NID DAT 2025 Counselling Open, Result Out, Download Scorecard, Cut off and Admission Process

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Bhaskar Das

Study Abroad Specialist | Updated on - Jun 13, 2025

National Institute of Design has released the B.Des DAT 2025 final result on May 16, 2025 at 4 PM. Candidates can download the result with their email address and date of birth on the official website – admissions.nid.edu. 

The B.Des DAT Mains Studio Test was conducted on Saturday, 03 May 2025. 

NID DAT Mains 2025 exam is conducted program-wise and it includes a Studio Test and a Personal Interview. The National Institute of Design conducted the DAT Prelim exam on December 24, 2025. The exam was conducted in an OMR-based mode. The prelims question paper for the B.Des program included both textual and visual questions, while the M.Des paper included a mix of objective and subjective questions.

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Ques: What are the various categories for which NID DAT merit list will be released?

Ans: NID DAT merit list is released based on General-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC/ST and PwD categories. Overseas candidates will be offered admission after the release of the final NID DAT merit list.

Ques: What is the intake capacity at NIDs?

Ans: NIDs offers different courses and have different intakes as well, for Communication Design Course there is a total 64-seat intake capacity. Seat for industrial design is 45 and seats for Textile, Apparel and Accessory Design are 19.

Ques: Do I need to select campuses as a part of the B.Des Program?

Ans: Yes, you need to submit your campus preference before NID DAT counselling process. The window of submitting campus preferences will open from May 21, 2025, to May 23, 2025. The seat allotment for the B.Des Program will be made based on campus selection and the merit rank of the candidate.
What is NID DAT

NID DAT 2025 Seat Capacity

The seat capacity of various NID’s accross India are:

Test Centre City NID Ahmedabad NID Bengaluru NID Andhra Pradesh NID Haryana NID Madhya Pradesh NID Jorhat
Seating Capacity 533 300 300 450 200 120

What is NID DAT 2025?

NID grants admission to the design courses based on two stages of Design Aptitude Tests: Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Prelims and Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Mains.

The National Institute of Design (NID) encompasses five faculty streams and offers 20 diverse design domains. The NID DAT Campus provides eight different specializations for the Bachelor of Designing (B. Des) program and also offers a Graduate Diploma Programme in Design (GDPD). These are the undergraduate courses which are for 4 years.

The Master of Designing (M.Des) program offers 18 different specializations and duration for these PG courses is two and a half years.

The Ph.D. programmes are in two modes full-time and part-time formats. The full-time is for 3 years.

According to the official notice from NID, students who've completed their 10+2 are good to go for applying to the B.Des course. Just make sure the qualifying exam is from a board recognized by the Association of Indian Universities. For the M.Des course, students holding a minimum of a 3-year Bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply. Check NID DAT Eligibility 2025


NID DAT Admission Highlights

NID DAT 2025 Admission Highlights

Name of the Institute National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad
Type of Institute Autonomous
Admission Criteria Entrance-based
Name of Entrance Exam DAT
Mode of Application Online

Besides knowing the exam pattern, it's crucial for students to dive deep into the NID DAT Syllabus 2025 before kicking off their prep. Remember, the syllabus differs for B.Des and M.Des. To get a comprehensive grip on the syllabus, checking out recommended NID DAT Books can be a smart move. It'll help you cover the syllabus thoroughly and be better prepared for the exam! Check NID DAT 2025 Exam Pattern and Syllabus


