NID DAT Exam Pattern 2026: Complete Prelims & Mains Format

The National Institute of Design (NID) has posted the NID DAT 2026 Exam Pattern at admissions.nid.edu. The exam pattern is specified in the B.Des and M.Des admission handbooks. However, the guide contains only basic information about the exam. It states that the B.Des DAT Prelims exam will be performed on paper and pencil. 

The paper may include both textual and graphic questions. It does not specify the test duration, the number of sections, or the number of questions per section. The test duration is scheduled to be mentioned on the NID DAT 2026 Admit Card.

NID DAT 2026 Prelims Exam Pattern

DAT Prelims is the first level in NID's two-stage admission procedure for B.Des and M.Des programmes. The National Institute of Design will publish a general summary of the DAT preliminary question paper structure in the NID admissions handbook.

The NID 2026 Entrance Exam (Prelims) will be held on December 21, 2025, for B.Des and M.Des. Candidates who qualify for the DAT Prelims must also appear in the DAT Mains. The DAT Mains Exams for B.Des will take place in the last week of April 2026. The NID DAT (Mains) M. Des. exam will be held in the first week of March 2026.

NID DAT Prelims 2026 Exam Pattern (B.Des)

Check out the DAT prelims exam pattern for B.Des in the table below.

• Duration - The DAT Prelims paper for the B.Des program lasts three hours. The exam normally lasts from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
• Sections - The DAT Prelims question exam will include two sections: Part I and Part 2.
• Mode - The exam will be administered as a paper-and-pencil or pen test.
• Type of questions - The question paper may comprise textual and graphic questions.
• Language - The paper will be written in English exclusively.
• There will be no negative marking.

NID DAT Prelims 2026 Exam Pattern (M.Des)

The important points about the DAT Prelims exam pattern for the M.Des program are listed below.

Also Read: How to Crack NID DAT in First Attempt?: Check Exam Pattern, Preparation Strategies

NID DAT 2026 Mains Exam Pattern

Candidates will be chosen for the DAT Mains depending on their performance in the DAT Preliminary. The qualifying status will be indicated on the NID DAT Prelims scorecard.

The DAT Mains will include an NID Studio Test. In addition to the Studio Test, M.Des applicants must attend a NID personal interview. The DAT Mains test pattern for the B.Des and M.Des courses is as follows.

The table below shows the exam pattern for DAT Mains in the B.Des and M.Des programs.

Also Read: What is a Good Score in NID DAT 2026? B,.Des and M.Des Scores, Steps to Calculate

NID DAT Exam Total Score Weightage for Prelims and Mains

A merit list will be generated for applicants who take both the preliminary and main exams. The total marks achieved by the candidates will be computed by adding their scores from both tests.

Previously, the percentile score weightage for the preliminary exam was 30%, while for the mains exam it was 70%. However, the recent percentile mark weighting used to get the final score has been altered.

The new score weighting for NID DAT B.Des and GDPD, concerning the main and preliminary tests, is depicted in the table below for students' reference.

Also Read: NID DAT Tie Breaking Policy for B.Des Admissions 2025: How It Works?

NID DAT Preparation Tips 2026

Candidates must have sufficient time to prepare for the DAT Prelims. The DAT Prelims is a design aptitude test that is delivered in a centre setting.

Here are some recommendations for preparing for the DAT preliminary exams:

1. Follow the Syllabus - Although there is no official syllabus for the NID exam, there are unofficial ones, such as the one on this page. It is prepared after reviewing previous years' papers.
2. Exam Pattern Review - The exam pattern can serve as a guidepost for you while you prepare for the exam. It is because the exam pattern will influence how you prepare and, to some extent, the study materials.
3. Create a Timetable - In order to complete the syllabus on time, you must adhere to a set schedule. Without it, you might get lost.
4. Solve Practice Questions - These questions can be found at the end of each chapter or in specific question booklets. The more you practice, the better you will become at solving a variety of difficulties.
5. Practice Mock Tests - In the final few days before the exam, you may take a few simulated tests. These tests can help you synchronise your body clock with exam timings, allowing you to take the tests at the same time of day. Furthermore, practice examinations might assist you in removing any rust that may have accumulated during your preparation. Mocking can also help you correct stupid mistakes.
6. Work on Your Drawing and Observation Skills - One significant difference between other entry tests and design entrance examinations is that the latter will assess your drawing as well as observation abilities. So, start working on this from the beginning.

Also Read: Tips & Tricks to Score Well in NID DAT Exam for Design Courses 2026