Latest Applications Open 2024:
NID 2026 Notification will be Released in 1st week of September 2025. The National Institute of Design (NID) administers the NID DAT (Design Aptitude Test), a national-level entrance examination conducted annually. This exam facilitates admission into undergraduate (B.Des) and postgraduate (M.Des) design courses offered by NID, including its main campus in Ahmedabad and other campuses. The examination process comprises two stages: Prelims and Mains, through which successful candidates secure admission.
The National Institute of Design (NID) is expected to tentatively release the notification for NID DAT 2025 in September. The admission process for NID in 2025 will consist of two stages: DAT Prelims and Mains. Candidates who qualify in the preliminary exams of the NID DAT will be eligible to appear for the Mains exam. The applicants must meet the age and educational criteria specified for NID DAT 2025.
This article offers comprehensive details about the NID Entrance Exam 2024, covering various aspects such as the issuance of admit cards, examination dates, result announcements, and counselling procedures.
NID 2026 Highlights
The National Institute of Design (NID) presents its highlights for the year 2026, showcasing the achievements and advancements in design education and practice.
| Features | Details |
| Exam Name | NID DAT 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | National Institute of Design |
| Courses Offered | B.Des & M.Des |
| Level of Exam | National Level |
| Mode of Application | Online Mode |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Application Fee | INR 3,000 |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Application Form Status | To be Available |
| Exam Date (Prelims) | 4th week of December 2025 |
| Seat Intake | BDes – 425 MDes – 347 |
| Official Website | admissions.nid.edu |
NID 2026 Exam Dates
NID 202 exam dates are crucial for aspiring candidates seeking admission to prestigious design programs. These dates outline the timeline for application, examination, and result declaration, guiding candidates through the admission process.
Events | Dates 2026 (Tentative) | |
| B.Des | M.Des | |
| Application start | 2nd week of September 2025 | 2nd week of September 2025 |
| Last date to apply | 1st week of December 2025 | 1st week of December 2025 |
| Application submission with late fee | 2nd week of December 2025 | 2nd week of December 2025 |
| Correction | 2nd week of December 2025 | 2nd week of December 2025 |
| Admit card release | 2nd week of December 2025 | 2nd week of December 2025 |
| DAT prelims exam | 4th week of December 2025 | 4th week of December 2025 |
| DAT prelims result | 4th week of March 2026 | 3rd week of February 2026 |
| Rechecking the request of the DAT result | 4th week of March 2026 | 3rd week of February 2026 |
| DAT admit card (Mains) | 2nd week of April 2026 | 3rd week of February 2026 |
| DAT exam (Mains) | 4th week of April 2026 | 1st week of March to 1st week of April 2026 |
| Result (Mains) | 3rd week of May 2026 | 4th week of April 2026 |
| Submission of campus preferences | 4th week of May 2026 | – |
| The re-checking request of DAT Mains | 4th week of May 2026 | 1st week of April to 1st week of May 2026 |
| Seat allotment | 4th week of May 2026 | 4th week of April to 2nd week of May 2026 |
| Provisional offer letter | 2nd week of June 2026 | 4th week of May 2026 |
NID 2026 Application Form
The application process for NID 2026 will begin in 2nd week of September 2025, offering candidates the opportunity to apply for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Applicants can access the online application form through the institute’s website and must carefully review the eligibility criteria before proceeding. Registration is mandatory before completing the application form, requiring accurate input of personal and educational details. Additionally, candidates need to upload scanned copies of their photograph, signature, and category certificate if applicable. The deadline for registration is 1st week of December 2025.
- Registration for NID 2026 UG and PG courses will begin in 2nd week of September 2025.
- The application form is accessible online through the institute’s website.
- Candidates must review and understand the eligibility criteria before proceeding with the application.
- Prior registration is mandatory for applicants before filling out the application form.
- Required details, including personal, educational, and address information, should be accurately filled in.
- Scanned copies of the candidate’s photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable) must be uploaded in the specified format.
- The deadline for completing the registration process is 1st week of December 2025.
- A correction window will be available from the 2nd week of December 2025 for candidates to rectify any mistakes in their application forms.
