NID DAT Entrance Exam

in Kerala

Anyone who wants to get into the most famous design school in India needs to take the Design Aptitude Test (DAT), conducted by the National Institute of Design (NID). The candidates for this prestigious test are judged on their unique thinking ability, ability to reason logically, and skillset for design skills. So, it is an essential first step for students who want to do well in fields like garment design, industrial design, IT integrated design and communication design.

Aspiring designers in Kerala require focused guidance, structured learning, and expert mentorship to excel in the NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT). Our NID coaching programs are tailored to help you master both the DAT Prelims (design aptitude, logical reasoning, and visual perception) and DAT Mains (studio tests, interviews, and portfolio development). With a blend of online and offline classes, we offer personalized training, mock tests, design workshops, and one-on-one feedback from NID alumni to refine your creative thinking and problem-solving skills. From mastering sketching techniques to acing the studio test, our comprehensive support ensures you’re fully prepared to transform your design aspirations into a thriving career at NID.

Why choose NID?

01

Premier Design Institute

NID is renowned for its innovative design programs and has multiple campuses across India.

02

Diverse Programs

Offers undergraduate (B.Des) and postgraduate (M.Des) courses covering various design disciplines.

03

Industry Oriented Curriculum

Focuses on practical skills and industry exposure through projects and internships.

04

Global Recognition

NID graduates are highly sought after in the design industry worldwide.

NID Exam Centres in Kerala

Ernakulam:

RAJAGIRI COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES RAJAGIRI PO KALAMASSERY NEAR STATE BANK OF INDIA KOCHI-683104

MUTHOOT INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY VARIKOLI POST PUTHENCRUZ KOCHI- 682308

SETH RAMBAHADUR SINGH GUJARATI COLLEGE GUJARATI ROAD ,MATANCHERRY NEAR JALARAM TEMPLE KOCHI- 682002

RAJAGIRI BUSINESS SCHOOL INFOPARK EXPRESS WAY SEAPORT AIRPORT ROAD CHITTETHUKARA, KAKKAND KOCHI-682039

GOVT MODEL ENGINEERING COLLEGE TRIKKAKARA 682021

Trivandrum:

JOHN COX MEMORIAL CSI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY KANNAMMOOLA, MEDICAL COLLEGE PO THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695011

RAHADHANI INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING NAGAROOR KALLAMBALAM ROAD NAGAROOR ATTINGAL

Are You Eligible for NID DAT 2026?

A quick checklist from your afdindia’s mentors

For B.Des. (UG Program)

Want to join right after school? Here’s what you need:

Educational Qualification:

Must have passed or be appearing in 10+2 (any stream) by June 2026

Recognized board (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards or equivalent)

Age Limit:

Maximum of 20yrs as on 1st July (General/OBC)

Relaxation of 3 years for SC/ST/PwD

For M.Des. (PG Program)

Finished graduation or in your final year? You’re good to go!

Educational Qualification:

Must have completed a Bachelor’s degree (any stream)

Final-year students can also apply (graduation must be completed by July 2026)

Accepted Degrees:

4-year Bachelor's degree (after 12th)

OR 3-year Bachelor's + 1-year PG diploma/certification

OR 5-year integrated Master’s degree

Age Limit:

Maximum of 27yrs as on 1st July (General/OBC)

Relaxation of 3 years for SC/ST/PwD

Mentor’s Note:

“The key is simple—if you're creative and meet the age + qualification criteria, you can apply. Don't worry if you're from Science, Commerce, or Humanities—NID welcomes all backgrounds!”

NID Programs Offered Through DAT 2026

UG Programs – Bachelor of Design (B.Des) 4 years | Available at Ahmedabad, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh campuses

Design Courses Table

Course Name	Learning Outcome
Animation Film Design	Create compelling narratives with 2D/3D animation and storyboarding.
Film & Video Communication	Learn filmmaking, scripting, editing, and direction.
Graphic Design	Master visual communication, branding, and design systems.
Exhibition Design	Design immersive, interactive spaces for museums, expos, and events.
Product Design	Innovate everyday products using form, function, and user research.
Textile & Apparel Design	Explore textiles, fashion, garment construction, and surface techniques.
Industrial Design (New Campuses)	Solve real-world problems through functional product design.
Communication Design (New Campuses)	Visual storytelling and media for print, digital, and space.

PG Programs – Master of Design (M.Des.)

