All About National Institute of Design (NID) - 2021 Attempt

Questions Answers

1. What is National NID (National Institute of Design) is internationally acclaimed as one of the finest educational and research/
Institute of Design institutions for Industrial Design, Communication Design, Fashion Design, IT Integrated Design & Inter-Disciplinary
(NID)? Design Studies at both graduate and post-graduate level.

It is listed as no. 1 design institute in Asia and listed in top 25 design institutes in Europe-Asia. National Institute of
Design is an Institute of National Importance by NID Act 2014 and an autonomous Institute under the DIPP,
Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India (just like the IITs).

NID has 7 campuses in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, Kurukshetra, Bhopal, Andhra Pradesh & Assam

2. What are the contact Website: www.nid.edu

details for NID? Contact: Phone: +91-79-26623462 (Mon to Fri, 9.30am to 5.30pm)
Email: admissions@nid.edu

3. What programs does 1. NID offers 4 years B.Des. program in 8 design disciplines at its main campus in Ahmedabad (125 seats).
NID offer? 2. From 2020 onwards NID offers 4 years B.Des program in 3 design disciplines at its new campuses in
Vijayawada, Kurukshetra, Bhopal & Jorhat (75 seats each = 300 seats).
3. NID offers 2.5 years M.Des. program in 19 design disciplines at its campuses in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar
& Bengaluru (347 seats).

Note 1- At bachelors level, candidates can apply for B.Des programs.

Note 2- At masters level, candidates can apply for up to 2 disciplines of M.Des.
See all three lists below in Annexure 1.

4. What is the eligibility For B.Des. programs:

for admission to NID? Criterion 1: Age Limit - Candidate is 20 years of age before 1st July (relaxable for up to 3 years for reserved
category)
Criterion 2: Educational Qualification - Candidate should have passed or been appearing for 10+2 exam from any
recognized board.
Note 1- Candidates completing a 10+3 technical diploma are no longer eligible for applying.
 For M.Des. programs:
Criterion 1: Age Limit - Candidate is 30 years of age before 1st July (relaxable for up to 3 years for reserved
category)
Criterion 2: Educational Qualification - Candidate should have passed from any recognized institute or university
any of the following:
a. Bachelor's degree in any discipline under 10+2+4 system
b. Bachelor's degree in any discipline under 10+2+3 system with one year experience or further academic
qualification
c. Diploma in Design under 10+2+4 system
Note 2- Candidates who are appearing for their final year of 10+2+3 bachelors are no longer eligible to apply.

5. What is NID’s Admission is on the basis of NID’s method of selection, which extends beyond the student’s previous academic
admission process? qualifications. The objective of the admission process is to seek evidence of the perception, attitude, aptitude,
achievement and motivation essential in a potential design student. The process of Admission to NID for B.Des.
and M.Des. programs consists of 2 phases of Design Aptitude Tests (DAT):
Phase 1: DAT (Prelims) - 14 March 2021
Phase 2: DAT (Mains) - yet to announce

6. What is the pattern Stage 1: Design Aptitude Test (DAT) - Prelims (B.Des)
of the NID entrance 1. The DAT Prelims is a written exam for 3 hours for 100 marks. It has 2 sections-
exam? 1.1. Section 1 - Objective Type Questions
1.2. Section 2 - Subjective Type Questions
2. There is no fixed weightage for the 2 sections. It varies from year to year. The weightage for last 4 years is
as follows:

Section 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016

1. Objective Section 30 30 70 70 70

2. Subjective Section 70 70 30 30 30

Total Marks → 100 100 100 100 100

 3. The DAT prelims is a screening test for Stage 2.
4. The DAT prelims score is expected to carry 20% weightage in final score.