NID DAT Important Dates

NID DAT Important Dates 2025

Dates Events
03 Sep 2024 - 06 Dec 2024 NID DAT 2025 Registration Date
06 Dec 2024 - 11 Dec 2024 NID DAT 2025 Application Correction Window
24 Dec 2024 - 05 Jan 2025 NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) - Issue of Admit Cards
05 Jan 2025 NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) Date
17 Feb 2025 NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) - Results for M.Des
17 Feb 2025 - 18 Feb 2025 NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) - Results Recheck for M.Des
24 Feb 2025 NID DAT 2025 (Mains) - Issue of Admit Cards for M.Des
03 Mar 2025 - 06 Apr 2025 NID DAT 2025 (Mains) Exam Date for M.Des
01 Apr 2025 NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) - Results for B.Des
01 Apr 2025 - 02 Apr 2025 NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) - Results Recheck for B.Des
12 Apr 2025 NID DAT 2025 (Mains) - Issue of Admit Cards for B.Des
26 Apr 2025 - 04 May 2025 NID DAT 2025 (Mains) Exam Date for B.Des
06 May 2025 NID DAT 2025 (Mains) Exam Result for M.Des
16 May 2025 NID DAT 2025 (Mains) Exam Result for B.Des

NID DAT B.Des Admission

NID DAT 2025: B.Des Admission

There are following below specializations which are offered under undergraduate course of B.Des. in NID DAT:

  • Ceramic and Glass Design
  • Product Design
  • Exhibition Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Furniture and Interior Design
  • Animation Film Design
  • Film and Video Communication
  • Textile Design
Duration 4 Years
Type Full-time
No. of Specializations 8
Intake 19 Seats
Basic Eligibility Criteria 10+2 qualification
Basic Selection Criteria Entrance-based
Duration 4 Years

NID DAT Eligibility 2025: B.Des

The eligibility for NID DAT are mentioned below:

  • The candidate must pass class 12th from any stream which is a minimum eligibility.
  • In the year 2025-25 the candidate needs to apply for B.Des. at NID should meet the eligibility criteria if they have cleared or are appearing for their higher secondary (10+2) qualifying examination from any stream (Science, Commerce or Humanities).
  • The upper age limit for UG course is 20yrs n or before July 1.

Selection Criteria for NID DAT B.Des

At NID DAT there are two stages for the Admission to the UG courses on the basis of Design Aptitude Tests.

  1. Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Prelims
  2. Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Mains
  3. On the basis of merit list the successful candidates can appear for Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Mains

Note: The candidates applying for B.Des. and GDPD, their allotment of campus and seat are totally based on merit list.


NID DAT Prelims Qualifying Marks 2025

Predicting the qualifying marks for NID DAT Prelims 2025 can be a bit tricky at the moment because the National Institute of Design (NID) hasn't released them yet. Typically, they spill the details around mid-February. To keep in the loop, make sure to check the official NID website regularly. While we eagerly await the official word, we can make an educated guess based on past patterns, reliable sources, and an analysis of previous NID DAT cutoffs.

Estimating the precise cutoff score for NID DAT 2025 poses a challenge, considering several factors:

  • Total number of applicants: Higher applicant numbers may lead to elevated cutoffs.
  • Difficulty level of the exam: A tough exam might result in a lower cutoff to accommodate deserving candidates.
  • Seat availability: Limited seats in a sought-after program could increase the cutoff.
  • Performance of the test-takers: Exceptional performance has the potential to raise the cutoff. Keep an eye on these factors for a better understanding of the expected cutoff score.

The cut off 2025 (Expected) for NID DAT B.Des

Category Expected Cutoff (%)
Open 97.35
GEN-EWS 63.59
OBC-NCL 81.80
SC 75.63
ST 42.97
PwD 40.15
Overseas 54.67

NID DAT GDPD Admission

GDPD Admission 2025 for NID DAT

There are following below specializations which are offered under undergraduate course of GDPD in NID DAT:

  • Industrial Design
  • Textile and Apparel Design
  • Communication
Type Full-time
No. of Specializations 3
Basic Eligibility Criteria 10+2 qualification
Basic Selection Criteria Entrance-based

Eligibility for NID DAT 2025 GDPD

The eligibility for NID DAT is mentioned below:

  • The candidate must pass class 12th from any stream which is a minimum eligibility.

Selection Criteria for NID DAT 2025 GDPD

The candidate would be selected on the basis of merit list of entrance test followed by counselling process.


