NID 2026 (EXAM SYLLABUS)

For the NID DAT exam, the National Institute of Design (NID) does not publish an official syllabus. We have therefore examined past NID question papers to assist the candidate and have identified the key subjects that applicants should focus on in order to be ready for the design entrance test.

The NID 2026 syllabus for the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is comprehensive and assesses candidates on creativity, design aptitude, problem-solving, and general knowledge. The exam is conducted in two stages—Prelims and Mains—for both B.Des and M.Des programs.

NID DAT Prelims Syllabus for B.Des  And M.Des Program

• 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 Mains (Studio Test & Interview)

• Model Making
• Material Manipulation
• Doodling
• Audio-Visual Exercises
• Creative Thinking
• Idea Evolution
• Group Discussions & Personal Interview (for M.Des)

Click Here For NID eligibilty Criteria

NID 2026 Exam Syllabus FAQs

Ques.1 What are the major sections included in the NID DAT Prelims?

Ans. The DAT Prelims generally assesses:

• Drawing & sketching ability
• Creativity & imagination
• Visual and spatial understanding
• Design awareness
• General knowledge & current affairs
• Logical reasoning and problem-solving

Ques.2 Is the syllabus the same for B.Des and M.Des?

Ans. Mostly yes for DAT Prelims, but M.Des aspirants may face additional discipline-specific questions and portfolio evaluations in later stages.

Ques.3 Is mathematics included in the NID syllabus?

Ans. No, there is no direct mathematics involved. However, visual logic and basic reasoning with shapes or patterns may indirectly involve simple mathematical thinking.

Ques.4 Is there an official syllabus released by NID for the 2026 exam?

Ans. No, NID does not release an official syllabus. However, the exam pattern and types of questions asked in previous years provide a reliable framework for preparation.

Ques.5 What is the syllabus for the NID 2026 DAT Mains (Studio Test)?

Ans. The studio test typically assesses:

• Model making, material manipulation
• Doodling, evolving ideas, portfolio making
• Audio-visual exercises
• Interview and body language (for M.Des)
• Practical test for creativity and problem-solving.