Is there any entry fee?

No. Entry is free for students and parents. Registration is only so we can plan seating and share the final college list in advance.

Do I need to be an AFD India student to attend?

No. The fair is open to any student considering design or architecture.

Bring your portfolio if you have one, a sketchbook, printed sheets, or work on a laptop or phone. A notebook for admissions details is useful.

Can my parents come with me?

Yes. There is a session built specifically for parents on careers, costs and outcomes in design.

I am in Class 11. Is it too early for me?

Class 11 is the best time to attend. Knowing your target colleges early lets you shape your portfolio and exam preparation around them.

Can our school bring a group?

Yes. Write to info@afdindia.com and seats plus a group briefing slot will be reserved.

NID 2027 Exam Pattern: Latest Changes in DAT Prelims & DAT Mains Explained

Students preparing for NID 2027 should check the latest exam pattern, as the rules used in earlier admission cycles may differ. In 2026, DAT Prelims scores were no longer counted towards the final B.Des merit list. This guide looks at the format of DAT Prelims and DAT Mains, the changes that matter for 2027 applicants, and the selection process for each stage. It also covers the exam details you need to know before applying. Check the latest NID admission handbook to confirm the rules for your chosen programme. Knowing these details early can help you decide which topics to practice and how to divide your preparation time between the two stages.

NID 2027 Exam Pattern: Key Details Summarised

The NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) has two stages: DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. Both stages are conducted offline. DAT Prelims is used to shortlist candidates for Mains, so qualifying in the first stage is necessary to proceed. For B.Des and the Integrated Pathway, the final selection is based on performance in DAT Mains. M.Des follows a separate selection process, with requirements that may differ by programme. Check the relevant admission handbook to understand the criteria for your chosen course. The following sections explain each stage and the changes students should know about.

NID DAT 2027 Changes: What Changed from 2025 to 2026 to 2027

The way NID uses DAT Prelims scores changed in the 2026 admission cycle. For B.Des, the Prelims score was no longer added to the final merit calculation. The 2027–28 admission handbook continues with this approach.

2025: Prelims scores contributed to the final selection process.
2026: Prelims was used to shortlist candidates for Mains, with no weightage in the final B.Des merit list.
2027: Prelims remains a qualifying stage for shortlisting. Under the current handbook, candidates for B.Des and the Integrated Pathway are shortlisted at 2.5 times the available seats in each category.
Other details: Refer to the latest handbook for tie-breaking rules, answer sheet requests, and any additional admission rounds.

Prelims is still an important part of the exam because candidates must qualify to reach Mains. Students should prepare for both stages rather than waiting to start Mains preparation until after the Prelims results. Check the official NID admissions website for any changes to the 2027–28 guidelines.

NID DAT Prelims 2027: What to Expect

The NID DAT Prelims 2027 is scheduled for 20 December 2026. For B.Des and the Integrated Pathway, the official handbook confirms that Prelims scores will be used only to shortlist candidates for Mains. The scores will not carry forward to the final selection stage. NID will shortlist candidates equal to 2.5 times the available seats in each category. The duration and detailed format of the paper should be checked in the latest official instructions. Students should practice drawing, visual interpretation, and design-related questions under timed conditions. Prelims remain important because candidates must qualify at this stage to appear for Mains.

GAT Removed NID: Is It Really Gone for 2027?

Earlier NID papers included GAT questions on reasoning, general knowledge, maths, and language. The 2027–28 B.Des and Integrated Pathway handbook does not list GAT as a separate section in DAT Prelims. Students using previous years’ question papers should keep this difference in mind while preparing for the 2027 exam. Alongside drawing, set aside regular time for reasoning, observation, and spatial awareness questions. Older NID papers remain useful for practice, particularly for judging how much you can complete within the time limit. Before you decide which sections deserve most of your attention, confirm the current exam format on the official NID admissions website, since a paper from an earlier year may include sections that no longer appear.

