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The National Institute of Design (NID) will release the NID exam pattern 2026 at the official website- admissions.nid.edu. The NID 2026 paper pattern will inform candidates about the structure of the NID DAT entrance exam which includes the total marks, marking scheme, section-wise questions, number of questions, and more. The NID DAT 2026 prelims exam will be conducted as a pen-and-paper-based test. Moreover, NID total marks will be 100. Aspirants who wish to know if there is negative marking in NID should note that there is no negative marking for incorrect answers. Read the complete article for the NID exam pattern 2026 pdf that includes the marking scheme, total marks, number and questions, and more.
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NID conducts the Design Aptitude Test for admissions into the B.Des and M.Des programmes of participating NID campuses. The NID DAT syllabus is designed to test the candidate's design aptitude and suitability to puruse a career in design.
The NID exam pattern 2026 Prelims & Mains is designed to evaluate the candidate's ability in solving design aptitude questions, drawing, and observation skills. Candidates who are preparing for the NID 2026 entrance exam need to familiarise themselves with the NID exam pattern 2026. Candidates can check the points below to understand the NID exam pattern.
The overall structure of the exam will be specified in the NID 2026 exam pattern. NID exam pattern for DAT will consist of two stages: DAT prelims and DAT mains. The NID B.Des and NID M.Des exam pattern will include both these exams. The NID 2026 prelims exam will test the students' knowledge, skills, and behavioural abilities through objective and subjective questions. The NID exam syllabus topics covered in the NID prelims question paper will be design aptitude, creativity and visualisation.
NID mains question paper for DAT 2026 exam will include a studio test, where students will be required to showcase their design skills. Students must familiarise themselves with the NID DAT 2026 syllabus to understand the NID exam pattern 2026 and prepare well for the NID DAT exam.
Candidates who qualify the NID DAT prelims will be eligible to take the DAT mains exam. Candidates who will clear both NID DAT prelims and NID DAT mains will get a chance to participate in a personal interview. Utilising the NID DAT prelims sample paper will provide insights for exam patterns. Candidates can check the NID exam pattern 2026 as per NID DAT sample paper from the table below:
The NID DAT entrance exam typically consists of two stages: prelims and mains.
Stages | Brief Description |
Prelims (The First Stage) |
|
Mains (The Second Stage) |
|
Candidates interested in appearing for the NID DAT exam need to know the NID DAT exam pattern prelims to crack the exam. NID DAT exam pattern 2026 prelims consists of two sections namely objective-type of questions and subjective-type of questions. The NID B.Des prelims paper pattern evaluates the candidates' aptitude for design, observation, creativity, and communication skills. Aspirants can check NID exam duration for the studio test through the DAT admit card 2026. As per the NID DAT exam pattern of the previous year, the details of the NID exam pattern prelims of DAT two sections are given below:
Sections | Number of questions | Total Marks |
Part A | 19 | 25 |
Part B | 5 | 75 |
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Understanding the NID exam pattern 2026 syllabus for Prelims is very important part of the exam preparation. Practicing the NID DAT Prelims sample paper can be beneficial for the students. The table below gives the students most important portions of the NID Exam Pattern 2026 Prelims which they should not miss.
Total Questions in each section and marks per question | Number of topics | Topics (As per the NID DAT sample paper - official) |
Part 1 | ||
1 mark (15 questions) | General Knowledge And Current Affairs |
|
Analytical Ability |
| |
2 Marks (11 questions) | ||
English | Design related passage based question | |
3 marks (1 question ) | Text and Visual representation | Visual and test based questions |
Part 2 | ||
15 marks (4 questions) | Design Aptitude Test | |
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Candidates seeking admission at NIDs need to clear both prelims and mains exam. To appear in the NID DAT mains exam candidates need to first clear the NID DAT prelims exam. There is no strict NID exam syllabus for Mains to follow, but the candidates need to be creative and good in sketching and crafts. DAT 2026 mains exam will be held in offline mode at NID campuses such as NID Ahmedabad, NID Gandhinagar, and NID Bengaluru. Following the studio test, candidates need to appear for a personal interview at the allotted campus.
Particulars | Details |
Mode of exam | Offline |
Total marks of NID DAT | 100 |
Duration of Marks | 3 hours |
Mode of Language | English |
Type of questions | Based on Sketching/Drawing/ Model Making. |
Also Read: NID Exam is For What Purpose
NID DAT B.Des Mains exam comprises multiple formats such as studio setup. The NID DAT question paper will be English language only and candidates will be evaluated on Drawing/ Sketching/ Model making based questions.