Stage 2: Design Aptitude Test (DAT) - Mains

1. Based on the scores obtained in the DAT Prelims, eligible candidates will have to appear for the DAT Mains.
2. Generally, candidates equal to 3 times the number of seats are called for DAT Mains.
3. The DAT Mains will be for about 3 hours and 100 marks and will consist of Studio Test & Interview*.
4. Candidates get a final merit score and merit rank based on marks obtained in DAT Prelims and NID Mains.
The weightage given to marks at each stage is:

Stage of Exam BDes MDes

Stage 1: NID DAT Prelims 30% 20%

Stage 2: NID DAT Mains 70% 80%

Total % 100% 100%

7. What is the exam The DAT Prelims is a written exam for 3 hours for 100 marks. It has 2 sections- Objective & Subjective. The syllabus
syllabus of / questions in each section is as follows:
asked in for NID DAT
Prelims? 1. Objective Section: All questions are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ). The candidates have to answer on an
OMR marking sheet. There is no negative marking. The weightage of this section in the paper can vary from 30
marks to 70 marks. The subjects and their expected weightage is (this is not fixed, can change):

Subject Expected Weightage

1. Logical & Critical Thinking 30%

2. General Knowledge & Current Affairs 25%

 3. Design Aptitude & Sensitivity 20%

4. English Communication & Comprehension 15%

5. Quantitative Ability 10%

Total Marks → 100%

2. Subjective Section: These are questions where the candidates have to answer in the form of drawing, coloring
and writing. The questions can be based on Object / Product Drawing, Communication Design, Situational
Visualization & Drawing, Color Compositions, Everyday Problem Solving, Creative Writing, Abstract / Imaginative
Thinking etc.

The answers to these questions are assessed on the basis of:

i. The Idea or Concept: How creative, unique, interesting, sensible the idea or concept of the answer is.
ii. The Presentation: How good the visualization, technical drawing, coloring, presentation quality is.

8. Can I download Download Sample Papers for NID DAT prelims prepared by SILICA Experts from following link-
sample papers and 1. NID BDes DAT Prelims - https://silica.co.in/nid-sample-papers.html
solutions of NID DAT 2. NID MDes DAT Prelims - https://silica.co.in/nid-sample-papers.html
Prelims in PDF?

9. What questions are Phase 2: DAT (Mains)

asked in the NID DAT On the basis of the DAT Prelims score, candidates are shortlisted and called for DAT Mains. The DAT Mains for this
Mains exam? programme consists of two parts:
1. Studio Test: This may consist of tests in different formats such as drawing / sketching, hands-on model
making, group discussions, presentations etc. This test will be marked out of 100 marks and will be
conducted in English. The DAT Mains for NID MDes will include questions relating to the design discipline
applied for by the candidate.
2. Interviews (only for MDes): The interviews will be conducted separately for each discipline, immediately
after the Studio Test, at the same centre. The candidates may be asked to present their design portfolio as
part of the interview.
 Note 1- The weightage of each test in the NID Mains is decided every year by the NID Admission Cell, but is
generally Studio Test (70%) and Interview (30%).

10a. What kind of 1. NID B.Des. Studio Test - The questions will be common / similar for all.
questions can be asked 2. NID M.Des. Studio Test - The questions will be design discipline specific.
in the NID Studio Test? 3. The following table shows a list of topics and questions, which can be asked in the Studio Test:

# Type of Question Sample Question

1 Doodling & Drawing Observe the car parked outside and sketch it from 2 different angles.

2 Observation Tests Questions which will test your observation through the 5 senses:
Sight, Hearing, Touch, Smell, Taste.
E.g. List down all the ingredients that made up the breakfast you had
this morning.

3 3D Model Making Use the given clay and thin wire to create a 3D model of your favorite
cartoon or animation character.

4 Problem Solving More Applicable to M.Des. E.g. Automobile Design: Design the
dashboard of concept motorbike by Honda. Please explain your
concept through notes and sketches. Please show final rendering of
the dashboard of the motorbike.

5 Group Discussions In a group of 10 candidates, have a group discussion on the following

 statement. Discuss either For or Against the statement.
“Do quarrels strengthen relationships?”

