NID Syllabus 2025: In-Depth NID Syllabus Breakdown for B.Des and M.Des Programs
Updated On : April 15, 2024
Summary: The NID Syllabus 2025 is available for both the B. Des and M. Des programs in this article. The syllabus is based on papers from previous years.
The National Institute of Design does not officially prescribe the NID exam syllabus. However, by analysing previous year's papers, our experts from the Creative Edge team have provided essential topics that need to be studied for the examination.
Your preparations can have a better direction with the knowledge of the NID Syllabus 2025 and the marks allotted for each section.
Even without emphasizing much, you understand the importance of solving sample papers; the same goes for the syllabus.
The preparation process is further simplified if you know what to focus on to crack the exams with excellent scores.
With no further delay, let's dive into the detailed information about the NID admission test syllabus and the best books to ace your preparation.
NOTE: Above video explains NID 2024 Syllabus. The Brochure for NID 2025 will be out in October 2025. We expect minimum changes in it.
As per the NID 2024 brochure, NID Entrance Exam Pattern is as follows -
The entrance exam is conducted in 2 stages for both NID B.Des and M.Des programs.
- NID DAT Prelims.
- NID DAT Mains.
There are two sections included in the Prelims exam, i.e.,
- Creative Ability Test (CAT)
- General Aptitude Test (GAT)
The prelims examination is a pen and paper-based written test.
In the Mains exam,there will be a -
- Studio test and
- Personal interview
NID Syllabus 2025 PDF Download (BDes & MDes)
The syllabus varies for prelims and main exams. You can check the detailed syllabus in the post below.
Check the NID GK syllabus and start your sectional practice.
Practice with: NID Mock Tests Series 2025
NID Prelims Exam Syllabus 2025 for B.Des
- The B. Des prelims exam is conducted for 100 marks, out of which the marks for objective and subjective are divided.
- The total time duration of the exam is 3 hours.
The below table shows the NID UG entrance exam syllabus for B.Des & GDPD NID DAT Prelims exam.
| NID Prelims CAT Syllabus - BDes | ||
| Design Outline | Colour Terminology | Inspiration & Design Development |
| Elements & Principles Of Design | Design Theory | Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship |
| Geometrical Form | Colour, Pattern & Texture | Innovation in Design |
| Principles of Composition Lettering | Optical Illusion | Understanding Light & Shade |
| Form & Function | Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions | Design Awareness |
| Drawing Fundamentals | Creative thinking & writing | Picture Analysis |
| Visual Logic | Good Design vs Bad Design | Theme Development |
| Use of Measurements, Scale & Proportions | Developing Themes & Colour Associations | Foreshortening & Perspective |
| 3D Visualization | Inspiration & Creativity | Ornaments & Motifs |
| Memory Drawing | Usage of Colour in Compositions | Expression & Emotion |
| Exercises on imagination | Lateral Thinking | Story Pictures |
| Graphics & Pictograms | Imagination & Doodling | Presentation Techniques |
NID Prelims GAT Syllabus
| NID Prelims GAT Syllabus - BDes | ||
| Ratio & Proportion, Percentage | Direction Sense | Reading Comprehension (Passages) |
| Profit & Loss, Interest | Series Completion | Error Detection |
| Averages, Speed, Time & Distance | Seating Arrangement | Statement Conclusion |
| Mixture And Allegation, Work & Time | Arithmetic Reasoning | Para Jumble |
| Numbers System | Clocks And Calendar | Cloze Test |
| Area, Volume & Surface Area | Blood Relations | Synonyms/Antonyms |
| Permutations & Combinations, Probability | Character Puzzle | Singular/Plural |
| Sets, Relations & Functions | Venn Diagrams | Painter & Paintings |
| Quadratic Equations And Complex Numbers | Series, Paper Folding, Grouping Of Images | Indian Textile Craft |
| Determinants And Matrices | Analogy, Mirror Images, Pattern Completion, Paper Cutting | Current Affairs |
| Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Statistics | Dot Situation, Cube And Dice, | World Heritage Sites |
| Musicians & Instruments | Figure Matrix, | Indian Geography |
For better preparations, refer to the NID entrance exam syllabus pdf for every campus, for example, the NID Ahmedabad syllabus / NID Ahmedabad entrance exam syllabus, and start your preparations.
