Design Aptitude Test (DAT): Overview, Question Pattern, Preparation

Summary: Design Aptitude Tests are important because they provide valuable insight into a person's ability to think creatively and solve problems. Let's explore more about DAT! 

The National Institute of Design (NID) administers the NID Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT) to students seeking admission to B.Des and M.Des programs at NID campuses and other result-sharing institutes.

One of the most important sections of NID is the Design Aptitude Test (DAT).

The DAT section of Design entrance exams may go by different names, such as CAT in NIFT Entrance Exam and NID DAT Mains in NID Entrance Exam.

The goal of these sections, however, is the same! It's to assess your design abilities.

Download Free Study Material for UCEED Exam 2023 by Creative Edge

NID DAT 2023 Highlights

NID includes a variety of drawing, sketching, and model-making questions that assess candidates' design and creative abilities.

Full Exam Name	NID Design Aptitude Test
Short Exam Name	NID DAT
Conducting Body	National Institute of Design
Frequency of Conduct	Once a year
Exam Level	National Level Exam
Languages	English
Mode of Application	Offline / Online
Application Fee (General)	3000 Rs [Offline] +1 More
Mode of Exam	Offline
Mode of Counselling	Offline
Participating Colleges	12
Exam Duration	3 Hours
Number of Seats	225 Seats

NID DAT 2023 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the age limit, educational qualifications, and qualifying exam accepted by NID to be eligible for the NID DAT. Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements should only apply for the entrance exam. The NID eligibility criteria are explained in the table below.

• B.Des - Candidates must have completed Class 12 in any subject (Science, Humanities, or Commerce) from a recognized board such as CBSE, IB, ICSE, or their equivalent. Candidates taking their Class 12 exams in 2022 are also eligible to apply.
• M.Des - Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university. Candidates must be no older than 30 years.

NID DAT 2023 Important Topics

In the table below, aspirants can review the topics they should study for the NID DAT:

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 Types of Questions

A Design Aptitude Test typically includes two types of questions, as explained below:

1. Drawing/ Sketching Test

You must draw or sketch on the provided paper in accordance with the details in the question. Following that, you may be required to explain the drawing/sketching in writing. As an example:

Design and colour a T-shirt print based on the theme "Music is the Soul of Life."

Imagine and draw a real-life situation that represents "All that glitters is not gold" meaningfully. In 5 lines, draw and explain your interpretation in the space provided. There will be no use of colour.

2. Situation Test

Design Aptitude Test includes the Situation Test, a practical exam assessing your ability to use given material creatively and innovatively. In most Design Situation Tests, you will be given materials such as ivory sheets, coloured papers, thermocol, clay, and cardboard. Following that, you must create a 3D model based on the specifications provided in the question. As an example:

1. Create a headgear based on a mythological character.
2. Create a fashion designer's diary.
3. Create a puzzle-inspired play area for children.

Once completed, you must write about your model, explaining how you were inspired to create it, using the provided materials, and so on.

Read More: NID 2023 Sample Papers 

Preparation Tips for NID DAT 2023

There is no easy way to ace the Design Aptitude Test because there are no right or wrong answers.

However, you must develop as an artist and be passionate about your work. Besides that, consistent practice is essential for honing your exam skills.

You must continue to observe what is happening around you and try to remember it by gathering more information and putting it into practice. Some pointers to remember when preparing for the DAT section of the Design entrance exams are as follows:

• Take inspiration from everything around you, such as leaves, tables, chairs, and cars.
• Try to think outside the box and create a sketch depicting the given item's mood, look, and feel.
• Take a common object and list various other uses for it every day. It will help you see things differently and be more creative.
• Concentrate on honing your technical skills in a 3D sense, proportion, detailing, perspective, space design, etc.
• Learn about paper folding and origami. This may assist you in producing a wider range of items.
• As many previous year DAT and situation test questions as you can.
• When drawing, sketching, or creating a model, try to time yourself and finish it within a certain amount of time.

Read More: Tips to Improve Drawing Skills for NID 2023

NID DAT 2023 Sample Questions with Answers

The following are some of the most important NID exam creative ability questions. To improve your creative abilities, try to answer these questions regularly.

Q1.Add a visual to the empty square to complete the following story using a pencil Line Drawing.

Write out the story you portrayed through the image in not more than 150 words

Q2. Observe the objects and re-draw them according to the instruction below.

Redraw the car with a human figure.

Q3. Study the image carefully. Draw a photo frame in the visual to create a story which is expressing the feeling of either happiness or anger

Q4. Identify the below-mentioned logos:

Q5. Which of the below-mentioned is not a member of SAARC: 

• Pakistan
• Afghanistan
• Iran
• Maldives

Q6. Which of the following would lead to a lowering of your carbon footprint?

• Purchase of NIKE T-shirt
• Frequent use of cars
• Purchase of locally grown vegetables
• Purchase of refrigerated vegetable

Q7. Draw any three objects that cause global warming.

Q8. In the space given below, a part of the scene is already drawn for you. Complete the scene by drawing two adult human figures in relevant postures and correct proportions, using only a single line.

Q9. Observe the given object and re-draw them according to the instructions mentioned. Re-draw the bike with a human figure.

Q10. Find out the odd one from the figures given below:

Q11. a) Study the image carefully. Draw an umbrella in the visual to create a story which is expressing the feeling of either anger or humour.

b) Mention the title of the story. Communicate your story in 5 sentences.

Read More: NID Preparation Books 2023

Conclusion

Preparing for the Design Aptitude Test cannot be done overnight.

To crack the section, you must practice consistently for at least six months and think outside the box.

Examine all of the nuances of the Design Aptitude Test, including the required eligibility criteria, the types of questions asked, the syllabus, the exam pattern, preparation tips, design aptitude test questions with answers, and much more from this article before you start your preparations.