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NID DAT 2026: Notification (Soon), Dates, Registration, Pattern, Syllabus

• Updated on 26 Aug, 2025 by Amrita Das

NID DAT 2026 Notification is expected to be released soon on the official website in September 2025. The NID DAT 2026 Registration will begin in October 2025 and end in December 2025. The National Institute of Design will also open the application correction window in the last week of December 2025 followed by the release of NID DAT Admit Card 2025 in the first week of January 2026. The NID DAT Prelims Exam 2026 is expected to take place in January 2026, while the NID DAT Mains Exam 2026 will be held in April 2026.

 

The result for NID DAT Prelims and Mains will be announced in March/April 2026 and May 2026, respectively. After the release of the result, candidates will be required to submit their campus preferences by the last week of May 2026. However, the dates for physical reporting and document verification will be announced by the respective NIDs. Aspirants are advised to go through the NID DAT 2026 Syllabus and Pattern carefully to understand the exam structure & paper and prepare accordingly. Read further to know more about the NID DAT Entrance Test 2026 in detail.

 

Table of Contents

  1. NID DAT 2026 Highlights
  2. NID DAT 2026 Important Dates
  3. NID DAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
  4. NID DAT 2026 Application Process
  5. NID DAT 2026 Exam Pattern
  6. NID DAT Prelims Syllabus 20256 for B.Des Program
  7. NID DAT Prelims Syllabus 2026 for M.Des Program
  8. NID DAT Mains Syllabus 2026 for B.Des (Studio Test)
  9. NID DAT Mains Syllabus 2026 for M.Des (Studio Test)
  10. NID DAT 2026 Admit Card
  11. NID DAT 2026 Answer Key
  12. NID DAT 2026 Result
  13. NID DAT 2026 Cutoff
  14. NID DAT 2026 Exam Centres
  15. NID DAT 2026 Counselling
  16. NID DAT 2026 FAQs

 

NID DAT 2026 Highlights

The NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Institute of Design (NID) for admission to its B.Des and M.Des programs offered at NID campuses across India. The exam is conducted in two stages:

  • DAT Prelims: The prelims exam is a written exam aimed to test the candidate's ability in design aptitude, creativity, visual observation, and analytical ability. It tests the candidate through an NID exam pattern of objective (MCQs), subjective questions, and sketching.
  • DAT Mains: Candidates who qualify for the prelims can appear in the mains exam. The main exam involves studio tests and personal interviews. Candidates need to showcase their practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity during the studio test. Personal interviews test the candidates' perspectives on design, motivations, and communication abilities, providing a comprehensive evaluation of their suitability for the field.

Check important highlights for NID DAT 2026 in the table below.

Features

Details

Exam Name

NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) / NID DAT

Conducting Body

National Institute of Design

Exam Frequency

Once a year

Exam Level

National

Courses Offered

BDes, MDes

Exam Mode

Offline

Exam Duration

3 hours

Official Website

https://admissions.nid.edu/

 

NID DAT 2026 Important Dates

Candidates can find out the important NID DAT 2026 dates in the table shown below:

Events

Dates (Tentative)

Release of official NID DAT 2026 notification

September–October 2025

Opening of NID 2026 online application form

October 2025

Closing date to submit NID DAT application form

End of December 2025

Last date to apply with late fee

Last week of December 2025

Application correction facility

Last week of December 2025

Availability of admit card for NID DAT Prelims

10 days before prelims exam

NID DAT 2026 Prelims Exam (B.Des & M.Des)

First week of January 2026

Prelims result declaration (B.Des & M.Des)

March–April 2026

Window to apply for prelims result rechecking

End of March 2026

Download of NID DAT Mains admit card

10 days before mains exam

NID DAT 2026 Mains Exam (M.Des)

April 2026

NID DAT 2026 Mains Exam (B.Des)

April 2026

Announcement of mains exam result

May 2026

Submission of campus choice preferences

Last week of May 2026

Request for mains result rechecking

Last week of May 2026

Seat allotment process & token fee payment

May–June 2026

Issue of provisional admission letter

June 2026

Payment of remaining course fees

June 2026

Further rounds of seat allotment & full fee payment

Mid-June 2026

Physical document verification at allotted NID campus

To be announced by respective NIDs

 

NID DAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The National Institute of Design (NID) Design Aptitude Test (DAT) 2026 has specific eligibility criteria for its Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs. Below are the key NID DAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria:

 

Bachelor of Design (B.Des)

Check out the following table for the NID DAT Eligibility for B.Des Program.

