NID (National Institute of Design)

NID 2026

Notification | Exam Dates | Application Form | Eligibility | Exam Pattern | Syllabus | Admit Cards | Results | Counselling

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 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 Notification

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.

NID 2026 Exam 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.

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.

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)

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 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.