Pattern:
- Section A: Visual & Analytical Reasoning – 1 Mark (Q1–40) – MCQ
- Section B: Design Aptitude & Conceptual / English – 2 Marks (Q41–80) – MCQ
- Section C: Subjective / Creative – 3 Marks (Q81–100) – Sketch / Short Answer
SECTION A – Visual & Analytical Reasoning (1 Mark, Q1–40)
- A cube has numbers 1–6 on its faces. If the cube is rotated 90° along the vertical axis, which number is opposite 3?
a) 1 b) 2 c) 4 d) 5 - Find the next figure in the sequence: ▲ ■ ● ▲ ■ ?
a) ▲ b) ■ c) ● d) ◆ - A folded paper is punched. Which unfolded pattern is correct?
a) Pattern A b) Pattern B c) Pattern C d) Pattern D - Identify the shape that breaks rotational symmetry:
a) Square b) Circle c) Right triangle d) Equilateral triangle - In a 3×3 grid, how many squares share a corner with the center square?
a) 4 b) 8 c) 5 d) 6 - Predict the direction of the 8th arrow if a sequence rotates 45° clockwise each step.
a) ↑ b) → c) ↓ d) ← - A pyramid with square base is rotated 45°; how many faces are visible?
a) 3 b) 4 c) 5 d) 6 - Which figure completes the mirror-image pattern?
a) Figure A b) Figure B c) Figure C d) Figure D - In a tessellation of triangles, which triangle breaks the pattern?
a) Top left b) Bottom right c) Center d) Top right - Identify the hidden object in a complex line drawing.
a) Star b) Diamond c) Arrow d) Circle - If CAT → 3120 and DOG → 4156, then RAT = ?
a) 1820 b) 4120 c) 3124 d) 3240 - Series: 2, 6, 12, 20, ?
a) 30 b) 24 c) 28 d) 32 - Visual series alternates between two colors and three shapes. Next is:
a) Blue Circle b) Red Square c) Blue Triangle d) Red Circle - In a 3-set Venn diagram, identify elements common to exactly 2 sets.
a) A∩B∩C b) (A∩B)–C c) B∩C d) A∩C - Shadow of object shown. Identify the 3D object.
a) Cube b) Cylinder c) Cone d) Pyramid - Statements: All squares are rectangles. Some rectangles are circles. No square is circle. Which conclusion is valid?
a) Some rectangles are squares b) All squares are circles c) Some rectangles are not squares d) None - Figure rotates 180° and flips horizontally. Result is:
a) Figure A b) Figure B c) Figure C d) Figure D - Cube painted all faces, cut into 64 small cubes. Cubes with 2 painted faces:
a) 24 b) 32 c) 16 d) 8 - Ladder forms right triangle. If height doubles, angle with floor:
a) Increases b) Decreases c) Remains same d) Cannot determine - Missing number in matrix:
| 2 | 5 | ? |
| 4 | 7 | 10 |
| 6 | 9 | 12 |
a) 7 b) 8 c) 9 d) 6
- Which figure does not belong based on symmetry?
a) Circle b) Square c) Rectangle d) Scalene triangle - Shape rotates 60° repeatedly. How many rotations to original?
a) 3 b) 4 c) 5 d) 6 - Concentric shapes: which violates proportional scaling?
a) Shape A b) Shape B c) Shape C d) Shape D - Pattern rule connecting numbers and shapes is:
a) Multiplication b) Addition c) Subtraction d) Alternating - Series of polygons: which one breaks pattern?
a) Pentagon b) Hexagon c) Heptagon d) Square - Shadow of folded paper is shown. Identify folded figure:
a) Fold A b) Fold B c) Fold C d) Fold D - Cube net folding produces cube with no opposite numbers touching:
a) Net A b) Net B c) Net C d) Net D - Triangle rotated 120° around centroid: resulting orientation:
a) ▲ b) ▼ c) ◀ d) ▶ - Hidden symmetry in complex polygon:
a) Vertical b) Horizontal c) Rotational d) None - Pattern alternates black/white squares. 20th square color?
a) Black b) White c) Grey d) Cannot determine - Predict next rotated arrow in sequence:
a) ↑ b) → c) ↓ d) ← - Object completes rotational pattern of stars:
a) Star A b) Star B c) Star C d) Star D - Hexagon divided into triangles, one shaded incorrectly:
a) Triangle A b) Triangle B c) Triangle C d) Triangle D - Which arrangement impossible using equilateral triangles?
a) Option A b) Option B c) Option C d) Option D - Abstract shapes follow golden ratio: which fits?
a) Shape A b) Shape B c) Shape C d) Shape D - Shape aligns with horizontal axis after 90° rotation:
a) Shape A b) Shape B c) Shape C d) Shape D - Circular pattern repeats 8 divisions. Segment color after 25 rotations:
a) Red b) Blue c) Green d) Yellow - Figure completes fractal pattern:
a) Figure A b) Figure B c) Figure C d) Figure D - Which 3D shape can form from given net?
