What is the NID Entrance Exam?

The NID Entrance Exam, officially known as the Design Aptitude Test (DAT), is the entrance examination for admission to the Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) programme at NID. It evaluates a candidate’s design aptitude, creativity, visual ability, problem-solving skills and other relevant abilities.

What is NID DAT Prelims and DAT Mains?

NID DAT is conducted in two stages: DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. DAT Prelims is the first-stage screening test, while shortlisted candidates appear for DAT Mains, which comprises the Studio Sensitivity Test and In-Person Sensitivity Test.

Who is eligible for the NID B.Des. entrance exam?

Candidates who have passed or are appearing for their 10+2/equivalent examination in any stream—Science, Commerce, Arts, Humanities, etc.—can apply, subject to NID's age and other eligibility requirements.

Is Mathematics compulsory for NID B.Des.?

No. Mathematics is not compulsory for B.Des. eligibility. Students from Science, Commerce, Arts, Humanities and other eligible streams can apply.

Is there any negative marking in NID DAT?

The marking scheme can vary according to the examination format and instructions issued by NID for that admission cycle. Candidates should always refer to the official NID Admissions Handbook and question-paper instructions for the applicable marking scheme.

What is the exam pattern of NID DAT Prelims?

DAT Prelims is a paper-and-pencil/pen-based test. Questions may include both text and visual elements, and the examination is conducted simultaneously across designated test centres.

What skills are tested in the NID entrance exam?

NID assesses abilities relevant to design education, including visualisation, creativity, observation, problem-solving, design thinking, analytical ability and visual sensitivity. DAT Mains further evaluates candidates through studio and in-person sensitivity tests.

Is drawing compulsory for NID DAT?

Drawing and visual communication are important skills for design entrance preparation, but NID DAT should not be viewed as a conventional drawing-only examination. Candidates should develop observation, visualisation, creativity and design thinking along with drawing skills.

Do I need a drawing background to crack NID DAT?

No. A formal drawing background is not mandatory. However, regular practice of sketching, visualisation, perspective, observation and creative problem-solving can significantly help candidates prepare for the examination.

Do I need to qualify both DAT Prelims and DAT Mains?

Yes. Candidates must first qualify for the DAT Prelims stage and be shortlisted for DAT Mains. To be considered for the final merit list, candidates must appear for both Studio Sensitivity and In-Person Sensitivity tests in DAT Mains.

Does the DAT Prelims score count in the final NID admission score?

For the 2026–27 B.Des. admission cycle, DAT Prelims is used only to shortlist candidates for DAT Mains. Its score is not carried forward as weightage to the Mains stage. The final result is based on DAT Mains, with 60% weightage to the Studio Sensitivity Test and 40% to the In-Person Sensitivity Test.

How many candidates are shortlisted for DAT Mains?

NID states that it will call approximately 1.5 times the number of available seats in each category, based on DAT Prelims merit and the applicable tie-break policy.

NID ENTRANCE TEST

for class 11th & 12th students
& fOR graduate students

Design begins long before the entrance exam. At KUBO Architecture, preparation for the National Institute of Design (NID) Entrance Examination is designed to develop the way students observe, think creatively, and communicate ideas.

Guided by mentors from premier institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology, National Institutes of Technology, and School of Planning and Architecture, the program goes beyond routine coaching to build strong visualization, creative thinking, problem-solving, and design aptitude—the essential skills required to excel in the NID entrance examination.

Through focused training, students learn to observe the world with a designer’s eye, transform ideas into compelling visual expressions, and approach creative problems with confidence. With structured practice and expert guidance, students develop the skills and mindset needed to perform confidently in the competitive NID entrance examination and take their first step towards a career in design.

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Grab Free Materials

our offline center is now in Kolkata.

Where creativity meets design, and ideas take shape.

Class schedule

Weekdays

3 days per week.

1.5 hours per day
&

Weekends

2 days per week.

1.5 hours per day

focused content

Our specially curated NID Entrance Study Material features 5,000+ concept-based questions and 2,000+ reasoning & aptitude questions, designed to strengthen creative thinking, observation, visualization, and problem-solving skills for the NID entrance examination.

Studio Test & Portfolio Prep

Turn ideas into impact. Build a compelling portfolio and sharpen your creative thinking, visualization, material exploration, and problem-solving skills for studio-based design tests.

limited batch

Small batches of only 20 students, ensuring individual attention, personalized guidance, and better learning outcomes.

about the exam

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DESIGN (nid)

The National Institute of Design (NID) is one of India’s premier institutions for design education, known for nurturing creative thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators. NID offers an environment where design goes beyond aesthetics to explore ideas, materials, functionality, human behaviour, and real-world experiences.

The NID Entrance Examination assesses a student’s ability to observe, imagine, visualize, think creatively, solve problems, and communicate ideas through design. It looks for originality, curiosity, visual sensitivity, and the ability to approach challenges from different perspectives.

Through its rigorous selection process, NID seeks students with the creative potential and design aptitude to develop into thoughtful and innovative designers.

