NID Syllabus 2025: In-Depth NID Syllabus Breakdown for B.Des and M.Des Programs
Updated On : July 15, 2024
Summary: The NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is a crucial step for aspiring designers. Understanding the NID Syllabus is crucial for excelling in the exam. Let's delve into the NID Entrance Exam Syllabus for both the Mains and Prelims exams.
Aspirants aiming to secure admission to the National Institute of Design (NID) must tackle the Design Aptitude Test (DAT).
The NID exam is known for its rigorous testing and comprehensive syllabus, which assesses candidates in various aspects of design, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
In this article, we explore a detailed overview of the NID exam syllabus for 2025, providing valuable insights and essential information to help aspiring designers in their preparation journey.
NID Exam Pattern 2025
The entrance exam is conducted in 2 stages for both NID B.Des and M.Des programs.
- NID DAT Prelims.
- NID DAT Mains.
The syllabus varies for prelims and main exams. You can check the detailed syllabus in the post below.
There are two sections included in the Prelims exam, i.e.,
- Creative Ability Test (CAT)
- General Aptitude Test (GAT)
The NID DAT Prelims exam pattern is given below -
| Particulars | Description |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Mode of exam | Offline |
| Maximum Marks | 100 |
| Maximum Questions | 26 |
| Type of Question | Objective and Subjective type question |
| Language | English |
Know more: NID Exam Fee Structure
In the Mains exam, there will be a -
- Studio test and
- Personal interview
The NID DAT Mains exam pattern is given below -
| Particulars | Description |
| Duration of the exam | 3 hours |
| Maximum Marks | 100 |
| Language of the exam | English |
You will be shortlisted for the final merit list upon qualifying for both stages. Before preparing, check the NID Exam syllabus for B.Des and NID M.Des entrance exam.
Also read: NID Exam Analysis
NID Syllabus 2025: B.Des & M.Des
The National Institute of Design does not officially prescribe the NID exam syllabus. However, we have curated the NID Syllabus with the help of experts, which provides essential topics that need to be studied for the examination.
The National Institute of Design (NID) entrance exam, the NID DAT, is a holistic test that assesses your creative skills, design aptitude, and general knowledge. The syllabus for the exam is broad, but it can be divided into the following categories:
| Category | Description |
| Drawing fundamentals | Tests your basic drawing skills, such as perspective, shading, texture, and composition. |
| Design Theory | Tests your understanding of basic design theory, including the elements and principles of design, colour theory, typography, and graphic design basics. |
| Creativity and Problem-Solving | Assesses your creative thinking and problem-solving skills. You should be able to develop original and innovative solutions to design challenges. |
| General Knowledge | Encompassing various topics, including science and technology, current affairs, and social and cultural matters. |
Check: NID Exam Answer Key
In addition to the above-mentioned categories, the NID DAT also tests your knowledge of the role of design in society, the different types of design, the design process, and the importance of research and experimentation.
You should also be ready to exhibit your creative skills through portfolios and interviews.
A portfolio lets you display your finest work and gives the admissions committee a clearer understanding of your creative style and capabilities.
The interview offers a chance to discuss your design interests and objectives and gain insight into NID and its programs.
Practice with: NID Mock Tests Series 2025
NID Syllabus 2025 for B.Des
- The B. Des prelims exam is conducted for 100 marks, out of which the marks for objective and subjective are divided.
- The total time duration of the exam is 3 hours.
The table below shows the NID UG entrance exam syllabus for the B.Des & GDPD NID DAT Prelims exam.
