NID Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme & Weightage Distribution Structure

Summary: NID 2026 Date is out and the application forms are also released. First stage of the exam, Prelims, is due to take place on 21st December 2025. And as per the official notification, some major changes have been announced in the NID paper pattern also. 

If you are a serious aspirant targeting the 2026 NID exam, understanding the NID exam pattern and focusing on NID important topics is crucial for gaining vital insights into the structure, marking scheme, and weightage of the B.Des and M.Des entrance exams. Let’s take a comprehensive look at the NID DAT paper pattern 2026.

Download Free Study Material for NID 2026 by CreativeEdge

The date for NID Exam 2026 has been officially announced along with the early release of the application form. The official handbook also enlists a few major changes in the NID question paper pattern. 

With this update, serious aspirants now have a clear timeline to align their preparation strategy.

Understanding the NID exam pattern is the first step toward effective preparation. The exam is conducted in two stages - DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. While the Prelims test your creative ability, general aptitude, and design awareness, the Mains focuses on studio sensitivity, material handling, problem-solving, and in-person interviews or portfolio evaluations.

For NID 2026, there are also a few latest changes in the NID exam pattern that students must pay close attention to, including the new weightage rules for DAT Mains, the stricter shortlisting criteria, and updates to the merit list system. 

This blog will give you a complete breakdown of the NID Exam Pattern 2026 along with the changes, preparation strategies, and expert tips that will help you score higher. If you are planning to appear for the NID DAT Prelims 2026, this guide will ensure you understand the exam structure, subjects, question types, and weightage distribution as clearly as possible.

Latest Updates on NID 2026:

• Prelims date announced: 21st December 2025 
• Prelims score will only be used for shortlisting; does not count in final admissions
• Only limited number of candidates will be shortlisted to appear for mains - 1.5x of seats per category.

(For detailed breakdown keep following till the end)

NID 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights

As per the 2026 brochure, the NID Entrance Exam Pattern 2026 is as follows -

The entrance exam is conducted in 2 stages for both NID B.Des and M.Des programs.

1. NID DAT Prelims

2. NID DAT Mains

NID Exam Pattern 2026 Overview for Prelims [B.Des vs M.Des]

Particulars	B.Des	M.Des
Mode of Exam	Offline	Offline
No. of Questions	Section A: 14-25 questions (Objective)	Section A: 10-17 (Objective)
	Section B: 4 (Subjective)	Section B: 2-3 (Subjective)
No. of Sections	2	2
NID Prelims Total Marks	100	100
Negative Marking	No	No
Duration	3 hours	3 hours to 3.5 hours (depending on the number of specializations)
Type of questions	CAT: Scene creation, perspective/proportions, object transformation GAT: Reasoning, Mathematical Aptitude, Language, GK/General Awareness	CAT: Scene creation, perspective/proportions, object transformation, ideation/design thinking GAT: Logical Reasoning, Mathematical Aptitude, Language, GK/General Awareness

In case of NID M.Des:

• You need to appear for NID DAT Prelims for only one discipline. This exam comprises CAT and discipline-specific tests. The total duration of DAT Prelims is 2.5 hours.
• For two disciplines- If you have applied for two disciplines, you must appear for NID DAT Prelims comprising CAT and two discipline-specific tests. The total duration of DAT Prelims will be 4.5 hours(30 minutes for CAT and 2 hours for each discipline-specific test)

Boost Your NID Preparations: NID 2026 Online Coaching

NID Exam Pattern 2026 Overview for Mains [B.Des vs M.Des]

Aspect	B.Des	M.Des
Mode of exam	Offline	Offline
Duration of exam	3 hours	3 hours
Total Marks of NID Exam Mains	100	100
Language of question paper	English	English
Type of questions	Studio Test: Drawing/ Sketching/ Model Making In-person Sensitivity Test: Type of questions not officially mentioned anywhere, but could be a studio type test dedicated to questions related to design sensitivity, creativity or problem-solving skills. It can also include individual interactions.	Studio Test: Drawing/ Sketching/ Model Making Personal Interview: Questions on background, interests, and design focus + Portfolio review (for M.des)

Know more: NID Interview Questions with Answers

10 Most Asked NID Drawing Questions You Can't Skip (with Solution Tips)

Latest Changes in NID Exam Pattern 2026 (B.Des)

The National Institute of Design (NID) has introduced some significant updates in the DAT Prelims and DAT Mains for the 2026 admission process. These changes are important for every aspirant to understand because they directly affect preparation strategy.

