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NID DAT Syllabus 2027
National Institute of Design Design Aptitude Test
NID (National Institute of Design)Online (Prelims) + Offline Studio Test (Mains)Once a year (January)
Total Questions60
Duration180 min
Total Marks60
Marking Scheme+1/0 (Prelims MCQ; Mains is studio-evaluated)
Exam Pattern
| # | Subject / Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prelims — Creative Ability, Observation, Communication Design (MCQ) | 30 | 30 |
| 2 | Mains — Studio Test (hands-on) | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 60 | 60 | |
Syllabus by Subject
P
Prelims — Creative Ability, Observation, Communication Design (MCQ)
Key topics covered as per the official NID DAT syllabus, including fundamental concepts, applications, and recent exam trends for Prelims — Creative Ability, Observation, Communication Design (MCQ).
View Prelims — Creative Ability, Observation, Communication Design (MCQ) Syllabus →M
Mains — Studio Test (hands-on)
Key topics covered as per the official NID DAT syllabus, including fundamental concepts, applications, and recent exam trends for Mains — Studio Test (hands-on).
View Mains — Studio Test (hands-on) Syllabus →Eligibility & Attempts
EEligibility Criteria
12th pass for BDes; Graduate for MDes
ANumber of Attempts
No limit
Exam Schedule
Frequency
Once a year (January)
Next Exam Date
January 2027
Registration Opens
November 2026
Preparation Tips
- 1Develop observational drawing skills — quick sketching is essential
- 2Practice visual puzzles, tangrams, pattern completion, and spatial reasoning
- 3Design awareness: study Bauhaus, form-function principles, and Indian design
- 4Build a portfolio and practice creating design solutions within time constraints
Frequently Asked Questions
Practice with Free Mock Tests
Now that you know the NID DAT syllabus, put your preparation to the test. Attempt free mock tests that mirror the real exam pattern.