How to Apply for NID Entrance Exam 2026: Steps to Apply, Documents List, Fees

How to Apply for NID Entrance Exam 2026: Steps to Apply, Documents List, Fees

Team Careers360Updated on 30 Aug 2025, 03:54 PM IST

The National Institute of Design will release the NID 2026 application form tentatively in September 2025. Interested candidates who fulfil the NID 2026 eligibility criteria can submit the application form of NID DAT 2026 online on the official website - nid.edu. Every year, a huge number of candidates apply for the NID entrance exam as it is one of the top design entrance exams in India. In this article, get all the details about how to apply for NID, including tentative dates and more.

This Story also Contains

  1. When will NID DAT 2026 Application Form be Released?
  2. How to Apply for NID Entrance Exam 2026?
  3. NID DAT Application Fee as Per Last Year
How to Apply for NID Entrance Exam 2026: Steps to Apply, Documents List, Fees
How to Apply for NID Entrance Exam 2026

Through the NID DAT entrance exam, candidates will be admitted into the B.Des and M.Des programmes. Candidates must appear for both components of NID DAT 2026 to secure admissions.

When will NID DAT 2026 Application Form be Released?

The NID 2026 dates for registration will be notified on the official website. The tentative schedule is given below.

NID Registration 2026 Dates (Tentative)

Particulars

Dates

NID Entrance Exam application form release date

First week of September 2025

NID DAT application form last date

December 2025

NID DAT prelims exam date

January 2026

How to Apply for NID Entrance Exam 2026?

In this section, candidates can learn about how to fill NID DAT application form step by step. There will not be any separate registration window for NID DAT mains after the prelims.

Steps to Apply for the NID Exam

Given below are the steps on how to apply for NID online

Step 1: Registration

  • Visit the official website - admissions.nid.edu and click on new registration/sign up after selecting the programme of study

  • Enter basic details such as name, email ID, mobile number, programme applied for, and date of birth to generate login credentials.

  • The login credentials will be sent to the candidate’s registered email id

Step 2: Fill out the Online Application

  • Log in with the user credentials

  • Fill in the required details, such as the personal details, education details, and address

  • The details can be modified during the application correction window, except name, date of birth, email id, and programme

Pearl Academy B.Des Admissions 2025

No. 1 Design & Fashion Institute by ASSOCHAM, India Today, Outlook and The Week rankings | Last Date to Apply: 31st August

UPES B.Des Admissions 2025

Ranked #46 amongst Universities in India by NIRF | Ranked #1 in Academic Reputation in India by QS World University Rankings | Last Date to Apply: 31st August | Admissions Closing Soon

Step 3: Uploading Documents and Signature

  • Candidates must submit a scanned passport-size color photograph in jpg/jpeg format with a size between 50 to 200 kb

  • A scanned copy of the signature in JPG/JPEG with a size between 50 to 200 kb

  • Candidates from the reserved category must also upload their caste certificate in PDF form with a size less than 1 MB.

NID DAT 2026 Full Study Material
Students preparing for NID 2026 can access this study material for both prelims and mains. Download now to strengthen your preparation and boost your chances of success.
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Step 4: Payment of Application Fee

The last step is to pay the prescribed NID application form fee. The fee differs for various categories. The application fee can be paid online through Debit/Credit card or net banking. The application fee is neither refundable nor transferable.

NID DAT Application Fee as Per Last Year

Category

Application fee

General/Gen-EWS/OBC NCL

Rs 3000

SC/ST/PwD

Rs 1500

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the courses offered through the NID entrance exam?
A:

Candidates will be offered admission into B.Des and M.Des programmes through the NID DAT entrance exam.

Q: How to apply for NID?
A:

Candidates can apply for NID online from the official website - admissions.nid.edu.

Q: When will NID DAT 2026 application form open?
A:

The NID DAT 2026 application form will open tentatively in the first week of September 2025.

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Questions related to NID DAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to NID DAT ?

Hi daksh

As 563 rank in nid dat exam cannot guarantee admission in designing college but it could be a good chance to explore some campus as if you are not from general category as category role plays an important role . But now you can do one thing focus on your strengthening your protofile or preparing for the studio test (bdes) or interview (mdes).