- It is advised to ensure the accuracy of all details to avoid potential rejection.
- Candidates should retain a printed copy of the application form for future reference.
NID 2026 Application Fee
The application fee for NID 2026 can be conveniently paid online via various modes such as debit or credit card. However, it’s important to note that the registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
| Courses | General Category/General EWS/OBC-NCL | SC/ST/PWD candidates | Overseas (Supernumerary) |
| B.Des. | Rs. 3000/- | Rs. 1500/- | Rs. 5000/- |
| M.Des 1 Discipline only | Rs. 3000/- | Rs. 1500/- | Rs. 5000/- |
| M.Des. 2 Disciplines | Rs. 6000/- | Rs. 3000/- | Rs. 10000/- |
How to Fill NID 2026 Application Form?
- Step 1: Visit the Official Website Go to the official website of NID to initiate the application process.
- Step 2: Register/Sign Up Navigate to the registration or sign-up section on the website. Provide basic information such as your name, email address, etc., to create an account.
- Step 3: Log In Access your newly created account by entering the login credentials received via email. Typically, this includes your email ID, date of birth, and password.
- Step 4: Fill in Personal and Educational Details Fill in all required personal and educational information accurately. Select the specific course you are applying for, whether it’s B.Des or M.Des.
- Step 5: Upload Documents Proceed to upload the necessary documents, including your photograph, category certificate (if applicable), and signature. Ensure that all documents are in JPG/JPEG format and meet the specified guidelines.
- Step 6: Make Payment Use the online payment gateway provided on the website to pay the application fee.
- Step 7: Review and Print the Application Review all the information provided to ensure accuracy and completeness. Generate a printout of the completed application form for your records and future reference.
NID 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for NID 2026 encompass specific requirements for both undergraduate (B.Des) and postgraduate (M.Des) design courses. For B.Des courses, candidates must have completed their 12th grade from a recognized board, with variations in age criteria based on category. Similarly, for M.Des programs, candidates need either a four-year degree or diploma in design-related fields, with distinct age criteria depending on category.
For B.Des Courses:
Qualifications:
- Candidates must have passed the 12th class or an equivalent examination in Science, Commerce, Arts, Humanities, or any other stream from a recognized board.
Age Criteria:
- Indian (General & General EWS category): Candidates should be born on or after 1st July 2005.
- Indian Reserved (OBC-NCL, ST & SC category): Candidates must be born on or after 1st July 2002.
- Indian Reserved (PWD category): Candidates born on or after 1st July 2000 are eligible.
- Foreign in Overseas Category: Candidates should be born on or after 1st July 2005.
For the M.Des Program:
Qualifications:
- Aspirants must have completed a 4-year duration graduation course in any specialization. OR
- 4-year diploma courses in Design, Applied Arts, Fine Arts, and Architecture, after 12th or equivalent to the 12th standard from a recognized university or institute in India OR
- A 3-year graduation degree in any stream.
Age Criteria:
- Indian (General & General EWS category): Candidates should be born on or after 1st July 1994.
- Indian Reserved (OBC-NCL, ST & SC category): Aspirants must be born on or after 1st July 1991.
- Indian Reserved (PWD category): Aspirants must be born on or after 1st July 1989.
- Foreign in Overseas Category: Candidates should be born on or after 1st July 1994 to be eligible.
NID 2026 Exam Pattern
The NID 2026 exam pattern encloses the structure and format of the National Institute of Design (NID) entrance examination for the respective academic year. It delineates the framework within which candidates will be assessed for admission to various design programs.
- Mode of Exam: The examination is conducted offline, although this mode might be subject to change.
- Stages: The exam is divided into two stages: DAT Prelims and DAT Mains.
- Duration: Candidates have a total of 3 hours to complete the exam.
- Type of Questions: The question paper contains a mix of objective and subjective type questions.
- Language of Paper: The question paper is available only in the English language.
- Total Marks: The total marks for the exam are 100.