NID B.Des Entrance Exam Syllabus: Studio Test
- This is the second stage of the NID DAT Exam.
- The studio test includes different formats of questions like Drawing, Sketching, and Model Making.
NID DAT Prelims Syllabus is provided below:
| NID DAT Mains Syllabus – BDes. | ||
| Material Manipulation | Model Making | Doodling |
| Ideation | Audio – Visual Exercises | Story building |
| Creative Thinking | Portfolio | Personal Interview |
NID Syllabus 2025: M.Des
As mentioned above, the postgraduate program entrance examination also includes prelims and mains.
The NID MDes Prelims examination includes:
- Design Aptitude Test
- Discipline-Specific Test
- Genral Aptitude Test
Learn more: How is Life at NID?
The NID MDes Mains examination includes:
- Studio test
- Personal interview
Refer: NID Interview Questions with Answers
Upon qualifying for both stages, you will be shortlisted for the final merit list. Check the NID DAT MDes syllabus and NID BDes entrance exam syllabus before preparing.
Look at the table below to learn the NID Syllabus for the preliminary exam of the M.Des course.
Practicing NID Sample Papers will help you get a fair idea about the difficulty level and type of questions asked on these topics.
| NID Mains CAT Syllabus – MDes. | ||
| Design Outline | Colour Terminology | Inspiration & Design Development |
| Elements & Principles Of Design | Design Theory | Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship |
| Geometrical Form | Colour, Pattern & Texture | Innovation in Design |
| Principles of Composition Lettering | Optical Illusion | Understanding Light & Shade |
| Form & Function | Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions | Design Awareness |
| Drawing Fundamentals | Creative thinking & writing | Picture Analysis |
| Visual Logic | Good Design vs Bad Design | Theme Development |
| Use of Measurements, Scale & Proportions | Developing Themes & Colour Associations | Foreshortening & Perspective |
| 3D Visualization | Inspiration & Creativity | Ornaments & Motifs |
| Memory Drawing | Usage of Colour in Compositions | Expression & Emotion |
| Exercises on imagination | Lateral Thinking | Story Pictures |
| Graphics & Pictograms | Imagination & Doodling | Presentation Techniques |
NID Prelims GAT Syllabus MDes.
| NID Prelims GAT Syllabus - MDes | ||
| Ratio & Proportion, Percentage | Direction Sense | Reading Comprehension (Passages) |
| Profit & Loss, Interest | Series Completion | Error Detection |
| Averages, Speed, Time & Distance | Seating Arrangement | Statement Conclusion |
| Mixture And Allegation, Work & Time | Arithmetic Reasoning | Para Jumble |
| Numbers System | Clocks And Calendar | Cloze Test |
| Area, Volume & Surface Area | Blood Relations | Synonyms/Antonyms |
| Permutations & Combinations, Probability | Character Puzzle | Singular/Plural |
| Sets, Relations & Functions | Venn Diagrams | Painter & Paintings |
| Quadratic Equations And Complex Numbers | Series, Paper Folding, Grouping Of Images | Indian Textile Craft |
| Determinants And Matrices | Analogy, Mirror Images, Pattern Completion, Paper Cutting | Current Affairs |
| Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Statistics | Dot Situation, Cube And Dice, | World Heritage Sites |
| Musicians & Instruments | Figure Matrix, | Indian Geography |
NID DAT Mains 2025 (for M.Des)
- You must score above the prelims exam cut-off to get shortlisted for the NID DAT Mains exam.
- This stage comprises studio tests and interviews conducted by the exam authorities.
- In the studio test, you are given practical assignments that must be completed on time.
NID Final Result
- The authorities prepare the final merit list based on your performance in prelims and mains.
- You will be offered admission at different NIDs across India if you qualify in all the exam stages.
You might want to check out NID Interview Questions with Answers
NID MDes Mains Syllabus 2025
The below table shows the list of topics to be studied for the Studio Test of M.Des program.
You can follow the expert Preparation Tips for NID to score good marks in the studio test.
The NID exam syllabus is as follows:
| Model Making | Doodling | How to evolve ideas |
| Audio – Visual Exercises | Material Manipulation | Creative Thinking |
Learn more: How to prepare for NID Studio Test 2025?
