Updated on Feb 11, 2025
Amrita Das
NID DAT 2025 Syllabus: NID syllabus 2025 consists of basic concepts of designs, hands-on experience on practical assignments, creative works, sketches, group discussions, and more. The National Institute of Design has not released any official syllabus for the NID DAT exam.
Thus, applicants must check the essential questions and weightage carried by each topic for exam preparation. The previous year's papers and mock tests will help candidates learn the essential topics and weightage of each paper.
The syllabus for the NID 2025 is determined and prescribed by the conducting authority. Before attempting the exam, candidates should know about the NID entrance exam syllabus and the exam pattern. By understanding the syllabus and paper pattern, candidates will get a clear idea about all topics included in the exam. Read further to know more about the NID DAT 2025 syllabus.
NID DAT 2025 Exam Overview
The NID Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT) 2025 is an entrance exam conducted by the National Institute of Design. The exam is conducted for candidates who wish to get admission at NID in B.Des or M.Des program. Along with the syllabus, candidates can check out the below table for NID DAT 2025 Exam Overview.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | NID Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT) |
| Conducting Body | National Institute of Design (NID) |
| Exam Level | National-Level |
| Courses Offered | B.Des (Bachelor of Design), M.Des (Master of Design) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper-Based) |
| Stages of Exam | Prelims & Mains |
| Exam Duration | Prelims: 3 Hours, Mains: Varies by Course |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Question Type | Objective & Subjective |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | www.nid.edu |
NID DAT 2025 B.Des Prelims Exam Syllabus
The NID syllabus 2025 for the entrance exam of the B.Des program comprises the basic concepts of design, based on which subjective and objective type questions are expected. NID syllabus Prelims 2025 for B.Des is divided into four sections, including innovation in design, theme development, exercises on imagination, and graphics and pictograms. Candidates must go through the syllabus in detail shared below.
| Design Outline for Beginners | Colour Terminology | Inspiration & Design Development |
|---|---|---|
| Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship | Design Theory | Elements & Principles Of Design |
| Natural & Geometrical Form | Innovation in Design | Principles of Composition |
| Lettering | Optical Illusion | Understanding Light & Shade |
| Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions | Form & Function | Colour, Pattern & Texture |
| Theme Development | Creative thinking & writing | Picture Analysis |
| Visual Logic | Good Design vs Bad Design | Drawing Fundamentals |
| Use of Measurements, Scale & proportions | Optical Illusion | Foreshortening & Perspective |
| Developing Themes & Colour Associations | Inspiration & Creativity | Ornaments & motifs |
| Memory Drawing | Usage of Colour in Compositions | Expression & Emotion |
| Exercises on imagination | Lateral Thinking | Story Pictures |
| Presentation Techniques | Imagination & Doodling | 3D Visualisation |
| Graphics & Pictograms | Innovation & Creation | Design Awareness |
| Developing Observation | ||
NID DAT 2025 B.Des Mains Syllabus for Studio Test
Applicants who qualified for the NID prelims exam are eligible to participate in the NID DAT Mains exam. Candidates can refer to the detailed NID syllabus 2025 for the Mains B.Des program shared below.
The NID B Des entrance exam syllabus is divided into four parts: model making, material manipulation, interview questions, and mock interviews. The details for the same are as follows.
- Model Making: Audio-visual exercises, Past studio tests & interview questions
- Material Manipulation: Evolving ideas, Interview tips
- Interview Questions: Importance of body language, Creative thinking
- Mock Interview: Doodling, Guidance on portfolio making
As for the studio test, the NID exam syllabus for the B.Des program comprises questions regarding hands-on practice and creative topics. The studio test NID DAT Syllabus 2025 for B.Des is given below for the candidates' reference.
| Model Making | Doodling | Typical questions asked in an interview |
|---|---|---|
| How to Evolve Ideas | Audio – Visual Exercises | Material Manipulation |
| Material manipulation | Interview tips | Body language and how it is important |
| Previous years' question papers of Studio Test & Interview | Evolving ideas | Portfolio making |
NID DAT 2025 M.Des Prelims Exam Syllabus
NID DAT prelims syllabus for the M.Des program comprises three major sections: design outlines for beginners, colour terminology, inspiration, and design development. Candidates can note the detailed NID syllabus 2025 for the M.Des program shared below.