Particulars

Details

Age Limit

General Category: Candidates must be born on or after July 1, 2004.

 

Reserved Categories (OBC-NCL, SC, ST): Candidates must be born on or after July 1, 2001.

 

Persons with Disabilities (PwD): Candidates must be born on or after July 1, 1999.

Educational Qualification

Candidates should have passed or be appearing for the Higher Secondary (10+2) examination in any stream from a recognized board during the academic year 2024-25.

 

Master of Design (M.Des)

Check out the following table for the NID DAT Eligibility for M.Des Program.

Particulars

Details

Age Limit

General Category: Candidates must be born on or after July 1, 1992.

 

Reserved Categories (OBC-NCL, SC, ST): Candidates must be born on or after July 1, 1989.

 

Persons with Disabilities (PwD): Candidates must be born on or after July 1, 1987.

Educational Qualification

A bachelor's degree of a minimum of four years duration in any specialization after 10+2 from a recognized university or institute. Alternatively, a full-time diploma in design, fine arts, applied arts, or architecture of a minimum of four years duration after 10+2 from a recognized institution.

 

NID DAT 2026 Application Process

The NID DAT 2026 Registration process is an important step for aspiring design students seeking admission to NID's undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The process involves registration, form submission, document upload, and payment of the required fees. Here's how to apply: Candidates can follow the steps provided below to fill out theNID DAT application form 2026online.

  • Step 1: Visit the official NID website at admissions.nid.edu.
  • Step 2: Navigate to the ‘How to Apply’ section and click on ‘Sign Up.’
  • Step 3: Enter the required details to create an account and log in with the generated credentials.
  • Step 4: Complete the application form by filling required details and uploading the documents.
  • Step 5: Pay the applicable fee and submit the form.
  • Step 6: Download and print a copy of the confirmation page.

 

Documents Required for NID DAT 2026 Application Process

The following are important documents to have on hand when registering and filling out an application form:

  • Scanned photograph (75-100 KB, JPG)
  • Scanned signature (under 100 KB, JPG)
  • SC/ST candidates: caste certificate (under 150 KB, JPG)
  • PwD candidates: disability certificate (under 150 KB, JPG)
  • Foreign candidates: passport (under 150 KB, JPG)
  • Payment via debit/credit card or net banking.

 

NID DAT 2026 Application Fee

The NID entrance exam fee can be paid either online or offline. Payment can be made online through a debit card/credit card. Below are the application fees for the B.Des and M.Des programs for the academic year 2026, categorised by applicant type.

B.Des Program Application Fee

Check out the following table for NID DAT B.Des Application Fees 2026.

Category

DAT Application Fee

Application Fee + Late Fee

General/General-EWS/OBC-NCL

INR 3,000

INR 4,500

SC/ST/General-PwD/General-EWS-PwD/OBC-NCL-PwD/SC-PwD/ST-PwD

INR 1,500

INR 2,250

Overseas (Supernumerary)

INR 5,000

INR 7,500

M.Des Program Application Fee

Check out the following table for NID DAT M.Des Application Fees 2026.

Category

DAT Application Fee (1 Discipline)

DAT Application Fee (2 Disciplines)

Application Fee + Late Fee (1 Discipline)

Application Fee + Late Fee (2 Disciplines)

General/General-EWS/OBC-NCL

INR 3,000

INR 6,000

INR 4,500

INR 9,000

SC/ST/General-PwD/General-EWS-PwD/OBC-NCL-PwD/SC-PwD/ST-PwD

INR 1,500

INR 3,000

INR 2,250

INR 4,500

Overseas (Supernumerary)

INR 5,000

INR 10,000

INR 7,500

INR 15,000

 

NID DAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Candidates are assessed on the basis of their design skills, creativity, reasoning ability, and problem-solving skills. The exam is designed to evaluate a candidate's overall aptitude for design and innovation. The NID DAT 2026 will consist of two stages: the Prelims and the Mains. The Prelims consist of an objective-type test, while the Mains include a studio test and an interview.NID DAT 2026 Exam Pattern highlights have been tabulated below separately for B.Des and M.Des:

 

NID DAT (Prelims) 2026 Exam Pattern

Check out the following table for NID DAT (Prelims) 2026 Exam Pattern.

