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NID Exam Syllabus 2022 - Download NID DAT Syllabus for UG & PG Courses Here!
Download NID Exam complete information as PDFIMPORTANT LINKS
The National Institute of Design (NID) is an institute of national importance and a statutory authority responsible for conducting the NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) entrance exam. NID exam is organised for admissions in Bachelor of Design (B. Des.) and Masters of Design (M. Des.) courses in NID colleges across India. Go through the NID entrance exam syllabus to get admissions in UG and PG courses. Candidates can also seek admission to other design institutes that accept the NID DAT 2022 scores.
- The NID DAT 2022 examination was conducted in three stages - written round, studio test, and interview.
- The written round is divided into two stages - DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. Candidates qualifying Prelims will be called for the NID DAT mains exam. Check NID Exam Pattern here.
- The NID DAT Syllabus 2022 is different for B. Des. and M. Des. courses and for different stages of the examination.
- NID doesn’t release any official syllabus for the DAT examination, therefore, the candidate needs to reference the previous year’s question papers and sample papers to understand the important topics and exam patterns. Also follow NID Exam best Books for Preparation.
Follow along to know about the Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Marks weightage, preparation strategy, and books to follow for both the undergraduate and postgraduate design courses!
Check detailed NID Exam Cut Off Marks here.
NID Exam Syllabus 2022
The NID DAT 2022 examination has a different Syllabus for both the undergraduate (B. Des.) and postgraduate (M. Des.) programs. Further, the candidate needs to stress on different topics for the Prelims and Mains examination for each course.
NID DAT Syllabus 2022 for B. Design
Bachelor of Design (B. Des.) is the only undergraduate program offered under the NID DAT 2022 examination. The exam will consist of two written stages - Prelims and Mains, the syllabus for which is mentioned below.
B. Des. Prelims Syllabus
The Prelims examination tests the creativity of the candidate as well as his/her general awareness. The following table details the topics that might be asked in B. Des. DAT Prelims:
| S. No. | Topic |
| 1 | Analytical and Logical Ability This will include the general reasoning ability questions with low to medium levels of difficulty. |
| 2 | Creativity-Observation-Imagination This will test the imagination of the candidate to apply creativity in his answers to score better. Also, observation-related questions about shape-observation of everyday things will be asked. |
| 3 | Creative thinking & writing Paper presentation skills and English communication skills |
| 4 | Colour Terminology Colour standards, inter-relationships |
| 5 | Colour, Pattern & Texture Basic understanding of geometrical patterns, and colour textures |
| 6 | Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions Colour perception, finding shapes in illusive drawings |
| 7 | Design Awareness Awareness regarding general design structures, design thinking |
| 8 | Design Theory Communication of messages through visuals |
| 9 | Design Outline Outer-edge designing of scenes |
| 10 | Developing Observation Observation of user interaction with products |
| 11 | Developing Themes & Colour Associations Creation of effective colour palettes for designs |
| 12 | Drawing Fundamentals Human figures, expressions, emotions, perspective |
| 13 | Elements & Principles Of Design Contrast, balance, emphasis, movement, repetition |
| 14 | English Comprehension Passage based questions |
| 15 | Exercises on imagination Questions based on creative thinking |
| 16 | Expression & Emotion Use of emotions to increase user engagement |
| 17 | Foreshortening & Perspective The illusion of depth in 2D design, eye perception |
| 18 | Form & Function Form follows Function principle, implementation |
| 19 | GK and Current Affairs General awareness questions |
| 20 | Good Design vs Bad Design Characteristics of good and bad design, distraction, understanding |
| 21 | Graphics and Pictograms Data-based charts, icons, images |
| 22 | Imagination & Doodling Basic shapes from different angles, thinking and design-making at the same time |
| 23 | Innovation & Creation Development of fresh ideas, innovation as teamwork, innovation leading to creativity |
| 24 | Innovation in Design Identifying, and understanding design needs |
| 25 | Inspiration & Creativity Creative self-concept, identification of sources |
| 26 | Inspiration & Design Development Development based on inspirational identification |
| 27 | Lateral Thinking Out-of-the-box thinking in design, approach using reasoning |
| 28 | Lettering Art of letter drawing with a unique configuration |
| 29 | Memory Drawing Pictorial representation of objects, places, and situations |
| 30 | Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship Concepts of warm colours, cool colours, bright colours, muted colours, relationships between colours |
| 31 | Natural & Geometrical Form Biomorphic shapes, geometric shapes, precision and regularity of shapes |
