NID (National Institute of Design)

NID 2026 (NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DESIGN)

The NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Institute of Design for admission to its Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs. The DAT is designed to evaluate candidates’ aptitude for design, including their creativity, visual perception, drawing skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills. It is considered one of the most important steps for aspiring designers seeking admission to top design institutes in India.

The NID 2026 notification has not yet been officially released by the National Institute of Design. However the official notification and application form is expected to be released in September 2025 for both B.Des and M.Des program.

The exam is conducted in two stages: DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. The Prelims test candidates on their general design aptitude through a combination of objective and subjective questions covering topics such as design theory, color theory, drawing fundamentals, innovation, and general knowledge. Candidates who qualify the Prelims are eligible to appear for the Mains, which includes a studio test assessing hands-on skills like model making and material manipulation, along with a personal interview for M.Des aspirants.

The DAT is typically an offline exam and requires thorough preparation in drawing, sketching, creative thinking, and design awareness. It plays a crucial role in selecting candidates who demonstrate the potential and passion for a career in design. The official syllabus and sample papers are available on the NID admissions website to aid candidates in their preparation.

In this article, candidates will get to know each and every detail regarding NID DAT 2026 exam.

NID 2026 Exams Highlights

NID 2026 Important Dates

NID 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The NID 2026 eligibility criteria for admission to the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs are as follows:

Bachelor of Design (B.Des)

Age Limit

• General & General EWS: Born on or after July 1, 2005.
• OBC-NCL, SC, ST: Born on or after July 1, 2002.
• PwD: Born on or after July 1, 2000.
• Foreign Nationals (Overseas/Supernumerary): Born on or after July 1, 2005.

Educational Qualification

• Must have passed or be appearing for the final examination of the 10+2 system (any discipline: Science, Arts, Commerce, Humanities, etc.) from a recognized board (Central/State/International).

Master of Design (M.Des)

Age Limit

• General & General EWS: Born on or after July 1, 1993.
• OBC-NCL, SC, ST: Born on or after July 1, 1990.
• PwD: Born on or after July 1, 1988.
• Foreign Nationals (Overseas/Supernumerary): Born on or after July 1, 1993.

Educational Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree of at least 4 years duration in any specialization after 12th standard from a recognized university or institute, OR
• Full-time diploma of at least 4 years in Design, Fine Arts, Applied Arts, or Architecture after 12th standard from a recognized university or institute, OR
• Bachelor’s degree of at least 3 years duration in any specialization after 12th standard from a recognized university or institute (candidates must have passed the degree examination by August 2024).
• Candidates appearing in the final year of their qualifying degree/diploma are also eligible, provided they complete all requirements by the specified deadlines.

Read More About Eligibility Criteria

NID 2026 Application Process

The NID 2026 application process is conducted entirely online through the official NID admissions portal. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for the NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) for B.Des and M.Des programs

Step-by-Step Application Process

Registration/Sign Up

• Visit the official portal: admissions.nid.edu.
• Select your program (B.Des or M.Des), nationality, category, and other details.
• Enter your name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number. These details cannot be changed later.
• Validate your email and mobile number using the OTP sent to both.

Fill Application Form

• Log in with your credentials.
• Enter personal, academic, and communication details.
• Select your preferred exam city.

Upload Required Documents

• Photograph (JPG/JPEG, 50–200 KB)
• Signature (JPG/JPEG, 50–200 KB)
• Category Certificate (if applicable, up to 1 MB)
• PwD Certificate (if applicable, up to 1 MB)
• Passport pages (for overseas candidates, up to 1 MB)

Pay Application Fee

• Pay the fee online (approx. INR 3,000 for most candidates; check the official notification for category-wise details).

Submit and Print Application

• Review all entered information before final submission.
• Submit the application and print a copy for future reference.

Read More About Application Form

NID 2026 Admit Card

The NID 2026 admit card for the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is a mandatory document for appearing in both the Prelims and Mains stages of the exam. DAT Prelims Admit Card: Expected to be released in December 2025 for both B.Des and M.Des candidates. Here are the key details:

Steps to download NID Admit Card

1. Visit the official NID admissions portal: admissions.nid.edu.
2. Log in using your registered email ID and password.
3. Click on the admit card download link for the relevant stage (Prelims or Mains).
4. Download and print the admit card.

NID 2026 Syllabus

For the NID DAT exam, the National Institute of Design (NID) does not publish an official syllabus. We have therefore examined past NID question papers to assist the candidate and have identified the key subjects that applicants should focus on in order to be ready for the design entrance test.

The NID 2026 syllabus for the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is comprehensive and assesses candidates on creativity, design aptitude, problem-solving, and general knowledge. The exam is conducted in two stages—Prelims and Mains—for both B.Des and M.Des programs.

