NID DAT 2025 Exam - Exam Date, Registration, Pattern, Syllabus, Sample Papers, Cutoff, Previous Year Papers

Updated By Tiyasa Khanra on 22 Oct, 2024 13:27

The NID has officially released the online application process for the NID DAT 2025 exam on September 3, 2024. The NID DAT 2025 Preliminary exam is scheduled for January 5, 2025. It's important to remember that the NID DAT 2025 consists of two stages: first, the DAT Prelims, and then, for those who pass and are shortlisted, the DAT Mains.

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NID DAT 2025 Overview

The National Institute of Design (NID) announced the NID DAT 2025 exam notification on September 3, 2024, via their official website: admissions.nid.edu. The deadline to submit your online application without incurring a late fee is Tuesday, December 3, 2024, by 4:00 PM. The NID DAT 2025 Preliminary exam will be conducted on January 5, 2025. To apply for the entrance test, aspirants should meet the NID DAT 2025 eligibility criteria. The Application fee is INR 3,000 for the candidates falling in the open category. For B.Des Applicants: The test will be conducted for 3 hours from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. For M.Des applicants, the same test will be conducted for 2.5 hours, starting from 10:00 AM and continuing up to 12:30 PM. NID DAT 2025 Prelims will be conducted in 22 cities. An applicant may opt for three cities of their choice while filling out the NID DAT 2025 application form. The two-stage process of admission includes NID DAT Prelims and NID Mains. Applicants selected in Prelims will go for the Mains examination. Candidates need to regularly check the official website of NID, and CollegeDekho exam pages for any updates on the NID DAT 2025 important dates, news, and other important information.

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What is NID DAT Entrance Exam?

The National Institute of Design Aptitude Test, popularly known as NID DAT, is an entrance test administered by the National Institute of Design (NID) for admission to undergraduate (B.Des) and postgraduate (M.Des). The test is divided into two parts: DAT Prelims and DAT Mains.

The DAT Prelims is a paper-and-pencil screening examination. It assesses the candidate's design aptitude, including their comprehension of design ideas and principles, their ability to interpret and analyse visual data, and their inventiveness. The NID DAT Prelims is a qualifying test and only individuals who score higher than the cut-off are allowed to take the NID DAT Mains.

The NID DAT Mains is a more extensive exam that is administered on a computer. It assesses the candidate's design knowledge, ability to use design concepts to solve design challenges, and communication abilities. The DAT Mains is a tough test, with only a small number of applicants admitted to NID programmes.

According to the NID Admission Handbook, the following are the intake capacity and campuses for the B.Des and M.Des programmes:

Programmes/Intakes

B.Des

M.Des

Intake 

425 seats

347 seats

Campuses

  • NID Ahmedabad
  • NID Andhra Pradesh
  • NID Haryana
  • NID Madhya Pradesh
  • NID Assam
  • NID Ahmedabad
  • NID Gandhinagar
  • NID Bengaluru

Also Read: 

NID DAT 2025 Prelims Qualifying MarksTop Colleges for NID DAT 2025 Score
What is a Good NID DAT 2025 Score?

NID DAT 2025 Exam Highlights

The table below lists the important highlights of the NID DAT 2025 exam:

Features

Details

Exam Name

NID Design Aptitude Test 

Popularly Known 

NID DAT

Conducting Body

The National Institute of Design

Exam Frequency

Once a year

Courses Offered

BDes and MDes

Application fee

INR 3,000 

Exam Mode

Offline

Exam Duration

3 hours

NID DAT 2025 Application Form Date 

September 3, 2024 to December 3, 2024

NID DAT 2025 Exam Date (Prelims) 

January 5, 2025 (B.Des and M.Des)

NID DAT 2025 Exam Date (Mains)

  • B.Des: April 26 to May 4, 2025
  • M.Des: March 3 to April 6, 2025

Seat Intake

  • B.Des – 425
  • M.Des – 347 

Official Website

admissions.nid.edu/NIDA2025/Default.aspx

NID DAT Notification 2025

The NID DAT 2025 notification was released on September 3, 2024, on the official website. Candidates are, therefore, advised to check details regarding the application process for the NID DAT 2025 from the official website.

