NID DAT Studio Test 2025 – The National Institute of Design (NID) will conduct the Studio Test for the B.Des program on May 3, 2025.
The candidate must report to the NID DAT 2025 Studio Test venue on time.
Registration for the Studio Test will start before the test starts.
The NID DAT 2025 admit cards for the Studio Test are available from April 11 (onward). On the day of the exam, bring the admit card a valid photo ID proof.
The Studio Test for M.Des course was conducted from March 1-April 4. The NID DAT 2025 (M.Des) Personal Interview included a Studio Test and a Personal Interview.
The National Institute of Design conducted the NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) exam on January 5.
Note that,
- DAT Mains (B.Des) = Studio Test (60% weightage)
- DAT Mains (M.Des) = Studio Test (40%) + Person Interview (30%)
Keep reading to learn more about the NID Studio Test.
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Table of Contents
NID DAT Studio Test Schedule 2025
The important dates for the NID DAT 2025 Studio Test are given below for the B.Des and M.Des courses.
NID DAT 2025 (Mains) Dates – B.Des
| Event | Dates |
| B.Des DAT Prelims result | April 1, 2025 |
| Issue of admit cards for Studio Test | April 11, 2025 (OUT) |
| B.Des DAT Studio Test date (Upcoming) | May 3, 2025 |
| NID DAT Mains 2025 result | May 16, 2025 |
NID DAT 2025 (Mains) Dates – M.Des
| Event | Dates |
| M.Des DAT Prelims result | Feb 17, 2025 |
| M.Des DAT Mains exam date | March 1, 2025 to April 4, 2025 |
| Declaration of results | May 6, 2025 |
M.Des DAT Mains 2025 Schedule
Venue for the B.Des Studio Test 2025
The Studio Test for the B.Des program will be conducted in the following NID campuses (venues):
- NID Ahmedabad
- NID Bengaluru
- NID Andhra Pradesh
- NID Haryana
- NID Madhya Pradesh
- NID Jorhat
The seat capacity at each test center is given below.
| Seating Capacity in Each Center | ||||||
| Studio Test Center | NID Ahmedabad | NID Bengaluru | NID Andhra Pradesh | NID Haryana | NID Madhya Pradesh | NID Jorhat |
| Seating Capacity | 533 | 300 | 300 | 450 | 400 | 120 |
The candidate was given the option to choose a test center for B.Des DAT Mains 2025 Studio Test from 4 pm, April 3 to 4 pm, April 6, 2025.
Venue for the M.Des Studio Test 2025
The M.Des DAT Mains 2025 Studio Test was conducted in the following NID campuses (venues):
- NID Gandhinagar Campus
- NID Ahmedabad Campus
- NID Bengaluru Campus
As per the official notification, candidates appearing for TWO Studio Tests on the same day had to report to the Ahmedabad Campus for registration. This was not applicable for the Studio Tests conducted at the Bengaluru Campus.
The name and address of the M.Des DAT Mains 2025 exam center (or NID Campus) allocated to the candidate was mentioned in the M.Des DAT Mains 2025 admit card.
What is NID Studio Test?
The NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) exam is conducted in TWO stages.
The candidate 1st appears in DAT Prelims. If shortlisted, the candidate next appears in DAT Mains.
The DAT Mains includes a Studio Test.
M.Des candidates are required to appear in a Personal Interview (PI) in addition to the Studio Test. However, DAT Mains for the B.Des program only includes the Studio Test.
The Studio Test carries 60% weightage for the B.Des program, and 40% weightage for the M.Des program.
Skill Tested
The Studio Test will evaluate the candidate’s design aptitude, creativity, as well as problem-solving and hands-on abilities.
Studio Test Topics
- Doodling exercise
- 3D Model Making
- Story Illustration
- Clay Modelling
- Wire Moulding
- Thematic Apperception
- Psychometric Test
- Audio Visual Test
Common Materials for NID Studio Test
| Particulars | Description |
| Basic Stationery | Pencils (HB, 2B, 6B for sketching) Eraser Sharpener Ruler Scale Colored pencils or sketch pens Markers or highlighters |
| Drawing and Sketching Items | Drawing sheets Tracing paper Charcoal or pastels (for shading and detailing) |
| Model-Making Materials | Clay or modeling dough Thermocol (styrofoam) Cardboard or mount board Paper (colored, origami, or craft paper) Scissors Glue or adhesive (Fevicol, tape, etc.) Cutter or precision knife Thread or strings Straws or sticks |
| Recycled or Found Objects | Bottle caps Ice cream sticks Old newspapers or magazines Wire or metal strips Rubber bands Any other everyday objects that can be repurposed creatively |
| Optional Tools | Stencils (for shapes and patterns) Compass Protractor Cutting mat (if allowed) |
Question Paper Structure of DAT Mains for M.Des
The DAT Mains for M.Des consists of TWO parts:
- Studio Test – This may include tests in different formats. The question paper will be in English only.
- Interviews – The interviews will be conducted separately for each discipline, immediately after the Studio Test, and at the same exam center as the Studio Test.
Note that in unforeseen circumstances, the schedules as well as the nature and structure of the exams may be changed, and the tests may be conducted entirely online or entirely offline, or in a combination of online & offline modes.
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- NID Study Material 2025 – Recommended Section-wise Books, Study Tips, Online Resources
- Best books for NIFT exam preparation 2025 – Section-wise Books, Important Topics
What to Expect in the NID Studio Test?
The Studio Test may vary based on the program (B.Des or M.Des) but generally includes the following:
- Model Making – The candidate will have to create 3D models based on a brief using materials provided to them.
- Doodling & Sketching – Quick sketching exercises to assess visualization skills.
- Material Manipulation – The candidate will be asked to use different materials creatively.
- Observation & Perception Test – Analyzing objects, situations, or images and drawing insights.
- Thematic Illustration – Creating storyboards or illustrations on given themes.
- Personal Interviews – For M.Des candidates, the DAT Mains also includes a personal interview.
How to prepare for the NID Studio Test
The candidate needs to follow these tips to prepare for the NID DAT 2025 Studio Test.
- Practice working with clay, paper, wire, and other materials.
- Learn how to quickly sketch and draw perspective drawing without compromising on quality and creativity
- Develop ideation and storytelling abilities
- Stay updated on design trends and problem-solving methods
- To prepare for the hands-on task, you can practice making small models with limited materials. Learn basic cutting, folding, and joining techniques. Experiment with structural stability and aesthetics.
- Also, pay attention to communication and presentation techniques.
- Be prepared for surprises – The Studio Test he test may provide specific materials or ask you to use unconventional items. So, being flexible and having the ability to think on your feet could be life-saving.
Examples of NID DAT 2025 Studio Test Tasks
Here are a few Studio Test tasks the candidate may be asked to perform.
- Create a 3D model of a product using cardboard and paper.
- Design a functional object using clay and straws.
- Sketch a solution to a given problem and explain it.
- Build a prototype using recycled materials.
What to carry for NID DAT Studio Test 2025
The candidate needs to bring the following items with them on the day of the Studio Test.
- NID DAT Admit Card 2025 for the Studio Test
- Photo ID proof
- Basic tools (pencils, erasers, cutters, etc.) unless specified otherwise.
Note that the National Institute of Design will release separate admit cards for the DAT Mains exam.
The NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) admit card will not be accepted for entry into the exam hall.
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