NID  2026 (COUNSELING)

The NID counselling process is the final step in securing admission to the National Institute of Design (NID) after clearing the DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. It includes seat allotment, document verification, fee payment, and confirmation of admission for both B.Des and M.Des programs.

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.

Tentative Counselling Schedule – NID 2026

Step-by-Step NID 2026 Counselling Procedure

Step 1: Result Declaration & Merit List

• NID publishes a final merit list based on the combined performance in DAT Prelims + Mains.
• Separate lists are released for B.Des and M.Des (and for each discipline in M.Des).

Step 2: Online Counselling Registration

• Visit the official NID portal: https://admissions.nid.edu
• Log in using your email ID and DOB/application number
• Fill in counselling form
• Upload scanned documents as per instructions

Step 3: Preference Filling (Campus/Discipline Selection)

• For B.Des: Choose campus preferences.
• For M.Des: Confirm allotted discipline (based on merit and seat availability).
• Once submitted, preferences usually cannot be changed.

Step 4: Seat Allotment

• Seat allotment is done based on:

• Final merit rank
• Category reservation
• Candidate’s preferences

• Allotment status is published online
• Candidates will receive Provisional Offer Letter

Step 5: Document Upload & Verification

Upload scanned copies of

• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets (for B.Des)
• Graduation certificate/mark sheets (for M.Des)
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD)
• Birth certificate or age proof
• Passport-size photo
• ID proof (Aadhar/Passport)
• NID scorecard & admit card

Step 6: Payment of Admission Fees

• Pay the token fee to confirm admission.
• The amount is approximately Rs 60,000 to Rs 1,00,000 depending on the program.
• Payment confirms provisional admission.

Step 7: Final Admission Confirmation

• Once documents are verified and the fee is paid
• A Final Offer Letter is issued
• Admission is confirmed
• Academic calendar and joining instructions are shared

Step 8: Waitlist & Further Rounds

• If any candidate withdraws, seats are filled from the waitlist.
• Additional rounds may be conducted depending on vacancies.
• Waitlisted candidates will be contacted directly by NID.

Click Here for NID 2026 Application Form

NID 2026 Counselling Procedure FAQs

Ques.1 Can I choose the NID campus during counselling?

Ans. Yes, for B.Des, you can fill campus preferences.

For M.Des, campus is decided based on your discipline and merit.

Ques.2 Is seat upgrading allowed in further rounds?

Ans. No, once a seat is accepted and confirmed by fee payment, no further changes or upgrades are allowed.

Ques.3 How many counselling rounds does NID conduct?

Ans. Usually 1–2 rounds based on:

• Number of confirmed admissions
• Seat withdrawals
• Waitlist movement

Ques.4 Are NID campuses allotted based on my rank?

Ans. Yes, The higher your rank, the better your chances of getting preferred campus (B.Des) or specialization (M.Des).

Ques.5 Can international/NRI candidates participate in counselling?

Ans. Yes, if they have qualified through the NID Overseas Category, they must follow separate instructions shared by NID.