NID DAT (Design Aptitude Test)

NID DAT is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programmes.

A student interested in design appears for the NID DAT examination and qualifies the selection process.

Courses may include: B.Des, M.Des, Product Design, Communication Design, Animation Film Design, Textile Design, Furniture Design, and other design-related programmes.

Conducted by: National Institute of Design (NID).

📌 Quick Facts

Who Can Apply? Students who have completed or are appearing for Class 12 (for B.Des) or a bachelor's degree (for M.Des).

Eligibility: varies depending on the programme

Mode: Primarily offline assessments, including written, studio, and interview-based evaluations depending on the stage and programme.

Frequency: Usually conducted once a year(usually in January).

  • Qualification:
    • Must have passed Class XII (10+2) or equivalent qualifying examination from a recognized board.
    • Candidates currently appearing for their Class 12 final exams are also fully eligible to apply.
    • Open to students from all academic streams (Science, Commerce, Arts, and Humanities).
  • Age:
    • General / General-EWS: Must be under 20 years of age
    • OBC-NCL / SC / ST: Granted a 3-year relaxation
    • PwD: Granted a 5-year relaxation
  • Min mark:
    • There is no minimum aggregate percentage or cutoff mark required in your Class 12 boards.
    • You only need a simple "Pass" certificate from your educational board.
  • Attempts:
    • There is no official restriction on the number of attempts for the NID DAT.
    • You can appear for the exam across multiple years as long as you continue to meet the upper age limit criteria.

Mode of Examination: Round 1: Written Test (Prelims) | Round 2: Practical Studio Test (Mains)

Duration: 3 Hours for Prelims + 3 Hours for Mains

Medium: English

Total Marks: 100 Marks for Prelims + 100 Marks for Mains

Question Types: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Sketching, Storyboarding, and 3D Model Making

  • MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions): Choose one correct answer from the given options.
  • MSQ (Multiple Select Questions): More than one option may be correct. You must select all correct answers.
  • NAT (Numerical Answer Type Questions): No options are given. You must calculate and enter the numerical answer.

Marking Scheme:

  • Part 1 — GK & Aptitude (GAT): 1-mark and 2-mark multiple-choice questions testing logic and general knowledge. No negative marking.
  • Part 2 — Drawing & Creativity (CAT): Subjective drawing and design questions that make up the largest part of the Prelims score. No negative marking.
  • Round 2 — Studio Test (Mains): A practical exam involving hands-on model making with physical materials and observational exercises.

Important: You must pass the Round 1 (Prelims) cutoff to qualify for the Round 2 (Mains) exam.

Here is the complete list of undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) design disciplines you can pursue:

Courses include:

  • Undergraduate Programs (B.Des — 4 Years)
    • Product Design
    • Furniture and Interior Design
    • Ceramic & Glass Design
    • Graphic Design
    • Animation Film Design
    • Film and Video Communication
    • Exhibition Design
    • Textile Design
    • Apparel & Fashion Design
    • Interaction Design (UI/UX)
    • Mobility and Vehicle Design
  • Postgraduate Programs (M.Des — 2.5 Years)
    • Product Design
    • Furniture and Interior Design
    • Ceramic & Glass Design
    • Toy & Game Design
    • Transportation & Automobile Design
    • Universal Design
    • Graphic Design
    • Animation Film Design
    • Film and Video Communication
    • Photography Design
    • Interaction Design
    • Information Design
    • Digital Game Design
    • New Media Design
    • Strategic Design Management
    • Textile Design
    • Apparel Design
    • Lifestyle Accessory Design

🌐 Official Website

Do you want to know the latest eligibility criteria, exam pattern, application dates, admit card details, results, counselling information, or admission procedures? Visit the official websites below.

Note: The NID Admissions Portal contains the latest information regarding applications, eligibility, exam dates, admit cards, results, and counselling. The NID Official Website provides information about NID campuses, programmes, and institute updates.