The National Institute of Design (NID) will conduct the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) 2025 Prelims on January 5, 2025. This examination is an important step for students aspiring to secure admission to undergraduate and postgraduate design programs offered by NID. The test will be held in a single shift across multiple centers in India and conducted in pen-and-paper mode.
Candidates who clear the prelims will proceed to the NID DAT 2025 Mains Exam, the next stage in the selection process.
Exam Pattern: Understanding the NID DAT 2025 Prelims Structure
The NID DAT 2025 Prelims question paper structure differs for the Bachelor of Design (BDes) and Master of Design (MDes) programs.
- For BDes, the paper consists of 31 questions, with two sections:
- Section A: Comprises multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
- Section B: Includes subjective-type questions.
- Weightage in Final Merit List: 40% for prelims marks.
- For MDes, the question paper contains 37 questions, and the prelims test weightage for the final merit list is 30%.
Here’s the detailed breakdown of the exam structure:
| Section | Type of Question | Number of Questions | Marks Allotted per Question | Maximum Marks per Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | MCQs | 27 | Questions 1 to 15: 1 mark each Questions 16 to 26: 2 marks each Question 27: 3 marks |
40 |
| Section 2 | Subjective Type | 4 | Questions 28 to 31: 15 marks each | 60 |
The total marks for the exam are 100, split across the two sections.
Exam Centers for NID DAT 2025 Prelims
The exam will be conducted in 22 cities across India. Candidates must appear at the designated test center as mentioned on their admit cards. Below is the list of cities:
- Ahmedabad
- Guwahati
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Bhopal
- Jaipur
- Bhubaneshwar
- Kochi
- Chandigarh
- Kolkata
- Chennai
- Kurukshetra
- Dehradun
- Lucknow
- Mumbai
- Nagpur
- New Delhi
- Patna
- Raipur
- Ranchi
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Vijayawada
Ensure you arrive at your assigned center well in advance to complete the check-in process smoothly.
Essential Photo ID Proofs for the Exam
Candidates must carry one of the following valid photo ID proofs along with their admit card:
- Passport
- Voter ID
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Driving License
- Attested Photo ID (in case the ID does not have a photo, it must be duly attested).
Failing to present a valid ID proof may lead to disqualification from the examination.
How to Approach the Exam
To perform well in the NID DAT 2025 Prelims, candidates should follow these steps:
- Arrive at the exam center at least 30 minutes early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Carry the admit card, valid photo ID proof, and necessary stationery, such as pencils, erasers, and a pen.
- Thoroughly read all instructions provided on the question paper before starting.
- Allocate time effectively between Section 1 (MCQs) and Section 2 (subjective questions).
- Double-check your answers for MCQs to avoid errors and ensure clarity in your responses for subjective questions.
Important Highlights of NID DAT 2025
- Exam Date: January 5, 2025
- Mode of Exam: Pen-and-paper (offline)
- Weightage in Final Merit List:
- BDes: 40% (Prelims)
- MDes: 30% (Prelims)
- Purpose: Admission to undergraduate (BDes) and postgraduate (MDes) design programs.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the NID DAT 2025 Prelims Exam?
The NID DAT 2025 Prelims exam serves as the initial stage for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate design programs at the National Institute of Design.
What is the weightage of the prelims exam in the final merit list?
For BDes, prelims marks have a weightage of 40%, while for MDes, the weightage is 30%.
How many questions are there in the NID DAT 2025 Prelims for BDes?
The BDes prelims exam contains a total of 31 questions divided into two sections: MCQs and subjective-type questions.
What are the acceptable photo ID proofs for the exam?
Candidates can bring any of the following: Passport, Voter ID, PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Driving License, or an attested ID without a photo.
Where can I find the list of exam centers for NID DAT 2025?
The exam centers are spread across 22 cities, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, and others.
What is the exam mode for NID DAT 2025 Prelims?
The exam will be conducted in pen-and-paper mode at designated centers.
What stationery items should I carry for the exam?
Bring pencils, erasers, pens, and any other items specified on your admit card.
When will the NID DAT 2025 Mains exam be conducted?
The Mains exam date will be announced after the prelims results are declared.
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