The NID 2026 exam pattern for the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) consists of two main stages: Prelims and Mains. Both B.Des and M.Des admissions follow this structure, with some variation in the second stage for M.Des. We prepared a pattern for the test that applicants can follow after analyzing past years' papers to assist them. It is anticipated that the DAT Prelims for B.Des will last three hours. The M.Des program test is anticipated to last 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Below are the detailed patterns for each stage
Feature
Details
Mode
Offline (Pen-Paper Based)
Duration
3 Hours
Total marks
100
Language
English
Type of Questions
Textual and Visual Questions
Sections
Two: Part I (Objective), Part II (Subjective)
Negative Marking
No negative marking
2 hours 30 minutes
Total questions
Objective and Subjective
Medium of Paper
Based on how well they performed in the DAT Prelims, candidates will be selected for the DAT Mains. On the NID DAT Prelims scorecard, the qualifying status will be noted.
NID Studio will be a component of DAT Mains. Aside from the Studio Test, M.Des candidates must also show up for a face-to-face interview with NID. Listed below is the DAT Mains exam pattern for the B.Des and M.Des courses.
Offline (Studio Test)
Total Marks
Practical, hands-on tasks (drawing, model making, material handling)
Ques.1 How many stages are in the NID DAT 2026 exam?
Ans. The NID DAT exam has two stages for both B.Des and M.Des admissions:
Stage 1: DAT Prelims
Stage 2: DAT Mains (Studio Test + Interview for M.Des)
Ques.2 What is the exam mode and duration of NID DAT of each stage?
Ans. Both Prelims and Mains are conducted offline (pen-and-paper).
Ques.3 Is there negative marking in NID DAT exam?
Ans. No, there is no negative marking in any part of the NID DAT exam.
Ques.4 Are test timings and pattern subject to change?
Ans. Yes, small changes can occur each year, so candidates should always check the official admit card and NID announcements for final details.
Ques.5 What is the language of the NID DAT question paper?
Ans. The language of the NID DAT 2026 question paper is English only. All sections, including drawing, sketching, and model making questions, will be provided exclusively in English for both B.Des and M.Des exams.
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