6 Other Tests (Skits etc) In a group of 5 candidates, prepare a 3 minute skit on the following
topic:
“Incredible India!”

11. What are the These are the important dates in the admission process of NID:
important dates in NID
admission process? Important Steps BDes MDes

Online Application Form available 8 Jan 2021 8 Jan 2021

Last date of Online Application 7 Feb 2021 7 Feb 2021

Phase 1: DAT Prelims Exam 14 March 2021 14 March 2021

DAT Prelims Results Not yet announced Not yet announced

Phase 2: DAT Mains Exam Not yet announced Not yet announced

DAT Mains Results for Admission Not yet announced Not yet announced

Document verification & Fee payment Not yet announced Not yet announced

Commencement of academic year Not yet announced Not yet announced

12. Where is the NID DAT (Prelims) will be conducted in the following 16 cities in India: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh,
entrance exam held? Chennai, Dehradun, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Ranchi,
Thiruvananthapuram, and Vijayawada.
The DAT (Mains) are conducted in the different NID campuses
13. What is the passing There is no fixed passing score / cut off for NID DAT Prelims. It varies from year to year. Generally, candidates equal
score / cut off for to 3 times the no of seats available are shortlisted for DAT Mains. The cut off marks are based on that year’s
selection for NID DAT students performance in DAT Prelims.
Prelims? What is the
expected cut off for NID Note 1- The cut off for NID DAT Prelims in 2020 is expected to be lower by at least 5 marks as the weightage for
DAT Prelims 2020? subjective section was 70% in 2020 as compared to 30% in 2018, 2017 & 2016.

Past year cut offs for NID DAT BDes Prelims were as follows:

Year Open OBC-NCL SC ST Open-PH

2020 65 65 55 45 45

2019 67 60 55.68 53.20 47.10

2018 68.10 59.50 55.50 52.50 48.00

2017 67.00 58.50 56.00 48.00 50.00

2016 60.00 53.00 50.00 48.00 52.00

The cut offs for NID DAT MDes Prelims are different for each discipline and ranges 55 to 75.

14. What is the passing There is no fixed cut off / passing score for NID DAT Mains. The passing score varies from year to year. The cut off
score / cut off for NID for NID DAT Mains in 2020 is given in the tables.
DAT Mains? What is the
expected cut off for NID BDes & M.Des
DAT Mains 2021?
Program & Campus Open OBC-NCL SC ST PH

BDes 65 55 45 45 45
 M.Des 50 45 40 40 40

15. What is the NID has a very strong Industry Interface & Placement process. The Industry Interface is maintained in 3 different
placement record for ways-
NID graduates & 1. Sponsored classroom projects - 4 to 8 week projects conducted for industry in last 2 years of UG and 2nd
post-graduates? year of PG program.
2. Mandatory Industrial training - 6 to 8 weeks project in the industry premises. Students are paid anywhere
from 10,000 to 25,000 per month. This is scheduled during 3rd year of UG and 2nd year of PG program.
3. Mandatory Diploma project - all final semester students need to complete 6 months of diploma project
with a client organization. The stipend is anywhere from 15,000 to 50,000 per month.
Every year in December, NID conducts a placement week, where over 100+ recruiting companies float 1,000+ job
offers for the last semester students. Almost 90% of the participating students are placed during this week.
Highlights:
1. The highest salary offer to an NID post graduate in 2018 placement week was Rs 72 lacs p.a.
2. The highest salary offer to an NID graduate in 2018 placement week was Rs 48 lacs p.a.
3. The average salary offered to NID both batches in 2018 was Rs 15 lacs p.a.
4. There was a 40% growth in recruiters and job offers.
Source: Indian Express

16. What are the fees The yearly expense of studying and living at NID campus is as follows:
for programs at NID?
Yearly Expenses B.Des. M.Des.

Tuition Fees 3,20,250 3,72,800

Hostel charges 30,000 30,000

Mess charges Informed in the Informed in the

beginning of each year beginning of each year

Total 3,50,250 4,02,800

 Note 1- The above fees are for the academic year 2021-22. The fees are expected to rise 5%-7% every year, during
the next 3 years (2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25).