Which are the best books for NID Entrance Exam 2025?
To enhance exam preparation, you must make sure to refer to the right books that are as per the latest syllabus.
Here is the list of best NID Preparation Books recommended by toppers and experts for better NID syllabus 2025 preparations and results.
| Book Name | Author |
| Creative Edge NID Study Material | Creative Edge |
| Basic Rendering | Robert W.Gill |
| Design drawing | Francis D.K.Ching |
| NIFT/NID/IIFT Entrance Exam Guide | RPH Editorial Board |
Stay updated: NID Exam Latest News
How can CreativeEdge benefit you in your NID Preparation 2025?
Creative Edge, a TopRankers initiative, is one of the top online NID coaching centres. Here, we make your NID preparation more fun and easier to process. We help you to shape your skills and nourish your qualities to excel in the exam.
- Live Classes + Recorded Lectures
- Physical / Digital Study Material
- Personalized Mentorship
- Live Doubt Clearance classes
- Regular Topic Tests & Drawing Assignments
- Full-length Mock Tests with Video Solution
- Biggest & Best Academic Faculty team for your Preparations
- College Counselling Assistance
Bosst your NID 2025 Exam Preparation: NID 2025 Online Coaching
Conclusion
The NID syllabus 2025 is an invaluable resource for students seeking to expand their knowledge, refine their design skills and obtain excellent scores in the entrance exam.
Its emphasis on design theory, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving allows students to explore their creative potential and enhance their design skills.
Refer: Design Thinking Awareness Questions and Answers PDF
Table of contents
or reload the browser
or reload the browser
Download Your Free NID Prep Material
Fill your details
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NID DAT Syllabus 2025?
Is the NID Entrance Exam Syllabus 2025 same for B. Des and M. Des?
What are the important topics under NID DAT Entrance Exam Syllabus 2025?
What are the best books for preparation of NID Syllabus?
What is the syllabus for NID studio test?
Does NID Entrance Syllabus varies every year?
Where do I find NID Syllabus related Sample Papers?
Does the NID Entrance Exam Syllabus stay the same every year?
NID Syllabus 2025: In-Depth NID Syllabus Breakdown for B.Des and M.Des Programs
April 15, 2024
Summary: The NID Syllabus 2025 is available for both the B. Des and M. Des programs in this article. The syllabus is based on papers from previous years.
The National Institute of Design does not officially prescribe the NID exam syllabus. However, by analysing previous year's papers, our experts from the Creative Edge team have provided essential topics that need to be studied for the examination.
Your preparations can have a better direction with the knowledge of the NID Syllabus 2025 and the marks allotted for each section.
Even without emphasizing much, you understand the importance of solving sample papers; the same goes for the syllabus.
The preparation process is further simplified if you know what to focus on to crack the exams with excellent scores.
With no further delay, let's dive into the detailed information about the NID admission test syllabus and the best books to ace your preparation.
NOTE: Above video explains NID 2024 Syllabus. The Brochure for NID 2025 will be out in October 2025. We expect minimum changes in it.
As per the NID 2024 brochure, NID Entrance Exam Pattern is as follows -
The entrance exam is conducted in 2 stages for both NID B.Des and M.Des programs.
- NID DAT Prelims.
- NID DAT Mains.
There are two sections included in the Prelims exam, i.e.,
- Creative Ability Test (CAT)
- General Aptitude Test (GAT)
The prelims examination is a pen and paper-based written test.
In the Mains exam,there will be a -
- Studio test and
- Personal interview
NID Syllabus 2025 PDF Download (BDes & MDes)
The syllabus varies for prelims and main exams. You can check the detailed syllabus in the post below.
Check the NID GK syllabus and start your sectional practice.
Practice with: NID Mock Tests Series 2025
NID Prelims Exam Syllabus 2025 for B.Des
- The B. Des prelims exam is conducted for 100 marks, out of which the marks for objective and subjective are divided.
- The total time duration of the exam is 3 hours.