NID DAT 2025 Exam Dates & Schedule

The official notification of NID DAT 2025 is out. The exam schedule has been released along with the official notification. Candidates can take a look at the detailed important dates for the NID DAT 2025 below for B.Des and M.Des:

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

NID DAT 2025 Application Form

The application process for NID 2025 is now open, with the window available from September 3 to December 3, 2024. You can access the direct link to complete the NID DAT application form above. Applicants who fulfil the specific eligibility criteria for the program must ensure they apply before the deadline.

How to Fill the NID DAT 2025 Application Form?

  • Registration: First of all, register for the examination by using your Email ID, mobile number, and other required information. 
  • Filling of Form: After registration, the applicant needs to fill up the application form with your personal, academic, and contact information. Document Upload: Upload the scanned documents, which include photographs, your signature, and academic marksheets, in the required format.
  • Fee Payment: The online payment of the application fee can be made available through a Debit Card, Credit Card, and Net Banking. NID DAT 2025 application fee is INR 3,000 for the reserved category.

NID DAT 2025 Application Fees

The following are the application fees for the BDes program for the 2024-25 academic year, organized by category.

Category

Application Fee (in INR)

Application Fee + Late Fee (in INR)

General/ General- EWS/ OBC-NCL

3,000

4,500

SC/ ST/ General-PwD/ General-EWS-PwD/ OBC-NCL-PwD/ SC-PwD/ ST-PwD

1,500

2,250

Overseas (Supernumerary)

5,000

7,500

The NID DAT 2025 application fees for the MDes programs are listed by category below:

Category

Application Fee (in INR)

Application Fee + Late Fee (in INR)

Discipline 1

3,000

6,000

Discipline 2

4,500

9,000

General/ General-EWS/ OBC-NCL

3,000

6,000

SC/ ST/ General-PwD/ General-EWS-PwD/ OBC-NCL-PwD/ SC-PwD/ ST-PwD

1,500

3,000

Overseas (Supernumerary)

5,000

10,000

NID DAT 2025 Exam Centres

The DAT Prelims exam will be held in 23 places around India. When filling out the application form, the candidate must select their desired exam centre. The following is a list of NID DAT 2025 exam centres:

NID DAT 2025 Exam Cities

Ahmedabad

Bengaluru

Bhopal

Bhubaneshwar

Chandigarh

Chennai

Dehradun

Guwahati

Hyderabad

Goa

Jaipur

Kolkata

Kurukshetra

Lucknow

Mumbai

Nagpur

New Delhi

Patna

Raipur

Ranchi

Shimla

Thiruvananthapuram

Vijayawada

-

NID DAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria

The candidate must validate their NID DAT 2025 eligibility requirements according to the academic course for which they have applied - B.Des or M.Des. Here are the programme-specific NID DAT 2025 eligibility requirements:

NID DAT Eligibility Criteria for B.Des 

  • The candidate must have passed or be scheduled to take the 10+2 examination in any stream (Science, Arts, Commerce, Humanities, etc.) from a recognised board of education such as CBSE, IB, ICSE, or equivalent.
  • A minimum of 50% aggregate marks in the 10+2 examination are required.
  • The applicant must have been born on or after July 1, 2004.
    • Candidates from the reserved categories of Other Backward Class-Non Creamy Layer (OBCNCL), Scheduled Caste (SC), and Scheduled Tribe (ST) must have been born on or after July 1, 2001.
    • PwD applicants must have been born on or after July 1, 1999.

NID DAT Eligibility Criteria for M.Des

  • A Bachelor's degree in any field from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% aggregate grades is required.
  • Candidates with a full-time diploma of at least four years in Design/Fine Arts/Applied Arts/Architecture after the 12th grade or equivalent from any university or institute recognised by law in India are also eligible to apply.
  • The applicant must have been born on or after July 1, 1999.
    • Candidates from the reserved categories of Other Backward Class-Non Creamy Layer (OBCNCL), Scheduled Caste (SC), and Scheduled Tribe (ST) must have been born on or after July 1, 1989.
    • PwD candidates must have been born on or after July 1, 1987.

