NID Subjects List 2026: Section-wise Important Topics & Exam Pattern

Summary: Learn what the NID subjects 2026 really are. From CAT and GAT in Prelims, to Studio Test, Portfolio, and Interview in Mains, complete breakdown with real example questions and a clear 4-month NID prep roadmap. This is the only NID 2026 subjects guide you need in 2026.

If you’re preparing for NID 2026, you’ve probably asked yourself: “What exactly are the NID subjects I need to study?” Most students dive into preparation without really knowing what are the subjects in NID or how each subject contributes to the final score. And end up wasting time on irrelevant topics while toppers stay laser-focused on the NID DAT subjects that actually matter.

It's crucial to understand that the NID entrance exam subjects are designed to test your creativity, problem-solving, design awareness, and general aptitude and not your theoretical knowledge about design.

We've created this guide, to break down every subject in detail, from CAT and GAT in Prelims to Studio Test, Portfolio, and Interview in Mains.

We’ll also share real example questions, weightage, and insider tips that you won't find anywhere else. By the end, you’ll have absolute clarity on all the subjects in NID 2026, and a roadmap to prepare for them smartly.

Download Free Study Material for NID 2026 by CreativeEdge

What are NID Subjects 

TNID subjects refer to the various areas tested in the National Institute of Design (NID) entrance exams. These include both the Prelims and Mains stages, with key subjects like the Creative Ability Test (CAT), General Ability Test (GAT), Studio Test, Portfolio Review, and the Interview. Each subject evaluates specific skills, from creativity and design awareness to general aptitude and problem-solving. Understanding these subjects is essential for focused and efficient NID preparation

he NID entrance exam subjects can broadly be divided into two categories:

NID DAT Prelims Subjects 2026

1. Creative Ability Test (CAT)
2. General Ability Test (GAT)

NID DAT Mains Subjects 2026

1. Studio Test
2. Portfolio Review
3. Personal Interview

Each of these has its own weightage, style, and subject focus. Let’s dive deep.

Check Before You Prep: NID Eligibility Criteria 2026

NID DAT Subjects 2026: Prelims

Creative Ability Test (CAT)	This is the heart of the NID subjects 2026. CAT tests your ability to think differently and express creatively. Includes Questions on: Object Transformation Storyboarding Visual Interpretation NID Perspective Questions (Scene Creation) Ideation/Design Thinking
NID CAT Subjects	Visual Communication & Storytelling Sketching & Drawing (observation + imagination) Problem-Solving with Creativity  Product Redesign & Conceptualization Spatial & Visual Imagination
General Ability Test (GAT)	The GAT evaluates your knowledge, aptitude, reasoning, and awareness of the world of design, complementing the creativity-focused CAT. Question types: Series (alphabet, number, and figure) Puzzles Seating Arrangements Mathematical and logical problems Mirror images Figure completion Cube folding Puzzle-based questions Identifying shapes and patterns Language & GK questions
NID GAT Subjects	Design Awareness & Visual GK Logical Reasoning Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Maths) English Comprehension Current Affairs & General Knowledge

FREE Resource: NID Sketching Questions with Solutions for 2026 Prep 

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NID DAT Subjects 2026: Mains

After clearing Prelims, students face Mains, which includes studio tests, portfolio, and interview questions. These are crucial NID subjects that many blogs ignore.

1. Studio Test NID Subjects 2026

The NID Studio Test is hands-on. They tests creativity, material handling, and innovation.

Studio Test Overview	The NID Studio Test assesses creativity, material handling, and innovation through hands-on tasks.
Subjects in NID Studio Test 2026	Model Making (clay, paper, thermocol) 3D Problem Solving Audio-Visual Based Questions (memory recall & sketching) Observation-Based Tasks Group Activities
Portfolio Review (for M.Des Aspirants)	Although not officially part of Prelims, the Portfolio Review is crucial for admission, showcasing creative work and design skills.
Subjects in Portfolio Review 2026	Sketches (observation + creative) Digital Art / Photography Craft & Model Work Design Projects (school/college work) Personal Creative Work (paintings, doodles, experiments)

NID DAT Subjects 2026 - B.Des vs M.Des

Many aspirants ask: “Do NID subjects differ for B.Des and M.Des?”

The answer is yes. The undergraduate and postgraduate aspirants are judged for different criteria, at different levels of maturity, experience and design awareness.

