What is Tougher? NID DAT Prelims or Mains
Assessing what is tougher between the NID DAT Prelims or Mains is more difficult can be tricky since both stages focus on different skill sets and have unique challenges. Read the article below to know what is tougher? NID DAT Prelims or Mains?
What is tougher? NID DAT Prelims or Mains? This is one of the most frequently searched questions by NID DAT 2025 aspirants. Let's make a difference between the two stages that form the NID DAT 2025 exam. The NID DAT 2025 is one of the most sought-after design entrance exams in India, opening doors to the National Institute of Design. The exam has two stages: Prelims and Mainns, both of which are very crucial to the selection of a candidate. A student becomes eligible for NIDs BDes or MDes programs only after successfully cracking both exams.
Typically, the NID DAT Mains is considered more difficult than the Prelims. The Prelims serve as an initial screening test, while the Mains take a deeper dive into evaluating candidates through a Studio Test, Interviews, and Portfolio Reviews. To excel in the Mains, candidates must show a higher level of skill and creativity compared to the Prelims.
This article brings to the forefront which exam is tough between NID DAT Prelims or Mains along with some useful tips about the two phases of this competitive exam.
Also Read: What is a Good Score in NID DAT 2025?
NID DAT Prelims vs Mains 2025 Key Differences and Similarities
NID DAT Prelims and Mains have similarities and differences between them. The most common difference is that Prelims comprise 70% of MCQ questions and 30% of drawing aspects, while Mains include interviews and studio rounds. Captured below in this table are the key similarities and differences between Prelims and Mains:
Particulars | NID DAT Prelims | NID DAT Mains |
|---|---|---|
Conducting Authority | National Institute of Design | National Institute of Design |
Exam Purpose | To shortlist students for NID DAT Mains | To finalize candidates for MDes & BDes admissions |
Exam Date | B.Des and M.Des: January 5, 2025 | B.Des: April 26 to May 4, 2025 M.Des: March 3 to April 6, 2025 |
Exam Mode | Offline | Offline |
Exam Weightage | BDes Program: 40% | BDes Program: 30% |
MDes Program: 60% | MDes Program: 40% | |
Exam Language | English | English |
Exam Rounds | Written Exam | Theme poster, portfolio submission & online interaction/ Studio test & personal interview |
SOP, portfolio submission & online interaction/ Studio test & personal interview | ||
Total Marks | 100 Marks | 100 Marks |
Application Process | Online | Online |
Exam Duration | BDes: 3 hours | Not specified |
MDes: 2 hours 30 minutes (for one discipline) & 4 hours 30 minutes (for two disciplines) | ||
Question Type | Objective and Subjective | Subjective |
Syllabus for NID DAT Prelims vs NID DAT Mains
In NID DAT Prelims, candidates' skills in Design Fundamentals, Creativity, Observation, Visual Perception, and General Mental Ability are assessed. This stage focuses on sketching, drawing, and visualizing abilities. On the other hand, NID DAT Mains delves deeper, incorporating hands-on studio tests and interviews. Here, candidates are evaluated on their capacity to generate, develop, and bring designs to life. The syllabus encompasses tasks such as 3D modelling, hands-on model making, and participating in group discussions.
Which One is Tougher?
Deciding which NID DAT exam’s syllabus is tougher varies based on individual strengths. Prelims can be challenging due to time constraints and the requirement for rapid, creative thinking. In contrast, Mains necessitates applying design concepts practically and showcasing execution skills. Both stages contribute to a thorough evaluation, making it subjective to label one as tougher than the other. Success hinges on a candidate's proficiency in both creative thinking and practical execution.
- The difficulty level of the NID DAT Prelims syllabus is mostly moderate as it acts as a screening test, so the questions are designed to be accessible to a wider range of candidates.
- The difficulty level of the NID DAT Mains syllabus is higher as it separates the design wheat from the chaff, demanding a strong understanding of design principles, application skills, and the ability to articulate your ideas cogently.