Note: Please keep in mind that these are the general eligibility requirements. For additional information on the exact admission criteria for each programme, please see the NID DAT 2025 Admission Handbook.

NID DAT 2025 Admit Card

The admit card for the NID DAT Prelims and NID DAT Mains will be issued separately by the NID.  Candidates can expect the DAT Prelims admit card to be available on December 24, 2024, though this is a tentative date. Candidates appearing in the NID DAT 2025 exam should carry an admit card and a valid photo ID. The admit card must be signed by the invigilator and should be stamped with the centre seal on the day of the examination.

Keep in mind that the NID DAT Prelims admit card will be signed and stamped, which will be required in two instances: during rechecking the result of the DAT Prelims; and while downloading the NID DAT 2025 answer sheet.

How to Download the NID DAT 2025 Admit Card?

To download the NID DAT 2025 admit card, follow these steps:

  • Visit the NID admission portal.
  • Click on the link to download the admit card.
  • A log-in window will appear.
  • Enter your email ID and date of birth to access the admit card.

NID DAT Syllabus 2025

To study for the design entrance test, it is important to adhere to the most recent and genuine NID DAT 2025 syllabus. The DAT Prelims course covers a wide range of design topics, such as colour terminology, composition principles, design theory, lettering, optical illusion, picture analysis, theme development, and so on.

NID DAT 2025 Syllabus For Prelims

The NID DAT 2025 syllabus aims to familiarize students with important topics in design. The syllabus for the DAT Prelims exam for the B.Des programme includes the following topics:

Design Outline

Graphics & Pictograms

Picture Analysis

Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-Relationship

Presentation Techniques

Foreshortening & Perspective

Natural & Geometrical Form

Colour Terminology

Story Pictures

Lettering

Design Theory

3d Visualising

Colour Psychology, Optical Illusion

Innovation In Designs

Lateral Thinking

Theme Development

Form and Function Creative Thinking and Writing

Design Awareness

Visual Logic

Good Design vs Bad Design

Ornaments and Motifs

Memory Drawing

Colour, Pattern & Texture

Inspiration & Design Development

NID DAT 2025 Syllabus For Studio Test

The NID DAT 2025 Studio Test syllabus covers the following topics:

Model Making

Audio- Visual Exercises

Meeting With Qualified Candidates

How to Evolve Ideas

Doodling

Material Manipulations

NID DAT 2025 Mains exam will focus on the following:

  • Design Portfolio: This is a portfolio of the candidate's design work that the NID judges will analyse.
  • Personal Interview: This is a one-on-one interview with the candidate to examine their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and communication abilities.
  • Group Discussions: This is a conversation with a group of applicants in which their collaboration and communication skills will be evaluated.

NID DAT 2025 Exam Pattern

The NID DAT 2025 exam pattern is different for the Prelims and Mains DAT exams as the entrance exam consists of two stages:

  • DAT Prelims: This is a written exam that is held in a pen-and-paper format. It consists of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The questions are divided into two sections:
    • Section I: General Knowledge and Design Awareness (1-22 questions; 30 marks)
    • Section II: Design Aptitude (23 to 26 questions; 70 marks)
  • DAT Mains: This is a computer-based test (CBT) that is held in two parts:
    • Part I: Design Portfolio Review
    • Part II: Personal Interview and Group Discussion

NID DAT 2025 Prelims Exam Pattern

Parts

Pattern

Question Numbers

Marks Per Question

Total Marks Allotted

Part I

Objective Type Questions

1 to 22

  • Questions(1 to 14) - 1 mark
  • Questions (15 to 22) - 2 marks

30 Marks

Part II

Subjective Type Questions

23 to 26

  • Question (23) - 15 marks
  • Question (24) - 20 marks
  • Question (25)- 15 marks
  • Question (26) - 20 marks, which was subdivided into three parts.