Key Differences in NID Subjects 2026 - B.Des vs M.Des

Aspect	NID B.Des Subjects	NID M.Des Subjects
Level of Creativity	Raw imagination, observation, sketching	Applied creativity, domain-specific innovation
CAT Question Types	Sketching, storyboarding, visualization, product redesign. For Example: Redesign a classroom desk for a child who loves painting.	Advanced conceptual questions, case-based design problems. For Example: Suggest & sketch a design intervention for improving the passenger experience in Indian Railway stations.
GAT Focus	Basic GK, reasoning, English, simple maths	Higher reasoning, design awareness, research-based GK
Studio Test	Model making, storyboarding, observation	Case studies, domain tasks, system design challenges
Portfolio	School/college projects, personal creative work	Professional projects, design internships, research portfolios
Interview Subjects	Motivation for design, general awareness, passion for creativity	Deep design insights, career goals, research aptitude, industry awareness

Download Past Year NID GK Questions with Answers

NID 2026 Subjects Wise Weightage

Exam Stage	Subject	Weightage
DAT Prelims	CAT (Creative Ability Test)	60%
DAT Prelims	GAT (General Ability Test)	40%
DAT Mains	Studio Test	60% for B.Des and 40% for M.Des
DAT Mains	Portfolio + Interview	60% for M.Des
DAT Mains	In-person Sensitivity Test	40% for B.Des

An per the NID marking scheme and weightage distribution analysis, CAT is the most important subject in NID, but GAT and Studio Test also carry huge weight.

Why Understanding NID Subjects 2026 Matters

Knowing the NID subjects can give you a blueprint, an exact roadmap for focused and more efficient preparation, saving tons of time and wasted efforts. You can prioritize studying what have the highest chances to appear in exam rather than losing time on irrelevant things.

Plus, you can create a strategic and realistic plan, divide the NID 2026 syllabus into manageable chunks, and allocate appropriate time to all the subjects in NID entrance exam depending on your strengths and weaknesses.

Simply put, clarity on NID 2026 subjects = better time management + targeted preparation + higher scores.

Unique Insights on NID Subjects 2026 (Nobody Talks About)

If you’ve only been focusing on generic sketching or reasoning questions, you might be missing some of the most crucial scoring areas in the NID exam.

Over years of analyzing NID exam pattern, Creative Edge mentors and NID alumni have identified a few repeatedly tested themes that silently decide ranks, but barely anyone discusses them. And you can’t afford to get these wrong, as they are the easiest scoring areas if you take care of these during your preparation.

Here’s what you really need to know for DAT Prelims & Mains:

1) Visual GK Is the Hidden Subject You Can’t Ignore

When students hear GK, they think of names, awards, and design movements. But in NID, there’s another layer, Visual General Knowledge. This section tests your ability to recognize and differentiate visuals like logos, brand identities, iconic product shapes, monuments and art styles. These are not random trivia questions, they check how visually aware and observant you are in daily life.

For example:

1. You might be shown four logos, three real, one slightly altered and asked to spot the incorrect one.
2. You may have to identify the design era of a furniture piece (Bauhaus vs. Scandinavian).
3. Or match an art form like Madhubani, Warli, or Kalamkari with its correct region or visual pattern.

Visual GK has appeared consistently for 5+ years in different forms. Yet most students never revise it systematically.

How to Prepare for Visual GK in NID 2026?

1. Maintain a 'Visual Bank.' Screenshot or sketch logos, famous chairs, patterns, or traditional art/architecture you come across. Categorize them as 'Brands,' 'Textures,' 'Indian Art,' 'Patterns.' You’ll be surprised how often this helps.
2. The more observant you are in daily life, the better you’ll score in NID’s visual awareness sections.

2) Time Management Is the Unofficial Subject No One Trains For

Brilliance doesn’t count if your idea isn’t finished. Many talented students lose 10-20 marks simply because they can’t complete their sketch or story in time. 

Example: You may get a 3-hour NID paper with 4 questions in CAT section, and the fourth question carries highest weightage. Most students spend too long on the first question, leaving the last one incomplete.

Pro Tip:

1. Practise full-length mocks with timers, no pausing or breaks.
2. Give yourself 10 minutes less than the official time, train for pressure.
3. Divide time visually for each CAT question:

• 2-3 mins for brainstorming,
• 10 mins for rough sketches,
• 15 mins for final render,
• 2-3 mins for refinement.

[30-mins max for drawing-heavy CAT questions and 15-20 mins for ideation based less time consuming questions.]

Also Check: 25+ Important NID Reasoning Questions with Answers

3) Material Handling Is an Actual Test - Not Just a Fun Activity

Most aspirants treat the NID Studio Test questions as a creativity challenge. But in reality, it’s also a test of your material intelligence, how well you understand, manipulate, and design using everyday materials.

Every year, students face questions like:

1. Make a model that communicates balance using straws and paper.
2. Use clay to show the concept of protection.
3. Design a product that can hold small objects using cardboard and thread.