a) Cube b) Pyramid c) Cylinder d) Prism - Figure maintains vertical & horizontal symmetry:
a) Shape A b) Shape B c) Shape C d) Shape D
SECTION B – Design Aptitude & Conceptual (2 Marks, Q41–80)
- “Form follows function” principle means:
a) Design should be decorative first b) Functionality guides form c) Form ignores function d) Function depends on color - User-centered design, prototyping occurs at:
a) Ideation b) Testing c) Implementation d) Research - Rewrite: “Design is problem-solving through visualization.” Closest:
a) Design is painting b) Design is thinking made visual c) Design is art d) Design is sketching - Minimalism implies:
a) More decoration b) Less clutter c) Bright colors d) Complex forms - Empathy in design is demonstrated by:
a) Ignoring user needs b) Considering user experience c) Using bright colors d) Focusing only on aesthetics - Figurative: “Good design speaks louder than words” →
a) Design communicates b) Design is silent c) Design is colorful d) Design is functional - Iterative design means:
a) One-step design b) Repeated cycles of testing & improvement c) Random sketching d) Finalizing first draft - Identify design flaw in product description: e.g., mug handle too small
a) Ergonomics b) Aesthetics c) Material d) Color - Example of sustainable design:
a) Plastic single-use bottle b) Recyclable water bottle c) Non-recyclable packaging d) Metal foil - Match element to function: Color →
a) Structure b) Emotion c) Weight d) Shape
SECTION B — Design Aptitude & Conceptual (2 Marks, MCQ)
Each question has four options; select the best answer.
41. “Form follows function” in design means:
a) Decoration is more important than use
b) Structure should be shaped by purpose
c) Color choices define function
d) Function adapts to aesthetics
42. In user‑centered design, prototyping comes after:
a) Research
b) Final production
c) Advertising
d) Distribution
43. Which sentence best rephrases “Design is problem‑solving through visualization”?
a) Design is painting pictures
b) Sketching leads to solutions
c) Design makes thinking visible
d) Design is just drawing
44. A core idea of minimalism in design is:
a) Rich textures
b) Complex patterns
c) Maximum ornamentation
d) Removing excess elements
45. Empathy in design primarily focuses on:
a) Client’s profit
b) User’s experience
c) Designer’s mood
d) Market trends
46. “Good design speaks louder than words” means:
