Exam guide · checked against the official source on 21 October 2026

NID DAT 2027 exam guide

The NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is the entrance exam for the National Institute of Design. It has two stages: DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. Here is what NID has announced for 2027-28 so far.

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Key facts

Last date to apply: Monday, 30 November 2026, 11:59 pm IST
Where to apply: Only at admissions.nid.edu
Stages: DAT Prelims, then DAT Mains for those shortlisted
Exam dates: In the NID Admissions Handbook 2027-28
Mode: Online, offline or both, as NID decides

Who can apply

B.Des: the 5.5-year Master of Design (Integrated Pathway) / Bachelor of Design programme.
M.Des: for graduates, at the campuses listed below.
Read the NID Admissions Handbook 2027-28 for age limits, qualifying exams and category rules.

Institutes

NID Ahmedabad
NID Gandhinagar
NID Bengaluru
NID Madhya Pradesh
NID Haryana
NID Andhra Pradesh
NID Assam

Exam pattern

DAT Prelims

The first stage, taken by every applicant. It tests design aptitude: drawing, observation, visual thinking and creativity.

DAT Mains

The second stage, only for candidates shortlisted from Prelims. NID announces its format and dates in the handbook.

How marks become a rank

NID publishes the shortlisting and final merit rules in the Admissions Handbook. Read it before you apply.

How to prepare for NID DAT

Step 1Draw every dayNID rewards observation and ideas you can show on paper. Practise timed drawing prompts in the NID style.Drawing practice
Step 2Get feedback on your drawingsA mentor marks up your drawing with rubric scores and comments within 72 hours, so you know exactly what to fix.Get mentor feedback
Step 3Train your visual thinkingUCEED and CEED past papers test the same spatial and observation skills that design aptitude tests look for.Practise past papers