Marking Scheme
| Exam Part | Type of Questions | No. of Questions |
| Part I | Objective type questions | 22 |
| Part II | Subjective type questions | 4 |
| Total | 26 |
| NID Exam Pattern – Type of Question | NID Paper Pattern – No. of Questions | NID DAT Paper Pattern – Marks for Each Question |
| Objective type questions | Questions 1 to 14 | 1 mark for each question |
| Questions 15 to 22 | 2 marks for each question | |
| Subjective type questions | Question No. 23 | 15 marks |
| Question No. 24 | 20 marks | |
| Question No. 25 | 15 marks | |
| Question No. 26 | 20 marks | |
| Total Marks | 100 marks |
NID 2026 Syllabus
The syllabus for NID 2026 acquaints students with crucial topics, aiding in their preparation for the exam. Preliminary examination topics include design innovation, creative thinking, colour composition, and more, while the mains delve into aspects like mock interviews and creative expression.
| Exam Stage | Syllabus Topics |
| Prelims | Innovation in design, Theme development, Optical illusion, Creative thinking and writing, Picture analysis, Usage of colours in compositions, Presentation techniques, Good design vs bad design, Story pictures |
| Mains | Mock interview, Importance of body language, Creative thinking, Doodling |
NID Preparation Tips
Preparing for the NID entrance exam requires a strategic approach to ensure success in securing admission to the prestigious design programs. Here are some essential tips to help candidates effectively prepare for the exam:
- Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the NID exam pattern, including the types of questions, duration, and marking scheme, to plan your preparation accordingly.
- Develop Strong Design Fundamentals: Focus on strengthening your foundational knowledge of design principles, elements, and techniques through practice and study materials.
- Practice Sketching Regularly: Sketching is a crucial aspect of the NID exam. Dedicate time daily to practice freehand sketching of various objects, figures, and perspectives to improve your drawing skills.
- Solve Previous Years’ Papers: Solve past years’ NID question papers to get acquainted with the exam format, understand the level of difficulty, and identify important topics.
- Create a Study Schedule: Develop a well-structured study plan that allocates sufficient time for each subject and allows for regular revisions and practice sessions.
- Work on Time Management: Practice solving questions within the stipulated time frame to enhance your speed and accuracy during the exam.
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Stay abreast of the latest trends, developments, and innovations in the field of design, as questions related to current affairs may be included in the exam.
- Seek Guidance and Feedback: Consider joining coaching classes or online courses for expert guidance and feedback on your performance. Additionally, participate in mock tests and group study sessions to assess your preparation level and identify areas for improvement.
NID 2026 Admit Card
The NID 2026 Hall Ticket will be accessible online a few days before the exam date, exclusively through the official website. For the prelims exam, the NID admit card is expected to be released in 2nd week of December 2025. Similarly, for the DAT B.Des and M.Des Main exams, the admit cards are likely to be available in 2nd week of April 2026 and 4th week of February 2026, respectively.
It is imperative for candidates to thoroughly review all the details provided on the admit card, including their name, examination centre, timing, and date. In case of any discrepancies, candidates should promptly contact the concerned authorities for rectification. On the day of the examination, candidates must carry their admit card along with valid ID proof.
Without a valid admit card, candidates will not be permitted to enter the examination premises. The admit card for NID 2026 will be accessible for download through the candidate’s login credentials.
NID 2026 Result
The results for the NID prelims will be officially declared in 2nd week of February 2026 for the M.Des program, while the results for the B.Des courses are scheduled for release in 4th week of March 2026. These results will be accessible through the online portal on the NID website. Candidates are required to log in using their application credentials, including the application number and date of birth, to access their results.
Furthermore, the results for the main examination are anticipated to be published in the 4th week of April 2026 for M.Des candidates and the 3rd week of May 2026 for B.Des candidates. The outcome will be determined based on the cumulative performance in both the preliminary and main examinations. Upon the publication of the final merit list, candidates will proceed to subsequent rounds of interviews and admission procedures. Additionally, the authority will offer a brief window for result reevaluation for interested candidates.
NID 2026 Answer Key
Candidates can access the NID Answer Key in PDF format, available online through the official website shortly after the examination. The answer key will contain the correct responses to all the questions asked during the exam, along with the corresponding question papers.