NID DAT M.Des Admission

NID DAT 2025: M.Des. Admission

It offers 2.5 year postgraduate courses in Master of Design (M.Des.) and 19 specializations which are as follows:

  • Animation Film Design
  • Furniture & Interior Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Textile Design
  • Lifestyle Accessory Design
  • New Media Design
  • Toy and Game Design
  • Design for retail experience
  • Information Design
  • Universal Design
  • Ceramic and glass design
  • Film and Video communication
  • Product design
  • Apparel Design
  • Strategic Design Management
  • Photography Design
  • Transportation and automobile design
  • Digital Game Design
  • Interaction Design
Duration 2.5 years
Type Full-time
No. of Specializations 19 Specializations
Basic Eligibility Criteria Bachelor’s degree
Basic Selection Criteria Entrance-based

NID DAT Eligibility 2025: M.Des

The eligibility for NID DAT is mentioned below:

  • The candidate must possess bachelor degree of minimum 4-year duration in any specialization after passing 12th standard or equivalent to 12th standard.
  • The candidate must possess bachelor degree of minimum 3-year duration in any specialization after passing 12th standard or equivalent to 12th standard.
  • The candidate must have a full-time diploma in Design/Fine Arts/Applied Arts/Architecture of minimum 4-year duration, which should be obtained after successfully completing the 12th standard or an equivalent qualification.

Selection Criteria for NID DAT GDPD

The candidate would be selected on the basis of candidate’s performance in DAT followed by a Personal Interview.

The weightage for DAT Prelims and DAT Mains is as follows:

DAT Prelims – 60% DAT Mains 40%
(Common Design Aptitude Test) (Discipline specific Test)
15% 45%

Note: The candidate can apply in ONLY TWO disciplines for the Master of Design programme

  • The allotment of seats to the candidates would be based on the preference submitted by the candidate at the time of application submission.
  • Applications once received is not transferable at any stage of the admissions process.

The cut off 2025 (Expected) for NID DAT M.Des

Specialization Expected Cut off
Open GEN-EWS OBC-NCL SC ST PwD Overseas
Animation Film Design 76.71 NE NE 57.53 NE NE NA
Ceramic & Glass Design 82.93 NA 68.29 46.34 58.54 NA NA
Film & Video Communication 80 78.57 54.29 68.57 57.14 NA NA
Furniture & Interior Design 85.07 NE 64.18 50.75 79.10 NE NA
Graphic Design 86.30 72.60 47.95 58.90 57.53 NE NE
Product Design 77.61 NE 50.75 43.28 NE NE NA
Textile Design 90.54 78.38 63.51 48.65 68.92 NE NA
Apparel Design 86.30 NE 58.90 50.68 83.56 NE NE
Lifestyle Accessory Design 81.94 NE 55.56 51.39 40.28 41.67 NA
New Media Design 72 NE NE 48 NE NA NA
Photography Design 82.76 NA 60.34 58.62 62.07 NA NA
Strategic Design Management 87.50 63.89 54.17 56.94 NE 41.67 NA
Toy & Game Design 50 NA NE NE NA NA NA
Transportation & Automobile Design 85.51 63.77 68.12 40.58 NE NA NA
Design for Retail Experience 81.25 54.69 45.31 56.25 76.56 NE NA
Digital Game Design 76.27 72.88 47.46 40.68 NE NE NA
Information Design 86.84 NE 50 64.47 40.79 NE 69.74
Interaction Design 89.47 86.84 56.58 NE NE 71.05 NE
Universal Design 62.71 NA 69.49 42.37 NE NE NA

NID DAT Previous Years CutOff

NID DAT Previous Years’ Cut Off

Check out the previous years cut off for NID DAT exam.

