NID B.Des. Entrance Exam Syllabus, Eligibility, Preparation Guide


This guide provides a detailed overview of the syllabus and examination pattern for the NID Entrance Exams, which include the Design Aptitude Test (DAT), Studio Test, and Personal Interview among others. It is designed to equip you with all the essential tools and knowledge needed to prepare effectively for the exam. With this comprehensive resource, you can confidently approach your preparations and maximize your performance in the upcoming NID Entrance Exams.

National Institute of Design (NID)

The National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad, along with its extension campuses in Gandhinagar and Bengaluru, is recognized as an ‘Institute of National Importance’ under the NID Act of 2014. Operating under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, NID offers autonomous and innovative educational programs. According to the NID Act 2014, the institute has the authority to award its own degrees, which currently include a full-time Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) with a four-year duration, a full-time Master of Design (M.Des.) spanning two-and-a-half years, and PhD programs in Design, both full-time and part-time. Additionally, NID is a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

The expansion of NID includes:

  • National Institute of Design, Andhra Pradesh (NID AP), established in September 2015 as the first new NID in accordance with the National Design Policy by the Government of India post the original NID in Ahmedabad. It serves as an autonomous multidisciplinary design institute.
  • National Institute of Design, Haryana (NIDH), established on November 15, 2016, and recognized as an Institute of National Importance under the NID (Amendment) Act of 2019. NIDH strives to lead innovative design directions in the industrial, commercial, and developmental sectors.
  • National Institute of Design, Madhya Pradesh (NID MP), designated as an Institute of National Importance on November 29, 2019, under the National Institute of Design (Amendment) Act, 2019. It functions as an autonomous institution under the DPIIT.
  • National Institute of Design, Assam (NID Assam), another autonomous institution of National Importance engaged in providing design education, research, and practice in Industrial Design, Communication Design, and Textile & Apparel Design with a multidisciplinary approach.

Admissions Process Admission to all programs at NID is contingent upon candidates’ performance in two stages of the Design Aptitude Tests (DAT): the DAT Prelims and the DAT Mains. These exams are designed to evaluate the candidates’ knowledge, skills, and behavioral attributes, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of potential students for their respective design disciplines.

NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) – Admission Process

Stage 1: DAT Prelims The Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Prelims is conducted at various test centers across India (details provided in Section 7.3 of the Admissions Handbook). Candidates should be aware that participating in the DAT Prelims or being shortlisted for the second stage does not automatically guarantee admission.

Stage 2: DAT Mains Candidates who are shortlisted from the DAT Prelims will be invited to participate in the DAT Mains. The specific details regarding the test center will be provided in the DAT Mains Admit Card, issued closer to the examination date.

Important Notes:

  • Responsibility of Candidates: It is the sole responsibility of the candidates to ensure that all information provided during the application process is accurate. If any information is found to be false at any stage—whether during application submission or post-admission—NID reserves the right to cancel the application or admission in accordance with its policies.
  • Integrity: Any direct or indirect attempt to influence the institute’s management or employees will result in the immediate disqualification of the candidate.
  • Institutional Autonomy: NID holds the exclusive right to determine the procedures for each admission cycle based on its internal mechanisms and processes. Should any issues arise that are not covered by this handbook, the decisions made by NID will be final and binding on all parties involved.

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Intake Capacity for Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) Programs at National Institutes of Design

1. NID Ahmedabad

The four-year B.Des. program at NID Ahmedabad offers specializations across three faculties:

Faculty of Communication Design

DisciplineIntake Capacity
Animation Film Design19
Exhibition Design13
Film & Video Communication13
Graphic Design19

Faculty of Industrial Design

DisciplineIntake Capacity
Ceramic & Glass Design13
Furniture & Interior Design13
Product Design19

Faculty of Textile, Apparel, Lifestyle and Accessory Design

DisciplineIntake Capacity
Textile Design19
  • Candidates must complete a two-semester mandatory Design Foundation study.
  • Discipline choice is based on merit post-foundation study.
  • Total seats for Indian Nationals, including reserved categories: 125.