Particulars

B.Des

M.Des

Test duration

3 hours

2.5 hours

Mode

Pen-and-paper based

Online

Sections

Part 1 (Objective type questions) Part 2 (Subjective type questions)

Common Design Aptitude Test & Discipline Specific Test

Question type

Textual and Visual questions

A mixture of subjective and objective questions

Total number of questions

Part 1 (Objective type questions) - 22 Part 2 (Subjective type questions) - 4

100

Total marks

100

100

Medium of the test

English

English

Negative marking

No negative marking

No negative marking

 

NID DAT (Mains) 2026 Exam Pattern

The DAT Mains for the B.Des comprises a Studio Test, whereas for the M.Des it also includes a Personal Interview.

Particulars

Description

Mode of exam

Offline

Duration of exam

3 hours

Total marks

100

Language of question paper

English

Type of questions

Multiple formats (Drawing/ Sketching/ Model Making)

 

NID DAT Prelims Syllabus 20256 for B.Des Program

The NID DAT Prelims Syllabus 2026 for the B.Des Program is designed to assess candidates' design aptitude, creativity, and analytical skills. The NID Entrance Exam Syllabus includes various topics that test the ability to think critically and solve design problems effectively. Candidates can refer to the topics below to prepare for the exam:

NID DAT Prelims Syllabus 2026 for B.Des Program

Design Outline for Beginners

Colour Terminology

Inspiration & Design Development

Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship

Design Theory

Elements & Principles Of Design

Natural & Geometrical Form

Innovation in Design

Principles of Composition

Lettering

Optical Illusion

Understanding Light & Shade

Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions

Form & Function

Colour, Pattern & Texture

Theme Development

Creative thinking & writing

Picture Analysis

Visual Logic

Good Design vs Bad Design

Drawing Fundamentals

Use of Measurements, Scale & proportions

Optical Illusion

Foreshortening & Perspective

Developing Themes & Colour Associations

Inspiration & Creativity

Ornaments & motifs

Memory Drawing

Usage of Colour in Compositions

Expression & Emotion

Exercises on imagination

Lateral Thinking

Story Pictures

Presentation Techniques

Imagination & Doodling

3D Visualisation

Graphics & Pictograms

Innovation & Creation

Design Awareness

 

NID DAT Prelims Syllabus 2026 for M.Des Program

The NID DAT Prelims Syllabus 2026 for the M.Des Program is structured to evaluate candidates' creativity, design thinking, and problem-solving abilities. It covers a variety of topics that help assess conceptual knowledge, visual skills, and analytical reasoning. Aspirants can refer to the following table for the topics they need to study:

NID DAT Prelims Syllabus 2026 for M.Des Program

Design Outline for Beginners

Colour Terminology

Inspiration & Design Development

Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship

Design Theory

Elements & Principles Of Design

Natural & Geometrical Form

Innovation in Design

Principles of Composition

Lettering

Optical Illusion

Understanding Light & Shade

Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions

Form & Function

Colour, Pattern & Texture

Theme Development

Creative Thinking & Writing

Picture Analysis

Visual Logic

Good Design vs Bad Design

Drawing Fundamentals

Use of Measurements, Scale & proportions

Optical Illusion

Foreshortening & Perspective

Developing Themes & Colour Associations

Inspiration & Creativity

Ornaments & Motifs

Memory Drawing

Usage of Colour in Compositions

Expression & Emotion

Exercises on Imagination

Lateral Thinking

Story Pictures

Presentation Techniques

Imagination & Doodling

3D Visualisation

Graphics & Pictograms

Innovation & Creation

Design Awareness

 

NID DAT Mains Syllabus 2026 for B.Des (Studio Test)

The NID DAT Mains Syllabus 2026 for the B.Des Studio Test focuses on evaluating candidates' practical design skills, creativity, and the ability to conceptualise ideas through hands-on activities. Candidates are tested on various aspects of design, material handling, and problem-solving. Below is a list of topics to master for preparation:

NID DAT Mains Syllabus 2026 for B.Des (Studio Test)

