Get the complete NID DAT syllabus for Prelims and Mains, including design aptitude, sketching, creativity, problem-solving, composition, and studio test topics
Table of Contents
The NID DAT exam syllabus 2026 includes basic design ideas, hands-on experience with practical tasks, creative works, sketches, group discussions, and more. The National Institute of Design has not produced an official syllabus for the NID DAT examination.
You must review the relevant questions and their assigned weightage for each topic to prepare for the exam. Previous year's papers and mock exams can help you understand the key subjects and weightage of each paper.
NID DAT Prelims Syllabus
If you are preparing for the DAT Prelims, do more than just examine the syllabus. Some topics will be more important than others; please see the prior years' DAT Prelims question papers for an idea.
NID DAT Prelims Syllabus for B.Des Program
The NID Prelims 2026 syllabus for B.Des is structured into four sections: design innovation, topic creation, imaginative exercises, and graphics and pictograms. You must thoroughly review the syllabus provided below.
|
Topic Category |
Sub-topics / Concepts |
|
Design Basics |
Design Outline for Beginners, Design Theory, Elements & Principles of Design, Principles of Composition |
|
Colour Concepts |
Colour Terminology, Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions, Colour, Pattern & Texture, Usage of Colour in Compositions, Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship |
|
Drawing & Visualization |
Drawing Fundamentals, Understanding Light & Shade, Foreshortening & Perspective, 3D Visualisation, Memory Drawing, Use of Measurements, Scale & Proportions |
|
Creativity & Idea Development |
Inspiration & Design Development, Inspiration & Creativity, Innovation in Design, Innovation & Creation, Developing Themes & Colour Associations |
|
Form, Function & Structure |
Natural & Geometrical Form, Form & Function, Ornaments & Motifs |
|
Thinking Skills |
Visual Logic, Lateral Thinking, Creative Thinking & Writing, Exercises on Imagination |
|
Analysis & Interpretation |
Picture Analysis, Story Pictures, Good Design vs Bad Design |
|
Graphic Skills |
Lettering, Graphics & Pictograms, Optical Illusion (repeated), Presentation Techniques, Imagination & Doodling |
|
Awareness & Observation |
Design Awareness, Developing Observation, Theme Development |
NID DAT Prelims Syllabus for M.Des Program
The table below shows the topics you should study for the NID DAT Prelims for M.Des.
|
Topic Category |
Sub-topics / Concepts |
|
Design Fundamentals |
Design Outline for Beginners, Design Theory, Elements & Principles of Design, Principles of Composition |
|
Colour Theory |
Colour Terminology, Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions, Colour, Pattern & Texture, Usage of Colour in Compositions, Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship |
|
Drawing & Visual Skills |
Drawing Fundamentals, Understanding Light & Shade, Foreshortening & Perspective, Memory Drawing, Use of Measurements, Scale & Proportions, 3D Visualisation |
|
Creativity & Ideation |
Inspiration & Design Development, Inspiration & Creativity, Creative Thinking & Writing, Innovation in Design, Innovation & Creation, Developing Themes & Colour Associations |
|
Form, Structure & Aesthetics |
Natural & Geometrical Form, Form & Function, Ornaments & Motifs, Expression & Emotion |
|
Analytical & Thinking Skills |
Visual Logic, Lateral Thinking, Exercises on Imagination, Good Design vs Bad Design, Picture Analysis, Story Pictures |
|
Graphics & Communication |
Lettering, Graphics & Pictograms, Optical Illusion (duplicate concept merged), Presentation Techniques, Imagination & Doodling |
|
Awareness & Observation |
Design Awareness, Theme Development, and Developing Observation |
Also Read: How to Crack NID DAT in First Attempt?: Check Exam Pattern, Preparation Strategies
NID DAT Mains Syllabus for B.Des
Applicants who passed the NID preliminary exam are eligible to take the NID DAT mains exam. Candidates can find the detailed NID syllabus 2026 for the Mains B.Des program listed below.
The NID B.Des. entrance exam syllabus is divided into four sections: model making, material manipulation, interview questions, and simulated interviews. The specifics are as follows.
|
Category |
Topics / Focus Areas |
|
Model Making |
Audio-visual exercises, Past studio tests & interview questions |
|
Material Manipulation |
Evolving ideas, Interview tips |
|
Interview Questions |
Importance of body language, Creative thinking |
|
Mock Interview |
Doodling, Guidance on portfolio making |
NID DAT Mains Syllabus for M.Des
You can go through the important topics or syllabus for the NID DAT 2026 mains for the M.Des course.
|
Category |
Sub-Topics |
|
Model Making |
Doodling, Audio–Visual Exercises |
|
Material Manipulation |
How to Evolve Ideas |
|
Creative Thinking |
Concept Development, Idea Exploration |
Also Read: What is a Good Score in NID DAT 2026? B,.Des and M.Des Scores, Steps to Calculate
NID DAT Exam Syllabus for PhD in Design
Candidates interested in pursuing the PhD program at NID must submit a proposal that focuses on design practice and its significance. Candidates must prepare a research proposal and present it in the format outlined below.
|
Section |
Description / Focus |
|
Background / Literature Review |
Covers the broad area of study, common background, existing theories, previous research, and contextual understanding of the topic. |
|
Problem Statement & Scope |
Defines the core problem, research gap, boundaries of the study, and what the research will and will not cover. |
|
Rationale & Significance |
Explains why the study is important, its relevance to design, society, users, or industry, and the expected value it contributes. |
|
Objectives & Research Questions |
Outlines the specific goals of the research and the questions the study aims to answer. |
|
Methodology / Approach |
Describes the research methods, tools, techniques, sampling, data collection, analysis methods, and design approach. |
|
Student’s Relevant Knowledge & Skills |
Highlights the student’s academic background, skills, previous work, internships, projects, and relevance to the subject & NID GK syllabus. |
|
Research Objectives & Practice Linkage |
Explains how the objectives relate to real-world practice and how they align with practice-based research in design. |
|
Bibliography & References |
Includes all cited works, books, research papers, articles, and sources used for building the research foundation. |
Also Read: NID DAT Tie Breaking Policy for B.Des Admissions 2025: How It Works?
Conclusion
The NID DAT 2026 syllabus encompasses a broad range of essential design subjects. It includes design fundamentals, imaginative thinking, visual expression, problem solving, and observational aptitude necessary for success in design education. Knowing the components, from basic drawing and colour theory to material playing, model making, and critical thinking, will bring candidates clarity and confidence with their preparation.
A well-planned study schedule, consistent practice, and knowledge of previous test formats will provide a solid foundation for Prelims & Mains, thus increasing your chances of admission to a prestigious design programme at NID.
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