2. NID Andhra Pradesh

Specializations Offered

DisciplineIntake Capacity
Communication Design25
Industrial Design25
Textile and Apparel Design25
  • Initial foundation program duration: one year.
  • Total seats available: 75.
  • Discipline allotment based on foundation program performance.

3. NID Haryana

Specializations Offered

DisciplineIntake Capacity
Communication Design25
Industrial Design25
Textile and Apparel Design25
  • Begins with a two-semester intensive Foundation Program followed by specialized courses.

4. NID Madhya Pradesh

Specializations Offered (including seats for overseas candidates)

DisciplineIntake Capacity
Communication Design25 + 4 Overseas
Industrial Design25 + 4 Overseas
Textile and Apparel Design25 + 3 Overseas

5. NID Assam

Specializations Offered

DisciplineIntake Capacity
Communication Design25
Industrial Design25
Textile and Apparel Design25
  • Mandatory foundation program: one year.
  • Total seats: 75, including all categories.
  • Discipline allotment based on performance in the foundation year.

Note: Discipline allotment and seat capacity at NID Assam may vary as per the decisions of the Senate/Governing Council. Each institute’s admission process includes a foundation year or foundation studies, emphasizing the importance of a solid base in design principles before specializing.

NID Eligibility Criteria for Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) Program

Age Limit Criteria:

  • Indian Nationals in General Category and General EWS Category: Eligible candidates must be born on or after July 1, 2003.
  • Indian Nationals in Reserved Categories (OBC-NCL, SC, ST): Eligible candidates must be born on or after July 1, 2000.
  • Indian Nationals in PwD Reserved Category: Eligible candidates must be born on or after July 1, 1998.
  • Foreign Nationals in Overseas (Supernumerary) Category: Eligible candidates must be born on or after July 1, 2003.

NID Educational Qualification Criteria:

Candidates applying for the academic year 2024-25 must have passed, or be appearing in, the higher secondary (10+2) qualifying examinations during the academic year 2023-24. Eligible examinations include those conducted in any stream (Science, Arts, Commerce, Humanities, etc.) by any recognized board of education, such as:

  • CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education)
  • IB (International Baccalaureate)
  • ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education)
  • Or any equivalent board

Examinations Considered Equivalent:

  • Final examination of the 10+2 system under a Central or State Board recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
  • Intermediate or two-year pre-University examination under a Board or University recognized by the AIU.
  • Final examination of the two-year course of the Joint Services Wing of the National Defence Academy.
  • Senior Secondary School examination conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling, with a minimum of five subjects.
  • Any public school, Board, or University examination in India or abroad recognized as equivalent to the 10+2 system by the AIU.
  • H.S.C. vocational examination.
  • General Certificate Education (GCE) examination at the Advanced (A) level from London, Cambridge, or Sri Lanka.
  • AICTE-approved three-year full-time diploma post-Class X offered by the Board of Technical Education of any state in India or Union Territories (Details available on AICTE’s website).

For International and Non-Standard Boards: Candidates who have completed their final examinations for Class XII (or equivalent) outside of India or from a board not specified above must obtain an equivalence certificate from the AIU. This certificate confirms that their examination is equivalent to the Class XII examination conducted in India. This certificate must be submitted during the physical verification of documents as outlined in Section 2 of the Admissions Handbook. For more information on obtaining this certificate, visit AIU’s official website.


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Overseas Category (Supernumerary) Candidates for Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) at NID

Foreign nationals holding citizenship from countries other than India are eligible to apply under the Overseas (supernumerary) category, provided they meet all the eligibility criteria outlined in Section 4.1 of the Admissions Handbook.

