Free NID Sample Papers PDF with Answer Key (2016–2025) – B.Des & M.Des
Prepare for the NID DAT 2026 & 2027 entrance exam with 20+ free NID Sample Papers PDF with answer keys.
These papers are curated by SILICA Institute’s expert faculty and follow the latest NID DAT Prelims (CAT + GAT) and DAT Mains (Studio Test) pattern.
Practicing these papers improves creativity, sketching, observation, time management, and overall exam confidence for both B.Des and M.Des Student. Register now to download all PDFs and access mock tests + video solutions for free.
Download Free NID Sample Papers PDF (2016–2025)
These free NID sample papers PDF with answers include:
–NID DAT Prelims sample papers (CAT + GAT)
–NID DAT Mains studio test practice papers
-Previous year question papers with solutions
– NID Exam-level difficulty & evaluation guidance
– Suitable for B.Des & M.Des
-Updated for NID Exam 2026
– Instant PDF access after registration
What is the NID Entrance Exam?
The National Institute of Design (NID) conducts the NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) for admission into B.Des and M.Des programs. The exam evaluates a candidate’s creativity, design thinking, problem-solving ability, observation skills, and visual communication.
Why Download NID Sample Papers?
Understand Exam Pattern: Get familiar with the types of questions asked in the NID exam.
Improve Time Management: Practice solving nid past year papers within the allotted time to enhance speed and accuracy.
Identify Weak Areas: Analyze your performance and focus on areas that need improvement.
Boost Confidence: Regular practice builds confidence and reduces exam anxiety.
Access Answer Keys: Check your answers with provided answer keys to understand mistakes and improve.
NID Sample Papers for M. Des [2025-2016]
Practicing NID sample papers is an effective way to develop smart strategies for tackling the exam with precision and minimal errors. Regular practice enhances speed and accuracy, helping you perform better in the NID Design Aptitude Test 2026.
Solving sample papers consistently allows you to assess your performance and identify areas for improvement. Below, you can find NID sample papers in PDF format for the M.Des program, including previous years’ question papers with solutions
How to Use These NID Sample Papers Effectively?
Step 1: Attempt the NID Exam sample papers under real exam conditions
Step 2: Check your answers using the answer key
Step 3: Identify weak areas and work on improvement
Step 4: Repeat the process for consistent improvement
Benefits of Solving NID Entrance Exam Sample Papers
- Enhance Creativity & Problem Solving
- Develop Time Management Skills
- Familiarize with NID DAT Prelims and NID DAT Mains Format
- Track Progress & Improve with Each Attempt
NID DAT 2026 Preparation Strategy (CAT + GAT)
For CAT (Creative Ability Test)
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Sketching & storyboarding practice
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Product design concepts
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Visual storytelling & idea generation
For GAT (General Ability Test)
-
Logical & analytical reasoning
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Design awareness & GK
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Quantitative & verbal ability
Why SILICA NID Sample Papers Are Best for Practice?
1. Latest 2026–27 Pattern-Based Papers
Designed by our 15+ years expert NID faculty team.
2. Covers All Question Types
Drawing | Memory Sketching | Creative Thinking | Observation | Visual Reasoning | Problem Solving
3. Includes Solutions + Answer Keys
Unlike many free PDFs online, SILICA provides detailed answers.
4. Studio Test + Situation Test Practice
Includes model exercises for NID DAT Mains.
5. Based on Actual Past Papers
We track trends from 2016–2025 to create highly accurate practice questions.
Note: The sample paper PDFs for NID M.Des DAT at above link includes questions from multiple disciplines such as Product Design, Transportation & Automobile Design, Furniture & Interior Design, Graphic Design, Animation Film Design, Interaction Design, Information Design etc.
Sample Questions for NID Aptitude Test (DAT) 2026
The NID questions below are curated from NID DAT sample papers with solution PDF.
1. Which of the following is not a member of ASEAN?
a) Indonesia
b) Thailand
c) Brunei
d) Germany
2. Which of these will lower the carbon footprint?
a) usage of cars
b) usage of AC
c) purchase of Adidas Shoes
d) purchase of locally grown vegetables
NID 2026 / 2027 Preparation – Step-by-Step Video Solutions
Get clear, practical guidance for your NID exam preparation with step-by-step video solutions. Learn how to solve NID DAT Prelims question papers, handle both Part A (MCQs) and Part B (creative tasks), and approach the Studio Test with confidence. Watch experienced mentors solve real Part B drawing questions and discover how to transform a simple idea into a creative sketch that can secure a top rank.
How NID Sample Papers for B.Des Differ from M.Des
The NID B.Des sample papers primarily focus on creative ability, observation, and basic design aptitude suitable for undergraduate aspirants. They include tasks such as sketching, memory drawing, visual storytelling, and logical reasoning.
On the other hand, the NID M.Des sample papers are designed for postgraduate aspirants and focus on advanced design concepts, specialized disciplines, and problem-solving skills. These papers often include studio-based exercises, strategic design tasks, and scenario-driven projects that test a deeper understanding of design thinking and professional application.
Practicing both types of papers helps students familiarize themselves with the respective exam patterns, difficulty levels, and evaluation criteria, ensuring effective preparation for their specific program.
6. FAQs about NID Exam
1. How many sample papers to solve before NID exam?
A good starting point would be to solve at least 5-10 sample papers, in addition to previous year’s question papers. You can download more than 25 sample + previous years papers from SILICA website. As you progress with your preparation, you can increase the number of sample papers you solve, depending on your comfort level and study schedule.
It is important to note that simply solving sample papers is not enough – it is equally important to analyze your performance, identify areas of weakness, and work on improving them. Additionally, it’s important to prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to solving sample papers, as it’s better to thoroughly understand a few papers than to quickly skim through many without learning much from them.
Our SILICA Guides can help you with your preparation and doubts, please connect with them on: 9513731290
2. Where can I download free NID sample papers PDF with answers?
You can download 20+ free NID sample papers PDF with answer key from SILICA Institute after free registration.
3. Can I crack the NID Exam in 3 months?
Yes, many students have cracked NID in 3 months with the right strategy and disciplined practice. Focus on mastering the basics, solving NID sample papers daily, analysing mistakes, and improving creativity. SILICA’s structured study plan and mock tests help you fast-track your preparation effectively.
4. Do these NID sample papers include solutions for CAT and GAT?
Yes. The PDFs include CAT (Creative Ability Test) and GAT (General Ability Test) level questions along with verified answer keys and explanations.
5. Is there a negative marking in the NID exam?
6. When are the NID DAT Prelims results 2025 for B.Des expected?
The NID DAT Prelims results for B.Des are expected on April 1st, 2025.
7. What are the advantages of solving NID Question Paper PDFs with Answers?
-Understand question pattern, difficulty level & marking style
-Evaluate your creativity, idea quality, and speed
-Learn examiner expectations from solved answers
-Build confidence for both Prelims & Mains
-SILICA’s solved PDFs are designed by NID alumni and expert faculty.
8. What is a good score in NID exam?
A good score in the NID entrance exam depends on the program, category, and campus. For B.Des prelims, general category candidates should aim for 60-66+, but the final selection heavily depends on the DAT mains exam performance. Since cut-offs vary yearly, always refer to the official NID website for the latest updates.
9. Are the NID sample papers suitable for both B.Des and M.Des aspirants?
Yes. The PDFs include NID sample papers for both B.Des and M.Des, covering:
-
DAT Prelims
-
DAT Mains (Studio Test / Situation Test)
10. How to download NID entrance exam sample papers?
Simply click on the Download PDF button on the SILICA Sample Papers page. No login or sign-up is required.
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