2.5 years | Offered at NID Ahmedabad, Bengaluru & Gandhinagar

Design Programs Table

Program Name	Learning Outcome
Animation Film Design	Advanced storytelling through animation and motion graphics.
Apparel Design	Design fashion collections and explore sustainable clothing practices.
Ceramic & Glass Design	Craft innovative products using clay, glass, and mixed media.
Film & Video Communication	Specialized training in direction, editing, and filmmaking aesthetics.
Furniture & Interior Design	Design functional and aesthetic furniture, interiors, and environments.
Graphic Design	Deep dive into branding, typography, layout, and visual identity.
Lifestyle Accessory Design	Create fashion accessories, home decor, and lifestyle products.
New Media Design	Explore interaction, immersive tech, AR/VR, and digital environments.
Photography Design	Develop storytelling through lens, editing, and conceptual photography.
Product Design	User-centric product innovation with technical & ergonomic insight.
Strategic Design Management	Blend design with business, branding, and innovation strategies.
Textile Design	Focus on advanced weave structures, dyeing, and design interventions.
Toy & Game Design	Design playful, educational, and culturally rich games and toys.
Transportation & Automobile Design	Design vehicles, mobility experiences & future transit ecosystems.
Interaction Design	Specialize in UX/UI, digital product design, and user behavior research.
Universal Design	Create inclusive solutions for diverse abilities and needs.
Information Design	Organize data visually for better communication, understanding & impact.
Digital Game Design	Conceptualize and build engaging digital gaming experiences.
Design for Retail Experience	Craft branded spatial experiences across physical & digital retail.

Most Popular NID Courses - Top Picks by Students

B.Des: Product Design, Animation Film Design, Graphic Design, Textile & Apparel Design

M.Des: Interaction Design, Strategic Design Management, Transportation Design, Graphic Design

afdindia Mentor’s Tip:

“Each NID course leads to a different kind of creative future. Take your time to read about each—don’t just follow the crowd. You’ll do best in a program that fits your curiosity and strengths. Our team at AFD India will guide you every step of the way!”

NID 2026 Important Dates

Online Registration Starts	September 9, 2025
Registration Deadline	December 2, 2025
Admit Card Release	December 8, 2025
NID DAT Prelims Exam Date	December 24. 2025
NID DAT Prelims Result	January 21, 2026
NID DAT Mains Exam Date	March/April 2026
NID DAT Mains Results	May 2026

Eligibilty Criteria

Age Limit

For B.Des: Candidates must be born on or after October 1, 2000 (Age relaxation of 3 years for reserved categories).
For M.Des: No age limit.

Education

B.Des: Passed or appearing for the 10+2 examination in any stream from a recognized board.
M.Des: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.

Admission Steps

Only online applications are accepted for NID DAT 2026.
The NID application process includes online registration, filling out the form, uploading papers, and paying the application cost.
Visit NID's website.
Select "New Registration."
Enter your mobile number, email, and birthdate, and click submit.
The registered email and cellphone number will receive login credentials after registration.
Re-login to the portal with your registration credentials.
Enter all application information correctly.
Upload all required papers in the format given.
Pay the application fee online or offline.

Live Design Career Counselling

Register for our webinar and claim FREE Ebooks of NIFT & NID Question Papers

INR 1000/- FREE (limited time offer)

Enroll Now

NID DAT Exam Pattern

The NID DAT Entrance Exam consists of two stages:

01

DAT Prelims (Aptitude Test)

Assesses general aptitude, logical reasoning, creative thinking, and visual perception.
Includes multiple-choice questions and subjective drawing questions.
Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper-based).

02

DAT MAINS (Studio Test & Interview)

For shortlisted candidates from DAT Prelims.
Studio Test evaluates practical skills through various activities like model making, sketching, and problem-solving.
Personal Interview assesses personality, portfolio, and career goals.

NID 2026 Preparation Tips

To do well on the competitive design entrance test, NID DAT, you need to plan your study in a structured way. These tests assess different skills, such as your ability to think creatively, solve problems, and visualise. Prepare with past question papers and practice tests regularly to build confidence and to get familiar with the format of the admission test. Structured study also helps students make better use of resources and make sure they cover all the important topics in a logical order..

Preparation Strategies

Creative thinking and design skills are essential for NID DAT entrance exam preparation. Sketch, brainstorm, and solve design issues to inspire creativity. Mock exams boost confidence, enhance time management, and identify areas for development. Analysis of NID DAT's previous questions reveals exam patterns and commonly tested themes.

Time Management

Time management is essential for NID DAT exam preparation. Start with a detailed study strategy that prioritizes topics by importance, marks weightage, your strengths & weak areas. Allocate time for all areas of questions asked in the test. Set weekly goals and track progress to avoid last-minute hustling. Understand the logic & the process. Stay refreshed to avoid burnout with breaks. Use planners, clocks, and study apps to stay organized. Timing ensures continuous preparation for both tests, optimizing performance while keeping study stress low. Make a weekly timetable (balance school + prep). Spend 1–2 hours daily on drawing, problem-solving, and design thinking.