Model Making

Doodling

Typical questions asked in an interview

How to Evolve Ideas

Audio – Visual Exercises

Material Manipulation

Material manipulation

Interview tips

Body language and how it is important

Previous years' question papers of Studio Test & Interview

Evolving ideas

Portfolio making

 

NID DAT Mains Syllabus 2026 for M.Des (Studio Test)

The NID DAT Mains Syllabus 2026 for M.Des. (Studio Test) assesses candidates' design thinking, creativity, and conceptual skills through practical tasks. This stage evaluates the candidates' ability to express ideas visually and solve design problems. Below is a list of key topics to focus on while preparing for the MDes studio test:

NID DAT Mains Syllabus 2026 for M.Des (Studio Test)

Model Making

Doodling

How to evolve ideas

Audio – Visual Exercises

Material Manipulation

Creative Thinking

 

NID DAT 2026 Admit Card

The authorities will release the NID DAT 2026 Admit Card for B.Des Mains exam on the official website. Candidates who completed the registration process for the NID DAT successfully could download the NID DAT admit card 2026. It is crucial for students to carry the NID DAT hall ticket to the exam centre. If they fail to bring the admit card, candidates are not permitted to enter the NID DAT 2026 exam centre. Candidates need to bring any one of the valid documents, such as PAN card, driving licence, Aadhar card, etc, along with the NID admit card 2026.

 

Steps to download the NID DAT 2026 Admit Card

Candidates can access the NID DAT admit card 2026 by following the steps below:

  • Go to the NID official website at admissions.nid.edu.
  • Click the NID DAT admit card tab on the home page.
  • Enter the credentials, such as email ID and date of birth, in the login window.
  • Click the submit button and check the details mentioned on the admit card.
  • Take the printout of the downloaded admit card for further reference.

 

NID DAT 2026 Answer Key

The answer key for NID DAT 2026 for the prelims exam will be released, and the link to download will be available on the official website. The purpose of the NID DAT exam answer key is to help candidates get an idea of their possible scores.Candidates can match their answers with the NID DAT 2026 answer key with the answers given by them in the entrance exam. While calculating the marks, the candidates should follow the same marking scheme as shown on the day of the actual examination.

 

How to Check NID DAT 2026 Answer Key?

Candidates can follow these steps to check the NID DAT 2026 Answer Key:

  • Go to the official NID website (https://admissions.nid.edu/) to access the answer key.
  • Look for the “NID DAT 2026 Answer Key” link under the latest announcements or notifications section.
  • Enter your login credentials, such as application number and password, to access the answer key.
  • Click on the link to view and download the answer key for the respective program and exam stage (Prelims/Mains).
  • Compare your responses with the answer key to estimate your score.

 

NID DAT 2026 Result

The National Institute of Design will release the NID DAT 2026 results (M.Des) on its official website at admissions.nid.edu. The NID DAT Results 2026 for B.Des and M.Des will be released separately by the authorities. Candidates will be able to download the NID DAT results by logging into the official NID website using their login credentials, including roll number/application number and date of birth. The authorities will prepare a separate merit list for each category, including General, General-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD and overseas.

 

How to Download NID DAT 2026 Result?

Candidates can follow the steps below to download the NID DAT 2026 result:

  • Go to the NID official website (https://admissions.nid.edu/).
  • Look for the “NID DAT 2026 Result” link under the latest notifications or announcements section.
  • Enter your application number and password to access your result.
  • The result will display your score, rank, and qualification status.
  • Download the result for future reference and take a printout for use during the admission process.

 

NID DAT 2026 Cutoff

Candidates from the various categories are considered eligible for admission only if they meet the minimum NID DAT 2026 Cutoff. It is important to meet the NID DAT cutoff to be eligible for shortlisting and admission. Not meeting the cutoff will result in elimination from the NID DAT Admission Process 2026. Check out the following table for NID DAT Qualifying Marks 2026.

Category

NID Minimum Qualifying Marks

Open/General

50%

EWS

50%

OBC-NCL

45%

SC

40%

ST

40%

PwD

40%

Overseas

50%

 

NID DAT 2026 Exam Centres

NID DAT 2026 will take place in various cities across India. Some of the major cities include Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Mumbai, New Delhi, and more. Check out the following table for NID DAT 2026 Exam Centers.