| 32 | Optical Illusion Types of illusion - physiological, cognitive, or literal, understanding of each type |
| 33 | Ornaments & motifs Repetitive designing, categories of motifs, ornaments and motif designs in ancient civilizations |
| 34 | Outline for Beginners Sense of aesthetics, art and culture, ornaments & motifs, picture analysis, natural & geometrical form |
| 35 | Picture Analysis Information extraction from images, identification of shapes |
| 36 | Presentation Techniques Tips for effective presentation of ideas, core ideas, artistic language usage |
| 37 | Principles of Composition Emphasis, Balance and Alignment, Contrast, Repetition, Proportion, Movement and White Space |
| 38 | Problem Solving Ability to solve real-time problems, general awareness |
| 39 | Rendering Pencil & colour rendering, understanding light & shade, presentation techniques |
| 40 | Story Pictures Story pictures, story writing skills, creative thinking & writing |
| 41 | Theme Development Design of themes |
| 42 | Understanding Basics of Science General science, laws, theories, principles |
| 43 | Understanding Light & Shade Design with depth, dimension, perspective, realism, and visual interest |
| 44 | Usage of Colour in Compositions Emphasis in composition, colour characteristics - hue, saturation, temperature, value |
| 45 | Use of Measurements, Scale & proportions Basic definition, understanding in design |
| 46 | Visual Logic Design shaping and configuration, finding the right balance for visual appeal |
| 47 | 3D Visualisation Rendering designs in 3 dimensions, visualising 3D shapes |
B. Des. Mains Syllabus
The Studio Test evaluates the ability of the candidate to convert abstract ideas into visuals. The following table details the topics that might be asked in B. Des. Mains/ DAT Studio Test:
| S. No. | Topic |
| 1 | Audio – Visual Exercises Questions based on analysis of audio/ video clippings |
| 2 | Creative Thinking Leveraging imagination for design |
| 3 | Doodling Questions based on doodle design rules |
| 4 | How to Evolve Ideas Inspiration from design evolution |
| 5 | Material Manipulation Creating, sculpturing and embellishing effects on different materials, achieving varying & unique appearances |
| 6 | Meeting with NID Alumni Guidance from students seeking design courses in NID institutes |
| 7 | Model Making Construction of 3D models from different materials |
Know how to download the NID Exam Admit Card here.
NID DAT Syllabus 2022 for M. Design
Masters of Design (M. Des.) is the only postgraduate program offered under the NID DAT 2022 examination. The exam will consist of two written stages - Prelims and Mains, the syllabus for which is mentioned below.
M. Des. Prelims Syllabus
The Prelims examination tests the creativity of the candidate as well as his/her general awareness.
The M. Des. DAT Prelims constitutes of two parts:
- Common Design Aptitude Test (CDAT)
- Domain Specific Test (Based on the specialisation that the candidate has applied for)
The syllabus for CDAT is the same as that for B. Des. The domain-specific test is however based on the specialisation that the candidate is applying for.
M. Des. in Fashion Design Syllabus
The M. Des. in Fashion Design syllabus is illustrated in the table below:
| S. No. | Topic |
| 1 | Business Fundamentals |
| 2 | Fashion Marketing and Promotion |
| 3 | Fashion Orientation, Studies and Forecasting |
| 4 | Fashion Supply Chain Management |
| 5 | Merchandising |
| 6 | Research Methodology |
| 7 | Retail Management |
M. Des. in Interior Design Syllabus
The M. Des. in Interior Design syllabus is illustrated in the table below:
| S. No. | Topic |
| 1 | Design Context |
| 2 | Design Drawing |
| 3 | Design Project |
| 4 | Digital Methods |
| 5 | Fundamentals of Design |
| 6 | Inter Design Studies |
M. Des. in Communication Studies Syllabus
The M. Des. in Communication Studies syllabus is illustrated in the table below:
| S. No. | Topic |
| 1 | Approaches to Culture & Communication |
| 2 | Fundamentals of Design |
| 3 | Introduction to Narratology |
| 4 | Object-Oriented Programming |
| 5 | Principles of Interaction Design |
| 6 | Research Methodologies |
M. Des. in Graphic Design Syllabus
The M. Des. in Graphic Design syllabus is illustrated in the table below:
| S. No. | Topic |
| 1 | Aesthetics & Semantics |
| 2 | Animation |
| 3 | Applications and Inter-connectivity |
| 4 | Digital visualisation |
| 5 | Information Design |
| 6 | Research Methodologies |
| 7 | Web Design |
M. Des. Mains Syllabus
The Studio Test evaluates the ability of the candidate to convert abstract ideas into visuals. The following table details the topics that might be asked in M. Des. Mains/ DAT Studio Test:
| S. No. | Topic |
| 1 | Audio – Visual Exercises Questions based on analysis of audio/ video clippings |
| 2 | Creative Thinking Leveraging imagination for design |
| 3 | Doodling Questions based on doodle design rules |
| 4 | How to Evolve Ideas Inspiration from design evolution |
| 5 | Material Manipulation Creating, sculpturing, and embellishing effects on different materials, achieving varying & unique appearances |
| 6 | Model Making Construction of 3D models from different materials provided |
Check detailed NID Exam Eligibility Criteria here.