NID DAT 2023 Cut Off Scores

Institutes OPEN GEN-EWS OBC-NCL SC ST PWD Overseas
NID Ahmedabad 65.8 57.4 60.7 58.8 52.8 49.4 51.2
NID Andhra Pradesh 62.2 50.4 55.9 54.1 45.9 41.7 NA
NID Assam 60.3 50 55.1 50.9 45.2 NA NA
NID Madhya Pradesh 61.3 51.2 56.1 52.8 46 40.6 50
NID Haryana 61.6 52.2 56.7 54.7 45.8 43.3 NE

NID DAT Ph.D Admission

Ph.D. Admission 2025 for NID DAT

NID grants admission to successful candidates for Ph.D. based on the Design Research Test (DRT), which NID conducts at its Ahmedabad Campus.

The candidate who are shortlisted after DRT will only be invited for the interview and presentation round.


NID DAT 2025: PhD Admission

Duration Part-time: 5 Years
Full-time: 3 Years
Type Part/Full-time
Basic Eligibility Criteria Master’s degree
Basic Selection Criteria Entrance-based

NID DAT Eligibility 2025: Ph.D

The eligibility for Ph.D. candidate is as follows:

  • Candidate needs to have a qualification in Design.
  • Candidate needs to have a Bachelor’s level qualification in Design from NID.
  • 3 years of professional or teaching experience minimum.
  • One can obtain a master's degree in Design, such as an M.Phil. (Master of Philosophy) degree.

How to apply for Ph.D. at NID DAT

As per the NID admission process the candidate needs to first fill their application form. The successful candidate who meets the eligibility criteria for the exam would appear for NID DAT Prelims. After successful clearing of NID DAT prelims the candidate needs to appear for NID DAT Mains. Once the NID DAT Main is also cleared the candidate is offered admission in the course/ college of their choice.


Steps to fill Application Form

  • Sign up and enter required details
  • Fill the Application form
  • Upload the documents
  • Pay the Application fees
  • Print the Admit card

Things to remember:

  • Fill NID DAT Application form
  • Download NID DAT Admit card
  • Appear for the prelims
  • Check NID prelims Result
  • Appear for NID Mains
  • Check NID Final Merit list

NID DAT Application fee

NID DAT Application fee 2025

NID DAT fee can be paid online or offline. Payment can be made online through debit card/credit card. The following are the application fees for various courses:

Саtegоry B.Des M.Des (1 Disсiрline) M.Des (2 Disсiрlines)
Generаl INR 3000 INR 3000 INR 6000
INR 1500 INR 1500 INR 3000
ST INR 1500 INR 1500 INR 3000
ОBС-NСL INR 3000 INR 3000 INR 6000
Gen-РwD INR 1500 INR 1500 INR 3000
ST-РwD INR 1500 INR 1500 INR 3000
SС-РwD INR 1500 INR 1500 INR 3000
ОBС-NСL-РwD INR 1500 INR 1500 INR 3000
Оverseаs INR 5000 INR 5000 INR 10000

NID DAT Exam Pattern

NID DAT 2025 Exam Pattern

Candidates are assessed on the basis of their design skills, creativity, reasoning ability, and problem-solving skills. NID DAT 2025 Exam Pattern highlights have been tabulated below separately for B.Des and M.Des:

Particulars B.Des M.Des
Mode of exam Pen paper (offline mode) Offline
Duration of exam 3 hours 2 hours and 30 minutes (one discipline) 4 hours 30 minutes (two disciplines)
Medium of exam English English
Type of question Subjective and objective type Subjective and objective type
Total marks 100 100

NID DAT Syllabus

NID DAT Syllabus 2025

NID DAT 2025 Syllabus for B.Des Prelims

Design outline Graphics & Pictograms Picture analysis
Mood, theme & color inter- relationship Presentation techniques Foreshortening & perspective
Natural & geometrical form Color terminology Story pictures
Lettering Design theory 3D visualizing
Color psychology, optical illusion Innovation in designs Lateral thinking
Theme development Form and function creative thinking and writing Design awareness
Visual logic Good design vs bad design Ornaments and motifs
Memory drawing Color, pattern & texture Inspiration & design development