The authorities will also offer candidates the opportunity to raise objections against the answer key within a specified timeframe. After the objection submission period concludes, the final answer keys will be released. Subsequently, the results will be declared based on the finalized answer key.
NID 2026 Merit List
The authorities have announced the NID 2026 result for candidates who appeared for the M.Des prelim examination. The results are accessible through the online portal for candidates. The final merit list will be determined by weighing the marks obtained in both the prelims and main examinations.
Only candidates whose names appear on the merit list will be eligible for participation in the interview rounds. The merit list will be published separately for candidates of all categories. No hard copy of the scorecard will be issued to candidates.
NID 2026 Admission Procedure
NID 2026 Admission will exclusively extend to eligible candidates who qualify through the selection process. Shortlisted candidates will proceed to the next steps, which may include Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI). Seat allocation will be strictly based on the merit list and the candidates’ performance.
Candidates are required to report to the designated venue with the necessary documents if the allotment process is conducted offline. Failure to attend on the specified date and time will result in the cancellation of the seat, which will then be offered to the next candidate in line. Applicants must ensure they bring the original documents they uploaded during the application process.
Here are the documents required for GATE 2026 Counselling:
- 10th & 12th Marksheets: Original and photocopies of both 10th and 12th-grade marksheets are required for verification.
- Valid Photo Identity Proof: A government-issued photo identity proof such as an Aadhar card, passport, driving license, or voter ID card.
- Graduation Mark Sheets/Provisional Degree Certificates: Original and photocopies of mark sheets and provisional degree certificates of the qualifying degree.
- Category Certificate: If applicable, candidates need to provide a valid category certificate for SC/ST/OBC/PWD categories.
- Migration Certificate: This document is necessary for candidates who have completed their qualifying degree from a university other than the one they last attended.
- Birth Certificate/Proof of Date of Birth/School Leaving Certificate: Any official document verifying the candidate’s date of birth, such as a birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or any other relevant document.
Participating Institute of NID
NID (National Institute of Design) conducts its Design Aptitude Test (DAT) for admission to its Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs. The participating institutes offering these courses are located across India, with campuses in Ahmedabad, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam for B.Des, and Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Bengaluru for M.Des.
| B.Des | M.Des |
| National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad | National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad |
| National Institute of Design, Andhra Pradesh | National Institute of Design, Gandhinagar (extension campus) |
| National Institute of Design, Haryana | National Institute of Design, Bengaluru (extension campus) |
| National Institute of Design, Assam | – |
| National Institute of Design, Madhya Pradesh | – |
NID 2026 FAQ’s
What is NID 2026?
NID 2026 refers to the National Institute of Design’s entrance examination conducted for admission to its design programs.
What courses does NID offer?
NID offers Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs.
How is the NID entrance exam conducted?
The NID entrance exam is conducted in two stages: DAT Prelims and DAT Mains.
What is the syllabus for the NID entrance exam?
The syllabus covers topics such as innovation in design, theme development, creative thinking, and more for prelims, while the mains focus on mock interviews, body language, and creative ideation.
When will the NID 2026 application process start?
The application process typically starts in September, but candidates should check the official NID website for exact dates.
Can I apply for both B.Des and M.Des courses?
Yes, candidates can apply for both B.Des and M.Des courses if they meet the eligibility criteria for each program.
How are candidates shortlisted for the interview rounds?
Candidates are shortlisted based on their performance in the DAT Prelims exam.
Is there any provision for objection against the answer key?
Yes, candidates can submit objections against the answer key within a specified period.
When will the NID 2026 results be announced?
The results for the prelims and main exams are usually announced in different phases, with the final merit list being released afterwards.
What documents do I need to bring for the admission process?
Candidates need to bring their original documents, such as educational certificates, photo ID proof, and others, as specified by the institute.
As a dedicated Biology Science graduate, I’m passionate about sharing the latest updates in national and state entrance exams through my blog. I aim to keep aspiring students informed about exam trends, important dates, and changes in syllabi. With a keen interest in education, I strive to offer valuable insights for students navigating the competitive landscape of entrance examinations and admission tests. Stay updated with me.