| NID Prelims Syllabus for CAT - BDes | ||
| Design Outline | Colour Terminology | Inspiration & Design Development |
| Elements & Principles Of Design | Design Theory | Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship |
| Geometrical Form | Colour, Pattern & Texture | Innovation in Design |
| Principles of Composition Lettering | Optical Illusion | Understanding Light & Shade |
| Form & Function | Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions | Design Awareness |
| Drawing Fundamentals | Creative thinking & writing | Picture Analysis |
| Visual Logic | Good Design vs Bad Design | Theme Development |
| Use of Measurements, Scale & Proportions | Developing Themes & Colour Associations | Foreshortening & Perspective |
| 3D Visualisation | Inspiration & Creativity | Ornaments & Motifs |
| Memory Drawing | Usage of Colour in Compositions | Expression & Emotion |
| Exercises on imagination | Lateral Thinking | Story Pictures |
| Graphics & Pictograms | Imagination & Doodling | Presentation Techniques |
Also check: List of NID Courses
NID B.Des Prelims GAT Syllabus
| NID B.Des Syllabus for GAT | ||
| Ratio & Proportion, Percentage | Direction Sense | Reading Comprehension (Passages) |
| Profit & Loss, Interest | Series Completion | Error Detection |
| Averages, Speed, Time & Distance | Seating Arrangement | Statement Conclusion |
| Mixture And Allegation, Work & Time | Arithmetic Reasoning | Para Jumble |
| Numbers System | Clocks And Calendar | Cloze Test |
| Area, Volume & Surface Area | Blood Relations | Synonyms/Antonyms |
| Permutations & Combinations, Probability | Character Puzzle | Singular/Plural |
| Sets, Relations & Functions | Venn Diagrams | Painter & Paintings |
| Quadratic Equations And Complex Numbers | Series, Paper Folding, Grouping Of Images | Indian Textile Craft |
| Determinants And Matrices | Analogy, Mirror Images, Pattern Completion, Paper Cutting | Current Affairs |
| Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Statistics | Dot Situation, Cube And Dice, | World Heritage Sites |
| Musicians & Instruments | Figure Matrix, | Indian Geography |
Also check: How to download NID Admit card
For better preparations, refer to the NID entrance exam syllabus pdf for every campus, for example, the NID Ahmedabad syllabus / NID Ahmedabad entrance exam syllabus, and start your preparations.
NID B.Des Entrance Exam Syllabus: Studio Test
- This is the second stage of the NID DAT Exam.
- The studio test includes different formats of questions like Drawing, Sketching, and Model Making.
The NID Syllabus for B.Des DAT mains are provided below -
| NID DAT 2025 (Mains) Syllabus for B.Des Programs | ||
| Model Making | Doodling | Portfolio making |
| How to Evolve Ideas | Audio – Visual Exercises | Material Manipulation |
| Material manipulation | Evolving ideas | Body language and how it is important |
NID Syllabus 2025 for M.Des
As mentioned above, the postgraduate program entrance examination includes prelims and mains.
The NID MDes Prelims examination includes:
- Design Aptitude Test
- Discipline-Specific Test
- General Aptitude Test
Learn more: How is Life at NID?
The NID MDes Mains examination includes:
- Studio test
- Personal interview
Refer: NID Interview Questions with Answers
Look at the table below to learn the NID M.Des entrance exam syllabus for the prelims exam.
| NID Mains CAT Syllabus – MDes. | ||
| Design Outline | Colour Terminology | Inspiration & Design Development |
| Elements & Principles Of Design | Design Theory | Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship |
| Geometrical Form | Colour, Pattern & Texture | Innovation in Design |
| Principles of Composition Lettering | Optical Illusion | Understanding Light & Shade |
| Form & Function | Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions | Design Awareness |
| Drawing Fundamentals | Creative thinking & writing | Picture Analysis |
| Visual Logic | Good Design vs Bad Design | Theme Development |
| Use of Measurements, Scale & Proportions | Developing Themes & Colour Associations | Foreshortening & Perspective |
| 3D Visualisation | Inspiration & Creativity | Ornaments & Motifs |
| Memory Drawing | Usage of Colour in Compositions | Expression & Emotion |
| Exercises on imagination | Lateral Thinking | Story Pictures |
| Graphics & Pictograms | Imagination & Doodling | Presentation Techniques |
Practising NID Sample Papers will help you understand the difficulty level and type of questions asked on these topics.
NID Syllabus for MDes Prelims for GAT
| NID Prelims GAT Syllabus - MDes | ||
| Ratio & Proportion, Percentage | Direction Sense | Reading Comprehension (Passages) |
| Profit & Loss, Interest | Series Completion | Error Detection |
| Averages, Speed, Time & Distance | Seating Arrangement | Statement Conclusion |
| Mixture And Allegation, Work & Time | Arithmetic Reasoning | Para Jumble |
| Numbers System | Clocks And Calendar | Cloze Test |
| Area, Volume & Surface Area | Blood Relations | Synonyms/Antonyms |
| Permutations & Combinations, Probability | Character Puzzle | Singular/Plural |
| Sets, Relations & Functions | Venn Diagrams | Painter & Paintings |
| Quadratic Equations And Complex Numbers | Series, Paper Folding, Grouping Of Images | Indian Textile Craft |
| Determinants And Matrices | Analogy, Mirror Images, Pattern Completion, Paper Cutting | Current Affairs |
| Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Statistics | Dot Situation, Cube And Dice, | World Heritage Sites |
| Musicians & Instruments | Figure Matrix, | Indian Geography |
NID Syllabus for DAT Mains 2025 (for M.Des)
The table below shows the topics to study for the Studio Test of the M.Des program.
