How to Prepare for NID Studio Test 2026: Topics, Questions and Practice Videos

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

DeskCalelnderRegistration - 11 Sep '25 - 1 Dec '25

Sayeba
Sayeba Naushad
Assistant Manager
Updated on Jul 7, 2025 16:12 IST

Candidates who qualify in the DAT Prelims exam have to next appear in a Studio Test. The National Institute of Design will conduct the NID DAT Mains 2026 exam for the B.Des and M.Des. Here we bring you easy but useful tips to prepare for the Studio Test. So, keep reading.

NID Studio Test 2026 Prep Tips: NID Entrance Exam is conducted for admission to UG and PG design courses offered at NID campusesNID DAT 2025 (Prelims) is expected to be held in the first week of January, 2026. Shortlisted candidates have to next appear for the NID DAT (Mains). The Final result of NID DAT 2025 will be prepared by giving weightage to DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. NID DAT Mains exam will include a Studio Test.

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Studio test round of NID admissions is quite interesting, and students are evaluated on their design sense and creativity in this round of the admission process of NID. Most aspirants take a crash course at a coaching center to develop a better understanding of how to approach and solve questions put forth to them in the NID Studio Test.

In this article, we have collated a set of videos wherein candidates can learn how to solve the questions asked in the NID Studio Test.

Table of contents
  • Topics Asked in NID Studio Test 2026
  • NID Studio Test: Previous Years' Questions 2026
  • Portfolio and Interview for NID 2026
  • Videos on NID DAT Important Topics for Studio Test 2026

Topics Asked in NID Studio Test 2026

Here, candidates are provided a glimpse into different exercises that students are mostly asked to solve in the studio test.

Q:   What is the difficulty level of NID DAT?
A:

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.

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

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.

Q:   Do we need to join coaching to prepare for NIFT entrance exam?
A:
Joining a coaching for NIFT preparation is not really needed. Coaching is for those who want to learn how to draw things. But, if someone has this talent, which most students passionate about sketching and painting do possess, there is no need for coaching. One can prepare through self-study. For your understanding, I would like to give an example. In coaching, students are made to learn how to draw the 3D image by various techniques using measuring instruments but one who is natural at art can imagine what 3D image would look like if it has to be drawn on a paper and would draw the same. In both cases, the outcome is the same. Regarding theory, that is, GAT, if you are confident to solve Maths, History, Geography, General science up till class 10th level, then there is definitely no need for coaching. Though the level of English is a bit high you can improve it yourself.

The Studio Test will be for three hours and there will be around 3-4 Questions. Some common spheres from which questions are asked in the NID Studio Test are as mentioned below:

  • Doodling exercise
  • 3D Model Making
  • Clay Modelling
  • Wire Moulding
  • Story Illustration
  • Psychometric Test
  • Thematic Apperception

 

NID is now

 

NID Studio Test: Previous Years' Questions 2026

Here are a few questions that are asked in the Studio Test. You can practice these and similar questions to get ready for the exam.

1. You are given a wet sponge. Make a ½ cut apple with it.

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2. Make an object using the following material:

  • Clay
  • Hacksaw blade
  • Water
  • Sponge

The object should be appropriate for the given setting.

3. Make an object that can move, make sound, or do both with the materials provided.

Materials Provided:

  • Potatoes - 2
  • Ice Cream Sticks – 3
  • Straws – 3
  • Wires
  • Rubberbands
  • A4 Size Paper

4. Audio Visual Test

  • Visual Test: The NID DAT 2025 question paper may include images of some objects, such as fan broom shoelaces, and identify them. In some other cases, an image will be displayed and the candidate has to identify some elements.
  • Audio Test: Sound clippings may be played, and the candidate will be asked to identify them, such as clapping hands, dropping coins, machines, etc. Audio clippings will be played, and the candidate has to identify the source, for instance, a dog barking, an elephant making a noise, etc.

Previous Year Question 2024 for NID Studio Test

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

If you want to get a good rank in NID DAT, you should able to sketch quickly without compromising on sketch quality. This means you should be able to conceive 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. 

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:   How can I get admission to B.Des at NID Jorhat?
A:

For admission to the BDes course, students need to fulfil the minimum eligibility criteria in the first place. Candidates must sit and appear for DAT entrance exam to get admission for BDes course at National Institute of Design, Jorhat . Apart from this, the total tuition fee for the BDes course is INR 4.7 lakh.

Some of the questions asked in the previous year's NID Studio Tests are:

1. Audio Visual Question:

Questions like identifying the predominant sound played in the audio. Identify the three different sounds played before and after the dialogue.

Observe them very keenly, the sounds and identify their core value in that.
Comic Strip questions can also be asked based on a video, and you will be asked to illustrate the story in the given video and the frames provided.
 

