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:

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.

Related Articles:

Exam Pattern for NID DAT Prelims vs NID DAT Mains

Given below are the exam patterns of NID DAT MDes Prelims and Mains.

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.

Also Reads:

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.

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!