You can follow the expert Preparation Tips for NID to score good marks in the studio test.
The NID exam syllabus is as follows:
| NID Mains Syllabus for MDes | ||
| Model Making | Doodling | How to evolve ideas |
| Audio – Visual Exercises | Material Manipulation | Creative Thinking |
Learn more: How to prepare for NID Studio Test 2025?
Preparation Books for NID Syllabus 2025
To enhance exam preparation, you must make sure to refer to the right books that are as per the latest syllabus.
Here is the list of best NID Preparation Books recommended by toppers and experts for better NID syllabus 2025 preparations and results.
| Book Name | Author |
| Creative Edge NID Study Material | Creative Edge |
| Basic Rendering | Robert W.Gill |
| Design drawing | Francis D.K.Ching |
| NIFT/NID/IIFT Entrance Exam Guide | RPH Editorial Board |
Boost your NID 2025 Exam Preparation: NID 2025 Online Coaching
Conclusion
The NID syllabus 2025 is an invaluable resource for students seeking to expand their knowledge, refine their design skills, and obtain excellent entrance exam scores.
Its emphasis on design theory, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving allows students to explore their creative potential and enhance their design skills.
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Fill your details
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NID DAT Syllabus 2025?
Is the NID Entrance Exam Syllabus 2025 same for B. Des and M. Des?
What are the important topics under NID DAT Entrance Exam Syllabus 2025?
What are the best books for preparation of NID Syllabus?
What is the syllabus for NID studio test?
Does NID Entrance Syllabus varies every year?
Where do I find NID Syllabus related Sample Papers?
Does the NID Entrance Exam Syllabus stay the same every year?
NID Syllabus 2025: In-Depth NID Syllabus Breakdown for B.Des and M.Des Programs
July 15, 2024
Summary: The NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is a crucial step for aspiring designers. Understanding the NID Syllabus is crucial for excelling in the exam. Let's delve into the NID Entrance Exam Syllabus for both the Mains and Prelims exams.
Aspirants aiming to secure admission to the National Institute of Design (NID) must tackle the Design Aptitude Test (DAT).
The NID exam is known for its rigorous testing and comprehensive syllabus, which assesses candidates in various aspects of design, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
In this article, we explore a detailed overview of the NID exam syllabus for 2025, providing valuable insights and essential information to help aspiring designers in their preparation journey.
NID Exam Pattern 2025
The entrance exam is conducted in 2 stages for both NID B.Des and M.Des programs.
- NID DAT Prelims.
- NID DAT Mains.
The syllabus varies for prelims and main exams. You can check the detailed syllabus in the post below.
There are two sections included in the Prelims exam, i.e.,
- Creative Ability Test (CAT)
- General Aptitude Test (GAT)
The NID DAT Prelims exam pattern is given below -
| Particulars | Description |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Mode of exam | Offline |
| Maximum Marks | 100 |
| Maximum Questions | 26 |
| Type of Question | Objective and Subjective type question |
| Language | English |
Know more: NID Exam Fee Structure
In the Mains exam, there will be a -
- Studio test and
- Personal interview
The NID DAT Mains exam pattern is given below -
| Particulars | Description |
| Duration of the exam | 3 hours |
| Maximum Marks | 100 |
| Language of the exam | English |
You will be shortlisted for the final merit list upon qualifying for both stages. Before preparing, check the NID Exam syllabus for B.Des and NID M.Des entrance exam.
Also read: NID Exam Analysis
NID Syllabus 2025: B.Des & M.Des
The National Institute of Design does not officially prescribe the NID exam syllabus. However, we have curated the NID Syllabus with the help of experts, which provides essential topics that need to be studied for the examination.