Exam Cities

Ahmedabad

Guwahati

Bengaluru

Hyderabad

Bhopal

Jaipur

Bhubaneshwar

Kochi

Chandigarh

Kolkata

Chennai

Kurukshetra

Dehradun

Lucknow

Mumbai

Nagpur

New Delhi

Patna

Raipur

Ranchi

Thiruvananthapuram

Vijayawada

 

NID DAT 2026 Counselling

The National Institute of Design will conduct NID DAT 2026 counselling in online mode. Candidates who qualify for the NID DAT 2026 entrance exam can participate in the counselling process. As part of the NID 2026 counselling process, B.Des candidates must register and fill in campus preferences. However, M.Des candidates aren't required to submit campus preferences. The seat allotment for the B.Des program is based on the NID DAT 2026 merit rank and campus preference opted. Meanwhile, seat allotment for M.Des is solely based on NID DAT 2026 merit rank.

 

NID DAT 2026 Counselling Process

The NID DAT 2026 counselling process is conducted for candidates who qualify for the Design Aptitude Test. It involves the following steps:

  • Candidates shortlisted based on their DAT scores are notified for counselling.
  • NID releases a schedule on its official website (nid.edu) with details of counselling dates, venue, and required documents.
  • Shortlisted candidates must attend the counselling session with original documents, including academic certificates, caste certificates (if applicable), and the DAT scorecard.
  • Seats are allotted based on merit, preferences, and availability in the desired program and campus.
  • After seat allotment, candidates must pay the admission fee to confirm their seats.

 

Documents Required for NID DAT 2026 Counselling Process

Candidates must carry the following documents during the NID DAT 2026 counselling process for verification:

  • NID DAT 2026 Scorecard
  • Admit Card
  • Class 10 & 12 Mark Sheets
  • Degree Certificate (if applicable)
  • Caste Certificate
  • PwD Certificate
  • EWS Certificate
  • Passport-sized Photographs
  • Proof of Identity
  • Domicile Certificate
  • Migration Certificate
  • Portfolio

 

NID DAT 2026 FAQs

When will the application window open for NID DAT 2026?

The application window for NID DAT 2026 is expected to open tentatively in September 2025. Candidates should regularly check the official NID admissions portal, admissions.nid.edu, for the exact dates and official notification for NID DAT 2026.

What is the eligibility criteria for the B.Des program through NID DAT 2026?

Applicants for the B.Des program via NID DAT 2026 must have passed or be appearing for their Class 12 exams from a recognized board in the academic year 2025-26. General category applicants must be born on or after July 1, 2005, with age relaxations for reserved categories.

What is the eligibility criteria for the M.Des program through NID DAT 2026?

Eligibility for the M.Des program in NID DAT 2026 requires a Bachelor's degree or a four-year full-time diploma after Class 12. General category applicants for NID DAT 2026 must be born on or after July 1, 1994.

What is the application fee for NID DAT 2026?

The NID DAT 2026 application fee is about ₹3,000 for General and OBC-NCL candidates. SC, ST, and PwD candidates have a reduced fee of ₹1,500 for NID DAT 2026.

What is the exam pattern for NID DAT 2026?

The NID DAT 2026 exam has two stages: DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. Prelims include a Creative Ability Test and a General Ability Test. Mains involve a Studio Test and a personal interview.

How can someone prepare effectively for the NID DAT 2026 exam?

Effective preparation for NID DAT 2026 involves developing creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Key preparation methods include practicing sketching, solving sample papers, and staying updated on general knowledge.

What are some of the B.Des courses offered through NID DAT 2026?

The B.Des program through NID DAT 2026 offers specializations like Animation Film Design and Graphic Design. These NID DAT 2026 courses are available at various NID campuses in India.

How can the admit card for NID DAT 2026 be downloaded?

To download the NID DAT 2026 admit card, visit the official NID admissions website at admissions.nid.edu. Applicants will need their registered email ID and date of birth to log in and print the admit card for NID DAT 2026.

What happens after clearing the DAT Prelims for NID DAT 2026?

Clearing NID DAT 2026 Prelims makes candidates eligible for the DAT Mains. The DAT Mains, consisting of a Studio Test and Interview, is the final selection stage for NID DAT 2026.