1. NID Prelims Paper Pattern Updates (B.Des)

Mode of Exam: Still a pen-and-paper test, but NID has clarified that depending on situations, the test may be shifted fully online, offline, or hybrid.

Merit List Use: Prelims scores will only be used for shortlisting candidates for Mains. They will not carry forward into final admissions.

Result Timeline: Results are now scheduled much later (April 7, 2026) compared to previous years, giving a longer evaluation gap.

2. NID DAT Mains Restructured

Two-Part Mains: The DAT Mains now consists of a Studio Sensitivity Test and an In-Person Sensitivity Test .

Limited Candidates: Only 1.5 times the total NID seats per category will be called for Mains (earlier more candidates could be shortlisted). This raises the competition bar .

Weightage Split: Final admission scores will be calculated as:

Studio Sensitivity Test	In-Person Sensitivity Test
60%	40%

3. New Flexibility in Admissions

If seats remain vacant after the main round, individual NIDs may hold additional DAT Mains exams for those seats. This is new and provides more chances for late entrants.

4. Tie-Break Policy & Transparency

If two candidates score the same, a tie-break policy will be applied (details to be announced later) .

Candidates can request answer sheets after the process ends (₹1000 per paper), giving more transparency .

NID Exam Pattern B.Des: 2025 vs 2026 (Comparison Table)

Aspect of Change	NID 2025	NID 2026	What It Means for You
Prelims Mode	Pen-and-paper	Pen-and-paper (with option for online/hybrid at the discretion of the institute)	Be ready for flexibility -practise both digital and paper-based formats.
Prelims Score Usage	Contributed to merit with 40% weightage in final results	Will only be used for shortlisting; 0% weightage in final results	Focus on clearing the cut-off. Final selection depends on Mains only.
Prelims Result Timeline	Released earlier (Feb-Mar)	Will release much later (April 7, 2026)	Longer waiting period & more prep time for Mains if you’re confident.
Candidates Shortlisted for Mains	No clear mention of number of candidates shortlisted as compared to the number of seats per category.	Exact mention - Limited number of candidates only - 1.5x seats per category.	Competition is expected to be tighter. Every mark in Prelims will matter.
Mains Components	Studio Test + Interview (weightage varied)	Two parts: Studio Sensitivity Test (60%) + In-Person Sensitivity Test (40%)	You must balance hands-on creative skills with in-person evaluation.
Admission Flexibility	Single main round	Extra DAT Mains allowed by institutes if seats remain vacant	More chances to secure admission, even in later rounds.
Tie-Break Policy	Limited clarity	New tie-break rules (to be announced)	Adds fairness — expect clear criteria if scores are tied.
Answer Sheet Access	Limited	Candidates can request answer sheets (₹1000/paper)	More transparency; you can review how you were scored.

Key Takeaway for NID 2026 B.Des Students:

• 2026 = tougher Prelims cut-off + heavier focus on Mains performance.
• Start preparing for Studio Sensitivity + In-Person Sensitivity early.
• Only those candidates who have appeared for Studio Sensitivity Test & In-Person Sensitivity Test will be considered eligible for the Merit List.
• The DAT Prelims exam score will be used only for shortlisting candidates for DAT Mains Exam and Prelims Score will not be carried forward as any weightage to the DAT Mains stage.

Know more: Important Questions for NID CAT

NID DAT Marking Scheme 2026 for B.Des

Prelims:

The exam is conducted for 100 marks, out of which the marks for objective and subjective are divided.

Check out the table below to know the prelims marking scheme.

However, the NID Entrance Exam Syllabus varies for prelims and mains exams.

