September 11, 2024
Summary: Confused about NID VS NIFT? Discover the key differences between the National Institute of Design (NID) and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in terms of focus, courses, exam duration, age limits, and more. Make an informed choice for your design or fashion career with NID v NIFT. Get insights into NID's design excellence and NIFT's fashion innovation to shape your creative future.
What is the difference between NID and NIFT? Many prospective aspirants get confused about whether they should apply to NID, NIFT, or both.
NID and NIFT comparison is often drawn in the context of design education in India. NIFT VS NID debate centers on the distinctions between the National Institute of Design and the National Institute of Fashion Technology. While NID and NIFT both offer quality education, they specialize in different domains. NID VS NIFT discussion highlights the diverse career paths available in design, whether in industrial design at NID or fashion design at NIFT.
The National Institute of Design (NID) is solely focused on the field of design. Only a few fashion-related courses are available.
People work on many aspects of design like- fashion, autos, lifestyle, architecture, cinema, cartoons, filmmaking, communication, etc. They don't limit themselves to the realm of fashion. it's important to explore NID vs NIFT to understand how each institution caters to different design specializations and career paths
Whereas, NIFT is solely for the fashion world.
Learn more: Key Differences between uceed-vs-nid
Criteria | NID | NIFT (B. Des) |
Duration of Exam | 3hours | 2 hours |
No. of questions | 26 | 100 |
Maximum number | 100 | 100 |
Language of paper | English | English/Hindi |
Mode of exam | Pen and paper mode | Pen and paper mode |
Maximum Age |
General - 20 |
General -24 |
Know more: NID Entrance Exam Syllabus 2025
Ever wondered which is best between NID and NIFT or which is better NID or NIFT? Let's talk about NID vs NIFT here.
Now that we've understood the broad difference between NID and NIFT, let's take a closer look at NID and NIFT one by one:
NID, which was founded in 1961, is also recognized for being India's most challenging design school to get into.
NID is the premier Indian institute for product design for product designing, product concept development, and design innovation, acclaimed globally for design excellence. NID teaches about design and art, aesthetic sense and extracts of design engineering. It is primarily concerned with art, aesthetics, and product design.
NID also include Ceramic and glass design, Furniture design, Textile design, Film and video communication, Animation film design, Product design, Graphic design, and Exhibition design.
The National Institute of Design (NID) is a famous design school with campuses in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bangalore (R&D), Kurukshetra (Design Graduate Programs), and Vijaywada (Graduate Diploma Programs in Design).
It has also recently unveiled launched campuses in Andhra Pradesh (Graduate Diploma Programs in Design), Haryana (Graduate Diploma Programs in Design), Madhya Pradesh (Graduate Diploma Programs in Design), and Assam (Graduate Diploma Programs in Design) (Graduate Diploma Programs in Design). When considering design education, it's essential to explore NID vs NIFT to understand the differences in curriculum, campus facilities, and career opportunities offered by these prestigious institutes.
Know more: Points to Remember before Appearing for NID Exam 2025
For Indian Nationals in General Category and General EWS Category: Only those candidates born on or after 1 July 2002 are eligible to apply for admission.
For Indian Nationals in Reserved Category (Other Backward Class-Non Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL), Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST): Only those candidates born on or after 1 July 1999 are eligible to apply for admission.
For Indian Nationals in PwD Reserved Category: Only those candidates born on or after 1 July 1998 are eligible to apply for admission.
For Foreign Nationals in Overseas (Supernumerary) Category: Only those candidates born on or after 1 July 2003 are eligible to apply for admission.
Practice with: Free NID Mock Test Series 2025
Applications for the academic year 2025 will be open to candidates who have passed or will appear for higher secondary (10+2) qualifying examinations in the academic year 2024–25 in any stream (Science, Arts, Commerce, Humanities, etc.) from any recognized board of education such as CBSE, IB, ICSE or equivalent.
Read more: NIFT Eligibility Criteria
NID Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT) comprises three phases which include a written exam (Prelims and Mains), a studio test, and a personal interview.
Check out: NID Exam Pattern 2025
NIFT is India's foremost fashion design institute, and it consistently produces the greatest stylists and fashion designers.
NIFT Focuses on fabrics, illustration, aesthetic sensibility, garment manufacturing, style, and the technology that surrounds it.
At present, NIFT has 16 professionally managed campuses across the length and breadth of India. There are campuses in Bhopal, Bengaluru, Bhuvneshwar, Chennai, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, Jodhpur, Kolkata, Kannur, Kangra, Mumbai, New Delhi, Patna, Raebareli, Srinagar, and Shillong.
Enrol to get free resources: Best NID Exam Online Coaching 2025
The design entrance test for admission to NIFT campuses consists of three parts - Creative Ability Test (CAT), General Ability Test (GAT), and Situation Test.
However, students seeking admission to Bachelor of Fashion Technology will have to appear for the GAT exam only.
No. of sections- Quantitative Ability, Communication Ability, English Comprehension, Analytical Ability, General Knowledge, and Current Affairs
Know more: NIFT Exam Pattern
NID vs NIFT are renowned institutes catering to design and fashion respectively. NID focuses on diverse design courses, while NIFT is dedicated to the world of fashion. Students should consider their passions and career goals to make the right choice.
Download here: NIFT Syllabus 2025 PDF
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents to carry on the day of the of NID DAT Exam 2025?
Is Studio Test and Interview both mandatory to get admission in NID?
What is the time duration for NIFT GAT Exam?
What is the time duration for NIFT CAT Exam?
What is the age limit to apply for NIFT PG Courses?
What is the duration of NID Exam?
How many questions are asked in NID DAT Prelims exam for B.Des course?
Where can I find previous year NID Exam Analysis?
What is the basic academic qualification required to fill for NIFT 2025 application form?