NID DAT Syllabus 2025 for Studio Test

Model making Audio- Visual exercises Meeting with qualified candidates
How to evolve ideas Doodling Material manipulations

NID DAT 2025 Syllabus for B. Mes Prelims

NID M.Des Syllabus for prelims exam
Design Outline for Beginners Colour Terminology Inspiration & Design Development
Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship Design Theory Elements & Principles Of Design
Natural & Geometrical Form Innovation in Design Principles of Composition
Lettering Optical Illusion Understanding Light & Shade
Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions Form & Function Colour, Pattern & Texture
Theme Development Creative Thinking & Writing Picture Analysis
Visual Logic Good Design vs Bad Design Drawing Fundamentals
Use of Measurements, Scale & proportions Optical Illusion Foreshortening & Perspective
Developing Themes & Colour Associations Inspiration & Creativity Ornaments & Motifs
Memory Drawing Usage of Colour in Compositions Expression & Emotion
Exercises on Imagination Lateral Thinking Story Pictures
Presentation Techniques Imagination & Doodling 3D Visualisation
Graphics & Pictograms Innovation & Creation Design Awareness
Developing Observation

NID DAT 2025 Mains Syllabus for M.Des

M.Des NID Studio Test
Model Making Doodling How to evolve ideas
Audio – Visual Exercises Material Manipulation Creative Thinking

NID DAT Best Books

NID DAT 2025 Best Books

Book name Author name
Basic Rendering Robert W. Gill
NID (B. Des) Entrance Book and test series AFAINDIA
NIFT/NID/IIFT Entrance Exam Guide RPH Editorial Board
NID DAT Books R.S Aggarwal (aptitude)
NIFT/NID/IIFT Entrance Exam Guide Surendra Dharmendra Mittal
Design Drawings Francis D.K.Ching

Check NID Preparation Tips


Frequently Asked Questions

NID DAT 2025 FAQs

Ques. What is the procedure to get admission in NID, Ahmedabad?

Ans. The candidates who are willing to take admission in NID DAT has to appear for NID entrance exam which comprises two admission rounds, that is, NID DAT Prelims and NID DAT Mains. The candidate who clears NID DAR Prelims can only appear for NID DAT Mains.

Ques. What are the seat criteria in NID DAT 2023?

Ans. The B.Des. course admits 425 students, while the M.Des. course admits 347 students.

Ques. Is it permissible to select my category at the time of filling the NID DAT application form?

Ans. Yes, you are permissible to select his or her category at the time of filling the application form.

Ques. Is it tough to crack NIS entrance exam?

Ans. Yes, NIT entrance exam is considered to be one of the toughest exams.

Ques. What is the exam pattern for NID DAT?

Ans. The NID exam is held in to stages such as:

  • The preliminary exam constitutes the first stage, which includes two papers. Paper 1 consists of objective type questions with a total of 70 marks, while Paper 2 comprises subjective type questions with a total of 30 marks.
  • The main examination, which is the second stage, is conducted for students who successfully clear the first stage.

Ques. What are the specialisation for M.Des. postgraduate course at NIA Ahmedabad?

Ans. It offers 2.5 year postgraduate courses in Master of Design (M.Des.) and 19 specializations which are as follows:

  • Animation Film Design
  • Furniture & Interior Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Textile Design
  • Lifestyle Accessory Design
  • New Media Design
  • Toy and Game Design
  • Design for retail experience
  • Information Design
  • Universal Design
  • Ceramic and glass design
  • Film and Video communication
  • Product design
  • Apparel Design
  • Strategic Design Management
  • Photography Design
  • Transportation and automobile design
  • Digital Game Design
  • Interaction Design

Ques. What are the specialisation for B.Des. undergraduate course at NIA Ahmedabad?

Ans. There are following below specializations which are offered under undergraduate course of B.Des. in NID DAT:

  • Ceramic and Glass Design
  • Product Design
  • Exhibition Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Furniture and Interior Design
  • Animation Film Design
  • Film and Video Communication
  • Textile Design

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

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