EXAM PATTERN

The NID Entrance is conducted in two stages.

STAGE 1- DAT PRELIMS

Questions testing creativity, observation, visualisation, logical thinking, and design aptitude.

STAGE 2- DAT MAINS
(STUDIO TEST & INTERVIEW)

Hands-on tasks and personal interaction evaluating creative thinking, material exploration, problem-solving, idea development, and overall design ability.

ELIGIBILITY

Admission for Undergraduate Program (B.Des)

Candidates who have passed or are appearing for Class 12 (10+2) or an equivalent examination in any stream

Admission for

Postgraduate Program

(M.Des)

Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised institution. Final-year students may also apply, subject to NID eligibility criteria.

CARRER OUTCOME

A design education opens doors to careers across Product Design, UX/UI Design, Graphic Design, Animation, Fashion, Communication Design, Interior Design, and Design Research, with opportunities in leading studios, creative companies, startups, and as independent designers.

NID Ahmedabad

NID Gandhinagar

NID Bengaluru

NID Andhra Pradesh

NID Haryana

NID Madhya Pradesh

How we will mentor you!!

OFFLINE CLASSES

Interactive mentor-led sessions for concept clarity, real-time doubt solving, and guided preparation—led by experienced architects and designers.

ASSIGNEMENTS

FOR PRACTICE

Regular creative tasks designed to strengthen your design thinking, problem-solving, and visual communication.

POP QUIZZES

Short surprise quizzes during classes to reinforce learning and keep you mentally ready for any challenge.

MOCKS

Timed, exam-style tests that help you build accuracy, speed, and confidence before the real thing.

Legacy of Excellence

Why our students Win

Beginning of Architecture is a comprehensive preparation book for the Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT), developed by us and authored by Ajit Agrawal. It includes theory, practice questions, illustrations, and concept-based exercises designed to build strong architectural aptitude and support effective exam preparation.

Detailed theory explained from fundamentals
Extensive MCQs for practice
Concept-based illustrations & examples
Exam-oriented content for NATA & JEE Paper 2
Complete coverage for confident, result-driven preparation

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Additional benifits

Revisions:

Dedicated revision session for NID Entrance test at regular intervals
Consolidated plan for strong, exam-ready preparation
Targeted preparation to ensure students are fully exam-ready

Readiness for CBT (Computer-Based Tests):

Ensuring students are well-prepared for Computer-Based Tests (CBTs) through systematic practice and exposure, helping them adapt to the evolving examination format.

Personalized Mentorship

Academic mentors track individual performance. Tailored guidance to address weakness

NID Test Series (KUBO NID Core)

Specialized NID Test Series featuring 10 online mock tests, along with Creative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Design Aptitude practice sessions—designed to build confidence and exam readiness for the NID Entrance Examination.

Online Practice Tests

15 online practice tests conducted before each examinations,

Doubt Sessions:

Open Doubt Sessions throughout the day

Questions. Unlimited Practice.

A rich bank of 5,000+ curated questions covering creativity, observation, visualization, logical reasoning, and design aptitude—helping students build speed, accuracy, and confidence for the NID Entrance Examination both for Graduate and Post Graduate.

Guest Talks

Exclusive sessions with design industry professionals sharing real-world insights, tips, and inspiration.

VOICES OF OUR STUDENTS

ANANYA SINGH

Cracking IIT Roorkee was my dream, and KUBO Architecture played a crucial role in making it a reality. The mentorship was highly personalized, concept-driven, and extremely focused. More than exam preparation, KUBO helped shape my design thinking and confidence as a future architect. I’m truly grateful for their constant guidance and support.

DIVYANKA TRIPAPATI

Choosing architecture felt overwhelming at first, but KUBO Architecture brought structure and confidence to my preparation. The mentorship was thoughtful, encouraging, and very practical. From building fundamentals to developing the right mindset, KUBO guided me throughout the process. Getting into Manipal for architecture wouldn’t have been possible without their constant support.

ANKUR GOEL

KUBO Architecture provided the clarity and direction I needed at the right time. The mentorship was focused, honest, and tailored to my strengths and weaknesses. From exam strategy to design thinking, every step was guided with precision. Securing admission to IIT Kharagpur would not have been possible without KUBO’s mentorship.

ANOOGYA REDDY

KUBO Architecture brought focus and direction to my preparation journey. The mentorship helped me develop clarity in concepts and confidence in design thinking, which played a crucial role in achieving All India Rank 83 and securing admission to SPA Vijaywada. I’m deeply thankful to KUBO for their constant guidance and support.

ISHITA BALAJI

KUBO Architecture gave my preparation the structure and discipline it needed. The mentorship was sharp, insightful, and result-oriented, helping me refine both my aptitude and design thinking. The consistent guidance and honest feedback were key to my success in securing admission to IIT Delhi, widely regarded as the best architecture college in India. I’m extremely thankful to KUBO for this journey.

Join kubo and begin a transformative learning journey that prepares you not only for exams, but for a successful future. With expert faculty and comprehensive study material, we guide you at every step toward excellence.

Lets, make your career with us!!

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