NID Ahmedabad is one of the leading design institutes in India offering B.Des & M.Des programs. Admission to these programs for the 2026 - 27 academic session is conducted through the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) organized by the National Institute of Design.
The admission process consists of two stages - DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. Candidates must qualify for DAT Prelims to appear for DAT Mains, which includes a studio test and personal interview. Final admission is granted based on performance in both stages of the DAT examination.
Apart from UG & PG programs , NID Ahmedabad also offers Ph.D. programs in design. However, Ph.D. admissions are conducted separately through a Design Research Test and interview, and are not part of the DAT admission process.
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NID Ahmedabad Important Dates 2026
NID Ahmedabad has released the tentative schedule for NID DAT 2026, which includes registration, examination dates, results, and counselling rounds. Candidates are advised to track these dates carefully and check the official website for updates.
| Event | Dates |
| NID DAT 2026 Registration Start Date | 11 Sep 2025 |
| NID DAT 2026 Prelims Exam Date | 1 Dec 2025 |
| Application Correction Window | 2 Dec - 4 Dec 2025 |
| Admit Card Release Date | 11 Dec 2025 |
| DAT Prelims Result (B.Des) | 7 April 2026 (tentative) |
| DAT Prelims Result (M.Des) | 17 Feb 2026 (tentative) |
| NID DAT Mains Exam | April - May 2026 (tentative) |
| Counselling / Seat Allotment Start | 3 - 4 Week of May 2026 (tentative) |
NID Ahmedabad Eligibility Criteria 2026
The eligibility criteria for NID Ahmedabad admissions 2026 vary depending on the program. Admission to B.Des and M.Des programs is based on performance in the Design Aptitude Test , while Ph.D. admissions require a Design Research Test followed by an interview. Candidates from SC, ST, and PwD categories receive age relaxation as per official guidelines.
| Courses | Qualification | Exams | Age |
| B.Des | Passed 10+2 in any stream | NID DAT Prelims + Mains |
General/OBC/EWS: Up to 20 yrs only
SC/ST/PwD: Age relaxation as per rules |
| M.Des | Any Bachelors Degree / 4 year AICTE approved Diploma | DAT Prelims + Mains (Studio test + Interview) |
General/OBC/EWS: Up to 30 years
SC/ST/PwD: Age relaxation applicable |
| Ph.D | Any PG degree | DRT + Interview | As per official PhD notification |
NID Ahmedabad UG Admissions 2026
NID Ahmedabad offers admission to the B.Des program at the undergraduate level. Candidates who have completed 10+2 in any stream from a recognized board can apply for this program. Admission is based on the NID Design Aptitude Test which includes DAT Prelims and DAT Mains.
| Course | Eligibility Criteria | Selection Process | Age Limit |
| B.Des | Passed 10+2 in any stream | DAT Prelims + DAT Mains |
General/OBC/EWS: Up to 20 years
SC/ST/PwD: Age relaxation as per rules |
NID Ahmedabad PG Admissions 2026
NID Ahmedabad offers the M.Des program for candidates interested in advanced design studies. Admission to the program is based on DAT Prelims and DAT Mains, where shortlisted candidates participate in a studio test and personal interview.
| Course | Eligibility Criteria | Selection Process | Age Limit |
| M.Des | Any Bachelor’s Degree / 4 year AICTE approved Diploma | DAT Prelims + DAT Mains (Studio Test + Interview) |
General/OBC/EWS: Up to 30 years
SC/ST/PwD: Age relaxation applicable |
NID Ahmedabad PhD Admissions 2026
NID Ahmedabad also offers Ph.D. programs in design research. The admission process for Ph.D. programs is conducted separately from the DAT admission process. Candidates must qualify a Design Research Test (DRT) followed by a personal interview.
| Course | Eligibility Criteria | Selection Process | Age Limit |
| Ph.D | Any PG Degree | Design Research Test (DRT) + Interview | As per official PhD notification |
NID Ahmedabad Selection Process & Entrance Exam
The selection process at NID Ahmedabad is conducted through a two-stage Design Aptitude Test. Candidates first appear for DAT Prelims, and those shortlisted move to the DAT Mains stage, which includes a studio test and interview.
| Steps | Exam Name | Details |
| Step 1 | DAT Prelims | Conducted on 21 December 2025 for B.Des & M.Des |
| Step 2 | DAT Mains | Shortlisted candidates appear for studio test and interview. Dates and format are announced after Prelims results |
NID Ahmedabad Application Process 2026
Candidates must apply for NID Ahmedabad admission 2026 through the official admissions portal in online mode. The application process includes registration, filling out the form, uploading documents, and paying the application fee.
Steps to apply:
Step 1: Visit the official website: admissions.nid.edu
Step 2: Register using email ID, date of birth, category, and nationality
Step 3: Fill in personal and academic details
Step 4: Upload required documents such as photo, signature, and category/ PwD certificate
Step 5: Pay the application fee online and submit the form
Step 6: Download and save the confirmation page
Step 7: Edit details during the correction window by 2 - 4 December 2025
NID Ahmedabad Admission FAQs
Is the NID DAT 2026 application open?
It was open from 11 Sep - 1 Dec 2025 on the official admissions portal.
When was the NID DAT 2026 Prelims held?
The DAT 2026 Prelims was conducted on 21 December 2025.
How is admission decided at NID Ahmedabad?
Admission is based on performance in DAT Prelims and DAT Mains.
Can I apply for multiple design disciplines?
Yes, candidates can choose more than one discipline, but exam/studio test stages may apply for each.
What programs does NID Ahmedabad offer?
NID Ahmedabad offers Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programmes, while Ph.D. admissions are conducted separately.
Is there any age limit for NID Ahmedabad admission?
Yes, age limits apply for B.Des and M.Des admissions, with relaxation for reserved categories as per official guidelines.
Is NID DAT mandatory for admission to NID Ahmedabad?
Yes, admission to B.Des and M.Des programmes is strictly based on performance in the NID Design Aptitude Test.
Are Ph.D. admissions at NID Ahmedabad conducted through NID DAT?
No, Ph.D. admissions are conducted through a separate Doctoral Research Test and interview, not through the NID DAT.