Here, the evaluators look for:

• How neatly you use materials (no overuse of glue/tape).
• How efficiently you cut, fold, or bend to achieve stability.
• Whether your idea and material handling match the given theme.

Pro Tip:

1. Practise 15-20 mini projects with limited materials. For example, create a lamp with paper and straws or a wearable accessory using cardboard.
2. Focus on clean construction, proportion, and finish, because that’s where marks are won.

4) Communication Skills - The Silent Rank Decider

This one’s a real game-changer. You might have a brilliant design, but if you can’t communicate your thought process clearly, evaluators won’t understand the depth behind your work.

• Explaining your model or drawing concept in 1-2 minutes.
• Discussing your creative decisions (Why this color? Why this material?).
• Talking about your inspirations, hobbies, and design reasoning.

Your score depends on how confidently and coherently you express your ideas.

Even in Prelims or Studio test, you should be able to communicate your ideas clearly through design/sketches/models.

Pro Tip:

1. Start practising short verbal presentations of your own work.
2. Record yourself explaining one of your sketches or models, refine your flow.
3. Use structured storytelling: What → Why → How → Outcome.

Example:
Instead of saying "I made this chair because it looks nice." Try: "I designed this chair to promote sustainable comfort, it uses locally available bamboo, folds easily, and communicates simplicity through form.

Monthly Preparation Roadmap for NID Subjects 2026 (4 Months Plan)

Month	CAT (Creative Ability Test)	GAT (General Ability Test)	Studio Test (for Mains)	Portfolio Building	Interview Prep	Daily Study Hours
Month 1	- Daily sketching (objects, humans, products) - Storyboarding basics - Practice 1 CAT question daily	- NID GK basics (India, world, design awareness) - Reasoning puzzles - English comprehension practice	- Learn material handling (paper, clay, straws) - Observation sketching drills	- Collect old sketches/artwork - Start documenting school/college projects	- Read about NID courses - Prepare “Why Design?” answer	3-4 hrs
Month 2	- Work on theme-based illustrations - Try redesign tasks (bags, furniture, gadgets) - Practice time-bound CAT tasks	- Focus on current affairs + design GK - Practice cube/series reasoning - Quantitative basics (ratios, time, work)	- Attempt small model-making tasks - Watch AVs & sketch from memory	- Select best works for portfolio - Add captions explaining thought process	- Mock interview with friends/mentors	4 hrs
Month 3	- Daily mixed CAT practice (sketch, storyboard, design problem) - Experiment with creative styles	- Full-length GAT mocks weekly - Revise GK & current design trends - Work on speed & accuracy	- Do timed studio test simulations - Combine materials in models	- Digitize portfolio pieces - Add variety (sketches, photography, crafts)	- Prepare for common interview Qs (famous designers, fav design movement)	4–5 hrs
Month 4	- Revise past CAT questions - Focus on originality & neatness - Daily 2 timed CAT questions	- Revise reasoning, maths shortcuts - Current affairs from last 6 months - Practice logo/visual GK recall	- Weekly full-length studio test mocks - Evaluate speed & execution	- Finalize portfolio layout - Rehearse portfolio presentation	- Mock interviews with mentors - Practice answering under pressure	5 hrs

This structured plan ensures:

• Month 1-2 = Foundation & basics
• Month 3 = Mock tests + application practice
• Month 4 = Revision + confidence building

It balances CAT (most weightage), GAT (scoring subject), Studio Test (for mains), Portfolio, and Interview prep so no subject is left behind.

Check: NID Colleges in India: Courses, Fees, Placements & More

Explore the Only NID Study Material You'll Ever Need

Best Books for NID Subjects 2026 Preparation

1. NID Previous Year Papers Book by CreativeEdge: Practice with real exam questions from NID Previous Year Papers, get detailed solutions & smart tricks for GAT, plus step-by-step QR-based video solutions for CAT.

2. NID Sample Papers Book by CreativeEdge: Exactly exam-like questions with comprehensive solutions, 5 year trend analysis and mock papers.

3. Current Affairs Resources: Newspapers + CreativEdge YouTube channel.

Conclusion

In the NID subjects you deal with creativity, general aptitude, design awareness, studio test, and portfolio subjects.

To crack NID, focus on CAT + GAT in Prelims, Studio Test + Interview in Mains, and polish your portfolio and communication. With smart preparation and the right guidance from professionals, you can master all subjects in NID and secure admission in your dream institute, even in limited amount of time.

Preparing for NID 2026? We can help you with exact strategic roadmap, study material and crucial feedback required to ace this exam.

Join CreativEdge, India’s leading NID online coaching and coaching for other design/architecture exams like NIFT, UCEED, CEED, NATA & JEE B.Arch, and get expert guidance on all NID 2026 subjects.