The National Institute of Design (NID) entrance exam, the NID DAT, is a holistic test that assesses your creative skills, design aptitude, and general knowledge. The syllabus for the exam is broad, but it can be divided into the following categories:
| Category | Description |
| Drawing fundamentals | Tests your basic drawing skills, such as perspective, shading, texture, and composition. |
| Design Theory | Tests your understanding of basic design theory, including the elements and principles of design, colour theory, typography, and graphic design basics. |
| Creativity and Problem-Solving | Assesses your creative thinking and problem-solving skills. You should be able to develop original and innovative solutions to design challenges. |
| General Knowledge | Encompassing various topics, including science and technology, current affairs, and social and cultural matters. |
Check: NID Exam Answer Key
In addition to the above-mentioned categories, the NID DAT also tests your knowledge of the role of design in society, the different types of design, the design process, and the importance of research and experimentation.
You should also be ready to exhibit your creative skills through portfolios and interviews.
A portfolio lets you display your finest work and gives the admissions committee a clearer understanding of your creative style and capabilities.
The interview offers a chance to discuss your design interests and objectives and gain insight into NID and its programs.
Practice with: NID Mock Tests Series 2025
NID Syllabus 2025 for B.Des
- The B. Des prelims exam is conducted for 100 marks, out of which the marks for objective and subjective are divided.
- The total time duration of the exam is 3 hours.
The table below shows the NID UG entrance exam syllabus for the B.Des & GDPD NID DAT Prelims exam.
| NID Prelims Syllabus for CAT - BDes | ||
| Design Outline | Colour Terminology | Inspiration & Design Development |
| Elements & Principles Of Design | Design Theory | Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship |
| Geometrical Form | Colour, Pattern & Texture | Innovation in Design |
| Principles of Composition Lettering | Optical Illusion | Understanding Light & Shade |
| Form & Function | Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions | Design Awareness |
| Drawing Fundamentals | Creative thinking & writing | Picture Analysis |
| Visual Logic | Good Design vs Bad Design | Theme Development |
| Use of Measurements, Scale & Proportions | Developing Themes & Colour Associations | Foreshortening & Perspective |
| 3D Visualisation | Inspiration & Creativity | Ornaments & Motifs |
| Memory Drawing | Usage of Colour in Compositions | Expression & Emotion |
| Exercises on imagination | Lateral Thinking | Story Pictures |
| Graphics & Pictograms | Imagination & Doodling | Presentation Techniques |
Also check: List of NID Courses
NID B.Des Prelims GAT Syllabus
| NID B.Des Syllabus for GAT | ||
| Ratio & Proportion, Percentage | Direction Sense | Reading Comprehension (Passages) |
| Profit & Loss, Interest | Series Completion | Error Detection |
| Averages, Speed, Time & Distance | Seating Arrangement | Statement Conclusion |
| Mixture And Allegation, Work & Time | Arithmetic Reasoning | Para Jumble |
| Numbers System | Clocks And Calendar | Cloze Test |
| Area, Volume & Surface Area | Blood Relations | Synonyms/Antonyms |
| Permutations & Combinations, Probability | Character Puzzle | Singular/Plural |
| Sets, Relations & Functions | Venn Diagrams | Painter & Paintings |
| Quadratic Equations And Complex Numbers | Series, Paper Folding, Grouping Of Images | Indian Textile Craft |
| Determinants And Matrices | Analogy, Mirror Images, Pattern Completion, Paper Cutting | Current Affairs |
| Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Statistics | Dot Situation, Cube And Dice, | World Heritage Sites |
| Musicians & Instruments | Figure Matrix, | Indian Geography |
Also check: How to download NID Admit card
For better preparations, refer to the NID entrance exam syllabus pdf for every campus, for example, the NID Ahmedabad syllabus / NID Ahmedabad entrance exam syllabus, and start your preparations.
NID B.Des Entrance Exam Syllabus: Studio Test
- This is the second stage of the NID DAT Exam.
- The studio test includes different formats of questions like Drawing, Sketching, and Model Making.
The NID Syllabus for B.Des DAT mains are provided below -
| NID DAT 2025 (Mains) Syllabus for B.Des Programs | ||
| Model Making | Doodling | Portfolio making |
| How to Evolve Ideas | Audio – Visual Exercises | Material Manipulation |
| Material manipulation | Evolving ideas | Body language and how it is important |
NID Syllabus 2025 for M.Des
As mentioned above, the postgraduate program entrance examination includes prelims and mains.
