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 )
Registration - 11 Sep '25 - 1 Dec '25
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!
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.
Along with following the official NID DAT 2025 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.
- 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
Step-wise NID Entrance Exam 2026 Preparation Plan
The preparation for NID DAT 2026 will include the following steps
- Get familiar with the exam syllabus.
- Check out the NID exam pattern.
- Collect the best books for NIFT 2025 preparation.
- Make a monthly timetable.
- Solve NID past years’ question papers, sample papers, and mock tests.
- Get proper rest and stay positive.
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
While there is no official syllabus for the NID DAT exam, we have listed the important topics that candidates need to prepare for the design entrance exam.
The syllabus or section-wise topics have been prepared by consulting previous years’ NID DAT question papers. The candidate will be able to download the NID DAT syllabus here for free and use it for exam preparation.
The syllabus is available for both the DAT Prelims and DAT Mains exams.
It is important that the candidate refers to the syllabus when preparing for the exam. Also, don’t forget to consult the sample test papers available on the NID admission portal - admissions.nid.edu - about the nature and the question paper structure.
A candidate would ideally need around 6 months or so to prepare for the NID DAT 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 on the fundamentals and basic concepts, it is still possible to prepare for the exam even in 3 months or less. 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 timetable in place will help matters. The timetable can include things like day-wise topics to read and revise, sample papers to be solved, etc.
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:
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.
Commonly asked questions
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:
| NID Studio Test: Previous years' questions for PG admissions |
Commonly asked questions
There is no negative marking in NID DAT 2025 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.
Candidates who qualify in the NID DAT 2025 exam has to next 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. 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.
The National Institute of Design has uploaded the NID DAT 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 DAT 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 DAT sample paper to gain confidence and get rid of exam fear.
NID DAT Topper Interviews and Preparation Strategy
The toppers have been there and done that. So, they are among the best placed to guide the candidate in their NID DAT 2026 exam preparation journey. Check here NID DAT Topper Interview and get useful insights.
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.
Commonly asked questions
The reporting time for NID DAT will be mentioned in the Admit card, along with gate closing time, and exam timings and date.
The candidate needs to report for the DAT Prelims exam at 8 am. The gates of the exam center will close at 9:30 AM (or 30 minutes before the commencement of the exam). After that no candidate will be allowed inside the exam hall.
NID DAT Exam timings:
- B.Des - 10 am - 1 pm
- M.Des - 10 am - 12.30 pm
The National Institute of Design (NID) may not make any arrangements for a baggage counter. So, the candidate must bear this in mind when packing for the DAT Prelims exam.
It is recommend that the candidate only packs the bare essentials, and don’t bring unnecessary stuff to the exam centre.
Also, expensive items like smartphones, jewellery, gadgets, etc. should be better left at home.
The other thing is to dress up in a comfortable attire.
While there is no official notice binding the candidate to dress up in a particular way, it is recommended to dress comfortably and sensibly. For instance, don't wear something too tight or too loose.
NID DAT Preparation - FAQs
Go through some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) on NID DAT 2026 exam preparation below:
Commonly asked questions
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.
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.
Candidates who get shortlisted based on their DAT Prelims scores for the M.Des programme has to next appear in DAT Mains, which comprises a Studio Test and Interview. The Personal Interview is conducted after the Studio Test and carries a weightage of 30%. 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.
The National Institute of Design (NID) has released the schedule for NID DAT 2024 (Mains).
NID Entrance Exam Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?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
S
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
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
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
S
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
S
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.
S
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
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
S
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
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
Contributor-Level 10
32 Institutes accepting NID Entrance Exam
National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad
Paldi, Ahmedabad • Public
3.9- ₹ 16.84 Lakh
- 4 years
- |
- Full Time
Lavale Village, Pune • Private
- NIFT Entrance Exam, NID Entrance Exam, UCEED, FLAME Design Aptitude Test (FDAT)
- ₹ 35.85 Lakh
- 4 years
- |
- Full Time
Dr. D.Y. Patil School of Design
Tathawade, Pune
- ₹ 12.00 Lakh
- 4 years
- |
- Full Time
Hyderabad • Private
- Woxsen Design Test (WDT), NIFT Entrance Exam, NID Entrance Exam, UCEED, SAT India, CUET
- ₹ 13.00 Lakh
- 4 years
- |
- Full Time
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How can I apply after the NID DAT notification is released?