The below table shows the NID UG entrance exam syllabus for B.Des & GDPD NID DAT Prelims exam.
| NID Prelims CAT Syllabus - BDes | ||
| Design Outline | Colour Terminology | Inspiration & Design Development |
| Elements & Principles Of Design | Design Theory | Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship |
| Geometrical Form | Colour, Pattern & Texture | Innovation in Design |
| Principles of Composition Lettering | Optical Illusion | Understanding Light & Shade |
| Form & Function | Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions | Design Awareness |
| Drawing Fundamentals | Creative thinking & writing | Picture Analysis |
| Visual Logic | Good Design vs Bad Design | Theme Development |
| Use of Measurements, Scale & Proportions | Developing Themes & Colour Associations | Foreshortening & Perspective |
| 3D Visualization | Inspiration & Creativity | Ornaments & Motifs |
| Memory Drawing | Usage of Colour in Compositions | Expression & Emotion |
| Exercises on imagination | Lateral Thinking | Story Pictures |
| Graphics & Pictograms | Imagination & Doodling | Presentation Techniques |
NID Prelims GAT Syllabus
| NID Prelims GAT Syllabus - BDes | ||
| Ratio & Proportion, Percentage | Direction Sense | Reading Comprehension (Passages) |
| Profit & Loss, Interest | Series Completion | Error Detection |
| Averages, Speed, Time & Distance | Seating Arrangement | Statement Conclusion |
| Mixture And Allegation, Work & Time | Arithmetic Reasoning | Para Jumble |
| Numbers System | Clocks And Calendar | Cloze Test |
| Area, Volume & Surface Area | Blood Relations | Synonyms/Antonyms |
| Permutations & Combinations, Probability | Character Puzzle | Singular/Plural |
| Sets, Relations & Functions | Venn Diagrams | Painter & Paintings |
| Quadratic Equations And Complex Numbers | Series, Paper Folding, Grouping Of Images | Indian Textile Craft |
| Determinants And Matrices | Analogy, Mirror Images, Pattern Completion, Paper Cutting | Current Affairs |
| Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Statistics | Dot Situation, Cube And Dice, | World Heritage Sites |
| Musicians & Instruments | Figure Matrix, | Indian Geography |
For better preparations, refer to the NID entrance exam syllabus pdf for every campus, for example, the NID Ahmedabad syllabus / NID Ahmedabad entrance exam syllabus, and start your preparations.
NID B.Des Entrance Exam Syllabus: Studio Test
- This is the second stage of the NID DAT Exam.
- The studio test includes different formats of questions like Drawing, Sketching, and Model Making.
NID DAT Prelims Syllabus is provided below:
| NID DAT Mains Syllabus – BDes. | ||
| Material Manipulation | Model Making | Doodling |
| Ideation | Audio – Visual Exercises | Story building |
| Creative Thinking | Portfolio | Personal Interview |
NID Syllabus 2025: M.Des
As mentioned above, the postgraduate program entrance examination also includes prelims and mains.
The NID MDes Prelims examination includes:
- Design Aptitude Test
- Discipline-Specific Test
- Genral Aptitude Test
Learn more: How is Life at NID?
The NID MDes Mains examination includes:
- Studio test
- Personal interview
Refer: NID Interview Questions with Answers
Upon qualifying for both stages, you will be shortlisted for the final merit list. Check the NID DAT MDes syllabus and NID BDes entrance exam syllabus before preparing.
Look at the table below to learn the NID Syllabus for the preliminary exam of the M.Des course.
Practicing NID Sample Papers will help you get a fair idea about the difficulty level and type of questions asked on these topics.
| NID Mains CAT Syllabus – MDes. | ||
| Design Outline | Colour Terminology | Inspiration & Design Development |
| Elements & Principles Of Design | Design Theory | Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship |
| Geometrical Form | Colour, Pattern & Texture | Innovation in Design |
| Principles of Composition Lettering | Optical Illusion | Understanding Light & Shade |
| Form & Function | Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions | Design Awareness |
| Drawing Fundamentals | Creative thinking & writing | Picture Analysis |
| Visual Logic | Good Design vs Bad Design | Theme Development |
| Use of Measurements, Scale & Proportions | Developing Themes & Colour Associations | Foreshortening & Perspective |
| 3D Visualization | Inspiration & Creativity | Ornaments & Motifs |
| Memory Drawing | Usage of Colour in Compositions | Expression & Emotion |
| Exercises on imagination | Lateral Thinking | Story Pictures |
| Graphics & Pictograms | Imagination & Doodling | Presentation Techniques |
NID Prelims GAT Syllabus MDes.
