NID 2026 Age Limit for B.Des & M.Des: Who Can Apply for NID?

NID 2026 Age Limit for B.Des & M.Des: Who Can Apply for NID?

Ongoing Event

NID DAT Application Date:11 Sep' 25 - 01 Dec' 25

Team Careers360Updated on 09 Sep 2025, 02:24 PM IST

The National Institute of Design will notify the NID 2026 age limit on its official website - admissions.nid.edu. The age limit for NID DAT 2026 for each course will be provided in the admission handbook that will be released along with the NID Notification 2026. The NID age limit is an important part of the NID DAT 2026 eligibility criteria, which candidates must meet before applying for the NID Entrance exam. The authorities specify details of the NID Age limit for UG, for candidates who want to enter the B.Des. programme, and the NID age limit for PG, if candidates wish to pursue an M.Des programme.

This Story also Contains

  1. NID Age Limit 2026: Overview
  2. NID Age Limit for UG Programmes
  3. NID Age Limit for PG Programmes
  4. NID DAT 2026 Seat Reservation
NID 2026 Age Limit for B.Des & M.Des: Who Can Apply for NID?
NID 2026 Age Limit for B.Des & M.Des

Candidates interested in appearing for NID 2026 must make sure they meet the NID 2026 age limit to avoid disqualification from the NID admission process.

NID Age Limit 2026: Overview

The age limit for the NID entrance exam 2026 admission round will convey the required or the maximum age for candidates to apply for a course at the Undergraduate or Post Graduate Level. The details regarding the NID DAT age limit will be released on the same day as the NID 2026 notification, whereby:

  • Candidates can open the Information Bulletin for the NID DAT 2026 Entrance exam, which is attached as a PDF along with the notification declaring the opening of the NID DAT application for 2026.

  • Both Undergraduate programmes and Postgraduate courses have their respective handbooks; candidates are advised to verify the copy they have procured before checking the age limit criteria.

  • Candidates can navigate the PDF and search for the section relating to Admissions and within it, the eligibility criteria.

  • Besides the NID eligibility criteria 2026, which specify the minimum educational requirements for candidates, there are also details pertaining to the age limits of the candidates.

  • The Age limits vary according to the candidates’ community and/or whether they qualify for the PwD status. As a result, candidates are encouraged to verify and apply accordingly on the application form.

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NID Age Limit for UG Programmes

The NID age limit for B.Des. features under the category of Eligibility Criteria in the NID DAT 2026 handbook. Candidates who are applying for the undergraduate programmes need to qualify both the educational and age criteria before applying for the admission process.

  • For Indian Nationals in the General Category and the General EWS Category: Born on or after 1 July 2005.

  • For Indian Nationals in Reserved Category (Other Backward Class-Non Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL), Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST): Born on or after 1 July 2002.

  • For Indian Nationals in PwD Reserved Category: Born on or after 1 July 2000.

  • For Foreign Nationals in Overseas (Supernumerary) Category: Born on or after 1 July 2005.

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Candidates applying for the B.Des. programme can apply to NID Institutes at Ahmedabad, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam.

NID Age Limit for PG Programmes

The NID age limit for PG appears in the information bulletin for the Master's programme NID DAT 2026 handbook. Candidates applying for the postgraduate programmes need to qualify for either of the following age limit criteria to apply for the admission process.

  • For Indian Nationals in General Category & General EWS Category: Born on or after 1 July 1994.

  • For Indian Nationals in Reserved Category (Other Backward Class-Non Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL), Scheduled Caste (SC) & Scheduled Tribe (ST): Born on or after 1 July 1991.

  • For Indian Nationals in the Person with Disabilities (PWD) Reserved Category: Born on or after 1 July 1989.

  • For Foreign Nationals in Overseas (Supernumerary) Category: Born on or after 1 July 1994.

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Based on the NID M.Des. age limit, candidates can apply to Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Gandhinagar.

Also Read: NID DAT 2026 exam dates

NID DAT 2026 Seat Reservation

The seat reservation and the NID age criteria go hand in hand with one another. Candidates who are checking out the Age limit according to their preferred category are recommended to check the available seats in advance, so that they can plan accordingly for the admission process.

The Divisions for B.Des are as follows:

CategoryInstitutes with 125 SeatsInstitutes with 75 Seats

GEN-EWS (10%)

13

8

OBC-NCL (27%)

34

20

Scheduled Caste (15%)

19

11

Scheduled Tribe (7.5%)

9

6

NID Ahmedabad is the only institute with 125 seats, while Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam have 75 seats for each institute.

The Divisions for M.Des. at Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Bengaluru are as follows:

Category

Disciplines with 19 seats

Disciplines with 12 seats

GEN-EWS (10%)

2

1

OBC-NCL (27%)

5

3

Scheduled Caste (15%)

3

2

Scheduled Tribe (7.5%)

1

1

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When will the NID B.Des and M.Des eligibility criteria be released?
A:

The NID B.Des and M.Des eligibility criteria will be released at the time of NID notification tentatively in September 2025.

Q: Where is the NID B.Des and M.Des eligiblity criteria notified?
A:

The NID B.Des and M.Des eligiblity criteria will be notified on the official website - admissions.nid.edu.

Q: Is there an age limit for NID B.Des and M.Des?
A:

Yes, the National Institute of Design mentions the age limit for NID B.Des and M.Des. 

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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 !