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As per the NID DAT exam pattern, the NID prelims and mains weightage of B.Des and M.Des will be different. The weightage of NID DAT 2026 for B.Des prelims will be 40% and for mains will be 60%. The NID DAT M.Des weightage for prelims will be 30% and mains will be 70%, whereas studio test and interview will consist of 40% and 30% respectively. NID DAT prelims marking scheme will slightly vary every year. Candidates can refer to the previous year NID DAT sample papers for prelims to get an idea on NID marking scheme and exam pattern. NID DAT weightage will be 30:70.
Particulars | B.Des | M.Des | |
DAT prelims | 40% | 30 % | |
DAT Mains | 60% | Studio test - 40 % | Interview - 30% |
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Students must keep in mind that the NID 2026 exam date and fill the application form before the application deadline. The students need to carry their exam admit card on the NID 2026 exam date and carefully read the instructions mentioned in it. Candidates need to be careful when filling the OMR sheets because they will be checked digitally. Here are the guidelines for filling out the OMR sheet.
Each multiple choice question will have four options. Candidates should use blue or black pen to fill the corresponding oval on the OMR sheet.
Only one oval should darken for each question. Marking more than one will be considered incorrect.
The correct method of darkening the oval will be found on the first page of the OMR answer sheet. Candidates must follow this procedure while filling out the ovals.
Candidates should not tear, mutilate, or bend the OMR answer sheet in any way.
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Note: NID prelims and mains weightage 2026 is a crucial factor when determining the final selection process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
NID DAT 2025 prelims exam will be held in pen and paper mode.
Candidates' assessments will include understanding of concepts, analytical abilities, creativity, and how well they present their ideas.
The National Institute of Design prescribed the NID exam pattern 2025 prelims and mains for DAT.
With a well-planned exam approach and strategic preparation, candidates acing the NID DAT exam is entirely feasible.
NID DAT 2025 exam duration is three hours for both the prelims and the mains exam.
The NID DAT comprises two stages: the Prelims and the Mains. DAT prelims involve a written examination with both objective and subjective sections. NID DAT Mains assess candidates through studio tests and personal interviews, focusing on their ability to handle materials and demonstrate creativity.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
Preparing for the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) entrance exam involves focusing on several key areas. Here’s a structured approach to get you started:
Familiarize yourself with the NIFT entrance exam format:
Consider joining a coaching institute that specializes in NIFT preparation. They can provide structured guidance, practice tests, and expert feedback.
If you’re applying for design courses, develop a strong portfolio showcasing your creative work. Include sketches, designs, and any relevant projects.
Solving past years' question papers helps you understand the exam pattern and types of questions. It also aids in identifying important topics.
Engage in activities that boost your creativity, such as drawing, painting, or crafting. Keep experimenting with new ideas and techniques.
By focusing on these areas, you'll build a solid foundation for the NIFT entrance exam. Good luck with your preparation!
You can also refer to the following articles to better understand the NIFT examination and its preperation strategy :-
1. https://design.careers360.com/articles/how-prepare-for-nift-entrance-exam
2. https://design.careers360.com/exams/nift-entrance-exam
Hope it helps !
No, diploma or polytechnic students are generally not eligible to apply for the NID DAT exam.
The eligibility criteria for NID DAT typically requires a 10+2 qualification or its equivalent. This means you must have completed your higher secondary education to be eligible for the exam.
I hope this information helps.
Stages of the Exam:
The PG NID entrance exam typically consists of two stages:
Prelims Exam Pattern (General Expectations):
Here is a general idea of what the prelims might cover, though the specific weightage and question types can vary:
Mains Exam Pattern (General Expectations):
The mains exam format is more program-specific, but might involve elements like:
I hope it helps!
Hello,
If you forgot to write the question paper code and date on your NID DAT prelims OMR sheet, contact the exam authorities immediately. They may have procedures in place to handle such situations. According to me there should be no problem for you even if you have not filled paper code as you filled all the other necessary details.
Hope this helps you,
Thank you
Hello aspirant,
The National Institute of Design (NID) has not yet made the NID DAT 2024 exam's official syllabus public. But you can check the important topics for this exam on our site by clicking on the link given below.
https://design.careers360.com/articles/nid-dat-syllabus
Thank you
Hope this information helps you.
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