Disha Edge
NID Design Aptitude Test 2027
NID Design Aptitude Test 2027 is conducted by the National Institute of Design. A design aptitude selection route with preliminary and main stages. Programme pathways differ by campus. It is used for admission to B.Des programmes and the announced integrated pathway, as specified in the current handbook. The exam date in the official notice is 20 December 2026. Format: a pen-and-paper test.
National Institute of Design / Checked on 2 October 2026
What this route opens
A design aptitude selection route with preliminary and main stages. Programme pathways differ by campus.
- B.Des programmes and the announced integrated pathway, as specified in the current handbook
Requirements to check
For 2027–28: General and General-EWS candidates must be born on or after 1 July 2006; OBC-NCL, SC and ST candidates on or after 1 July 2003; PwD candidates on or after 1 July 2001. You must have passed Class 12 or equivalent in any stream, or be appearing for it in 2026–27. If your result is not out by admission time, the marksheet must be submitted by 15 July 2027.
Official source checked / 2026-10-06
Exam format
Pen-and-paper test
- DAT Prelims
Not published or not applicable; see the format note.
- DAT Mains
Not published or not applicable; see the format note.
Use the instructions in the actual test booklet. No universal marking penalty is asserted here.
Format note: DAT Prelims is a pen-and-paper test; the 2027–28 handbook says its duration will be stated on the admit card. DAT Mains has two parts: a Studio Sensitivity Test and an In-Person Sensitivity Test. A fixed question count is not published in this summary. DAT Prelims and DAT Mains question papers are in English only.
The full guide on one page
The main facts from the tool above, written out so you can read them in one go.
What is NID Design Aptitude Test used for?
A design aptitude selection route with preliminary and main stages. Programme pathways differ by campus.
- B.Des programmes and the announced integrated pathway, as specified in the current handbook
- Conducted by
- National Institute of Design
- Course areas
- Design
Who can take NID Design Aptitude Test?
For 2027–28: General and General-EWS candidates must be born on or after 1 July 2006; OBC-NCL, SC and ST candidates on or after 1 July 2003; PwD candidates on or after 1 July 2001. You must have passed Class 12 or equivalent in any stream, or be appearing for it in 2026–27. If your result is not out by admission time, the marksheet must be submitted by 15 July 2027.
Official source checked. Last checked .
Source: National Institute of Design
What is the NID Design Aptitude Test exam pattern?
- Mode
- Pen-and-paper test
- Duration
- Not published
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| DAT Prelims | Not published | Not published |
| DAT Mains | Not published | Not published |
Marking: Use the instructions in the actual test booklet. No universal marking penalty is asserted here.
Format note: DAT Prelims is a pen-and-paper test; the 2027–28 handbook says its duration will be stated on the admit card. DAT Mains has two parts: a Studio Sensitivity Test and an In-Person Sensitivity Test. A fixed question count is not published in this summary. DAT Prelims and DAT Mains question papers are in English only.
Official source checked. Last checked .
Source: National Institute of Design
What is the NID Design Aptitude Test syllabus?
Design aptitude
- Observation and visual interpretation
- Communicating an idea through drawing and written explanation
- Creative response to a given situation
When are the NID Design Aptitude Test 2027 dates?
| Step | Date or window | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027–28 application deadline | Official source checked, checked 2 October 2026 | Source: National Institute of Design | |
| DAT Prelims admit card | Official source checked, checked 2 October 2026 | Source: National Institute of Design | |
| DAT Prelims | Official source checked, checked 2 October 2026 | Source: National Institute of Design | |
| DAT Prelims result | Official source checked, checked 2 October 2026 | Source: National Institute of Design |
Each date comes from the official notice linked in its row. A date that has passed belongs to the last cycle.
Which careers and board syllabi connect to NID Design Aptitude Test?
Careers whose routes use this exam
- Animator
Plan and create movement in drawings, models or digital characters to tell a story or explain an idea.
- Communication designer
Make information understandable through words, images and their arrangement.
- Graphic Designer
Use type, images and layout to make a message understandable.
- User experience designer
Study how people use apps, websites and services, and design them so they are easy to understand and use.
Where can I find official NID Design Aptitude Test papers?
- B.Des DAT Prelims historical sample, 2025: Official sample, checked 5 October 2026
Where does this information come from?
Needs verification. Last checked .
- NID 2027–28 B.Des and integrated pathway admissions handbook, National Institute of Design, accessed
Prepared by the Disha Stars team from the sources listed here. Check the latest official notice before you apply.