NID DAT Prelims Syllabus for B.Des  And 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
• Developing Observation

NID DAT Mains (Studio Test & Interview)

• Model Making
• Material Manipulation
• Doodling
• Audio-Visual Exercises
• Creative Thinking
• Idea Evolution
• Group Discussions & Personal Interview (for M.Des)

Read More About Syllabus

NID 2026 Exam Pattern

The NID 2026 exam pattern for the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) consists of two main stages: Prelims and Mains. Both B.Des and M.Des admissions follow this structure, with some variation in the second stage for M.Des. Below are the detailed patterns for each stage:

NID DAT 2026 Prelims

NID DAT 2026 Mains

NID 2026 Scholarship

The National Institute of Design (NID) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options for students pursuing design courses, including B.Des, M.Des, and PhD programs. Here’s what you need to know for NID 2026

Types of Scholarships and Financial Assistance at NID

Freeship and Need-based Scholarships

NID provides need-based and merit-based scholarships to deserving candidates. These include freeships for economically weaker students and rewards for top merit holders. Detailed notifications and application guidelines for these are released by the institute soon after admission, typically in August or September.

Merit-Based Awards

For instance, NID Haryana grants a scholarship of INR 50,000 in the Foundation year to the new admission student with the highest open rank (rank 60 or above) in NID admissions.

Merit-cum-Means Scholarships

Several NID campuses (like NID Gandhinagar and NID MP) offer scholarships based on both merit and financial need. The selection considers academic performance and family income, with a defined application and review process.

Sponsored Projects & Internships

Students can also access funding through sponsored classroom projects and industrial training. Industry-sponsored classroom projects (typically 4–8 weeks) and internships (6–8 weeks) in the curriculum may provide stipends (ranging from Rs 8,000–Rs 10,000/month).

State and Central Government Schemes

NID students may apply for government scholarships like the Post Matric Scholarship for Minorities and other state/central financial assistance schemes.

NID 2026 Result

The NID 2026 result for both B.Des and M.Des programs will be announced online through the official NID admissions portal: admissions.nid.edu. Here are the key details and expected timeline

Steps to download NID Result

1. Visit the official NID admissions website: admissions.nid.edu.
2. Log in using your registered credentials.
3. Click on the result link for the relevant stage (Prelims or Mains).
4. Download and save your scorecard.

NID 2026 Cut-Off

The NID 2026 cut-off is the minimum score or rank required to qualify for admission to B.Des and M.Des programs at National Institute of Design campuses. The cut-off is released category-wise and varies by campus, program, and year.

Expected NID DAT 2026 Cut-Off (Category-Wise)

NID 2026 Counselling

NID 2026 Admissions for both undergraduate and graduate programs will open in May 2026. A variety of counseling rounds, such as registration, fee payment, document verification, and seat assignment, will be open to qualified candidates.
The merit list, candidate discipline preferences, reservation requirements, and seat availability will all be taken into consideration while making the final seat allocation.

Read More About Counselling

NID 2026 Preparation Tips

NID DAT 2026 preparation will involve the following steps

• Understand the topics covered in the exam. Keep up with the topics that have been added or removed.
• Take a look at the exam format. Examine the question papers from the prior year to understand the pattern and trend.
• To prepare for NID 2026, gather the best books.
• Create a monthly schedule. Try to keep up with it.
• Solve previous years' sample papers, question papers, and practice exams.
• Get enough sleep and maintain your optimism. Stay away from screen time active.

Read More About Preparation Tips

NID 2026 General Instructions

On the day of the NID DAT Prelims 2026, you have to abide by certain rules and guidelines. You won't be permitted to take the test if you break any of the guidelines listed below.  Thus, pay close attention to all of the NID exam instructions.

• Ensure that you arrive at the examination centre at least one hour before to the examination.
• The NID admission exam officials will not supply stationery in the exam room, therefore you will need to bring your own.
• Do not speak in the exam room. If you are discovered to be copying or helping others, you will not be allowed to take the test.
• Electronic gadgets are not permitted in the examination center.
• It is essential to keep social distance at the examination centre.
• Observe the guidelines that the invigilator has provided in the examination room.

NID 2026 FAQs

Ques.1 What is the application process for NID 2026?

Ans. Applications are expected to open in September 2025. Candidates must fill out the online form at the official NID admissions portal, upload required documents, and pay the application fee (approx. Rs 3,000 for General/OBC, Rs 1,500 for SC/ST/PwD).

Ques.2 Who is eligible for B.Des and M.Des at NID?

Ans. For B.Des candidates must have passed (or be appearing for) Class 12 with a maximum age of 20 years (relaxations for reserved categories). For M.Des, a bachelor's degree in any discipline (minimum 3 years) and a maximum age of 30 years are required.

Ques.3 What is the NID DAT exam pattern?

Ans. The exam is held in two stages:

• DAT Prelims: Three-hour written test with both objective and subjective questions, assessing creativity, drawing, design aptitude, and problem-solving.
• DAT Mains: Studio test (hands-on tasks) and, for M.Des, a personal interview and portfolio review

Ques.4 How are candidates selected for admission at NID?

Ans. Selection is based on the combined performance in DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. Final admission is offered after seat allotment, document verification, and payment of fees. The admission council reviews both academic background and DAT scores.

Ques.5 When will the NID DAT 2026 exam be held?

Ans. The NID DAT 2026 Prelims are tentatively scheduled for the first week of January 2026. The Mains (studio test/interview) will be held between March and April 2026.