Supernumerary Seats Allocation:

  • NID Ahmedabad: 19 seats
  • NID Madhya Pradesh: 11 seats
  • NID Haryana: 11 seats

Key Guidelines for Overseas Candidates:

  • Eligibility: These seats are in addition to the regular intake and are not included within the reservation categories of GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, or PwD. Age-relaxation and scribe facilities do not apply to this category.
  • Fee Structure: Overseas candidates must adhere to the fee structure specified for their category.
  • Application Requirements:
    • OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) and PIO (Person of Indian Origin) cardholders must apply under this category.
    • A valid, current passport is mandatory at the time of application.
    • Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) with an Indian passport should apply as Indian nationals, not under the Overseas category.
  • Admission Process:
    • Admission offers are based on a merit list specific to the Overseas category after completing all stages of the admission process.
    • Minimum qualifying criteria are specified in Section 8.5 of the Admissions Handbook.
  • Documentation:
    • At the time of admission, candidates must present a self-attested copy of their valid passport and academic transcripts (Grade X and XII).
    • Those still completing Grade XII must provide a bonafide certificate from their institution.
    • An equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) is necessary and should be presented during physical document verification or in-person counseling.
  • Visa Requirements: Candidates are responsible for obtaining a student visa for the duration of their studies at NID before the program begins.
  • Failure to Comply: Failure to pay fees, produce required documents, or if declining the admission offer will result in the cancellation of candidature and the seat will be offered to the next eligible candidate in the merit list.
  • Vacant Seats: Any seats left unfilled in the Overseas category will not be transferred to other categories and will lapse.
  • Examination Participation:
    • Overseas candidates are required to participate in both DAT Prelims and DAT Mains.
    • Candidates may select their test center for DAT Prelims from the options listed in Section 7.3 of the Admissions Handbook.
  • Language of Instruction: English is the medium of instruction at NID.

This overview provides essential information for overseas candidates considering admission to NID’s B.Des programs under the supernumerary category.

NID Reservation of Seats for Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) Programs

The National Institute of Design (NID) adheres to the Government of India’s reservation norms for categorizing seats available to Indian Nationals under the B.Des. programs. These categories are designed to ensure equitable admission opportunities across various social and economic groups.

NID Seat Categories and Eligibility

  • Open Category: Eligible for GEN, GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, GEN-PwD, GEN-EWS-PwD, OBC-NCL-PwD, SC-PwD, ST-PwD candidates.
  • General – Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS): Reserved for GEN-EWS and GEN-EWS-PwD candidates.
  • Other Backward Class – Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL): Reserved for OBC-NCL and OBC-NCL-PwD candidates.
  • Scheduled Caste (SC): Reserved for SC and SC-PwD candidates.
  • Scheduled Tribe (ST): Reserved for ST and ST-PwD candidates.
  • Open—Persons with Disability (PwD): Reserved for GEN-PwD, GEN-EWS-PwD, OBC-NCL-PwD, SC-PwD, ST-PwD candidates.
  • Other Backward Class – Non-Creamy Layer—Persons with Disability (OBC-NCL-PwD): Specifically reserved for OBC-NCL-PwD candidates.
  • Scheduled Caste —Persons with Disability (SC-PwD): Specifically reserved for SC-PwD candidates.
  • Scheduled Tribe—Persons with Disability (ST-PwD): Specifically reserved for ST-PwD candidates.

Foreign nationals applying under the Overseas category are not subject to these reservations.

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NID Category-wise Reservation of Seats at Each Institute

InstituteTotal No. of SeatsGEN-EWS (10%)OBC-NCL (27%)Scheduled Caste (15%)Scheduled Tribe (7.5%)
NID Ahmedabad1251334199
NID Andhra Pradesh75820116
NID Haryana75820116
NID Madhya Pradesh75820116
NID Assam75820116

Note: Any changes to the number of seats for each NID will be updated in the Amendment(s) Section on the official admissions website https://admissions.nid.edu.

This table represents the division of seats across various reservation categories, ensuring compliance with governmental guidelines and promoting diversity within NID’s educational environment.

How to Apply for B.Des. Programs at NID

To apply for the Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) programs at the National Institute of Design (NID), follow these steps. Before you begin, ensure you are familiar with the eligibility criteria, seat availability, test centers, reservation policies, and other relevant admission details by reviewing the Admissions Handbook 2024-25 on the official admissions website: https://admissions.nid.edu.