Thanks.

No, IPU (Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University) does not accept NID DAT Prelims score for admission to the B.Des (Bachelor of Design) program.

Instead, IPU conducts its own entrance test or may consider CUET (UG) scores for B.Des admissions, depending on the latest admission guidelines. Always refer to the university's official prospectus for the year you're applying to for the final admission criteria.

NIT DAT (https://www.shiksha.com/design/articles/nid-admissions-2025-colleges-accepting-nid-entrance-exam-scores-for-bdes-mdes-courses-blogId-13097)

Hello,

Yes, it's possible to prepare for the NID DAT 2025 exam on your own, even with limited time, by following these steps:

  1. Understand the Syllabus : Focus on key areas like design principles, creativity, visualization, and observation skills.
  2. Solve Previous Papers : Practice with past NID DAT papers to understand question types and patterns.
  3. Time Management : Dedicate daily hours to sketching, problem-solving, and revision.
  4. Strengthen Drawing Skills : Practice daily to improve speed and accuracy.
  5. Use Online Resources : Utilize free tutorials, sample papers, and design blogs.
  6. Mock Tests : Take regular mock exams to assess progress and manage time efficiently.

Hope it helps !

Hello,

There are numerous websites which give free study material and classes to prepare for entrance exams NID DAT, UCEED, or NIFT. Here are a few popular ones:

YouTube: YouTube has many educators as well as institutes, which have been uploading free video lectures on important topics, on aptitude for design, and how to give these exams. Useful content can be found in the channels "Design Coach" and "NID Preparation".

You can download free courses offered on websites like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy on the topics of design principles, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Official Websites: Both NID and UCEED and also NIFT would usually release sample papers and previous question papers for self-preparation.

Study Groups: One can join online forums or social media groups which are dedicated to NID, UCEED, and NIFT preparation for peer-to-peer learning assistance.

The resource utilization would bring in good preparation for the exams and, therefore, increase in confidence.

Hello,

Preparing for the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) entrance exam involves focusing on several key areas. Here’s a structured approach to get you started:

1. Understand the Exam Structure

Familiarize yourself with the NIFT entrance exam format:

  • General Ability Test (GAT): Tests general knowledge, current affairs, and quantitative ability.
  • Creative Ability Test (CAT): Assesses your creative and visual ability through sketching and design-based questions.
  • Situation Test (for B.Des): Evaluates your ability to create a design from given materials.
  • Group Discussion and Personal Interview (for M.Des/MFM): Tests your communication skills, understanding of the fashion industry, and design knowledge.

2. Gather Study Materials

  • For GAT: Use general knowledge books, current affairs magazines, and quantitative aptitude guides.
  • For CAT: Practice sketching and drawing regularly. Books on design and creativity can be useful.
  • For Situation Test: Practice creating models from various materials and understanding design principles.
  • For GD/PI: Prepare by staying updated on fashion trends, industry news, and developing a strong portfolio.

3. Create a Study Plan

  • Daily Study: Allocate time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Weekly Goals: Set goals for completing practice papers and revising key concepts.
  • Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to simulate the exam environment and improve time management.

4. Enroll in Coaching Classes (if needed)

Consider joining a coaching institute that specializes in NIFT preparation. They can provide structured guidance, practice tests, and expert feedback.

5. Work on Your Portfolio

If you’re applying for design courses, develop a strong portfolio showcasing your creative work. Include sketches, designs, and any relevant projects.

6. Refer to Previous Years’ Papers

Solving past years' question papers helps you understand the exam pattern and types of questions. It also aids in identifying important topics.

7. Stay Updated

  • Follow fashion industry news to stay informed about trends and innovations.
  • Read relevant books and articles about design and fashion.

8. Practice Creativity

Engage in activities that boost your creativity, such as drawing, painting, or crafting. Keep experimenting with new ideas and techniques.

By focusing on these areas, you'll build a solid foundation for the NIFT entrance exam. Good luck with your preparation!

You can also refer to the following articles to better understand the NIFT examination and its preperation strategy :-

1. https://design.careers360.com/articles/how-prepare-for-nift-entrance-exam

2. https://design.careers360.com/exams/nift-entrance-exam


Hope it helps !