17. How do you apply to The application process for NID is online and starts in October every year. To apply, visit www.admissions.nid.edu.
NID? The application process is in 5 easy steps:
Step 0: Read the admission brochure and instructions carefully
Step 1: Sign up and register
Step 2: Fill Details in Application Form
Step 3: Upload Photograph and Signature
Step 4: Pay Application Fee & Print your Application

18. What is the Indian nationals belonging to certain categories are admitted under the seats reserved for them in accordance
reservation of seats with the rules of the Government of India as follows:
available for admission
to NID? General OBC-NC SC ST
(50.5%) (27%)* (15%) (7.5%)

For BDes:

- 125 seats 63 34 19 9

- 75 seats 38 20 11 6

For MDes:

- 19 seats discipline 9 5 3 2

- 13 seats discipline 6 4 2 1

Note 1- This reservation is only available for candidates belonging to OBC non-creamy layer and having the
requisite certificate.
Note 2- Persons with Disability (PwD) – 3% horizontal reservation of seats from the parent category in each
programme cutting across all sections i.e. SCs, STs, OBCs (Non-Creamy only) and General category.
19. What is the medium The medium of instruction at NID is English. The language for NID DAT Prelims, Mains and the Interview is also
of instruction at NID? English.

20. Does NID have Ahmedabad campus: Hostel accommodation is available only for B.Des. students from Sem 1 to 7.
residential / hostel Gandhinagar campus: Hostel accommodation is available for M.Des. students from Sem 1 to 4.
accomodation facility? Bengaluru campus: Hostel accommodation is not available.
Vijaywada / Kurukshetra / Bhopal / Jorhat campus: Hostel accommodation is available for all B.Des students.

21. How is an NID NID admission interview is conducted by a panel of 3-4 persons. There are faculties and a psycho-analyst amongst
admission Interview them. The interview revolves around the candidate’s personality, interests, likes, dislikes, reactions to situations,
conducted? their portfolio, their abilities etc. The interview questions can never be predicted. The length of the interview can
never be predicted. It can be 2 minutes long or 1 hour long. The students may be asked about their design
portfolio in the interview.

22. What kind of There is no standard list of questions which are asked in a design admission interview. The questions will revolve
questions are asked in around the candidate’s life, personality, temperament, achievements and creative outputs till date.
the NID admission Some sample questions are:
interview? 1. Why do you want to join NID? What will you do if you don’t get into NID?
2. What would you do if you find a homeless person on the street shivering in cold?
3. In one minute, tell us why we should select you at NID?
4. You have one minute, make us laugh.
5. For M.Des. (E.g. Product Design):
5.1. Who is your favorite Product Designer?
5.2. What are some of the new products that fascinate you? Why?
5.3. What is happening in the Indian Product Design industry?

23. What student A design portfolio is not mandatory for admission to NID, but it helps the interviewer in assessing the suitability of
design portfolio is the candidate for NID. During the interview, the candidate may present their past work (academic and/or
required for NID? professional) such as drawings, photographs, models, relevant documents etc., which they may like to share with
the interview panel. These may be in analogue or digital (in a USB drive or your own laptop) format. The portfolio
should reflect the candidate’s interests and abilities.

24. Should I also apply Yes, you must apply to at least 4 Design Colleges other than NID / NIFT / IIT. There are several Government &
to Other Design Private colleges across India, who provide high quality design education providing students similar education
Colleges along with experience and career opportunities as NID. Some of them are:
NID?
1. Srishti (Bengaluru) 4. UPES (Dehradun) 7. Pearl (Del/Mum/Jai/Bang)

2. MIT-ID (Pune) 5. ISDI (Mumbai) 8. ITM-IDM (Mumbai)

3. UID (Ahmedabad) 6. SID (Pune) 9. VID (Mumbai)

There are 5 main criteria on the basis of which students and parents choose which Design College to apply to:
1. Fees: What is the Fees for programs at the Design College?
2. Discipline: Which Design College is best for my chosen design discipline?
3. City: Which Design College is located in my city of choice?
4. Degree / Diploma: Does the college offer a degree or diploma?
5. Feedback: What is the feedback of current students about the Design College?