NID Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 0: Initial Review

  • Carefully read all the admission-related information provided in the Admissions Handbook.
  • Note that the Design Aptitude Tests (DAT Prelims and DAT Mains) are common across all NID campuses: Ahmedabad, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam.

Step 1: Signup and Registration

  1. Begin your application by registering online at https://admissions.nid.edu. Choose your program of study, nationality, and category.
  2. Provide a valid email address and an active mobile number during registration. These contacts will receive all official communications, including an OTP for account validation. Maintain access to this email and mobile number until at least August 31, 2024.
  3. Once registered, you will receive your login credentials via email. Check your Spam or Junk folders if you do not see the email in your Inbox.
  4. Use the provided credentials to log in to your account. If you forget your password, use the “Forgot Password” option to receive a new one via email.
  5. You may change your password after logging in by clicking on “Change Password” on the home page.

Step 2: Completing the Online Application Form

  1. After logging in, proceed to fill out the online application form.
  2. Enter all required details accurately. You will have a chance to modify most information during the “Window to Edit,” except for your program, name, date of birth, registered mobile number, and email ID.
  3. If you change your applied category during the “Window to Edit,” you must pay any additional required fees. Note that no refunds will be issued if you switch to a category requiring a lower fee.
  4. Click ‘Save & Proceed’ to move on to the next step, which involves uploading required documents.
  5. If needed, select ‘Save & Exit’ to complete your application at a later time.

Be sure to regularly check your email and text messages for updates from the Admissions Cell at [email protected] or [email protected], as these will contain important information regarding your application status and further instructions.

NID Design Aptitude Tests (DAT) for Bachelor of Design (B.Des.)

The Design Aptitude Tests are a crucial part of the admissions process for the Bachelor of Design programs and are conducted in two stages:

Stage 1: DAT Prelims

  • Important Date: The DAT Prelims are scheduled for Sunday, December 24, 2023.
  • Test Format: This is a traditional paper-and-pencil/pen test that will be held simultaneously across all designated test centers.
  • Content: The test may include both text and visual questions.
  • Duration and Language: Specific details regarding the duration will be provided in the admit card. The question paper will be available in English only.
  • Results and Merit List: Scores from the DAT Prelims will be used to prepare category-specific merit lists (GENERAL, GENERAL-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, and PwD). Candidates who are shortlisted based on their merit will then be eligible to participate in the DAT Mains according to the schedule provided.
  • Overseas Candidates: A separate merit list will be prepared for candidates applying under the Overseas category.

Stage 2: DAT Mains

  • Candidates qualifying from the DAT Prelims will be invited to attend the DAT Mains on dates that will be announced later.

Adaptability Clause:

  • In cases of emergent unforeseen circumstances, the format, schedule, and structure of the exams may be modified. Changes could include shifting to an entirely online format, remaining offline, or a hybrid approach, depending on what the Institute deems appropriate.

These stages are designed to assess a wide range of skills and aptitudes crucial for success in the NID’s B.Des. program. Candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly and stay updated through the official admissions website for any changes or additional instructions related to the exam procedures.

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NID Test Centers and Details for DAT Prelims and DAT Mains

DAT Prelims Test Centers:

The DAT Prelims for the Bachelor of Design programs will be conducted in multiple cities across India. Here are the designated test locations:

  • Ahmedabad
  • Bengaluru
  • Bhopal
  • Bhubaneswar
  • Chandigarh
  • Chennai
  • Dehradun
  • Guwahati
  • Hyderabad
  • Jaipur
  • Kochi
  • Kolkata
  • Kurukshetra
  • Lucknow
  • Mumbai
  • Nagpur
  • New Delhi
  • Patna
  • Raipur
  • Ranchi
  • Thiruvananthapuram
  • Vijayawada

Note:

  • Some cities may host more than one test center.
  • NID reserves the right to add or remove any test center and to assign candidates to a center that may not be their first choice. Requests for changes in test center locations will not be entertained.
  • NID does not provide accommodations for candidates; all participants are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodations.