| NID Prelims GAT Syllabus - MDes | ||
| Ratio & Proportion, Percentage | Direction Sense | Reading Comprehension (Passages) |
| Profit & Loss, Interest | Series Completion | Error Detection |
| Averages, Speed, Time & Distance | Seating Arrangement | Statement Conclusion |
| Mixture And Allegation, Work & Time | Arithmetic Reasoning | Para Jumble |
| Numbers System | Clocks And Calendar | Cloze Test |
| Area, Volume & Surface Area | Blood Relations | Synonyms/Antonyms |
| Permutations & Combinations, Probability | Character Puzzle | Singular/Plural |
| Sets, Relations & Functions | Venn Diagrams | Painter & Paintings |
| Quadratic Equations And Complex Numbers | Series, Paper Folding, Grouping Of Images | Indian Textile Craft |
| Determinants And Matrices | Analogy, Mirror Images, Pattern Completion, Paper Cutting | Current Affairs |
| Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Statistics | Dot Situation, Cube And Dice, | World Heritage Sites |
| Musicians & Instruments | Figure Matrix, | Indian Geography |
NID DAT Mains 2025 (for M.Des)
- You must score above the prelims exam cut-off to get shortlisted for the NID DAT Mains exam.
- This stage comprises studio tests and interviews conducted by the exam authorities.
- In the studio test, you are given practical assignments that must be completed on time.
NID Final Result
- The authorities prepare the final merit list based on your performance in prelims and mains.
- You will be offered admission at different NIDs across India if you qualify in all the exam stages.
You might want to check out NID Interview Questions with Answers
NID MDes Mains Syllabus 2025
The below table shows the list of topics to be studied for the Studio Test of M.Des program.
You can follow the expert Preparation Tips for NID to score good marks in the studio test.
The NID exam syllabus is as follows:
| Model Making | Doodling | How to evolve ideas |
| Audio – Visual Exercises | Material Manipulation | Creative Thinking |
Learn more: How to prepare for NID Studio Test 2025?
Which are the best books for NID Entrance Exam 2025?
To enhance exam preparation, you must make sure to refer to the right books that are as per the latest syllabus.
Here is the list of best NID Preparation Books recommended by toppers and experts for better NID syllabus 2025 preparations and results.
| Book Name | Author |
| Creative Edge NID Study Material | Creative Edge |
| Basic Rendering | Robert W.Gill |
| Design drawing | Francis D.K.Ching |
| NIFT/NID/IIFT Entrance Exam Guide | RPH Editorial Board |
Stay updated: NID Exam Latest News
How can CreativeEdge benefit you in your NID Preparation 2025?
Creative Edge, a TopRankers initiative, is one of the top online NID coaching centres. Here, we make your NID preparation more fun and easier to process. We help you to shape your skills and nourish your qualities to excel in the exam.
- Live Classes + Recorded Lectures
- Physical / Digital Study Material
- Personalized Mentorship
- Live Doubt Clearance classes
- Regular Topic Tests & Drawing Assignments
- Full-length Mock Tests with Video Solution
- Biggest & Best Academic Faculty team for your Preparations
- College Counselling Assistance
Bosst your NID 2025 Exam Preparation: NID 2025 Online Coaching
Conclusion
The NID syllabus 2025 is an invaluable resource for students seeking to expand their knowledge, refine their design skills and obtain excellent scores in the entrance exam.
Its emphasis on design theory, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving allows students to explore their creative potential and enhance their design skills.
Refer: Design Thinking Awareness Questions and Answers PDF
Download Your Free NID Prep Material
Fill your details
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NID DAT Syllabus 2025?
Is the NID Entrance Exam Syllabus 2025 same for B. Des and M. Des?
What are the important topics under NID DAT Entrance Exam Syllabus 2025?
What are the best books for preparation of NID Syllabus?
What is the syllabus for NID studio test?
Does NID Entrance Syllabus varies every year?
Where do I find NID Syllabus related Sample Papers?
Does the NID Entrance Exam Syllabus stay the same every year?