70 Marks

Total

100 Marks

NID DAT 2025 Mains/Studio Test Exam Pattern

Particulars

Description

Mode of Exam

Offline

Duration of Exam

3 hours

Total Marks

100

Language of Question Paper

English

Type of Questions

Multiple formats (Drawing/ Sketching/ Model Making)

NID DAT Admission Process 2025

The following is a step-by-step admission process to the B.Des and M.Des programmes at the NIDs, from application submission to seat allocation:

  • Application Submission: Fill up and submit the application form with precise information by the deadline. Any inconsistencies may result in disqualification from the NID DAT counselling process 2025.
  • Admit Card: Bring the admit card and a valid picture ID to the test. The admission card includes exam information and recommendations, as well as separate cards for DAT Prelims and DAT Mains.
  • DAT Prelims: The structure of this offline test is stated in the admit card. Candidates are shortlisted for the DAT Mains based on the results.
  • Check the Prelims Result: Enter your email address, date of birth, and roll/application number to access DAT Prelims results.
  • DAT Mains Admit Card: Download and print the individual NID DAT Mains admit card.
  • NID DAT Mains: DAT Mains will include a Studio Test; M.Des applicants will also be required to participate in an online interview stage. Aspirants for NID admissions are given hands-on practical projects to complete in the allotted time during the studio test.
  • Final Result: For admission and seat allotment, final results take into account both DAT Prelims and NID DAT Mains performance.
  • Merit List Publication: The NID will create a NID DAT 2025 merit list based on the exam results. The names of individuals who have qualified for the counselling procedure will be included on the list.
  • Call for Counseling: Candidates who have qualified for the entrance test and are on the merit list will be contacted for the counselling procedure. They will be contacted by email or other NID-specified communication means.
  • Document Verification: Candidates must provide their original papers for verification during the counselling session. Academic certificates, mark sheets, category certificates (if applicable), identity verification, and other papers may be included. Candidates must bring originals as well as photocopies of all essential papers.
  • Seat Allotment: This will take place depending on the candidate's entrance exam rank and specialism desire. During this process, the availability of seats and the candidate's preference will be taken into account.
  • Admission Confirmation: Following seat assignment, applicants must confirm their admission by paying the requisite admission fees within the time limit given. Failure to do so may result in the loss of the reserved seat.
  • Reporting to the Institute: Once accepted, applicants must report to the designated NID campus on the indicated date and time. They should have the relevant documentation, entry fee receipts, and other paperwork with them.

NID DAT Previous Year Question Papers

NID DAT previous year question papers are a great way to prepare for the exam and know about the exam pattern of this exam. Here are a few ways you can try to access and download the previous year question papers for the NID DAT exam:

  • Official NID website
  • Online forums and websites
  • Contacting coaching institutes
  • Buying question banks
  • Libraries and Bookstores

NID DAT 2025 Mock Test

The NID DAT conducting body provides an enormous facility to the candidates who all wish to appear in this exam by conducting NID DAT mock tests before the actual examination begins. These mock tests are meant to increase the candidate's preparation to a great extent. Students can solve the type of questions that will be coming, what amount of time would be required for each question, and how much time the whole exam will take by taking part in these mock exams.

NID will provide this schedule of NID DAT 2025 mock tests, and the dates associated with it must be regularly checked through the official website by the candidates. Links for accessing the mock tests shall also be displayed on the official site. A candidate has to log in with his/ her credentials to avail themselves of these preparatory tests.

NID DAT 2025 Preparation Tips

To excel in the NID entrance exam, follow these essential tips and know about the NID DAT 2025 preparation tips:

  • Adapt your study strategy and plan to your learning style and preferences. When it comes to test preparation, one size does not suit all.
  • NID will keep you up to date on any official rules, exam pattern modifications, or curriculum adjustments.
  • Create a steady study schedule and adhere to it religiously for successful learning.
  • To know what to expect, familiarise yourself with the NID exam style and syllabus.
  • Review past and sample papers to have an understanding of the test format.
  • Take brief notes on relevant themes and review them regularly to improve retention.
  • Keep your cool during the exam, remain hydrated, and prevent panic.
  • Discuss ideas with professors and friends to gain a better understanding.
  • To keep your mind refreshed and alert, incorporate exercise and yoga into your everyday regimen.