NID DAT Exam Pattern 2022
The candidate needs to have a clear understanding of the NID DAT exam pattern so that they can follow the right way to attempt the exam. The NID DAT 2022 exam pattern is very similar to the previous-year ones. The candidate can follow the exam pattern described here for reference.
B. Des. Prelims
The B. Des. DAT Prelims consists of two sections - subjective and objective. The weightage of each section is different.
| Section | Question Type | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Weightage |
| I | Objective | 22 | 30 | 30% |
| II | Subjective | 4 | 70 | 70% |
M. Des. Prelims
The M. Des. DAT Prelims consists of two sections - subjective and objective. The weightage of each section is different.
| Section | Question Type | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Weightage |
| I | Objective | 22 | 30 | 30% |
| II | Subjective | 4 | 70 | 70% |
B. Des. Mains
The DAT Mains for B. Des. may consist of tests in different formats like sketching, model-making, presentations, etc. Hence, there is no set format for the same as it varies every year.
M. Des. Mains
The DAT Mains for M. Des. may consist of tests in different formats like sketching, model-making, presentations, statement of purpose, etc. Hence, there is no set format for the same as it varies every year.
Check NID Counselling updates here.
NID DAT 2022 Exam Wise Overall Marks Weightage For Admissions
The overall marks weightage for both the NID DAT B. Des. and M. Des. examination is detailed below for the candidate’s reference.
B. Des.
The contribution of the DAT prelims and mains score for a candidate to be eligible to seek admission in a B. Des. program is:
| Exam | Weightage |
| DAT Prelims | 70% |
| DAT Mains | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
M. Des.
The contribution of the DAT prelims and mains score for a candidate to be eligible to seek admission in an M. Des. program is:
| Exam | Weightage |
| DAT Prelims | 60%
|
| DAT Mains | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
NID DAT 2022 Preparation Strategy
Preparation strategy plays a very important role in a candidate’s outlook towards the examination. A strategically created preparation strategy can lessen the number of learning hours, and increase the chances of selection. The candidates can refer to the below points to plan a perfect strategy for the upcoming NID DAT 2022 examination:
- Examine the syllabus thoroughly, and make a list of all important topics.
- Focus on the sections carrying more weightage in the examination.
- Stick to 1 good book for each topic, instead of referring to multiple resources.
- Practice from previous year’s examination papers, and mock tests.
- Enhance your creative skills so that your mind and hand work in coordination.
- Practice how to verbally communicate your creative skills. This will come in handy during the interview round.
NID DAT Best Books to be Referred
The candidate can streamline his efforts for any examination by a smart choice of books. The candidates can follow the under-mentioned books for their NID DAT 2022 preparation:
| S. No. | Book Name | Course | Author |
| 1 | Design Elements, Color Fundamentals: A Graphic Style Manual for Understanding How Color Impacts Design | B. Des./ M. Des. | Aaris Sherin |
| 2 | Design: A Concise History | B. Des. | T. Hauffe |
| 3 | Principles of Two Dimensional Design | B. Des. | Wong W |
| 4 | Engineering Drawing, 2nd Ed. | B. Des. | M B Shah and B C Rana |
| 5 | Universal Principles of Design | M. Des. | William Lidwell, Kristina Holden, Jill Butler |
| 6 | The Design of Everyday Things | M. Des. | Don Norman |
| 7 | Layout Essentials | M. Des. | Beth Tondreau |
We hope this article successfully provided you with the necessary information regarding the NID exam syllabus. We at Testbook provide information regarding entrance, state-level, and national-level exams to all aspiring candidates. The Testbook App offers high-quality resources, test series, video lessons, and live classes for your exam preparation.
Last updated on Jun 9, 2025
NID Entrance Exam Syllabus 2022 FAQs
What are the broad topics that the NID DAT 2022 syllabus will cover?
The NID DAT 2022 examination broadly covers creative design principles, design awareness, creative drawing, perspective drawing, and specialisation-based topics.
Do I need to separately apply for specialisation courses in DAT 2022?
You need to specifically choose your domain subject only in the case of appearing for the M. Des. DAT examination.
Can I refer to B. Des. books for M. Des. preparation?
You can refer to B. Des. books for M. Des. Common Design Aptitude Test (CDAT) as the syllabus for both is the same. However, for domain-specific subjects, you need to follow additional resources.
Do I need to be excellent in drawing to pass the NID DAT 2022 examination?
No, but you need to have above-average drawing skills as well as creativity and presentation skills.
Does the NID DAT 2022 Prelims for B. Des. consist of only objective questions?