NID Exam Pattern - Type of Question	No. of Questions	Marks
Objective type questions	Questions 1 to 14	1 mark
	Questions 15 to 22	2 marks
Subjective type questions	Question No. 23	15 marks
	Question No. 24	20 marks
	Question No. 25	15 marks
	Question No. 26	20 marks
Total Marks		100 marks

Mains:

• This is an offline mode of exam conducted for 100 marks.
• The total time duration for the mains exam is 3 hours.
• No negative marking

Know more::NID Exam Analysis

Join Creativedge NID Coaching in Lucknow Your NID Dream Starts Here!

NID M.Des Exam Pattern 2026 (Updated with Latest Changes)

The NID 2026 M.Des exam pattern has also been updated, and these changes are important for every aspirant.

Here’s what you need to know in simple words:

1. Prelims is only a shortlisting round

Similar to updated B.Des NID pattern, for M.Des also, prelims is just the first filter. Its score will not be counted in the final admission. Your goal in Prelims is simply to score high enough to get shortlisted for Mains.

2. Limited number of students shortlisted

About 4.5 times the number of seats in each category will be invited to Mains. 

3. DAT Mains has two parts with fixed weightage

Studio Test	Interviews
40%	60%

The interview carries more importance than before as per the new NID exam paper pattern, so you need to prepare for both creative skills (Studio Test) and communication/portfolio skills (Interview).

4. Choose your stream & disciplines carefully

• You can apply to one stream only, but within it you can choose up to two disciplines. Once chosen, this cannot be changed. So think carefully about your interests and long-term goals before selecting.
• Only 1 faculty stream specific studio test for all disciplines under each faculty stream. However, interviews will be conducted discipline-wise. Unlike previous years, when candidates were required to appear for studio tests also discipline-wise.

Check: NID Eligibility Criteria

Attend FREE NID Demo Classes - Watch How Toppers Prepare!

5. Key timelines to remember

NID DAT Prelims (M.Des) Application Closes	1 Dec 2025
Admit Card Release	11 Dec 2025
DAT Prelims (M.Des)	21 Dec 2025
Prelims Result	17 Feb 2026
Final document upload & fee payment	May 2026

Mark these dates now so you don’t miss any step.

6. Recheck and transparency

• If you feel there’s an error in Prelims evaluation, you can apply for a recheck (₹2000).
• After admissions, you can also request your answer sheet copy (₹1000).

7. Minimum marks required

To be considered for NID admission, you must meet the category-wise minimum marks:

• General & EWS: 45%
• OBC-NCL: 40%
• SC/ST/PwD: 35%
• Overseas: 45%

8. Special provisions for PwD candidates

Candidates with disabilities can request scribe support and extra time (20 minutes per hour) for the objective part of the test. But studio and interview must be attempted independently.

NID M.Des Exam Pattern: 2025 vs 2026 (Comparison Table)

Aspect	NID 2025	NID 2026	Why it matters for aspirants
Prelims role	Prelims marks carried some weight in merit list	Prelims marks used only for shortlisting (not counted in final admission)	You must clear Prelims, but final admission depends 100% on Mains
Shortlisting ratio	More flexible, larger pool shortlisted	Only 4.5× seats per category shortlisted for Mains	Competition tighter - every Prelims mark is critical
Mains structure	Studio Test + Interview (weightage varied across years/disciplines)	Fixed weightage: Studio Test 40%, Interview 60%	Interview now has greater importance - prepare beyond studio tasks
Stream/discipline choice	More flexible in some years	Must choose one stream; can apply to max two disciplines within that stream	Strategic choice needed - think carefully about stream before applying
Transparency & recheck	Limited access	Recheck option (₹2000) + answer sheet copy request after admissions (₹1000)	You can verify evaluation if needed - process is more transparent
Minimum qualifying marks	Not as clearly emphasized	Clear cut-offs: Gen/EWS 45%, OBC 40%, SC/ST/PwD 35%, Overseas 45%	Even after Mains, you must meet category minimum to qualify
PwD support	Extra time/scribe provisions, less detail	Clear rules: scribe allowed only for objective part; extra 20 min/hour	PwD students must apply early with documents to avail benefits

Key Takeaways for 2026 Aspirants:

• Prelims is the gateway, not the destination. Don’t obsess over Prelims scores, just aim to qualify.
• Mains (Studio + Interview) is decisive. With Interview carrying 60% weight, communication, design reasoning, and portfolio presentation are more important than ever.

