How to Prepare for NID Entrance Exam - Your Complete Guide
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Crack the NID Entrance Exam with this easy guide for new designers. Learn exam pattern, DAT prelims and mains syllabus with drawing, thinking, creativity, and problem skills. Make 6 month study plan with daily sketch practice, mock tests, and good books like Key to NID. Learn human figures, composition, 3D models for studio tests. Stay updated on new trends. We cover BDes MDes eligibility, cutoffs 40-50%, and tips for exam stress. Get past papers from admissions.nid.edu, use journal to track progress, stay healthy for best work. Top students say keep practicing daily. Start your design career with simple steps and good plans today.
NID exam helps you join India's best design college. National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad is dream school for designers. Many students apply for BDes and MDes courses. Start prep now for the next exam to get good marks.
NID exam has two steps. First step is written test called DAT. It has prelims and mains. Prelims has MCQ questions. Mains has drawing and studio test. Exam checks if you can think like designer.
Why start early? Very tough competition. Only few seats in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru campuses. Good plan makes you confident.
First Know Exam Pattern
Before drawing, understand exam. Prelims DAT is 3 hours, 100 marks. Has MCQ, drawing, short answers. Topics are basic drawing, colors, shapes, human figures, daily objects, news with design.
Mains has studio test. You make models with paper or thermocol. Solve real problems. Syllabus comes from life, not books. See old papers on nid.edu website.
| Stage | Time | What to Do | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | 3 hrs | MCQ, sketch | 100 |
| Mains | 3-5 hrs | Studio test | Varies |
Tip: Check 2026 brochure when out. Usually exam in January. For BDes need 12th pass, age under 20. Commerce, arts students can apply.
Make Simple Study Plan
Good plan means smart work, not too many hours. Take 6 months prep. First 2 months learn basics. Next 3 months practice hard. Last month do mock tests.
- Morning time best for drawing. Mind is fresh.
- Afternoon read about colors, shapes.
- Evening check mistakes.
Take breaks. Too much work makes you tired. Fix your weak points. If drawing bad, do more drawing. Use notebook to write daily progress. Need only pencil, paper.
Learn Drawing Step by Step
Drawing is most important for NID exam. You don't need photo perfect drawings. Learn to make fast, good sketches that show ideas clearly.
Follow these 5 simple steps:
Watch and draw people
Go to park. Watch kids playing, people walking. Come home and draw from memory. Do this daily for 20 minutes.Practice fast sketches
Set 10 minute timer. Draw simple things like cup, bottle from 3 different sides. Speed helps in exam.Learn basic face rules
Eyes stay in middle of face. Nose ends at half point. Mouth below nose. Practice 10 faces daily.Place things nicely on paper
Divide paper in 3 parts. Put main object at cross points. This makes drawing look good.Add shadows with lines
Use short lines for dark areas. Read "Drawing on Right Side of Brain" book. Very easy to understand.
For mains exam: Practice 3D models. Use paper, clay or thermocol. Make new design like kids water bottle or eco bag.
Do these steps daily. In 2 months, your drawing will improve a lot.
Improve Thinking and Ideas
NID wants new thinkers. Questions like:
- Make plan for city garbage? Close eyes, think story, draw it.
- Play idea games. How to make school bus safe? Write ideas, draw best one. Read design news. Follow Indian designers on Instagram.
Read newspaper. Think how plastic ban helps new bags.
Do Mock Tests
Only reading not enough. Mock tests give exam feeling. First do slow old papers. Then do with time. Check every answer. Why this sketch bad?
Join coaching like SILICA. Self study also good. Do 20 full tests. Cutoff is 40-50 marks. See your marks go up.
Use Good Books and Tools
Keep simple. Books: "Key to NID", "Perspective Drawing", Use sketch app on phone. Get pencils, eraser, A4 paper. Make sketchbook for portfolio.
Stay Healthy for Exam
- Design needs fresh mind. Sleep 8 hours. Eat nuts, fruits. Walk daily for new ideas.
- Exam day: go early. Take admit card, pencils. Read all questions first. Sketch outline first.
After exam relax. Prep helps whole life.
Start Your Design Dream
NID prep makes you better thinker. Start today with one sketch. Keep practicing. You will get good rank.
NID College Campuses List
| Campus Name | Location | Famous For |
|---|---|---|
| NID Ahmedabad | Gujarat | Main campus, all design fields |
| NID Gandhinagar | Gujarat | Textiles, apparel design |
| NID Bengaluru | Karnataka | Digital, product design |
| NID Kurukshetra | Haryana | Industrial design |
| NID Vijayawada | Andhra Pradesh | Furniture, transportation |
| NID Jorhat | Assam | Animation, film design |
| NID Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh | Interior, exhibition design |
FAQ
Q. What is asked in NID exam?
NID exam checks drawing, ideas, observation skills and basic design sense.
Q. How many stages are in NID selection?
There are two main stages, prelims DAT written test and mains studio test.
Q. Can commerce or science students apply for NID?
Yes, students from any stream in 12th class can apply for NID BDes course.
Q. How long should I prepare for NID entrance?
Most students need four to six months of regular, focused practice for good preparation.
Q. Is coaching needed to crack NID exam?
Coaching can help some students but serious self study and practice are enough.