Some Audio Visual Questions for NID B.Des and M.Des

Other Questions that can be possibly asked from the Audio Video Clip are:

  • What are the colors of the present logo? (Pay attention to the minute details)
  • Suggest an appropriate tagline.
  • Redesign the logo.
  • Suggest the apt design change in the print of the can/box/advertisement.
  • What are the moral values?
  • What problems did you notice in the video? 
 
2. Composition and Problem-Solving Questions:
A picture showed Street kids begging, and students were asked to identify the main problem and give suggestions to improve such situations. Draw the same.
 
3. Material Handling:
Material like bamboo sticks (six), rubber bands (6), paper clips (6), muslin cloth and paper strips (10) were given and students were asked to make a functional product out of it and explain it.
 
  • A few paper strips were given and students were supposed to make a pattern by folding these strips. 
  • Material Handling can be given using paper, bamboo sticks, wool, wire, jute wood, etc.
4. Figure Out the Object
A black bag with an electric water heater rod inside it was given and students were asked to draw it and name it.
Students can touch it, observe it and draw/ sketch the same.
 

Questions for M.Des Studio Test 2024

Some of the questions asked in the NID Studio Test 2024 M.Des are:
Question 1: UI/UX Design Question
Imagine a hypothetical scenario where space travel is commercially advertised. There is a guideline for passengers for the things that they shouldn't carry: Pets, Passbook, Crystal ball-which predicts the future, Exotic flora and fauna, and karaoke.
In this question, students were also asked to list 4 more things that one cannot take to space and make an informative poster based on this information, which can be displayed on any device.
 
Question 2: Problem-Solving Questions
2A. Create line drawing illustrations for 3 of the climate change issues observed in urban areas.
2B Create and draw creative solutions for the issues you have stated in question 2A.
 
Question 3: Material Handling
Create a book cover/jacket for the book of any size. The paragraph given is a sample from the book.
Material Given: One big white sheet and five A4 color paper, light blue, brown, red, yellow, and dark green.

Portfolio and Interview for NID 2026

The NID DAT Mains 2026 will include a Studio Test and an Interview. The portfolio, if any, has to be submitted during the interview. The candidate may carry a physical or a digital portfolio.

The NID DAT interview is designed to examine the knowledge and interest of the candidate and their motivation for pursuing design. The panel will assess the candidate on parameters like career focus, intellectual capacity, presentation, attitude, and soft skills.

Here are some use tips to create a good portfolio for the NID interview:

  • Portfolio must include your best works - The portfolio is intended to make a quick and lasting impression, and so must include your best work across diverse fields.
  • Presentation must be effective and to the point - If you can make a lively presentation and aesthetically showcase your skills, you can impress the jury.
  • Models/Prototypes - If you are good at building models, you may showcase your creations by picking your best models during the NID interview process.

On the day of the NID personal interview, make sure that you bring the portfolio, original artwork, posters, etc. The items included in the portfolio must include proper descriptions.

Videos on NID DAT Important Topics for Studio Test 2026

The videos on how to prepare for NID DAT Studio Test are given below. There are videos on Clay Modelling, 3D Modelling, Doodling Test and Material Handling.

1. Clay Modelling

In this video, an NID alumnus offers advice and also practically demonstrates how candidates can provide design solutions to questions posed to them in NID Studio Test.

2. 3D Model Making

Aspirants are provided a step-by-step guide on how they should approach questions wherein they are asked to make a 3D model in the studio test for NID admissions.

Also Read:

What is a Good Score in NID DAT 2026 Prep Tips for NID Entrance Exam 2026

3. Doodling Test

In this video, candidates have explained the different types of questions related to “Doodling” that are asked in the NID Studio Test along with the means and ways by which they should attempt such questions.

4. Material Handling

Here, candidates are explained how to effectively use materials provided to them in a Studio/Situation Test, such that, they are able to provide effective design solutions to the problems posed before them.

 
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Sayeba Naushad
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Sayeba is an editorial professional with over 5 years of experience in content creation, editing and proofreading. She holds a master's degree in commerce, which has helped her develop a strong attention to detail a Read Full Bio
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Answered 3 weeks ago

The result for NID DAT Prelims 2026 will be announced on April 07, 2026 around 4 PM.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

The details that cannot be modified in NID DAT 2026 Application window are programs applied, name of the candidate, date of birth, registered mobile number and registered email address.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

NID DAT 2026 Application edit window will open from December 02, 2025 to December 04, 2025.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

The last date to fill the application form for NID DAT 2026 for B.Des and M.Des programme is December 01, 2025.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 months 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 3 months 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 3 months ago

National Institute of Design released the NID DAT 2026 Applications on September 11, 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 information, submitting document

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Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10