NID DAT Mains Overview:

Shortlisted candidates from the DAT Prelims will be invited to participate in the DAT Mains based on their merit.

  • Format and Content: The DAT Mains will include various formats of tests, potentially conducted in a studio setup.
  • Language: The examination will be conducted in English only.
  • Test Center Announcements: Specific locations for the DAT Mains will be announced at a later date.
  • Accommodation: Similar to the DAT Prelims, NID will not provide accommodations for candidates; all logistics must be managed individually.

Adaptability Clause:

  • In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the format, schedule, and structure of the examinations may be adjusted. This could include conducting the tests entirely online, offline, or in a hybrid format, depending on what the institute determines to be most appropriate.

NID Weightages of DAT Prelims & DAT Mains:

  • The final marks for candidates in the B.Des program will be calculated based on the combined scores from the DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. The specific weightages of these exams will be disclosed at a later date.
  • Eligibility for Merit List: Only those candidates who have participated in all required tests across both stages of the examination will be considered eligible for inclusion in the Merit List.

For more detailed information and updates, candidates should regularly check the official NID admissions website: https://admissions.nid.edu.

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Announcement of Results and Rechecking Procedure for DAT Prelims

Eligibility for the Merit List

To qualify for the merit list, candidates must participate in all tests across both the DAT Prelims and DAT Mains.

NID Results for DAT Prelims:

  • Merit List Preparation: Based on performance in the DAT Prelims, separate merit lists will be compiled for each category (GENERAL, GENERAL-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD, and OVERSEAS).
  • Result Announcement: Results will be declared exclusively on the official admissions website NID Admissions as per the schedule specified in Section 2 of this document. Candidates will be able to view their scores at this time.
  • Result Score Cards: No separate digital or hard copy scorecards will be issued. Scores from NID’s DAT exams cannot be used by any other entity without prior permission from the National Institute of Design.
  • Tie-Breaking: In the event of a tie in total marks, a tie-break policy will be applied, details of which will be provided later in the Amendments Section of the Admissions Handbook 2024-25.

Rechecking of DAT Prelims Exam:

  • Request Submission: Candidates wishing to request rechecking of their DAT Prelims answer booklets must do so online via the official website.
  • Scope of Rechecking:
    1. Verification that all answers have been marked.
    2. Checking for any mistakes in the totalling of marks for each question in Part II and ensuring correct transfer of marks onto the cover page of the answer booklet.
  • Re-evaluation Restrictions: No re-evaluation of the answer script or any other examination work will be performed.
  • Confidentiality: Answer scripts and related documents are confidential and not subject to re-evaluation, disclosure, or inspection.
  • Outcome of Rechecking: If a discrepancy is found, the marks will be revised accordingly, and the candidate will be notified via their registered email. The revised score will be deemed final.
  • Procedure Requirements: Rechecking requests must include a scanned copy of the Admit Card signed by the invigilator and stamped by the test center. Requests via email will not be accepted.
  • Fees: The fee for rechecking the DAT Prelims paper is Rs. 2000.
  • Instructions for Rechecking: Detailed instructions on how to submit a rechecking request will be provided on the official admissions website at a later date.

Note:

The Institute is not liable for any loss, damage, or inconvenience that may occur to the candidate as a result of mark revisions, and no claims related to this will be entertained. Ensure to follow the prescribed procedure and timelines for submitting rechecking requests as outlined on the NID admissions website.

NID Contact Information for Admissions

If you have any inquiries regarding admissions for the 2024-25 academic year at the National Institute of Design, please refer to the following contact details:

NID Admissions Cell
National Institute of Design
Paldi, Ahmedabad 380 007
Email: [email protected]

Admissions Helpline:
Phone: 079-26623462
Available Monday to Friday during the following times:
Morning: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Afternoon: 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Websites:

Technical Support:
For technical issues related to the submission of online applications, please contact:
Email: [email protected]

Please reach out via the appropriate channels listed above for any assistance or additional information needed concerning your application or admission processes.

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