| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Design Aptitude — Visual ReasoningDesign Aptitude — Visual Reasoning | Pattern recognition; Mirror images; Rotational symmetry; Spatial visualisation; Composition principles; Form, shape, line, texture; Visual literacy; Observation skills; Lateral thinking puzzles.Pattern recognition; Mirror images; Rotational symmetry; Spatial visualisation; Composition principles; Form, shape, line, texture; Visual literacy; Observation skills; Lateral thinking puzzles. |
| Drawing & SketchingDrawing & Sketching | Free-hand drawing of objects, scenes, people; Perspective drawing — one-point and two-point; Light & shade; Composition; Conceptual sketching; Story illustration; Memory drawing; Imaginative composition with given props.Free-hand drawing of objects, scenes, people; Perspective drawing — one-point and two-point; Light & shade; Composition; Conceptual sketching; Story illustration; Memory drawing; Imaginative composition with given props. |
| Design Awareness & General KnowledgeDesign Awareness & General Knowledge | History of design and crafts in India; Indian art forms and movements; Famous designers, architects and artists; Sustainable & inclusive design principles; Material awareness — wood, metal, ceramic, fabric, glass; Indian heritage structures; Iconic logos and brand identity systems.History of design and crafts in India; Indian art forms and movements; Famous designers, architects and artists; Sustainable & inclusive design principles; Material awareness — wood, metal, ceramic, fabric, glass; Indian heritage structures; Iconic logos and brand identity systems. |
| Studio Test / Material Handling (Mains)Studio Test / Material Handling (Mains) | Hands-on prototype using clay/paper/cardboard/foam-board; Model making from given brief; Assembly and presentation under time constraint; Articulating design rationale; Observation-based 3D problem solving.Hands-on prototype using clay/paper/cardboard/foam-board; Model making from given brief; Assembly and presentation under time constraint; Articulating design rationale; Observation-based 3D problem solving. |
| Application Start Date | 12th October 202612th October 2026 |
| Application End Date | 30th November 202630th November 2026 |
| Exam Date | Predicted 30th November 2026Predicted 30th November 2026 |
| Result Announcement Date | Predicted 22nd March 2027Predicted 22nd March 2027 |
NID Ahmedabad opens UG and PG admissions for 2026; apply online now
NIFT 2026 entrance open for design and fashion courses; apply for 19 campuses
Applications open for UCEED 2026 B.Des admission at IITs; apply soon
CEED 2026 applications open for M.Des and PhD at IITs and IISc; apply soon
AIEED 2026 admissions open at ARCH College; apply online for design programmes
NATA 2026 B.Arch admission applications open for over 450 colleges nationwide
GATE 2026 applications open for M.Tech, MS, PhD at IITs, IISc, NITs
NIFT Delhi opens UG and PG admissions for 2026; apply online now
NID 2026 Exam Pattern & Rules | 3 Hours, CAT & GAT Sections, No Negative Marking
All About NID 2026 🎓| Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Marking Scheme & Placements Explained 🔍
NID 2026 Exam Syllabus: Complete Prelims & Mains Breakdown ✍🏻| Must Know Before Starting NID Prep ⚠️
All About NID 2027 | Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Marking Scheme & Placements Explained
All About NID 2026 | Exam Pattern Changed | Eligibility, Syllabus & Marking Scheme Explained
NID DAT 2026 is the Design Aptitude Test conducted by the National Institute of Design for admission to Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programmes at all NID campuses — Ahmedabad (Main), Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, Kurukshetra, Vijayawada, Bhopal, Jorhat. The exam has two stages: Prelims (DAT-Prelims, written) and Mains (DAT-Mains, hands-on studio test). B.Des admits ~120 students per year across campuses; M.Des is offered in 20+ specialisations including Industrial, Communication, Textile and Universal Design. Final selection considers DAT-Prelims, DAT-Mains and a personal interview round.