NID B.Des DAT Prelims 2024 Results Announced, NID Mains Exam Next!

On 4th April 2024, the National Institute of Design (NID) announced the results for its Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Prelims exam for admissions to the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs for the academic year 2024-25. Around 20,000 design aspirants attempted the NID DAT Prelims exam, which was conducted on 29th December 2023.

About 1,500 candidates are expected to have qualified for the next stage of the admission process, which is the NID DAT Mains exam. The admission to the B.Des programs at NID is on the basis of the combined score of the DAT Prelims and Mains exams. The relative weightage for admission of each stage of exam is- Prelims (40%) and Mains (60%).

The NID DAT Prelims was a paper based exam for 100 marks and 3 hours, which consists of subjective (75 marks) and objective (25 marks) sections. For the 2024 Prelims exam, the qualifying marks or cut off is estimated to be 58.5 marks out of 100 for the General / Open Category. The qualifying marks or cut off for the reserved categories is lower. Students who get marks equal to or greater than the cut off marks qualify for the next stage of admission process i.e. NID DAT Mains exam, which are expected to be conducted on 28th-29th April 2024.

The NID DAT Mains for B.Des programs is a practical exam called a Studio Test, conducted for 3 hours at NID’s Ahmedabad campus. Candidates get assessed out of 100 marks. The exam does not have a fixed pattern but generally includes a 3D Modeling Test, Sensory Test and Doodling Test. The DAT Mains is a critical stage of the admission process as it accounts for 60% weightage in the overall merit score calculation. Let’s understand each test in greater detail.

1. Doodling Test: Doodling is the act of drawing, sketching, or scribbling using your creativity and imagination. The test may give you a theme. Generally a Doodling test is for 15 minutes. E.g. draw 25 interesting sketches from 25 empty circles.

2. Sensory Test: These tests are aimed at assessing your sensory abilities i.e. ability to observe. The test is generally a 15 minute activity involving audio, visual and touch based activity. E.g. students may be required to memorize and recollect details from a 30 second video or recognize sounds from an audio clip or identify the object just by touching.

3. 3D Modeling Test: The 3D model making test is for 2 hours. It is the most important part of the Studio Test. Students have to build a working 3D model using the materials given. About 6-8 materials are given. E.g. Use the following materialscard paper, ice cream sticks, plastic spoon, rubber bands, straws, strings, wire and create a toy for a 5 year old that is based on the principle of motion.

Here is the Assessment Criteria for the 3D modeling test:

1. Emphasize Originality: Develop a unique and compelling concept rather than opting for something ordinary.
2. Resourceful Use of Material: Utilize all provided materials in innovative ways.
3. Incorporate interesting elements: Integrate one or two captivating elements into your design to draw attention.
4. Strong Construction: Ensure the model is durable with securely fastened elements, avoiding any looseness.
5. Attention to Detail: Maintain cleanliness and organization in both the model and the workspace.
6. Thoughtful Color Selection: Arrange materials thoughtfully to create visually appealing color combinations within the model.
7. Effective Presentation: Make a lasting impression within the limited 5-10 minute evaluation window, aiming to stand out among competitors.