a) Design should be quiet
b) Visuals communicate better than text
c) Words are more powerful
d) Colors are the main part of design
47. Iterative design refers to:
a) One‑time idea generation
b) Repeated improvement cycles
c) Mass production
d) Finalizing the first draft
48. Identify a design flaw in a mug described as “handle too thin for most hands”:
a) Inappropriate color
b) Poor ergonomics
c) Weak branding
d) Bad marketing
49. Which is an example of sustainable design?
a) Disposable plastic cutlery
b) Recyclable packaging
c) Single‑use bags
d) Metalized wrappers
50. In visual design, color is mainly used to:
a) Add weight
b) Evoke emotion
c) Increase size
d) Change texture
51. A design with balanced visual weight best demonstrates:
a) Random placement
b) Asymmetrical chaos
c) Stability and harmony
d) Overlapping elements
52. Visual hierarchy in a poster means:
a) All elements have equal emphasis
b) Most important information is most noticeable
c) Smaller text is always on top
d) Colors should be random
53. Which option breaks the principle of contrast?
a) Yellow text on white
b) Black and white
c) Warm and cool colors
d) Bold and thin fonts mixed
54. In a shape sequence where diameters are in 1:2:4 ratio, the 6th term is:
a) 32 units
b) 48 units
c) 64 units
d) 16 units
55. Modular design is best described as:
a) Fixed and rigid parts
b) Independent but combinable units
c) Random patterns
d) Decorative surfaces
56. A pattern follows rule: add 3 then multiply by 2. 4 → ___:
a) 14
b) 10
c) 16
d) 12
57. Complementary contrast in color means using:
a) Opposite colors on wheel
b) Colors next to each other
c) Dark shades only
d) Grayscale combinations
58. Which arrangement improves visual clarity?
a) Cluttered items
b) Consistent alignment
c) Random spacing
d) Mixed typography
59. A design violating the unity principle will look:
a) Coherent
b) Disjointed
c) Balanced
d) Symmetrical
60. A workflow diagram with unnecessary steps lacks:
a) Creativity
b) Efficiency
c) Colors
d) Icons
61. A series of arrows pointing Right → Down → Left → Up → continues; the 9th direction is:
a) Down
b) Right
c) Left
d) Up
62. A matrix uses repeating color blocks; the missing block to maintain pattern is:
a) Blue
b) Red
c) Green
d) Yellow
63. The next step in iterative design is after testing:
a) Implementation
b) Abandoning project
c) Return to research
d) Advertising
64. A radial balance design is characterized by elements radiating from:
a) Different corners
b) A central point
c) Random positions
d) The outer edge
65. In a Fibonacci shape sequence, the 8th shape reflects ratio approximate to:
a) 1.2
b) 1.61
c) 2.5
d) 0.5
66. A UI with clear icons, labels, and simple flow shows:
a) High cognitive load
b) Intuitive usability
c) Confusing priorities
d) Redundant steps
67. Which figure represents rotational symmetry?
a) Scalene triangle
b) Circle
c) Irregular quadrilateral
d) Line segment
68. Accessible design in interfaces prioritizes:
a) Aesthetics only
b) User needs and usability
c) Decorative icons
d) Complex animation
69. Which option improves readability in dense text?
a) Smaller font
b) Increased line spacing
c) Bright textured background
d) Decorative fonts
70. Missing center shape in an abstract puzzle likely follows:
a) Irregular logic
b) Spatial consistency rule
c) Random guess
d) Color favoritism
71. Best approach for color harmony in multi‑color design is:
a) Clashing combinations
b) Analogous color scheme
c) Random selections
d) Unrelated hues
72. Dynamic balance in composition means:
a) Everything is static
b) Elements offset but visually stable
c) Only symmetrical shapes used
d) Heavy borders everywhere
73. A sequence of perspective drawings suggests next should show:
a) No vanishing points
b) Consistent perspective shift
c) Random viewpoints
d) Flat shapes
74. Most effective visual metaphor in a poster about time is:
a) Melting clock image
b) Unrelated shapes
c) Plain text only
d) Bright random doodles
75. Proper scaling in nested shapes maintains:
a) Equal sizes
b) Proportional reduction
c) Random sizing
d) Distorted shapes
76. A diagram showing correct proportions should look:
a) Disconnected parts
b) Balanced dimensions
c) Random spacing
d) Overlapping errors
77. Tessellation pattern completion requires shapes with:
a) Gaps
b) Matching edges
c) Varying sizes
d) Random flips
78. Optimized functional flow in a diagram ensures:
a) Confusion
b) Visual breaks
c) Seamless transitions
d) Redundant loops
79. Next step in 3D modeling: begin with:
a) Final render
b) Wireframe structure
c) Texturing first
d) Ignore proportions
80. Visual hierarchy at reduced size is maintained by:
a) Same font everywhere
b) Distinct value and form contrasts
c) Random colors
d) No margins
SECTION C — Subjective / Creative (3 Marks, Q81–100)
(Same as before but with clearer instruction)
Instructions: Answer with sketches and short responses; spend 3–5 minutes per question.
- Design a collaborative learning chair — show form and note key features.
- Sketch a logo for an eco‑friendly café. Include short rationale.
- Create packaging for a reusable water bottle. Show structure and describe materials.
- Illustrate the concept of “time management.”
- Design a signboard for a zero‑waste café.
- Explain (in 2–3 sentences) your design in Q84.
- Reimagine a mug to improve ergonomics.
- Icon for “digital connectivity.”
- Storyboarding (3 panels) for a 10‑second eco‑ad.
- Sketch a smart backpack for students.
- Minimal poster: “Innovation in Education.”
- Geometric pattern using only triangles and circles.
- Illustrate “balance” with shapes and shading.
- Write a tagline (5–7 words) for a green community park.
- Sketch a product that solves a daily issue.
- Redesign a public bench for comfort & aesthetics.
- Abstract harmony composition using 3 colors.
- Logo for cultural fest using type & symbol.
- Futuristic eco‑vehicle sketch.
- Write a 3‑sentence design brief for your favorite household object.
Disclaimer:
This sample question paper is created for practice purposes only, and is inspired by the past trends and pattern of the National Institute of Design (NID) DAT exam. It is not an official NID question paper. The questions and solutions are original and educational in nature.
