For thousands of aspiring designers in India, cracking the NID entrance exam is a dream come true. The National Institute of Design (NID) is among the most prestigious design institutes in the country, offering specialized undergraduate and postgraduate design programs that open doors to creative careers across industries. But getting into NID is no cakewalk. The entrance process is rigorous, multi-layered, and designed to assess not just your drawing or sketching skills, but your overall design thinking, creativity, problem-solving ability, and personality.
This process is divided into two distinct stages: the NID DAT Prelims and the NID DAT Mains. At Creativedge, one of the most common questions we receive from our students is: “What’s the difference between NID Prelims and Mains, and how do I prepare for each based on the NID syllabus?” In this blog, we break it down for you clearly, thoroughly, and with practical advice from our mentors.
Understanding the NID Selection Process
Before diving into the differences, let’s quickly go over the structure of the NID entrance process. First, there is the DAT Prelims—the Design Aptitude Test (written exam), followed by the DAT Mains, which includes the Studio Test and Personal Interview for shortlisted candidates. Both stages are essential to your selection. Only students who qualify in the Prelims are invited to appear for the Mains.
What is NID DAT Prelims?
The Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Prelims is the first stage of the NID admission process. It is a written exam, typically conducted offline in pen-and-paper format. This test is designed to evaluate your creativity and imagination, observation and visualization, analytical thinking, communication skills, and design sensitivity.
The exam format includes subjective and objective questions, is conducted in English, and lasts approximately three hours. The questions are a mix of sketch-based answers, design problem-solving, visual reasoning, and sometimes general awareness related to art, culture, and current affairs. You might be asked to draw, illustrate an idea, complete a visual sequence, or even critique a design.
Key skills tested in Prelims include clarity of thought, expressing ideas visually, basic design knowledge, innovative thinking, and aesthetic sense. For example, you might be asked to design a poster on “Sustainable Living,” complete a drawing sequence that shows a story, create a product for the visually impaired and sketch its design, or identify design errors in an existing visual.
What is NID DAT Mains?
Once you clear the Prelims, you’re shortlisted for the DAT Mains, which is more practical, interactive, and experiential. This stage evaluates not just your skills, but how you apply your ideas under time pressure and how well you communicate and defend your thought process.
The Mains typically include two parts: the Studio Test and the Personal Interview (with or without portfolio review). The Studio Test is all about doing and making. It tests your ability to think on your feet and translate your thoughts into tangible outputs. You’ll be asked to use materials to build models, complete visual storytelling tasks, or solve design-based problems in real-time. With NID Online Coaching, you can practice these skills extensively under expert guidance, helping you build confidence and refine your approach before the actual exam.
The personal interview is designed to understand your personality, passion, and perspective on design. Some NID campuses may also ask you to bring a portfolio, especially at the postgraduate level, though it’s becoming more common even at the undergraduate stage. During the interview, panelists may ask questions like: What inspired you to pursue design? Can you walk us through one of your projects? How do you handle creative blocks? What is your favorite design and why?
Key Differences Between Prelims and Mains
Let’s compare the two stages side-by-side to understand the key distinctions. Prelims serve as screening and shortlisting, while Mains is the final evaluation for admission. Prelims are written exams (pen and paper), whereas Mains are practical (studio test) plus interview. Skills tested in Prelims include creativity, observation, ideation, whereas Mains test hands-on execution, concept clarity, and personality. Prelims involve subjective and objective questions, while Mains involve task-based assessments and verbal responses. Portfolio submission is generally not required in Prelims but may be necessary for Mains depending on the program or campus.
How to Prepare for Each Stage – Creativedge’s Guide
At Creativedge, we believe success comes from targeted preparation. Here’s how you should approach each stage differently.
Preparing for Prelims
Make daily sketching a habit and focus on improving your lines, proportions, and idea clarity. Practice converting abstract thoughts into visuals through mind maps, doodles, and concept sketches. Solve previous years’ NID Prelims papers to understand the NID Previous Year question patterns. Practice under timed conditions to improve speed and neatness because presentation matters. Stay updated on design trends, famous designers, and cultural events, and work on observation exercises by drawing inspiration from your surroundings.
Creativedge Tip: “In Prelims, it’s not about being the best artist. It’s about expressing smart, original ideas clearly and creatively.”
Preparing for Mains (Studio Test + Interview)
Practice handling materials like paper, wire, clay, and thermocol by building small models. Engage in timed design challenges such as creating packaging solutions using limited materials. Work on storytelling through visuals by developing sequencing, expressions, and narratives. Participate in mock interviews to get comfortable talking about your ideas, processes, and inspirations. If required, curate a portfolio that reflects your interests and growth, keeping it clean and honest. Practice speaking clearly about your work—explain why you chose certain materials or approaches.
Creativedge Tip: “Studio tests are about action, not theory. How you think under pressure and execute with creativity sets you apart.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is focusing only on drawing skills. NID is not just about sketching—it’s about design thinking, innovation, and problem-solving. Avoid copying portfolio ideas from the internet; your portfolio and answers should be original. Don’t overthink the interview—be honest and confident. The panel wants to see who you are, not who you’re pretending to be. Finally, don’t ignore studio test preparation; many students assume drawing skills alone are enough, but studio tests demand a different skill set.
Conclusion
The NID entrance exam is a true test of your creative intelligence, problem-solving, and adaptability. It’s not just about being good at drawing—it’s about how you think, observe, express, and build ideas. Understanding the difference between Prelims and Mains is the first step to preparing smartly. Each stage demands a different mindset and strategy.
At Creativedge, we’ve helped hundreds of students crack both stages through structured learning, mentor guidance, and a design-focused approach. If you’re serious about design and dream of NID, we’re here to guide you—every sketch, every test, and every idea at a time.
Ready to take the next step in your NID journey? Book a free counseling session with Creativedge, join our Studio Test Bootcamp or Portfolio Mentorship Program, and get access to practice materials, mock tests, and expert feedback. Creativedge—fueling India’s future designers with creativity, clarity, and confidence.