| Design Outline for Beginners | Colour Terminology | Inspiration & Design Development |
|---|---|---|
| Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship | Design Theory | Elements & Principles Of Design |
| Natural & Geometrical Form | Innovation in Design | Principles of Composition |
| Lettering | Optical Illusion | Understanding Light & Shade |
| Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions | Form & Function | Colour, Pattern & Texture |
| Theme Development | Creative Thinking & Writing | Picture Analysis |
| Visual Logic | Good Design vs Bad Design | Drawing Fundamentals |
| Use of Measurements, Scale & proportions | Optical Illusion | Foreshortening & Perspective |
| Developing Themes & Colour Associations | Inspiration & Creativity | Ornaments & Motifs |
| Memory Drawing | Usage of Colour in Compositions | Expression & Emotion |
| Exercises on Imagination | Lateral Thinking | Story Pictures |
| Presentation Techniques | Imagination & Doodling | 3D Visualisation |
| Graphics & Pictograms | Innovation & Creation | Design Awareness |
| Developing Observation |
NID DAT 2025 Mains Syllabus for M.Des Studio Test
As for the studio test, the NID M.Des entrance exam syllabus comprises questions regarding hands-on practice and creative topics. The studio test NID DAT Syllabus 2025 for M.Des is given below for the candidates' reference.
| Model Making | Doodling | How to evolve ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Audio – Visual Exercises | Material Manipulation | Creative Thinking |
NID DAT Syllabus 2025 for PhD in Design
Candidates interested in pursuing the PhD program from NID must submit a proposal based on the practice of designs and its significance. Candidates must prepare a research proposal, and it must be presented in the format below.
- The vast area of study or common background or the context or literature review of the research.
- The problem and scope.
- The rationale for and its significance.
- The objectives and research questions of the study.
- The methodology/approach to be followed.
- The student's knowledge, skills, and work or research experience are relevant to the subject and NID GK syllabus.
- How do the research objectives and practice relate to practice in practice-based research?
- The list of Bibliography and references.
NID DAT 2025 Preparation Tips
The NID Design Aptitude Test, or NID DAT, is a national-level entrance examination for students who wish to join the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) courses at the National Institute of Design, NID. This test tests the candidate's creativity, visual perception, observation skills, and problem-solving skills. The test is divided into two phases: Prelims and Mains. Prelims include objective as well as subjective questions, while Mains consists of studio tests and interviews. For a good score, a candidate should be aware of design principles and regularly practice. A few preparation strategies are given below to help you score well in the NID DAT 2025 exam.
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus - Go through the syllabus and exam pattern carefully. Pay more attention to areas like visualization, creativity, and general awareness.
- Develop Observation and Visualization Skills - Encourage the practice of careful observation. Try to imaginatively visualise objects, situations, and ideas.
- Focus on Creativity and Problem Solving - Use innovative thinking for solving design-related problems. Work towards producing unique and novel concepts.
- Practice on Previous Examination Papers and Mock Exams - Consult previous examination papers to get used to the formats of questions. Take mock exams to improve speed as well as accuracy.
- Research into Design Literature and Productions - Remain up-to-date with developments in design through reading books, magazines, and other online resources on art and design.
- Improve Time Management - Manage your time effectively for the examination. Set particular time allocations for each section during practice time.
- Expand General Knowledge and Awareness of Current Affairs - Learn more on general knowledge and current issues especially on matters about art, culture, and designs.
- Diversify Mediums and Methods - Experiment using a variety of art mediums: pencil, watercolour, or pastel among others to further hone your art-making skills.
- Stay Consistent and Confident - Consistent practice and belief in your craft lead to victory. Stay driven and continue sharpening your art skills.
NID DAT 2025 Syllabus FAQs
What are the subjects covered in the NID DAT 2025 syllabus?
The NID DAT 2025 syllabus covers areas like sketching, creativity, visual perception, problem-solving, and general design knowledge.
Is the NID DAT 2025 syllabus different for B.Des and M.Des programs?
Yes, the syllabus for NID DAT 2025 is different for both B.Des and M.Des. The B.Des curriculum focuses on creativity, drawing, and observation skills, whereas the M.Des syllabus includes domain-specific subjects and analytical skills.
Which subjects are included in the NID DAT 2025 Prelims?
The Prelims syllabus for NID DAT 2025 includes drawing, composition, creativity, general awareness, and logical reasoning.
What does the NID DAT 2025 Mains syllabus include?
NID DAT 2025 mains syllabus has practical exercise, model-making, group discussions and personal interview
Is it advised to consult some specific text or book with reference to suggested books for a thorough preparation with regard to syllabus of the NID DAT 2025 examination?
There isn't any suggested textbook but reference design literature can be made at, sketching manual, also for general awareness
Is Math considered a subject to be tested for NID DAT 2025 examination?
Mathematics is not a part of the NID DAT 2025 syllabus, but logical reasoning and problem-solving skills are must.
What can I do to prepare well for the NID DAT 2025 syllabus?
To prepare well, practice sketching regularly, enhance your creativity, keep track of design trends, and work through previous NID DAT 2025 examination papers.
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