NID DAT Exam Pattern 2026: Check Prelims & Mains Pattern, Score Weightage, Preparation Tips

NID DAT Exam Pattern 2026 is prescribed by the National Institute of Design (NID) on the official website, admissions.nid.edu. NID DAT exam pattern includes the NID marking scheme, mode of examination, kinds of questions, and more. The NID DAT exam pattern 2026 differs for the Prelims and Mains exams. NID DAT Prelims exam is conducted in pen and paper mode. At the same time, Mains consists of a studio test that involves practical experiments, drawing, doodling, sketching, and group discussions, providing hands-on experience to the students, followed by a personal interview.

NID DAT exam 2026 is conducted to select candidates for admission into various programs, such as B.Des and M.Des. Candidates must prepare and perform well in the exam to be shortlisted. The conducting authority determines the exam pattern for the NID DAT 2026. The NID paper pattern illustrates the distribution of topics and mark weighting throughout the question paper, and candidates should review it before starting their preparation. This article contains detailed information related to the NID DAT Exam Pattern 2026.

Check: NID DAT 2026 College Predictor

NID DAT Exam Pattern 2026 for B.Des and GDPD

As per NID exam pattern 2026, the exam is divided into two individual tests, prelims and mains exams. The prelims test is a conventional pen and paper-based test, and only those candidates who clear the prelims exam are considered eligible to appear for the mains test. The main exam comprises a studio test and a personal interview. Continue reading to know about the NID DAT 2026 exam pattern in detail.

NID DAT Prelims Exam Pattern 2026 for B.Des and GDPD

NID DAT prelims exam 2026 for the B.Des and GDPD is an offline exam (pen and paper-based test). The exam duration is three hours. Both subjective and objective types of questions are asked in this exam. The exam is conducted for 100 marks. In the table below, candidates can refer to the NID DAT exam pattern 2026 for the B.Des and GDPD prelims exam.

Note: Part 1 comprises objective-type questions, whereas Part 2 comprises subjective-type questions.

Also Read: NID DAT 2026 Application Process

NID DAT Prelims Exam 2026 Marking Scheme for B.Des and GDPD

The marking scheme for the NID exam pattern 2026 of the prelims test varies for each year. The table of marks weighting is based on the previous year's analysis, and candidates can take note of the same

NID DAT Mains Exam Pattern 2026 for B.Des and GDPD

NID DAT mains exam 2026 for the B.Des and GDPD is conducted for three hours. The questions asked in this test range from doodling to creative sketching. The test is worth 100 marks. NID exam pattern 2026 for the B.Des and GDPD mains exam comprises the following tests. Students can refer to the points below.

• Studio Test: The questions under this test comprise practical, hands-on types, such as drawing, sketching, model making, presentations, group discussions, etc.
• Interview: Candidates selected and shortlisted in the studio test can proceed to the interview process. This process is held based on the specialisation of the candidates.

NID DAT Exam 2026 Total Score Weightage- B.Des and GDPD

A merit list is prepared for the candidates who appear for both prelims and the mains exam. The total marks obtained by the candidates are calculated by combining their scores obtained in both tests. Previously, the percentile score weightage for the prelims exam was 30%, and for the mains test was 70%. However, the recent percentile mark weighting for calculating the total score has been changed. The new score weighting for NID DAT B.Des and GDPD, concerning the mains and preliminary tests, is depicted in the table below for students' reference.

Check: NID DAT 2026 Cutoff

NID DAT M.Des Exam Pattern 2026

Candidates must qualify for the prelims test to appear for the Mains exam. After clearing the Mains exam, candidates are eligible for admission into the M.Des courses offered by the institution. Aspirants can go through the NID exam pattern 2026 and the NID marking scheme of the M.Des for prelims and mains tests under this section.

NID DAT Exam Pattern 2026 for M.Des - Prelims

The prelims exam for the M.Des is divided into two parts: Part 1 and Part 2. Part 1 comprises objective-type questions, and Part 2 includes subjective-type questions. This exam is taken up offline and is for 100 marks. This test consists of a discipline or domain-specific test and a Common DAT (Design Aptitude Test). Candidates will be shortlisted accordingly based on their performance in both tests. The candidates can choose to appear for either one discipline-specific test or two. Check out the table below for the NID DAT 2026 M.Des exam pattern for prelims exam.

NID DAT 2026 Mains Mark Weightage for M.Des Prelims

The NID Mains marking scheme for M.Des's prelim exam varies yearly. The table of marks weighting is based on the previous year's analysis, and candidates can make a note of the same.

Read More: NID DAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

NID DAT 2026 Exam Pattern for M.Des - Mains

NID DAT Exam Pattern 2026 for the M.Des mains exam will be an online, computer-based test for a total of 100 marks. The total duration of the test is 3 hours (180 minutes).

NID exam pattern 2026 for the M.Des mains exam comprises the following tests. Students can refer to the points below.

• Studio Test: The studio test comprises questions based on hands-on practical exercises, such as drawing, sketching, doodling, model making, etc. The duration of the exam will be 180 minutes. The test will be held separately based on each specialisation.
• Interview: The interview process is conducted in the exam centres after the studio test is conducted. This process will also be performed separately, based on specialisation.

NID DAT 2026 Exam Total Score Weightage for M.Des

The exam authority releases the final merit list for all the candidates appearing for the prelims and the mains exam. The total scores obtained by the candidates are calculated by combining their marks in both tests. The new score weighting for the NID DAT M.Des prelims and mains exam is below for candidate reference

Previously, the percentile score weighting for the prelims exam was 30%, and for the mains test, it was 70%. However, the recent marks weighting for calculating the total score has been changed due to the persisting pandemic situation.

NID DAT 2026 Preparation Tips

Choosing the best and right study material for candidate preparation can prove helpful. They need to practice previous years' question papers to become familiar with the exam pattern and have a clear view of how NID exams have been conducted in the past. Students must carefully review the latest prescribed syllabus of NID 2026 and start the preparations accordingly.

• Students must prepare a well-defined strategy for their NID 2026 entrance exam preparations and a timetable for their suitable studying hours.
• They must follow the timetable and strategy consistently, and remember to cover and revise every topic in the NID 2026 syllabus during their preparations.
• One week before the NID 2026 entrance exam, they must go through the concepts and should focus on weaker areas. Last-minute revision is also necessary to score better in the NID 2026 exam.
• Students must choose the best and right study material for their preparations that can prove helpful. Practice previous years' NID DAT Question Papers to become familiar with the NID exam pattern 2026 and have a clear view of how NID exams have been conducted in the past.

NID DAT Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs