NID 2026 Syllabus Breakdown: Complete Prelims & Mains Syllabus for BDes & MDes

NID 2026 Syllabus: Following the release of the NID 2026 notification, aspirants should familiarise themselves with the NID 2026 syllabus for both Prelims and Mains. Although NID does not publish an official syllabus, candidates can rely on previous years’ question papers and trusted study resources to gauge the important topics. A clear understanding of the syllabus enables focused preparation, better time management, and improved performance in the exam.

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NID 2026 Syllabus Overview

The National Institute of Design (NID) Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is a crucial exam for design aspirants. The NID 2026 syllabus is comprehensive, assessing design, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The syllabus covers key areas like Design Aptitude, General Knowledge, Creativity, and Problem-Solving. It is important to have a clear understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern to succeed in the NID entrance exam. 

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NID DAT Syllabus

The NID DAT Syllabus covers the essential areas tested in both the Prelims and Mains stages of the Design Aptitude Test. It evaluates a candidate’s creativity, observation, visualization, problem-solving ability, design thinking, and general awareness. The syllabus includes topics such as drawing, sketching, creativity exercises, colour concepts, analytical reasoning, and understanding of design principles.

NID Prelims Syllabus

The NID Prelims Syllabus focuses on assessing a candidate’s aptitude through objective and subjective questions. Key areas include visual perception, creativity, observation and imagination, logical reasoning, general awareness, design problem-solving, storytelling, and basic drawing skills. The Prelims stage emphasises conceptual clarity, innovative thinking, and the ability to present ideas effectively through sketches and written responses.

NID 2026 Syllabus for BDes & MDes

The NID 2026 syllabus is comprehensive, assessing design, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The entrance exam is conducted in two stages: prelims and mains for both B.Des and M.Des programs. Candidates can refer to the previous year NID DAT syllabus. The NID 2026 syllabus for the exam is broad, but it can be divided into the following categories. 

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NID 2026 Syllabus for CAT BDes Prelims

The NID 2026 Syllabus for CAT BDes Prelims is designed to evaluate a candidate's overall aptitude and creativity in the field of design. It covers various topics such as Design Aptitude, Drawing and Sketching. The following table mentions the important topics under the NID 2026 Syllabus for CAT BDes Prelims. 

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NID 2026 Syllabus for GAT BDes Prelims

The NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Prelims for the BDes program includes a General Ability Test (GAT) that assesses analytical, logical, and design-related skills. Understanding the syllabus is crucial for effective preparation. The NID DAT question paper for the Prelims exam includes subjective and objective type questions. The following table mentions important topics under the NID 2026 Syllabus for GAT BDes Prelims.

NID 2026 Syllabus for BDes Mains

The NID DAT Mains exam for the BDes program is a studio test designed to evaluate practical skills and creative thinking. Candidates who clear the NID DAT Prelims are eligible for this stage. The mains syllabus includes various hands-on and interactive exercises.

NID 2026 Syllabus for CAT MDes Prelims

The NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Prelims for the MDes program includes a Creative Ability Test (CAT), evaluating design aptitude. This test assesses a candidate's skills through various design-related topics. Understanding the syllabus is crucial for effective preparation. Important topics for the NID MDes CAT Syllabus are as follows. 

NID 2026 Syllabus for GAT MDes Prelims

The NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Prelims for the MDes program includes a General Ability Test (GAT) that evaluates design-related skills, analytical reasoning, and creative thinking. This comprehensive test assesses candidates' potential through various topics covering design theory, visual skills, and general awareness. 

NID 2026 Syllabus for MDes Mains

The NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Mains for the MDes program is a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate's design skills and creative potential. This stage includes a Studio Test and Personal Interview, which together carry a 70% weightage in the final selection process. Candidates who clear the Prelims are eligible to appear for the Mains examination.

Weightage of NID MDes DAT Prelims & Mains for Final Result

The National Institute of Design (NID) calculates the final merit list for the MDes program using a comprehensive weightage system that evaluates candidates across multiple examination stages. For the MDes program, the final result is determined by combining scores from DAT Prelims, Studio Test, and Personal Interview.

NID 2026 Syllabus Preparation Tips

Some preparation tips for candidates preparing for the NID 2026 entrance exam are as follows. 

• Begin by thoroughly reviewing the NID syllabus to identify key topics for both the CAT (Creative Ability Test) and GAT (General Ability Test) sections. Focus on areas like Design Aptitude, General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, and Creativity.
• Since the CAT section heavily involves creativity and sketching, practice drawing, creating visual concepts, and enhancing your design thinking. Work on exercises that improve your spatial awareness, color theory, and form.
• Stay updated with current affairs, especially related to design, art, culture, and global trends. Reading newspapers, design magazines, and online articles can help you stay informed.
• For the GAT section, regularly practice quantitative aptitude, verbal reasoning, and logical puzzles. This will help improve your problem-solving ability and speed.
• Solve previous years' question papers and mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and types of questions. This will help you build confidence and identify weak areas.

NID 2026 Syllabus Preparation Books

Choosing the right NID 2026 syllabus preparation books is crucial as they provide comprehensive coverage of key topics, enhancing both conceptual understanding and practical skills. These books help you improve your creativity, design aptitude, logical reasoning, and general knowledge, ensuring you are well-prepared for both the CAT and GAT sections of the exam. The following table enlists some of the preparation books for the NID 2026 entrance exam.