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 campuses. NID DAT 2026 (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.
Explore colleges based on NID Entrance Exam
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.
- 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.
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.
If you want to get a good rank in NID DAT, sketching is very important. Practice live sketching daily. Sketch daily objects. Sketch from the previous year question paper.
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.
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
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.
To secure admission to question Bangalore MDes, candidates need to appear for Design Aptitude Test (DAT). NID DAT is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Institute of Design.
The NID DAT is conducted in two stages, DAT Prelims and DAT Mains, propective candidates need qualify DAT Prelims to appear for DAT Mains. The final admission offers are made on the basis of candidate's performance in both stages.
DAT Prelims 2024 will be conducted on Dec 24, interested candidates can apply by visiting the official website of NID.
Follow the steps mentioned below to prepare for DAT:
- Get familiar with the DAT exam syllabus
- Check out the DAT exam pattern
- Assemble the best books for DAT 2024 preparation
- Make a monthly timetable
- Solve past years’ question papers, sample papers, and mock tests.
- Get proper rest and stay positive
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.
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?
- 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.
Questions for M.Des Studio Test 2024
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.

Sayeba Naushad is a commerce postgraduate from Banaras Hindu University. She has over five years of experience in content writing and editing. She has a nose for current events in design field. At Shiksha.com, she s
Read Full BioNews & Updates
Explore Other Exams
18 Jan '26 | UCEED 2026 Exam DATE |
20 Jan '26 | UCEED 2026 Release of Draft An... |
8 Dec '25 - 13 Jan '26 | NIFT 2026 application form OPE... |
14 Jan '26 - 16 Jan '26 | NIFT 2026 application form (La... |
Nov '25 | UID DAT 2026 Application |
11 Jan '26 | UID DAT 2026 exam date |
1 Nov '25 - 31 Jan '26 | AIEED 2026 Application START D... |
6 Apr '26 - 18 Apr '26 | AIEED Examination (Situation T... |
15 Dec '25 - 16 Jan '26 | ISDI Cycle II: Interview |
1 Oct '25 - 31 Jan '26 | ISDI Challenge 2026 |
6 Jan '26 - 25 Apr '26 | SEED 2026 M.Des Registration |
11 Jan '26 | SEED 2026 Entrance Exam (B.Des... |
Jan '26 | PESSAT DAT 2026 Exam START Dat... |
Oct '25 | PESSAT DAT 2026 Application ST... |
8 Sep '25 - 13 Jan '26 | Pearl Academy Application Form... |
14 Jan '26 | Pearl Academy 2026 Admit Card ... |
Jan '26 | DEED Exam 2026 |
1 Oct '25 - 31 Dec '25 | DEED 2026 application |
Student Forum
Answered a month ago
NID 2026 Application correction Window for B.Des and M.Des will open on December 02, 2025 till December 04, 2025.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The result for NID DAT Prelims 2026 will be announced on April 07, 2026 around 4 PM.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months 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
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
NID DAT 2026 Application edit window will open from December 02, 2025 to December 04, 2025.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months 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
Contributor-Level 10
Result - 17 Feb '26
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.