NID DAT 2025 Best Books

For effective preparation for the NID DAT 2025 exam, having the right study materials is essential. NID DAT 2025 best books provide more than just in-depth coverage of each topic; they also highlight key areas you need to focus on. Additionally, many of these books come with past exam papers and sample questions, giving you a comprehensive understanding of what to expect. Some of the expert-recommended books for NID DAT 2025 are as follows:

  • NID DAT book by R.S. Aggarwal (aptitude section) 
  • Design drawing by Francis D.K.Ching 
  • NID (B.Des.) Entrance Books and Test Series 
  • NID Workbook Basic Rendering from Robert W.Gill 
  • Guide for NID NID Mock Test Series 
  • Success Master- NID Entrance Examination NIFT/ NID/ IIFT entrance exam guide by Surendra

NID DAT 2025 Exam Analysis

The NID DAT 2025 paper analysis will be updated here after the exam is conducted successfully.

Here is the detailed NID DAT 2024 exam analysis for students to refer to:

  • Overall Difficulty Level: Although considered moderate, understanding the specific difficulty of different sections (GAT vs. Drawing) would be helpful for targeted preparation.
  • Exam Format: The shorter duration of Part A suggests it might involve quick decision-making or recall-based questions. In contrast, the longer Part B with 9 questions likely focuses on a more in-depth analysis of the subject.
  • Student Feedback: The student opinion about self-preparation being sufficient is encouraging for many aspiring candidates. However, individual preparation needs might vary, and additional resources like coaching or practice materials can still be beneficial for some.

Part 

Difficulty Level

Part I (Aptitude)

Very Easy

Part II (Drawing)

Moderate 

Overall

Easy to Moderate

NID DAT 2025 Answer Key

NID DAT 2025 answer key for prelims and mains exams will be shortly provided by the authorities. With the help of the answer key, candidates will be able to go through their scores and bring discrepancies concerning the questions to notice. Candidates can start challenging any discrepancies with the help of this answer key regarding the answers within a provided period. Through the website - admissions.nid.edu, one could have access to the NID DAT 2025 answer key. Your email ID and password are needed to download it.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to accessing the NID DAT 2025 answer key:

  • Go to the NID DAT official website at admissions.nid.edu.
  • Find and click on the ‘NID DAT answer key 2025’ link.
  • Log in with your email ID and date of birth.
  • The answer key will be displayed in PDF format. Click the download button to save it.
  • Review the answer key by comparing it with your responses.
  • Note any answers you’re unsure about and calculate your score.
  • Mark any corrections needed based on your comparison.

NID DAT Cutoffs 2025

The National Institute of Design (NID) is set to announce the minimum qualifying criteria for the NID DAT 2025 final results.

NID DAT 2025 Minimum Qualifying Criteria 

Category

Minimum Qualifying Criteria  

Open

50%

Gen-EWS

50%

OBC-NCL

45%

SC

40%

ST

40%

PwD

40%

Overseas

50%

Note: Only those candidates who obtain the minimum qualifying marks in the respective category shall be considered for admission. The NID DAT 2025 admission cut-off will be declared during the counselling and seat allotment procedure. This cut-off is the minimum score a candidate must obtain in their respective categories for B.Des or M.Des admission.

Several factors will determine the NID DAT 2025 cutoff, including:

  • The total number of candidates who have come to appear in the NID DAT 2025 exam.
  • Merit rank obtained by applicants.
  • Availability of seats within the program.
  • Category under which admission to the candidate is recruited.

NID DAT Result 2025

The National Institute of Design announced NID DAT 2025 Prelims results for the M.Des program on February 17, 2025. The results for the B.Des program will be announced on April 1, 2025. The results will be available online on the NID admission portal. Follow these steps to check NID DAT 2025 results:

  • Click on the provided result link.
  • You will be taken to a log-in page.
  • Enter your email ID and date of birth.
  • Once logged in, the DAT Prelims result will be shown on the screen.
  • Download and print a copy of the results.

