NID DAT

National Institute of Design - Design Aptitude Test — Conducted by NID

Design

NID Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Gandhinagar, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Assam

Typically Dec - April

Institute Level

15,000+

Candidates

Prelims + Mains

Stages

Key Dates

Registration

Typically November - December

 Prelims
Typically January

Mains

Typically March - April

Official Website Get Expert Guidance

Overview Eligibility Exam Pattern Syllabus How to Apply FAQs Colleges

NID DAT Overview

NID DAT is held in two stages - Prelims and Mains - for B.Des and M.Des admissions at NID campuses.

Conducting Body

NID

Exam Level

Institute Level

Category

Design

Programmes

B.Des / M.Des

Accepting Institutes

NID Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Gandhinagar, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Assam

Exam Schedule

Typically Dec - April

Stages

Prelims + Mains

Eligibility Criteria

B.Des: Class 12 in any stream. M.Des: a Bachelor's degree or diploma as per programme.
Check current age and eligibility on the official NID admissions site.

Exam Pattern

Prelims is a written test on creativity, observation and design aptitude; Mains includes studio test and personal interview for shortlisted candidates.

Syllabus Overview

No fixed syllabus - drawing, visualisation, creative thinking, general awareness and design sensitivity.

How to Apply

Register on the NID admissions portal.
Fill the form and pay the fee.
Appear in Prelims; if shortlisted, appear in Mains (studio test and interview).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know drawing for NID?

Good observation and sketching help, but the test focuses on creativity and design thinking.

Colleges & Universities

NID DAT score is accepted by NID Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Gandhinagar, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Assam and other participating institutes.

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Explore courses & eligibility

Important Dates

Registration

Typically November - December

Prelims

Typically January

Mains

Typically March - April

Dates change every year — always confirm on the official website.

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