December 27, 2022
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 a Design entrance exam is the Design Aptitude Test (DAT). The test includes a variety of drawing, sketching, and model-making questions that assess candidates' design and creative abilities.
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 the questions, however, is the same: to assess candidates' design abilities.
Preparing for the Design Aptitude Test is not something that can be learned overnight. To crack the section, you must practice consistently for at least six months and think outside the box. Let us examine all of the nuances of the Design Aptitude Test, including what eligibility criteria are required, the types of questions asked, the syllabus, exam pattern, preparation tips, design aptitude test questions with answers, and much more.
Download Free Study Material for NID 2023 Exam by CreativeEdge
NID DAT 2023 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the age limit, educational qualifications, and qualifying exam accepted by NID in order 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.
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:
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 Aptitude Test includes the Situation Test which is a practical exam that assesses your ability to use given material creatively and innovatively. In most Design Situation Tests, you will be given materials such as ivory sheets, colored papers, thermocol, clay, and cardboard. Following that, you must create a 3D model based on the specifications provided in the question. As an example:
Once completed, you must write about your model, explaining how you were inspired to create it, how you used 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. Aside from that, consistent practice is essential for honing your exam skills.
You must continue to observe what is going on 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:
Read More: Tips to Improve Drawing Skills for NID 2023
NID DAT 2023 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.(a) Add a visual to the empty square to complete the following story using a pencil Line Drawing.
(b) 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.
(a)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:
Q6. Which of the following would lead to a lowering your carbon footprint?
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 humor.
NID DAT 2023 Highlights
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 |
Read More: NID Preparation Books 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NID DAT Syllabus 2023?
Is the NID Entrance Exam Syllabus 2023 same for B. Des and M. Des?
How long does it take for NID Exam Preparation?
Which book is best for NID preparation?
Can I crack NID Exam in 3 months?
What is the minimum qualification for NID?
The minimum qualification for B.Des is 10+2, and for M.Des is 10+2+4.
How should I prepare for the NID exams?
Self-study and online coaching are the two best approaches to read for NID exams.
How to score good marks in the NID entrance exam using the best books?
To make the best use of NID Books, you are required to read the same books again and again instead of reading different books on the same subjects with multiple revision sessions before the exam.
How to choose the best NID Preparation books?
You must select a book that covers both topics and sub-topics under the NID syllabus and is easy to read. Students should also review the year of publication of the book when checking the best NID books, as learning from the new edition would help them learn about the revised syllabus and exam pattern.
What factors are considered to determine the NID Entrance Exam Cut Off 2023?
What is the minimum qualifying criteria for NID exam 2023?
Is NID the best?
The National Institute of Design, NID is considered to be one of the most accomplished institutes in the field of design-related education and research.
Is there any limitation on number of attempts in NID DAT Exam?
Updated On : December 27, 2022
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 a Design entrance exam is the Design Aptitude Test (DAT). The test includes a variety of drawing, sketching, and model-making questions that assess candidates' design and creative abilities.
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 the questions, however, is the same: to assess candidates' design abilities.
Preparing for the Design Aptitude Test is not something that can be learned overnight. To crack the section, you must practice consistently for at least six months and think outside the box. Let us examine all of the nuances of the Design Aptitude Test, including what eligibility criteria are required, the types of questions asked, the syllabus, exam pattern, preparation tips, design aptitude test questions with answers, and much more.
Download Free Study Material for NID 2023 Exam by CreativeEdge
NID DAT 2023 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the age limit, educational qualifications, and qualifying exam accepted by NID in order 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.
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:
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 Aptitude Test includes the Situation Test which is a practical exam that assesses your ability to use given material creatively and innovatively. In most Design Situation Tests, you will be given materials such as ivory sheets, colored papers, thermocol, clay, and cardboard. Following that, you must create a 3D model based on the specifications provided in the question. As an example:
Once completed, you must write about your model, explaining how you were inspired to create it, how you used 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. Aside from that, consistent practice is essential for honing your exam skills.
You must continue to observe what is going on 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:
Read More: Tips to Improve Drawing Skills for NID 2023
NID DAT 2023 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.(a) Add a visual to the empty square to complete the following story using a pencil Line Drawing.
(b) 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.
(a)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:
Q6. Which of the following would lead to a lowering your carbon footprint?
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 humor.
NID DAT 2023 Highlights
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 |
Read More: NID Preparation Books 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NID DAT Syllabus 2023?
Is the NID Entrance Exam Syllabus 2023 same for B. Des and M. Des?
How long does it take for NID Exam Preparation?
Which book is best for NID preparation?
Can I crack NID Exam in 3 months?
What is the minimum qualification for NID?
The minimum qualification for B.Des is 10+2, and for M.Des is 10+2+4.
How should I prepare for the NID exams?
Self-study and online coaching are the two best approaches to read for NID exams.
How to score good marks in the NID entrance exam using the best books?
To make the best use of NID Books, you are required to read the same books again and again instead of reading different books on the same subjects with multiple revision sessions before the exam.
How to choose the best NID Preparation books?
You must select a book that covers both topics and sub-topics under the NID syllabus and is easy to read. Students should also review the year of publication of the book when checking the best NID books, as learning from the new edition would help them learn about the revised syllabus and exam pattern.
What factors are considered to determine the NID Entrance Exam Cut Off 2023?
What is the minimum qualifying criteria for NID exam 2023?
Is NID the best?
The National Institute of Design, NID is considered to be one of the most accomplished institutes in the field of design-related education and research.
Is there any limitation on number of attempts in NID DAT Exam?