Understand the Exam

Go through the NID DAT Prelims & Mains format and know what they test: Creativity, Observation, Storytelling, Imagination.

Utilizing Available Resources

Use the recommended study resources provided as part of afdindia’s study materials to learn design and creativity. Read the books, do the exercises and understand the logic of the solved examples.

What to Carry on Exam Day?

Admit Card

Additional Photograph

Original Photo ID

Stationery

Dry colors & drawing materials

Highlights of our NID Coaching Classes

Consistent Highest NID Results.

Over 25 years of unmatched experience.

Faculty comprises NIFT/NID alumni.

Best-in-class NID Study Materials.

Versatile Training & Coaching Classes.

Oldest NID Coaching Institute in India.

Multiple mock tests, module assessment & assignments.

Digital library of Past papers, questions & more

Career counselling beyond just NID

Learn in Physical Classroom

Experience personalized learning with our expert instructors in a dynamic classroom environment, tailored to help you excel in NID entrance exams.

View Classroom Programs

Discover Online Learning

Learn from the comfort of your home with our expert-led NID online classes, offering flexible schedules, live interactive sessions, and access to updated study materials.

View Online Programs

Subscribe to Study Materials

Access comprehensive study materials designed by industry experts, featuring detailed notes, practice questions, and mock tests.

View Self-Study Materials

NID DAT Coaching

Attend all NID DAT classes (live or online) and access resources on our mobile App & LMS platforms. Interactive tools, virtual video tutorials, recorded classes and exam-like mock examinations are easily accessed on afdindia’s mobile App & LMS platforms. Ask for tailored feedback on peer forums. Ask questions and learn from others. Online courses let you learn at your own speed and revisit difficult topics.

Afdindia provides systematic instructions and experienced faculty mentorship. These centres offer NID DAT-specific study materials, workshops, and mock examinations. We encourage our students to participate in class discussions and ask for feedback on their ideas, sketches & solutions. Use our practice sheets, mock tests & recorded sessions.

Sketch Daily : Keep a sketchbook. Practice people, objects, spaces & expressions. Don’t worry about perfection—focus on ideas.
Think Creatively : Observe everyday life and create stories from situations. Use “what if…” questions to stretch imagination.
Solve Past Papers : Attempt previous NID papers weekly. Analyze mistakes and improve. Ask for Feedback and Share work in afdindia's peer groups. Get feedback form our mentors about what to improve.
Build Your Portfolio : Start collecting your best work. Organize by themes, media or concepts and update it regularly with fresh ideas. For Mains Prep - Use afdindia’s studio test & interview guidance. Practice model making, storytelling, and material handling tasks.
Sleep well : Your brain needs proper sleep. You don’t have to be the best artist—you need to be a smart thinker with original ideas. Be consistent, trust the process, and we’ll guide you all the way!”

Academic Director

Ms. Julie James NIFT (New Delhi - 1994 batch)

She has 30+ years of experience in design education. Post-graduate from NIFT- New Delhi (1991 batch). She has held managerial roles in the fashion industry, HOD - Dept. of Fashion Design, Assumption College & as Academic Director in afdindia.

FAQs

What is the NID DAT entrance exam?

The NID DAT is a competitive exam used to select students for NID's undergraduate and postgraduate design programs. To determine design job fit, it tests creativity, visual perception, logical reasoning, and problem-solving.

Who is eligible to take the NID DAT in Kerala?

Any eligible NID DAT applicant can apply, regardless of location. The exam is open to high school graduates and bachelor's degree holders.

How many stages are there in the exam process?

The NID DAT has two parts: a written test of originality, ability, and design fundamentals. A hands-on studio test with model making, sketching, and other design problems. Personal interviews and portfolio evaluations may occur at this level.

How can I prepare for NID DAT mains?

Solve real-world problems to improve your creativity and design skills. Mock tests and NID DAT mains past questions should be done routinely. Create a design portfolio that showcases your talents and creativity. Analyze past questions to grasp the exam format and concentration.

What types of questions are included in the NID DAT exam?

The exam includes objective and subjective questions like problem-solving through creativity and design and sketching and visualizing. General art and design understanding and logic. Main examinations include drawing, model-making, and group discussions.

How important is creativity in exams?

The NID DAT test relies on creativity. It assesses creativity, problem-solving, and nonconformity. Creative ability is crucial to the selection process because it shows your design potential.

Are NID DAT coaching classes necessary?

Coaching classes are optional but valuable. Structured learning, experienced guidance, and curated study materials are offered by afdindia. We also offer simulated exams to improve exam preparation.