Section A (Q1–40): Visual/analytical reasoning, MCQs
Section B (Q41–80): Design aptitude/English, MCQs
Section C (Q81–100): Creative/subjective — answers are guidelines, not fixed options
NID Mock Paper – Answer Key
| Q. No | Answer | Notes / Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | D | Cube rotation: opposite 3 → 5 |
| 2 | C | Sequence ▲ ■ ● ▲ ■ ? → ● |
| 3 | B | Paper folding/punch correct pattern |
| 4 | C | Right triangle breaks rotational symmetry |
| 5 | B | 8 squares share at least one corner with center |
| 6 | B | 8th arrow rotates 45° each step → Right |
| 7 | C | 5 faces visible after rotation |
| 8 | A | Mirror-image completion |
| 9 | C | Triangle in center violates tessellation |
| 10 | D | Hidden object is Circle |
| 11 | A | CAT → 3120 logic; RAT → 1820 |
| 12 | C | Series: 2,6,12,20 → next 28 |
| 13 | C | Alternating pattern logic → Blue Triangle |
| 14 | B | Exactly 2 sets → (A∩B)-C |
| 15 | B | Shadow matches Cylinder |
| 16 | C | Logical deduction: Some rectangles not squares |
| 17 | B | Rotated and flipped → Figure B |
| 18 | C | Painted cube → 16 cubes with 2 painted faces |
| 19 | B | Doubling ladder height decreases floor angle |
| 20 | B | Missing number → 8 |
| 21 | D | Scalene triangle breaks symmetry |
| 22 | D | 6 rotations to return original |
| 23 | C | Violates proportional scaling |
| 24 | D | Alternating addition/multiplication |
| 25 | D | Square breaks polygon series |
| 26 | B | Folded paper → pattern B |
| 27 | A | Net A forms cube without opposite touching |
| 28 | B | Triangle rotated 120° → ▼ |
| 29 | C | Rotational symmetry identified |
| 30 | B | 20th square color → White |
| 31 | B | Arrow sequence → Right |
| 32 | C | Rotational star pattern → Figure C |
| 33 | D | Shaded triangle violates pattern |
| 34 | B | Arrangement impossible using equilateral triangles |
| 35 | A | Shape follows golden ratio |
| 36 | B | Aligns horizontal axis after rotation |
| 37 | C | 25th rotation segment → Green |
| 38 | B | Completes fractal pattern → Figure B |
| 39 | A | Net forms Cube |
| 40 | B | Shape B maintains vertical & horizontal symmetry |
| 41 | B | Form guided by function |
| 42 | A | Prototyping occurs after research |
| 43 | C | Thinking made visible |
| 44 | D | Minimalism → remove excess |
| 45 | B | Focus on user experience |
| 46 | B | Visual communicates better than words |
| 47 | B | Iterative = repeated improvement |
| 48 | B | Handle too thin → ergonomics |
| 49 | B | Recyclable packaging → sustainable |
| 50 | B | Color evokes emotion |
| 51 | C | Balanced visual weight → stability & harmony |
| 52 | B | Visual hierarchy → important info emphasized |
| 53 | A | Yellow on white → low contrast |
| 54 | C | Diameter sequence → 64 units |
| 55 | B | Modular = combinable units |
| 56 | A | Add 3, multiply 2: 4 → 14 |
| 57 | A | Complementary = opposite colors |
| 58 | B | Alignment improves clarity |
| 59 | B | Disjointed design violates unity |
| 60 | B | Redundant steps → inefficient workflow |
| 61 | D | Arrow sequence → 9th → Up |
| 62 | B | Matrix pattern missing → Red |
| 63 | A | Iterative step after testing → Implementation |
| 64 | B | Radial balance → central point |
| 65 | B | Fibonacci → ratio 1.61 |
| 66 | B | UI clear → intuitive |
| 67 | B | Rotational symmetry → Circle |
| 68 | B | Accessibility → user-centered |
| 69 | B | Readability → line spacing |
| 70 | B | Missing center → spatial consistency |
| 71 | B | Color harmony → analogous |
| 72 | B | Dynamic balance → offset but stable |
| 73 | B | Perspective sequence → consistent shift |
| 74 | A | Visual metaphor → melting clock |
| 75 | B | Scaling → proportional reduction |
| 76 | B | Correct proportion → balanced dimensions |
| 77 | B | Tessellation → matching edges |
| 78 | C | Functional flow → seamless |
| 79 | B | Next modeling step → wireframe |
| 80 | B | Visual hierarchy → maintain value & form contrasts |
| 81 | – | Subjective: collaborative chair (guidelines) |
| 82 | – | Subjective: eco-café logo sketch |
| 83 | – | Subjective: water bottle packaging |
| 84 | – | Subjective: “Time management” illustration |
| 85 | – | Subjective: zero-waste café signboard |
| 86 | – | Subjective: explanation Q84 |
| 87 | – | Subjective: ergonomic mug redesign |
| 88 | – | Subjective: digital connectivity icon |
| 89 | – | Subjective: 3-panel eco-storyboard |
| 90 | – | Subjective: smart backpack sketch |
| 91 | – | Subjective: minimal poster |
| 92 | – | Subjective: triangle/circle pattern |
| 93 | – | Subjective: balance composition |
| 94 | – | Subjective: tagline for park |
| 95 | – | Subjective: problem-solving product sketch |
| 96 | – | Subjective: redesigned bench |
| 97 | – | Subjective: abstract harmony composition |
| 98 | – | Subjective: logo for festival |
| 99 | – | Subjective: futuristic eco-vehicle |
| 100 | – | Subjective: 3-sentence design brief |