NID STUDIO TEST 2025-26

What is NID STUDIO TEST?

The NID Studio Test is the second phase for students who clear NID DAT Prelims (B.Des/GDPD/M.Des). DAT Prelims (MCQs) carries 30% weightage, while DAT Mains (Studio Test) carries 70% and is the key selection stage, conducted at NID Ahmedabad.

The Studio Test may include doodling, 3D model making, clay and wire modelling, psychometric and audio–visual tests, plus interview and portfolio review (for B.Des/GDPD/M.Des). For M.Des, the Studio Test is held separately for each discipline, in English, for 100 marks.

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M.Des. DAT Prelims Result 2025-26

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M.Des. DAT Prelims Result Rechecking until 1600 hrs. Tuesday 18 February 2025

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M.Des. DAT Mains Schedule 2025-26

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NID B.Des 2025-26 Handbook

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NID M.Des 2025-26 Handbook

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NID Studio Test will be conducted in the following formats

  1. Doodling Concepts
  2. 3d Model Making
  3. Clay Modelling
  4. Wire Moulding
  5. Thematic / Psychometric Test
  6. Audio/ Visual Test
  7. Interview and Portfolio
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What is the Doodling Concept?

Doodling is the practice of making quick, simple drawings, often abstract or loosely representational, to explore ideas visually. It acts as the first, free-flowing stage of design, helping you find direction, themes, and concepts before developing a final product.

3D Modelling at NID tests a candidate’s creativity, logic, and material-handling skills. Students are given 30–45 minutes and materials like wire, clay, paper, thermocol, or waste items to create a model based on a given theme. Evaluators assess how well the model reflects the concept, balances the materials, and showcases the originality of the idea.

Clay Modelling at NID evaluates how effectively candidates use the given amount of clay to create detailed and expressive models. The task is done without any tools like knives or cutters, testing creativity, precision, and hands-on skill.

Wire Moulding at NID tests how students use and manipulate different wire types (G wires, Aluminium Wire, SS wire) to creatively construct and balance a model based on a given theme.

The Thematic/Psychometric Test at NID evaluates a candidate’s observation skills, presence of mind, and visual balance. Candidates are shown an image for a few seconds and given 1–10 minutes to respond, revealing their perception, recall, and interpretation abilities.

  • Draw what you see.
  • Turn the line black into white and white into black
  • How many black lines are in the given visuals?
  • How many chairs are in this office?
  • How many windows are in this office?
  • What type of colour scheme is used in the office?

The Audio/Visual Test at NID assesses how well candidates observe and interpret everyday sounds and visuals.

  • Video: Video of the type of images shown below.
  • Audio: Plays sounds like water falling, door opening, paper folding, dragging heavy objects, etc.

The Interview and Portfolio round at NID evaluates a candidate’s passion for design, originality, and clarity of thought. Candidates present their portfolio showcasing work such as sketches, photography, digital designs, 3D models, or creative writing. They are expected to discuss their work confidently and honestly during a face-to-face interview covering personal insights, background, and design aspirations. Below are some sample questions.

  • What is the meaning of your name?
    Tell us something about the place you belong to.
  • What did you see in Ahmedabad?
  • Which course do you want to pursue from NID, and why?
  • Where do you see yourself in another 10 years?
  • What makes you happy
  • What are your biggest strengths?

How to Crack NID Studio Test

  1. Be Observant: Stay alert and notice everyday details to enhance visualisation and creativity.
  2. Think Creatively: Approach tasks with fresh, innovative ideas instead of common ones.
  3. Manage Time Well: Practice to improve speed and efficiency during the 3-hour test.
  4. Solve Smartly: Focus on identifying problems quickly and executing creative solutions.
  5. Use Materials Wisely: Handle given materials smartly and purposefully to bring your idea to life.
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Exam Pattern of NID Studio Test

  1. The NID entrance exam has three phases — DAT Prelims, DAT Mains, and the Interview/Portfolio round. The Prelims carry 30% weightage, and the Mains carry 70%. Only shortlisted candidates from the Prelims can appear for the Mains.
  2. The Studio Test is a 3-hour practical exam consisting of hands-on tasks like sketching, model-making, and group discussions. Candidates are evaluated on:
    • Neatness and design balance
    • Effective material use
    • Quality and execution
    • Creativity, logic, and analysis
    • Aesthetic sense and idea visualisation
    • Managerial and hands-on skills

NID Studio Test 2021 Original Papers

B.Des/GDPD 2021 Questions:

  1. Draw a scene of attending an online class while your sibling distracts you (with a door slightly open).
  2. Create a 6-stage comic strip featuring knots and crosses as characters from tic-tac-toe, including dialogues.
  3. Write a 3-stage short story about a black sphere in a desert with clouds, without changing the setting.
  4. Design a poster raising awareness about bullying in children.
  5. Prepare an instruction manual for making a cup of tea.

Masters in Design DAT Mains 2021 – Original Questions

Interaction Design

  1. Redesign a headphone to reflect features: Volume, Song, and Police.
  2. Design a poster on “Healthy lifestyle during Pandemic” and adapt content for SMS/public spaces.
  3. Illustrate a headphone in a specified design language.
  4. Create a lamp for millennials, highlighting key features.

Product Design

  1. Design a vaccine storage product that maintains 2–5°C.
  2. Draw a poster promoting vaccination.
  3. Sketch a composition of taking a selfie with a smartphone.
  4. Storyboard a conversation between a charger and a phone.
  5. Design an assistive electronic product for elderly users.

New Media Design

  1. Visually narrate the transition from old to new media (e.g., Book→eBook, Music→Spotify, Journalism→Blogs).
  2. Design a bank robot for token generation and queries (3 frames).
  3. Create a dynamic logo for a mobile phone company.
  4. Plan a transmedia campaign for Consumer Rights Awareness.

Film and Video Communication

  1. Write a dialogue debating the Three Farm Laws with a friend.
  2. Describe a visual scene of a student stuck in traffic, late for an exam.
  3. Craft a story about a person alone at home during lockdown, facing rising fears.

SEATS RESERVATION

FAQs Related to NID DAT Mains

1. How important is the DAT Mains?

DAT Mains is crucial; final merit is based on the combined weighted scores from both Prelims and Mains stages.

Yes, candidates can apply multiple times as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

You can select a preferred centre during application, but NID may change it as needed.

Three times the number of available seats is shortlisted for the studio test.

Bring a blue/black ballpoint pen, lead pencils, dry colours, ruler, sharpener, eraser, cutter, and scissors.

The DAT Mains (Studio Test) carries 70% weightage in the entrance exam.

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