NID Entrance Exam Syllabus PDF (Prelims & Mains), Weightage Wise NID DAT Syllabus

NID Entrance Exam Syllabus PDF (Prelims & Mains), Weightage Wise NID DAT Syllabus

Ongoing Event

NID DAT Admit Card Date:11 Dec' 25 - 21 Dec' 25

Sumeet SudarshanUpdated on 12 Aug 2025, 03:28 PM IST

The National Institute of Design prescribes the NID DAT 2026 syllabus on its official website - admissions.nid.edu. The NID DAT syllabus 2026 evaluates candidates based on their design and creative skills. Aspirants who want to ace the NID entrance exam need to study the syllabus carefully and design a preparation strategy. The NID DAT exam syllabus includes topics from image processing, analogy, and pattern & symbol coding and decoding. Aspirants willing to appear for the National Institute of Design entrance exam can check for the NID syllabus PDF free download for both UG & PG courses. The NID DAT exam syllabus consists of the list of topics based on which the NID question paper is framed. In this article, get complete details of the syllabus of NID DAT 2026 including NID prelims and mains syllabus, important topics and preparation tips.

This Story also Contains

  1. NID DAT Syllabus 2026: An Overview
  2. NID Entrance Exam Syllabus PDF
  3. NID Entrance Exam Syllabus BDes
  4. NID M.Des Entrance Exam Syllabus
NID Entrance Exam Syllabus PDF (Prelims & Mains), Weightage Wise NID DAT Syllabus
NID DAT Syllabus

NID DAT Syllabus 2026: An Overview

Although the authorities do not release the official syllabus of the NID entrance exam, aspirants are provided with the DAT syllabus for the NID DAT exam 2026 based on previous year analysis. For a better understanding of the NID entrance exam syllabus, candidates can also refer to NID DAT study material 2026. If released, NID syllabus 2026 will be available at admissions.nid.edu. Read the complete article to know more about the National Institute of Design entrance exam syllabus.

NID Entrance Exam Syllabus PDF

In order to prepare well for the NID DAT exam, candidates need to understand the NID exam subjects and concepts of the topics included in the NID syllabus PDF for DAT. If the candidate prepares for the NID entrance exam syllabus by discussing the subjects for the NID entrance exam, the chances of success will increase manifold. The syllabus of the NID entrance exam will provide insights into the weightage of various important topics, the difficulty level of questions asked, and any specific trends.

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ParticularsNID Syllabus Download Link
NID Entrance Exam Syllabus

NID DAT Syllabus PDF

NID DAT BDes 2025 Complete Guide
NID DAT BDes eBook gives in-depth information about the entrance test including the list of courses offered by NID, exam pattern, seat matrix, section-wise analysis, preparation strategy and more.
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NID Entrance Exam Syllabus BDes

National Institute of Design does not release the NID Prelims or Mains syllabus for DAT at the official website. If released, a direct link for NID syllabus 2026 pdf download will be updated on this page. In the meantime, candidates can check NID entrance exam syllabus BDes courses as below.

NID Prelims Syllabus for DAT Entrance Exam

Innovation in design

Theme development

Exercises on imagination

Graphics & pictograms

Principles of composition

Design Theory

Optical illusion

Form & function

Inspiration & design development

Natural & geometrical form

Colour, pattern & texture

Drawing fundamentals

Lateral thinking

Design Awareness

Creative thinking & writing

Ornaments & motifs

Imagination & doodling

Understanding light & shade

Elements & Principles of Design

Colour psychology & optical illusions

3D visualization

Lettering

Developing observation

Good design vs. bad design

Optical illusion

Outline for beginners

Memory drawing

Innovation & Creation

Mood, theme & colour inter-relationship

Visual logic

Colour terminology

Presentation techniques

Picture analysis

Story pictures

Usage of colour in compositions

Natural & geometrical form

Use of measurements, scale & proportions

Expression & emotion

Developing themes & colour associations

Foreshortening & perspective

NID Prelims Syllabus - High Weightage Topics

Section

High-weightage topics

General Knowledge And Current Affairs

Indian Geography

World Geography

IT and Computers

Sports

Environmental Awareness

Ecology

Books and Authors

Business Awareness

Indian Geography

General Awareness

Analytical Ability

Coding Decoding

Series-Non Verbal

Mirror and Water Images

Embedded/ Hidden Images

Cubes and Dices

Venn Diagram

Figure Counting

Direction and Distance Test

Paper Cutting and Folding

Linear/Circular Arrangement

NID DAT Mains Syllabus for Entrance Exam

NID Mains is the second stage to get NID admission to design courses. To crack the entrance exam, students need to understand the NID syllabus pdf for the entrance exam. Candidates can check the syllabus of NID entrance exam BDes-related topics they need to study while preparing for the NID studio test or NID DAT Mains exam.

NID Mains Syllabus for DAT

Model making

Questions generally asked in an interview

Material manipulation

Mock interview

Audio-visual exercises

Evolving ideas

Importance of body language

Doodling

Past studio test & interview questions

Interview tips

Creative thinking

Guidance on portfolio making

You may also check

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NID M.Des Entrance Exam Syllabus

Similar to UG courses, the authorities will conduct the NID MDes exam in two stages - Prelims and Mains. Here aspirants are provided with the NID DAT entrance exam syllabus for MDes. Candidates can check below the NID MDes syllabus and the important topics they have to study from NID exam subjects.

NID Prelims Syllabus for MDes DAT Entrance Exam

Listed below are the topics to be prepared as NID MDes syllabus.

