Mayank, topics covered in the prelims of NID DAT are:

• Innovation in design
• Principles of composition
• Inspiration & design development
• Theme development
• Design theory
• Natural & geometrical form
• Exercises on imagination
• Optical illusion
• Colour, pattern & texture
• Lateral thinking
• Design awareness
• Creative thinking & writing
• Graphics & pictograms
• Form & function
• Drawing fundamentals
• Ornaments & motifs
• Imagination & doodling
• Understanding light & shade
• Elements & principles of design
• Colour psychology & optical illusions
• 3D visualization
• Lettering
• Developing observation
• Good design vs. bad design
• Optical illusion
• Mood, theme & color inter-relationship
• Visual logic
• Outline for beginners
• Colour terminology
• Presentation techniques
• Memory drawing
• Picture analysis
• Usage of color in compositions
• Innovation & creation
• Natural & geometrical form
• Use of measurements, scale & proportions
• Expression & emotion
• Developing themes & colour associations
• Foreshortening & perspective
• Inspiration & creativity

In the Mains exam, practical based tests are taken. They may consist of one or more of the below activities:

• Model making
• Material manipulation
• Audio-visual exercises
• Mock interview
• Evolving ideas
• Body language based evaluation
• Doodling
• Creative thinking
• Portfolio making

In AIEED, there are two tests- GAT (General Ability Test) and CAT (Creative Ability Test). GAT consists of topics like Design sensibility, Logical reasoning, Design related awareness and Awareness on global issues and concepts comprehension. CAT will assess you on Written and visual skills, Design thinking, Lateral thinking and creative problem solving and Awareness of design principles.