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Exam Pattern for NID DAT Prelims vs NID DAT Mains
Given below are the exam patterns of NID DAT MDes Prelims and Mains.
NID DAT Prelims | NID DAT Mains |
|---|---|
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Which is Tougher - NID DAT Prelims or Mains?
Determining which is tougher NID DAT Prelims or Mains depends on what aspect you find more challenging. NID DAT Prelims stick to a specific syllabus that you can access online or offline. Regular practice with this syllabus can help you get used to the kinds of questions you will face in the Prelims.
On the flip side, NID DAT Mains presents a different challenge. In Mains, you have to think on your feet, and your creativity and innovation are put to the test by a qualified panel. The exam's unpredictability means you will need to know what questions you will get. You might find Prelims easier if you are comfortable with multiple-choice questions and drawing. But if you are confident in your verbal skills and creativity, Mains might be more manageable.
It is worth noting that over 6,000 students take part in NID DAT Prelims, while the number is much lower for NID DAT Mains. However, the competition gets fiercer in the Mains because only the top students from Prelims move on. This makes the overall challenge tougher at the NID DAT Mains stage. So, to sum it up, what is tougher, NID DAT Prelims or Mains, depends on your strengths and preferences.
NID DAT 2025 Preparation Tips
Now that we have a slight idea of which is tough between NID DAT Prelims or Mains, it also makes us realize the fact that we should prepare hard for both these exams. A good amount of preparation is necessary when one chooses to take an exam as demanding as NID DAT 2025. Hence many aspirants approach specific NID DAT coaching institutes that provide adequate guidance and study material. To ace these exams, it is advisable to start the NID DAT 2025 preparation early with a suitable strategy. Here are some important tips on how to prepare well for this exam:
- Familiarize with the Syllabus: As long as you know the syllabus of NID DAT, you will be very familiar with sketching, drawing, visual perception, design theory, and current events.
- Practice Every Day: Take out a fixed amount of time from your schedule every day. Go through sketches, drawings, and NID DAT sample papers or the NID DAT previous year question papers. The more you practice, the quicker you will become, the more correctly you will solve, and the more confident you will feel.
- Develop Design Thinking: Emphasize creative problem-solving. Engage in design contests and think tank discussions to hone your creative thinking.
- Improve Communication Skills: The NID DAT Mains demands excellent communication. You can hence work on clarifying the idea, both in written and visual forms.
- Build a Diversified Portfolio: Assemble a portfolio that can contain multiple versions showcasing different creativity and skills, with unique styles. Sketch various projects and designs that reflect not only your ability and interest but also your learning process and capacity to work across and within numerous media options.
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NID DAT 2025 Dates
Apart from knowing what is tougher between NID DAT prelims and NID DAT mains, students should also be aware of the NID DAT 2025 exam dates, as listed in the table below. Keeping track of these dates is important for ensuring ample preparation and avoiding last-minute hurdles.
Events | B.Des Dates | M.Des Dates |
|---|---|---|
NID DAT 2025 Application Form Date | September 3, 2024 | September 3, 2024 |
NID 2025 Registration for DAT by Paying the Late Fees | December 3, 2024 | December 3, 2024 |
Correction of NID DAT 2025 Application Form | December 4 to 9, 2024 | December 4 to 9, 2024 |
NID DAT Admit Card 2025 | December 24, 2024 | December 24, 2024 |
NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) Exam Date | January 5, 2025 | January 5, 2025 |
NID DAT 2025 Prelims Result | April 1, 2025 | February 17, 2025 |
Rechecking Request for DAT Prelims | April 1 to 2, 2025 | February 17 to 18, 2025 |
Download Admit Card for NID DAT Mains | April 14, 2025 | February 24, 2025 |
NID DAT 2025 Exam Date (Mains) | April 26 to May 4, 2025 | March 3 to April 6, 2025 |
NID DAT 2025 Mains Result | May 16, 2025 | May 6, 2025 |
Rechecking Request for DAT Mains 2025 | May 16 to 17, 2025 | May 6 to 7, 2025 |
For any admission-related assistance, feel free to dial the student helpline number 1800-572-977 (toll-free number) or fill up the Common Application Form. In case of any queries, write to us in the QnA zone. Stay tuned to CollegeDekho for more information on NID DAT 2024!