Design Outline for Beginners

Colour Terminology

Inspiration & Design Development

Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship

Design Theory

Elements & Principles Of Design

Natural & Geometrical Form

Innovation in Design

Principles of Composition

Lettering

Optical Illusion

Understanding Light & Shade

Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions

Form & Function

Colour, Pattern & Texture

Theme Development

Creative Thinking & Writing

Picture Analysis

Visual Logic

Good Design vs Bad Design

Drawing Fundamentals

Use of Measurements, Scale & proportions

Optical Illusion

Foreshortening & Perspective

Developing Themes & Colour Associations

Inspiration & Creativity

Ornaments & Motifs

Memory Drawing

Usage of Colour in Compositions

Expression & Emotion

Exercises on Imagination

Lateral Thinking

Story Pictures

Presentation Techniques

Imagination & Doodling

3D Visualisation

Graphics & Pictograms

Innovation & Creation

Design Awareness

Developing Observation

Top Design Entrance Exam

NID Exam Syllabus MDes Mains

Model Making

Doodling

How to evolve ideas

Audio – Visual Exercises

Material Manipulation

Creative Thinking

You may also check

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the NID Prelims syllabus for the Entrance Exam ?
A:

The NID DAT Prelims syllabus for the entrance exam will have questions from topics like Drawing Basics, Innovation in Design, Exercises on Imagination, Graphics & Pictograms, Theme Development, Principles of Composition, and Design Theory. Candidates to refer to the NID entrance exam subjects for the relevant topics.

Q: What will be the mode of the NID DAT Studio Test?
A:

The Studio Test for the M.Des programme will be conducted in offline mode at various NID campuses. Previously, the Studio Test was conducted programme-wise.

Q: What are the best books to check the syllabus for NID entrance exam?
A:

It is important to use good quality books as reference material to have a higher chance of getting a good rank in the NID DAT. Here are some best books recommended by experts and previous rankers for NID entrance exam preparation:

  • 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

Q: Is the NID exam difficult?
A:

NID evaluates the aspirants based on their knowledge, creativity, and aptitude for design. Experts share that NID is one of the most challenging design entrance exams conducted in the country. However, if prepared well using the NID syllabus pdf, the difficulty level of the NID entrance exam is moderate.

Q: Does the NID syllabus change every year?
A:

The National Institute of Design entrance exam syllabus (DAT) is mostly the same. However, aspirants are advised to keep a close watch on the NID exam notifications on Careers360 so that they do not miss the latest developments around NID Admission.

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Questions related to NID DAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to NID DAT ?

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:

1. Understand the Exam Structure

Familiarize yourself with the NIFT entrance exam format:

  • General Ability Test (GAT): Tests general knowledge, current affairs, and quantitative ability.
  • Creative Ability Test (CAT): Assesses your creative and visual ability through sketching and design-based questions.
  • Situation Test (for B.Des): Evaluates your ability to create a design from given materials.
  • Group Discussion and Personal Interview (for M.Des/MFM): Tests your communication skills, understanding of the fashion industry, and design knowledge.

2. Gather Study Materials

  • For GAT: Use general knowledge books, current affairs magazines, and quantitative aptitude guides.
  • For CAT: Practice sketching and drawing regularly. Books on design and creativity can be useful.
  • For Situation Test: Practice creating models from various materials and understanding design principles.
  • For GD/PI: Prepare by staying updated on fashion trends, industry news, and developing a strong portfolio.

3. Create a Study Plan

  • Daily Study: Allocate time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Weekly Goals: Set goals for completing practice papers and revising key concepts.
  • Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to simulate the exam environment and improve time management.

4. Enroll in Coaching Classes (if needed)

Consider joining a coaching institute that specializes in NIFT preparation. They can provide structured guidance, practice tests, and expert feedback.

5. Work on Your Portfolio

If you’re applying for design courses, develop a strong portfolio showcasing your creative work. Include sketches, designs, and any relevant projects.

6. Refer to Previous Years’ Papers

Solving past years' question papers helps you understand the exam pattern and types of questions. It also aids in identifying important topics.

7. Stay Updated

  • Follow fashion industry news to stay informed about trends and innovations.
  • Read relevant books and articles about design and fashion.

8. Practice Creativity

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: This written test might include objective and subjective questions to assess your design aptitude, creativity, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of design principles.

  • Mains: Candidates who qualify in the prelims are called for the mains stage, which usually involves a studio test, design exercises, and sometimes a personal interview. The specific format might vary depending on the chosen M.Des. specialization.

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:

  • Design Aptitude: This section might assess your visual thinking, observation skills, ability to identify patterns, and spatial reasoning. Expect questions on visual perception, mental ability tests, and basic design principles.

  • Discipline-Specific Test (for some programs): Certain M.Des. specializations might have a separate test focusing on the specific design discipline.

  • General Aptitude Test: This section might include questions on analytical reasoning, verbal ability, and general knowledge.

Mains Exam Pattern (General Expectations):

The mains exam format is more program-specific, but might involve elements like:

  • Studio Test: This hands-on test assesses your design skills, creativity, and ability to translate ideas into visual form. The specific task or materials used can vary depending on the chosen specialization.

  • Design Exercises: You might be presented with design challenges or problems to solve creatively. This assesses your approach to design thinking and problem-solving.

  • Personal Interview (for some programs): Some specializations might have a personal interview to assess your motivation, interest in the field, and understanding of the program.

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.