SILICA has done a research on the above 5 criteria on 40+ design colleges. The list of design colleges and research
information is available at link- http://www.silica.co.in/apply-to-design-fashion-architecture-colleges.html

25. What was the NID DAT Prelims 2020 was conducted on 29 December, 2019. The comparison of the weightage of the 2 sections in
reaction of students the paper for last few years is as follows:
after giving NID DAT
Prelims 2020 exam? Section 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016

1. Objective Section 30 30 70 70 70

2. Subjective Section 70 70 30 30 30

Total Marks → 100 100 100 100 100

Siddhesh Lad, from SILICA Borivali, said, “The pattern was very different from what we expected. The objective
section was only 30 marks and subjective section was 70 marks. But the questions in drawing were very easy.
Things we had practiced regularly in class. I am expecting about 60-65 marks.”
 Vedant, from SILICA Andheri, said, “The change in the paper pattern took everyone of us by surprise but I am glad
it would not affect my performance. Thanks to my well preparedness. Practice went a long way in preparing me for
the exam. I urge all future aspirants to continuously practice sketching, drawing and coloring.”

Check videos of SILICA students who attempted NID DAT Prelims on 29 December 2019. Click on the link.

26. What will be the cut There is no fixed passing score / cut off for NID DAT Prelims. It varies from year to year. Generally, candidates equal
off / passing score for to 3 times the no of seats available are shortlisted for DAT Mains. The cut off marks are based on that year’s
NID DAT Mains 2021? students performance in DAT Prelims.

Past year cut offs for NID DAT BDes Prelims were as follows:

Year Open OBC-NCL SC ST Open-PH

2019 65 55 45 45 -

2018 68.10 59.50 55.50 52.50 48.00

2017 67.00 58.50 56.00 48.00 50.00

2016 60.00 53.00 50.00 48.00 52.00

The cut offs for NID DAT MDes Prelims are different for each discipline and ranges 55 to 75.

Note 1: Design Specializations at NID

B.Des. Disciplines at Ahmedabad campus M.Des. Disciplines at Ahmedabad campus

Faculty of Industrial Design Animation Film Design (19 seats)

1. Product Design (19 seats) Ceramic & Glass Design (13 seats)

2. Furniture Design (13 seats) Film & Video Communication (19 seats)

3. Ceramic & Glass Design (13 seats) Furniture Design (19 seats)

Faculty of Communication Design Graphic Design (19 seats)

4. Graphic Design (19 seats) Product Design (19 seats)

5. Animation Film Design (19 seats) Textile Design (19 seats)

6. Film & Video Communication (13 seats) M.Des. Disciplines at Bengaluru campus

7. Exhibition (Spatial) Design (13 seats) Design for Retail Experience (19 seats)

Faculty of Textile, Apparel & Accessory Digital Game Design (19 seats)

8. Textile Design (19 seats) Information Design (19 seats)

Interaction Design (19 seats)

Disciplines at Vijayawada & Kurukshetra campuses Universal Design (19 seats)

1. Industrial Design (50 seats) M.Des. Disciplines at Gandhinagar campus

2. Communication Design (50 seats) Apparel Design (19 seats)

3. Textile Design (50 seats) Lifestyle Accessory Design (19 seats)

Strategic Design Management (19 seats)

Disciplines at Bhopal & Jorhat campus New Media Design (19 seats)

1. Industrial Design (50 seats) Photography Design (19 seats)

2. Communication Design (500 seats) Toy & Game Design (19 seats)

3. Textile Design (50 seats) Transportation & Automobile Design (19 seats)

Total = 425 seats Total = 347 seats