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FAQs
How do successful applicants describe the difficulty ratio of the NID DAT prelims and mains?
Successful applicants frequently describe the difficulty ratio of the NID DAT prelims and mains as subjective. Prelims are more difficult for some due to the written aptitude test, whilst NID DAT mains are more difficult due to studio testing, portfolio evaluation, and interviews. It differs depending on the individual's strengths and preparation tactics.
Do candidates often find the format or structure of NID DAT prelims more demanding than mains, or vice versa?
Candidates' experiences differ, but some may find the NID DAT prelims more difficult due to the written aptitude test, while others may find the mains more difficult due to the varied format, which includes studio testing, portfolio review, and interviews. The perception of difficulty is frequently influenced by individual strengths and preparedness.
Are there specific areas within NID DAT Prelims or Mains that are commonly considered more difficult?
The difficulty level of the NID DAT prelims and mains vary according to individual abilities. While some people struggle with the written aptitude test in prelims, others may struggle with the various phases in mains, such as studio testing, portfolio review, and interviews. It is mostly determined by the candidate's skills and preparation.
Do both stages, prelims and mains, have a similar level of complexity in NID DAT?
No, the complexity of the two stages, prelims and mains, is not the same in NID DAT. The mains exam is generally considered more challenging than the prelims exam. This is because the Mains exam assesses a wider range of skills, including creativity, problem-solving, and design thinking. The prelims exam, on the other hand, is primarily a test of general knowledge and aptitude. However, both exams are important and candidates need to prepare well for both stages to succeed in NID DAT.
Are there any particular skills that are tested more rigorously in NID DAT prelims compared to mains?
No, there are no particular skills that are examined more extensively in the NID DAT prelims than in the mains. Both tests measure a wide range of abilities, including design aptitude, creativity, problem-solving ability, and general knowledge. The mains exam, on the other hand, is more difficult overall since it asks applicants to use their skills in a more practical and hands-on manner. The NID mains exam, for example, involves a studio test in which students must produce designs on the spot. The NID prelim exam, on the other hand, is essentially a written examination with a heavy emphasis on multiple-choice questions.
In terms of time management, is one stage more challenging than the other in NID DAT?
Yes, in terms of time management, NID DAT mains are often regarded as more difficult than NID DAT prelims. This is because the mains test is longer and more difficult, with a broader range of tasks to perform in a limited time constraint. To pass the main exam, candidates must be able to manage their time effectively and prioritise tasks.
What are the key differences in difficulty between NID DAT prelims and mains?
The following are the primary distinctions in difficulty between the NID DAT prelims and mains:
- Scope of assessment: The NID prelims examine general knowledge and aptitude, while the NID mains assess creativity, problem-solving, and design thinking.
- Exam format: Prelims are written, whereas mains include studio testing, portfolio review, and an interview.
- Level of competition: Because only a small number of NID prelims qualifiers move to NID mains, this exam is more competitive than NID prelims.
Overall, the NID DAT mains exam is more extensive and difficult than the NID DAT prelims. However, with hard effort, determination, and proper study, anyone may pass both stages of the exam.
Which is generally considered more challenging, NID DAT prelims or mains?
The NID DAT Mains are typically thought to be more difficult than the NID DAT prelims. This is because the Mains exam assesses a broader range of skills, including creativity, problem-solving, and design thinking. In contrast, the prelims exam is essentially a test of general knowledge and aptitude.