The NID DAT Prelims scorecard will include details such as sectional and overall scores and your qualifying status. Successful candidates will be shortlisted for the NID DAT Mains.

Re-check of NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) Result 

Applicants can request a re-check of NID DAT Prelims results, with a fee of INR 2000. The re-check process becomes available shortly after declaring the NID DAT Prelims result. It is important to understand that the re-check is limited to verifying whether all answers have been marked and ensuring accurate marking and transfer of marks in Part II of the answer booklet onto the first cover page.

Shortlisting of Candidates for NID DAT Mains

Candidates will move on to NID DAT Mains based on their performance in NID DAT Prelims. It is important to know that the National Institute of Design will publish cut-off marks for NID DAT Prelims, categorized by different groups.

FINAL Result of NID DAT 2025

The ultimate result will be determined by evaluating the candidate's performance in both NID DAT Prelims and NID DAT Mains. If a candidate doesn't qualify in NID DAT Prelims or doesn't participate in NID DAT Mains, they will not be considered in the NID DAT Mains results.

Weightage for NID DAT 2025 Final Results 

The final NID DAT 2025 results will be generated by allocating weightage to DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. 

B.Des Programme 

Exam Component

DAT Prelims

DAT Mains

Weightage

40%

60%

M.Des Programme 

Exam Component

DAT Prelims

DAT Mains Studio Test

DAT Mains Personal Interview

Weightage

30%

40%

30%

NID DAT 2025 Mains

Candidates shortlisted from NID DAT 2025 Prelims must proceed to the NID DAT 2025 Mains exam. For B.Des applicants, NID DAT Mains involves a Studio Test. Additionally, M.Des candidates undergo a Personal Interview along with the Studio Test. The Studio Test takes place offline, while the personal interview is conducted online.

Important Instructions for NID DAT Mains

  • To be on the final NID DAT 2025 merit list, candidates must participate in both DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. 
  • The weightage for these will be revealed before the NID DAT 2025 (Final) Results.
  • Rescheduling Studio Test requests will not be considered. 
  • Admit cards for the Studio Test and Online Interview are issued separately. If the candidate misses the online interview, Studio Test admit cards will not be generated. 
  • On the Studio Test day, bring a hard copy of the admit card and a valid photo ID. 
  • Merely attending NID DAT 2025 Mains does not assure admission.

NID DAT 2025 Mains Components

The DAT Mains test for the M.Des program consists of two parts: 

  • Studio Test 
  • Personal Interview

On the other hand, the DAT Mains for the B.Des program includes only one part, which is the Studio Test.

Statement of Purpose and Portfolio Review for NID DAT 2025 Mains

If shortlisted for DAT Mains, candidates must upload a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Portfolio during the specified period. The National Institute of Design will inform the candidate about the uploading time via the registered email ID or result page. Separate SOPs and Portfolios are required for each discipline. 

The SOP should have brief answers within 100 words for each question, combined into a single file (max size - 2 MB). The Portfolio, a digital copy, must be uploaded in a single file (max size - 10 MB).

NID DAT 2025 Merit List

The NID DAT 2025 merit list will be published for candidates who have completed both the Prelims and Mains exams. Accessible online through the candidate portal, the final merit list is determined by weighing the marks obtained in both the Prelims and Mains exams. Only those candidates whose names are on the merit list will qualify for the interview rounds. The merit list will be categorized separately for all candidate categories. Please note that no hard copy of the scorecard will be issued to the candidates.

NID DAT 2025 Counselling

NID conducts counselling for candidates shortlisted for admission in the different design programs offered across various campuses, in compliance with the NID DAT preliminary and main exams. NID DAT 2025 counselling for admissions into the campuses of NID in the academic year 2025 shall be based on various factors. Other factors are the availability of seats, the merit list, and category reservations.