The NID MDes Prelims examination includes:
- Design Aptitude Test
- Discipline-Specific Test
- General Aptitude Test
Learn more: How is Life at NID?
The NID MDes Mains examination includes:
- Studio test
- Personal interview
Refer: NID Interview Questions with Answers
Look at the table below to learn the NID M.Des entrance exam syllabus for the prelims exam.
| NID Mains CAT Syllabus – MDes. | ||
| Design Outline | Colour Terminology | Inspiration & Design Development |
| Elements & Principles Of Design | Design Theory | Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship |
| Geometrical Form | Colour, Pattern & Texture | Innovation in Design |
| Principles of Composition Lettering | Optical Illusion | Understanding Light & Shade |
| Form & Function | Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions | Design Awareness |
| Drawing Fundamentals | Creative thinking & writing | Picture Analysis |
| Visual Logic | Good Design vs Bad Design | Theme Development |
| Use of Measurements, Scale & Proportions | Developing Themes & Colour Associations | Foreshortening & Perspective |
| 3D Visualisation | Inspiration & Creativity | Ornaments & Motifs |
| Memory Drawing | Usage of Colour in Compositions | Expression & Emotion |
| Exercises on imagination | Lateral Thinking | Story Pictures |
| Graphics & Pictograms | Imagination & Doodling | Presentation Techniques |
Practising NID Sample Papers will help you understand the difficulty level and type of questions asked on these topics.
NID Syllabus for MDes Prelims for GAT
| NID Prelims GAT Syllabus - MDes | ||
| Ratio & Proportion, Percentage | Direction Sense | Reading Comprehension (Passages) |
| Profit & Loss, Interest | Series Completion | Error Detection |
| Averages, Speed, Time & Distance | Seating Arrangement | Statement Conclusion |
| Mixture And Allegation, Work & Time | Arithmetic Reasoning | Para Jumble |
| Numbers System | Clocks And Calendar | Cloze Test |
| Area, Volume & Surface Area | Blood Relations | Synonyms/Antonyms |
| Permutations & Combinations, Probability | Character Puzzle | Singular/Plural |
| Sets, Relations & Functions | Venn Diagrams | Painter & Paintings |
| Quadratic Equations And Complex Numbers | Series, Paper Folding, Grouping Of Images | Indian Textile Craft |
| Determinants And Matrices | Analogy, Mirror Images, Pattern Completion, Paper Cutting | Current Affairs |
| Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Statistics | Dot Situation, Cube And Dice, | World Heritage Sites |
| Musicians & Instruments | Figure Matrix, | Indian Geography |
NID Syllabus for DAT Mains 2025 (for M.Des)
The table below shows the topics to study for the Studio Test of the M.Des program.
You can follow the expert Preparation Tips for NID to score good marks in the studio test.
The NID exam syllabus is as follows:
| NID Mains Syllabus for MDes | ||
| Model Making | Doodling | How to evolve ideas |
| Audio – Visual Exercises | Material Manipulation | Creative Thinking |
Learn more: How to prepare for NID Studio Test 2025?
Preparation Books for NID Syllabus 2025
To enhance exam preparation, you must make sure to refer to the right books that are as per the latest syllabus.
Here is the list of best NID Preparation Books recommended by toppers and experts for better NID syllabus 2025 preparations and results.
| Book Name | Author |
| Creative Edge NID Study Material | Creative Edge |
| Basic Rendering | Robert W.Gill |
| Design drawing | Francis D.K.Ching |
| NIFT/NID/IIFT Entrance Exam Guide | RPH Editorial Board |
Boost your NID 2025 Exam Preparation: NID 2025 Online Coaching
Conclusion
The NID syllabus 2025 is an invaluable resource for students seeking to expand their knowledge, refine their design skills, and obtain excellent entrance exam scores.
Its emphasis on design theory, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving allows students to explore their creative potential and enhance their design skills.
Download Your Free NID Prep Material
Fill your details
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NID DAT Syllabus 2025?
Is the NID Entrance Exam Syllabus 2025 same for B. Des and M. Des?
What are the important topics under NID DAT Entrance Exam Syllabus 2025?
What are the best books for preparation of NID Syllabus?
What is the syllabus for NID studio test?
Does NID Entrance Syllabus varies every year?
Where do I find NID Syllabus related Sample Papers?
Does the NID Entrance Exam Syllabus stay the same every year?