Must Check: NID Application Form 2026: Complete Guide to Registration Form, Eligibility, Fees & Steps to Apply

Get Your Hands On Real Past Year NID GK Questions with Answers

Preparation Strategy as per the New NID Exam Pattern 2026

1. NID DAT Prelims - Target & Tactics 

Since now Prelims score is only for shortlisting, you must clear the shortlisting cut-off to get to Mains. For B.Des that shortlist is 1.5× seats per category. Plan accordingly.

Tactics (what top scorers do):

• Practice speed and accuracy: timed solving of NID previous year question papers or sample papers that mimic objective sections. Target 90% accuracy on topics you are most confident about.
• Prioritise high-yield question types: visual reasoning, observation, common MCQ patterns, vocabulary & comprehension (if present).
• Two-pass approach during exam: Begin with solving all quick, high-confidence questions (40-50% of paper). Next attempt medium difficulty. Finally reserve last 5-7 minutes for flagged questions.
• Solve at least 8 full Prelims mocks before the exam; analyse each for time per question and common mistake clusters.
• Weekly goal: Reduce time/question by 10% while keeping accuracy ≥85% on high-yield topics.

2. NID DAT Mains Strategy

A. For Studio Sensitivity Test:

Follow this checklist to analyse your studio test tasks:

• Clarity of concept (dies your idea solves the brief? 
• Functionality (does it work?)
• Craft & finish (neatness shows control).
• Feasibility & material intelligence (smart material use).
• Presentation: labels, justification, neat drawings.

B. For In-Person Sensitivity Test / Interview (B.Des / M.Des) 

In-Person (B.Des): Questions may be related to quick observation related tasks, short live sketching, material handling, short verbal explanation, product redesign, etc. Practice 5-minute visual sketches, 3-minute product explanation.

Interview (M.Des): Prepare crisp narratives for every portfolio project: objective → challenge → approach → impact. Expect 60% weightage on interview for M.Des, so communication skills can push your overall score closer to cut-off.

Practice with:  

• Mock interviews: record yourself answering common questions; trim to 30–90 seconds.
• Elevator pitch: 45 seconds describing your best project.
• Question bank: Why this discipline? Explain process for each project. Provide trade-offs and honest reflection.

Measurement - how you’ll know you’re on track?

Before Prelims: aim to score in the top 5 -10% in mocks (to safely clear shortlisting).

During Mains practice: Consistently hit ≥80% on your practice studio tests and ≥75% on mock interview, that combo generally maps to a 70%+ final in the weighted system

Know more: NID Free Mock Test Series

Use CreativEdge NID Free Resources for Effective Preparation

FREE NID Study Material Name	Link
NID Study Material for Drawing	Click Here
NID Study Material for Drawing	Click Here
NID Study Material for Quantitative Aptitude	Click Here
NID Study Material for Verbal Reasoning	Click Here
NID Study Material for Non-verbal Reasoning	Click Here
NID Study Material for Verbal Ability	Click Here
NID Study Material for General Awaraness	Click Here
NID Study Material for UCEED Aptitude	Click Here

Check: Best Books For NID 2026 Preparation [Subject-Wise List]

Download Complete Subject-wise NID Syllabus PDF + Preparation Tracker

Conclusion

NID Exam Pattern and format are quite different from other design exams. With the right preparation and practice, you can ace the NID DAT Exam Pattern and confidently appear at any of the NID exam centers, taking a step closer to your dream of becoming a design professional.

Key Takeaways:

• The NID 2026 Exam Pattern consists of two stages, Prelims and Mains, with distinct question formats and evaluation methods.
• The Prelims is a written test, while the Mains include a studio test and personal interview. Only candidates surpassing the NID Cut Off in Prelims qualify for the Mains.
• The weightage allocation between Prelims and Mains can be revised for both B.Des and M.Des programs.