Shortlisted candidates need to attend the counselling of NID DAT 2025, which includes the following steps: Online registration, filling, and locking of the preference, document verification, and seat confirmation. Applicants should carry the subsequent documents along in original to the counselling session:

  • Academic qualification certificates
  • Valid photo identification
  • NID DAT 2025 scorecard
  • Category certificate (if applicable)

Contact Details

  • Official Website: https://www.nid.edu/
  • NID Headquarters Address: National Institute of Design, Paldi, Ahmedabad – 380007, Gujarat, India Phone: +91 79 2662 3462 / 2662 3463 
  • Email: academic@nid.edu
  • NID Campuses:
    • NID Bengaluru Address: National Institute of Design, #12, HMT Link Road, Off Tumkur Road, Bangalore – 560022, Karnataka, India Phone: +91 80 2337 3275 / 2337 3276
    • NID Ahmedabad Address: National Institute of Design, Paldi, Ahmedabad – 380007, Gujarat, India Phone: +91 79 2662 9500 / 2662 9501
    • NID Kurukshetra Address: National Institute of Design, Plot No. H-10, IDDC Campus, Sector 1, Kurukshetra – 136119, Haryana, India Phone: +91 1744 233700 / 233701
    • NID Gandhinagar Address: National Institute of Design, GH-0, Extension Road, Near Infocity, Gandhinagar – 382007, Gujarat, India Phone: +91 79 2326 5500 / 2326 5501

NID Participating Colleges 2025

Aspirants can gain admission to B.Des courses and M.Des courses across seven NID campuses by taking the NID DAT 2025 exam. The courses are available in various specializations. Explore the list of courses provided by NIDs in the table below.

Degree

Courses at NID Participating Colleges

B.Des

  • Ceramic & Glass Design
  • Furniture & Interior Design
  • Product Design
  • Animation Film Design
  • Exhibition Design
  • Film & Video Communication
  • Graphic Design
  • Textile Design
  • Industrial Design
  • Communication Design
  • Textile & Apparel Design

M.Des

  • Animation Film Design  
  • Ceramic and Glass Design            
  • Furniture & Interior Design         
  • Film & Video Communication    
  • Graphic Design 
  • Product Design
  • Textile Design
  • Apparel Design
  • Lifestyle Accessory Design         
  • Strategic Design Management  
  • New Media Design         
  • Photography Design      
  • Toy & Game Design       
  • Transportation & Automobile Design
  • Design for Retail Experience      
  • Digital Game Design       
  • Information Design        
  • Interaction Design          
  • Universal Design

The NID entrance exam scores/ranks are accepted for admission at seven NID campuses, which are:

List of NIDs Accepting NID DAT Scores 2025

NID Ahmedabad

NID Gandhinagar

NID Bengaluru

NID Haryana (Kurukshetra)

NID Andhra Pradesh (Vijayawada)

NID Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal)

NID Assam (Jorhat)

Want to know more about NID DAT

FAQs about NID DAT

Is admission to GDPD provided through NID DAT?

No, admission to GDPD was provided through NID DAT. However, the Graduate Diploma Programme in Design (GDPD) course was discontinued in 2023. The seats that were previously available for GDPD courses have now been converted into BDes degree programmes. The NID DAT is now only used for admission to undergraduate design programs at NID. If you are interested in pursuing a design education at NID, you will need to apply for one of the BDes programs.

Does NID DAT have a tie-breaker policy?

Yes. NID DAT employs a tie-breaker policy for candidates with identical total marks. The policy follows this sequence:
- Studio test marks: Higher marks in the studio test result in a higher rank.
- Written test marks: If the tie persists, higher written test marks determine the rank.
- Date of birth: In case of continued tie, an earlier date of birth secures a higher rank. 

This policy guarantees fairness in candidate treatment, ensuring admission goes to the most deserving candidates at NID.

NID DAT is conducted in an online or offline mode?

The NID DAT is conducted in a combination of online and offline modes. The NID DAT Prelims is conducted in a pen-and-paper mode, while the NID DAT Mains is conducted in a hybrid mode (online and offline). The studio test, which is part of the NID DAT Mains, is conducted offline at the NID campuses in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Gandhinagar.

What does NID DAT evaluate?