NID DAT Mains 2027: Studio Sensitivity Test and In-Person Sensitivity Test

For B.Des and the Integrated Pathway, DAT Mains has two parts: the Studio Sensitivity Test and the In-Person Sensitivity Test. Candidates must appear for both parts to be considered for the merit list. NID has confirmed that the final selection will be based on DAT Mains scores, but the weightage for the two tests is yet to be announced for 2027–28. Students should practice developing design ideas, working through practical tasks, and explaining their decisions. The exact test format and schedule will be published by NID later, so avoid relying on the 2026 weightage when planning for the next admission cycle.

Reach out to us for expert guidance on NID DAT Mains and a clear plan for the 2027 admission cycle.

B.Des, Integrated Pathway and M.Des: What Changes in the Pattern

The shortlisting numbers are different for B.Des and M.Des. As per the 2027–28 handbook, NID will shortlist B.Des and Integrated Pathway candidates for Mains at 2.5 times the available seats in each category. For M.Des at Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Bengaluru, the number is 4.5 times the available seats in each category. In both cases, Prelims marks are used for shortlisting and are not added to the final merit score. M.Des applicants also need to look at the Studio Test and discipline-specific interview requirements for their chosen programme. Read the relevant handbook carefully, as the selection process is not the same for every course.

How to Change Your Preparation After the New Pattern

Since Prelims marks do not determine the final merit score, it may be tempting to focus less on this stage. However, you still need to qualify to reach Mains. Start practicing for Mains while preparing for Prelims, so you have enough time to work on drawing, model making, and presenting your ideas.

Practice Timed CAT Tasks: Work on scene creation, storyboards, product redesign, and perspective drawing against a clock. A complete sketch in the allotted time is worth more than a polished one left unfinished.
Begin Mains Practice With Prelims: Do not wait for the Prelims result. Material handling and verbal explanation take months to develop, so give each stage a fixed slot in your weekly schedule.
Work With Real Materials: Build small models from cardboard, clay and wire. Handling them teaches you how they bend and join, which shows clearly in the Studio test.
Practice Explaining Your Work: Describe one of your own sketches aloud for three minutes, covering what you drew and why. Recording yourself helps you spot unclear phrasing before the in-person test.

Here is a weekly routine I give my students:

Monday and Wednesday: One timed CAT task of 90 minutes.
Tuesday: A 45-minute product redesign.
Thursday: A 60-minute model made from cardboard or wire.
Saturday: A full 3-hour paper under exam conditions.
Sunday: Record your three-minute explanation on your phone, then spend 30 minutes on reasoning revision.

Mistakes Students Make After Reading About the Changes

Understanding the new exam pattern is only the first step. Students also need to avoid preparation mistakes that can affect their performance, especially when they misunderstand the role of Prelims or depend on outdated information

Ignoring Prelims because the weightage is 0%.
Waiting for the Prelims result before touching on Mains preparation.
Dropping reasoning and design awareness completely.
Using old pattern notes or videos.
Trusting unconfirmed numbers, such as cutoff estimates, as if they were official.

Start Your NID 2027 Preparation with AFD India

Many students spend the first few months of their NID 2027 preparation guessing what the exam actually demands. A stronger start comes from understanding how its two stages connect. Under the 2026 pattern, Prelims adds no marks to the final merit list, yet it still decides whether you reach Mains, so it deserves serious effort. Mains then tests your drawing, your model-making, and how clearly you explain your own ideas. Prepare for all of these together rather than focusing on one part.

At afdIndia, our coaching covers both DAT Prelims and DAT Mains, so you’re prepared for each stage well before it arrives. Before you build your study schedule, check admissions.nid.edu for the latest handbook, application dates, and selection criteria. Then see how AFD India can help you get started with your preparation.

India's No.1 Design Coach

Julie James

Helping students crack NIFT, NID, UCEED & CEED since 1999!

Ms Julie James has been mentoring students to crack design entrance exams such as NIFT, NID, UCEED, CEED & NATA since 1999. A post-grad from NIFT- New Delhi, Ms. James has 25+ years of experience in design education. She has worked in the fashion industry in various capacities after her graduation. As HOD, she has been instrumental in setting up the fashion design department at Assumption College under MG University. At afdindia, she coordinates academics and designs curricula based on the latest changes in question paper patterns. Her creative teaching methods have enabled the institute to achieve great success rate.