Exam Pattern and Syllabus
NID DAT Exam Pattern
NID DAT is a two-stage test. The Prelims filters candidates; the Mains decides who gets admission. Here is the pattern as described in the 2027-28 handbooks.
Stage 1: DAT Prelims
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Date | Sunday, 20 December 2026 |
Mode | Paper-and-pencil (pen) test, same time at all centres |
Questions | May involve text and visuals |
Language | English only |
Duration | Announced on the admit card |
Common for | All NIDs |
Use of score | Only for shortlisting for the Mains; not carried forward to final merit |
Shortlisting for Mains
Programme | Shortlisted candidates |
|---|---|
UG (Integrated M.Des / B.Des) | 2.5 times the available seats in each category |
M.Des | 4.5 times the seats per category per discipline |
Stage 2: DAT Mains
Programme | Components |
|---|---|
UG | Studio Sensitivity Test and In-Person Sensitivity Test |
M.Des (NID A/G/B) | Studio Test (group-wise; discipline-wise for Group X) and Interview (discipline-wise) |
Candidates must appear in both parts of the Mains. The schedule, venue and format are shared with shortlisted candidates. M.Des candidates who chose disciplines at NID Madhya Pradesh or NID Haryana appear for a separate DAT Mains at those institutes.
Key Takeaways
Prelims: pen-and-paper, English, text and visual questions.
Prelims is only for shortlisting.
Mains = Studio + In-Person Sensitivity Test (UG) or Studio Test + Interview (M.Des).
Pro Tip: Because the Prelims score is not carried forward, save your best energy for the Mains — but you still need a strong Prelims to be in the top 2.5× shortlist.
Source: NID Admissions Handbooks 2027-28, Section 8 (Design Aptitude Tests) and Section 9 (Results)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NID DAT Prelims online or offline?
Offline — a paper-and-pencil test held at the same time across all centres.
What is the duration of NID DAT Prelims?
The duration will be announced on the admit card.
How many candidates are shortlisted for NID DAT Mains?
2.5 times the seats per category for UG, and 4.5 times the seats per category per discipline for M.Des.