The NID DAT evaluates your design aptitude, creativity, problem-solving skills, and observational skills. It is a two-stage exam, with the prelims conducted in pen-and-paper mode and the mains conducted in a hybrid mode (online and offline). The prelims assess your general aptitude for design, while the mains assess your ability to think creatively, solve problems, and observe and interpret information.

How many attempts can I make for NID DAT?

There is no limit on the number of attempts you can make for the NID DAT exam. You can take the exam as many times as you want until you get the score you need to get into the program you want. However, it is important to note that the competition for admission to NID is very high, and your chances of getting in will increase with each attempt as you will have more time to prepare.

What is NID DAT Mains?

NID DAT Mains is conducted after the result of NID DAT Prelims is out. Only students who have qualified the NID DAT Prelims can sit for the exam. Candidates are analysed as per their material handling aptitude. The knowledge of the design discipline for which they have applied for admission is also measured.

What are NID DAT Prelims?

The NID DAT Prelims is the first stage of the NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) exam. It is a two-hour pen-and-paper test that assesses your design aptitude, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The NID DAT Prelims is not an elimination test, and all candidates who qualify for the NID DAT Mains are considered for admission to NID.

NID DAT grants admission to which colleges?

The National Institute of Design (NID) grants admission to all undergraduate and postgraduate design programs at all NID campuses, including NID Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bangalore, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam based on the NID DAT scores.

Who conducts the NID DAT exam?

The National Institute of Design (NID) conducts the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) for admission to its various design programs.

NID DAT is for admission to which courses?

The National Institute of Design (NID) Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is for admission to all undergraduate and postgraduate design programs at NID. This includes programs in Industrial Design, Communication Design, Textile, Apparel, Lifestyle and Accessory Design, IT Integrated (Experiential) Design, and Interdisciplinary Design Studies.

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Related Questions

I have completed graduation in B.com. Can I apply for M.Des Product Designing at NID Ahmedabad?

-krishna patelUpdated on April 12, 2021 02:18 PM
  • 1 Answer
Samiksha Rautela, Content Team

Dear Student,

Students who have completed a Bachelor's degree of at least 4 years are eligible to sit for the NID DAT exam that offers admission to the NID Ahmedabad. Check the detailed M.Des eligibility criteria of NID DAT here. To explore more options, you can also check out the List of Top 10 Design Colleges in India and Private Colleges in India Offering Scholarship for Design Admission.

Feel free to dial the helpline number 1800-572-9877 (toll-free) or fill the Common Application Form. Our admission experts will be glad to assist you. In case of more questions, …

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I am in class 12th and I want to do product designing. Can I apply in NID Ahmedabad?

-shravani shendeUpdated on March 30, 2021 01:19 AM
  • 2 Answers
Parin Badiani, Student / Alumni

Dear Shravani, The application form for NID Ahmedabad for the academic year 2021 has been closed. If you are strong willed to hold on to Product Design as a career, I would highly recommend checking out the B.Des course offered by Riidl Academy at Somaiya Vidyavihar University: https://riidl.org/riidlacademy/. The Early Admission Round has begun from 1st March – 15th April, 2021. https://riidl.org/riidlacademy/admission/index.html Riidl Academy includes: • Evolving curriculum based on Design, Technology, Business and Humanities • Unique model of education – Block Plan • Diverse Faculty from across the globe • World class Laboratories • Strategic Partnerships, Field visits, Live …

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What kind of questions should one prepare for subjective part of NID DAT M.Des Interaction Design?

-ruhani chopraUpdated on March 02, 2021 06:00 PM
  • 1 Answer
Samiksha Rautela, Content Team

Dear Student,

Here a few sample papers and questions of NID DAT M.Des exams that you can solve are provided below:

NID DAT M.Des Sample Paper 1

NID DAT M.Des Sample Paper 2

NID DAT M.Des Sample Paper 3

NID DAT M.Des Sample Paper 4

 To ace the subjective section you can also go through the Best Books for NID DAT 2021 Preparation and How to Score Well in NID DAT 2021. This section judges the innovative abilities of an individual so one needs to be creative while solving the questions.

Besides NID, there are plenty of other design …

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