID will be released by the National Institute of Design (NID) only after the admissions process is complete. No request for answer sheets during the admissions process will be entertained. Note that the answer sheets will be available for one year after the announcement of t...The answer sheets of NID will be released by the National Institute of Design (NID) only after the admissions process is complete. No request for answer sheets during the admissions process will be entertained. Note that the answer sheets will be available for one year after the announcement of the final result. The answer sheets can be availed on payment of INR 1000/- separately per exam. Note that to make a request, along with the fee payment, the candidate is also required to upload a copy of their admit cards duly attested by the Invigilator with the seal of the Test Centre.

M

Can I solve NID sample papers simultaneously with mock tests?

M

Manashjyoti Hazarika

Contributor-Level 10

4 weeks ago

The sample papers are usually solved as part of ones exam preparation at a very early stage. However, mock tests are taken in the last few weeks leading up to the exam. Unlike sample papers, the main purpose of the mock tests is to give the candidate an exam-like ambience so that the candidate ge...The sample papers are usually solved as part of ones exam preparation at a very early stage. However, mock tests are taken in the last few weeks leading up to the exam. Unlike sample papers, the main purpose of the mock tests is to give the candidate an exam-like ambience so that the candidate gets an idea as to how the actual exam would be. The mock tests often have a timer on, and the candidate will have to solve the paper within the given time. That being said, mock tests may contain fewer questions than the actual exam. Note that mock test cant be a substitute for sample papers, which are the mainstays to improve ones problem solving and time management skills.

M

What is the best time to solve NID sample papers?

M

Manashjyoti Hazarika

Contributor-Level 10

4 weeks ago

There is no fixed time as such to solve sample or question papers for NID Entrance Exam. However, it is recommended that the candidate makes sample papers a part of ones exam preparation as early as possible. By solving sample papers, the candidate will be able to gauze the types of questions ask...There is no fixed time as such to solve sample or question papers for NID Entrance Exam. However, it is recommended that the candidate makes sample papers a part of ones exam preparation as early as possible. By solving sample papers, the candidate will be able to gauze the types of questions asked, difficulty level, weightage of questions, and marking scheme. The sample papers will also enable the candidate to help develop ones problem solving skills; this is very important considering many candidates are conceptually well-versed but falls short when it comes to solving problems. Time management is another vital skill that can be improved by solving sample papers.

M

How can I download the NID sample papers?

M

Manashjyoti Hazarika

Contributor-Level 10

4 weeks ago

The sample papers for NID can be downloaded from the official website of NID. Alternatively, the candidate may download the previous year's question papers and sample papers from this page. To download the NID sample papers, the candidate simply needs to click on the relevant sample paper they ne...The sample papers for NID can be downloaded from the official website of NID. Alternatively, the candidate may download the previous year's question papers and sample papers from this page. To download the NID sample papers, the candidate simply needs to click on the relevant sample paper they need to download; there is no need to log in to download the sample papers. The sample papers are available in downloadable pdf format. Candidates may note that sample papers contain questions similar to the ones that are asked in the actual exam.

M

How can I download the NID sample papers?

M

Manashjyoti Hazarika

Contributor-Level 10

a month ago

The sample papers for NID can be downloaded from the official website of NID - admissions. Nid. Edu. Alternatively, the candidate may download the previous years question papers and sample papers from this page. To download the NID sample papers, the candidate simply needs to click on the relevan...The sample papers for NID can be downloaded from the official website of NID - admissions. Nid. Edu. Alternatively, the candidate may download the previous years question papers and sample papers from this page. To download the NID sample papers, the candidate simply needs to click on the relevant sample paper they need to download; there is no need to log-in to download the sample papers. The sample papers are available in downloadable pdf format. Candidates may note that sample papers contain questions similar to the ones that are asked in the actual exam.

18 Institutes accepting NID Entrance Exam

M.Des. in Toy and Game Design
  • Total Fees: ₹ 9.97 Lakh
  • |
  • 30 months
  • |
  • Full Time
B.Des. in Animation and Game Design
  • 4.4

    Placements

    4.0

    Infrastructure

    5.0

    Faculty & Course Curriculum

    5.0

    Crowd & Campus Life

    4.0

    Value for Money

    4.0
    (1)
  • |
  • Total Fees: ₹ 14.00 Lakh
  • |
  • 4 years
  • |
  • Full Time
Bachelor of Design (B.Des.)
  • Total Fees: ₹ 11.62 Lakh
  • |
  • 4 years
  • |
  • Full Time
B.Des. in User Experience Design
  • 4.0

    Placements

    4.0

    Infrastructure

    4.0

    Faculty & Course Curriculum

    4.0

    Crowd & Campus Life

    4.0

    Value for Money

    4.0
    (2)
  • |
  • Total Fees: ₹ 14.00 Lakh
  • |
  • 4 years
  • |
  • Full Time

Upcoming Design Exam Dates

6 Jun '23: Pearl Academy 2023 Admit Card - June Cycle
10 Jun '23: IIAD 2023 - next exam round
10 Jun '23: UCEED 2023 Seat Allotment - Round III
11 Mar '23 - 13 Jun '23: CEED 2023 scorecards available for download
Jan '23 - Jul '23: CT SET 2023 Registration

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