NID 2026 Exam Timings: Prelims & Mains Schedule, Reporting Time, Duration

NID 2026 Exam Timings: Prelims & Mains Schedule, Reporting Time, Duration

Achyuth NambiarUpdated on 20 Dec 2025, 10:03 AM IST

Understanding the NID DAT 2026 entrance exam timings is essential for candidates appearing for both the Prelims and Mains stages. Candidates need to follow the timings mentioned on the NID Admit Card 2026 because an arrival delay can prevent entry into the examination hall. Knowing the reporting time for the NID DAT entrance exam on December 21, 2025 can help candidates plan their arrival to the provided exam centre in advance.

This Story also Contains

  1. NID DAT 2026 Prelims Exam Timings
  2. NID DAT 2026 Mains Exam Timings
  3. NID Exam Reporting Time Guidelines
  4. NID Exam Time Duration
NID 2026 Exam Timings: Prelims & Mains Schedule, Reporting Time, Duration
nid 2026 exam timings

Check out the article below to obtain a clear overview of the official NID exam timings and be fully prepared on the exam day. The article will cover the NID exam date 2026 time, NID exam time duration, and more.

NID DAT 2026 Prelims Exam Timings

The NID DAT Prelims are the first stage of the NID admission process, and their timing structure is uniform across all exam centres. The details for the exam timings and centre will be mentioned on the NID admit card 2026. Candidates can download the NID admit cards, which have been opened for access from December 11, 2025, from 4 PM onwards.

Expected NID DAT Prelims Timing Structure

  • Exam Date: December 21, 2025
  • Reporting Time: As mentioned on the NID admit card (candidates must arrive well before the gate closing). Candidates can expect the tentative timings from 10 AM - 1 PM (3 Hrs). The reporting time is 8:00 AM, with the gate closing set for 9:30 AM tentatively.
  • Entry Closing Time: Will be strictly enforced, and late entry will not be permitted for any candidates. The closing time is around 9:30 AM, tentatively.
  • NID Prelims Exam Start Time: Generally conducted in the morning slot
  • NID Exam Time Duration: Typically around 3 hours (as per NID format)
  • Exam Mode: Offline, pen-and-paper based
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Candidates must follow the exact NID exam time and reporting time printed on the admit card, as these may vary based on the exam centre or candidate category (B.Des/M.Des).

In unforeseen circumstances, the schedules as well as the structure of the exams can change, and all tests may be conducted entirely online or entirely offline or in a combination of offline & online modes.

NID DAT 2026 Mains Exam Timings

Candidates shortlisted from the Prelims will receive a separate admit card for the Mains. The NID Mains Admit Card will be issued tentatively in April - May 2026.

Key Timing Details for NID Mains

  • Separate Admit Card: Contains personalised reporting and slot timings
  • Studio Test Timing: Usually conducted in multiple batches, depending on the discipline
  • Duration: Generally ranges between 2–3 hours, depending on the test component, and will be mentioned prior on the Admit Card for NID Mains.
  • Interview Timing: Conducted individually as per the scheduled time on the admit card
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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Since the NID Mains Entrance exam includes a studio test and a personal interview, candidates must check both timings carefully and plan their stay close by the campus for the entire duration.

Candidates should regularly monitor the website and keep their registered email and phone number active for updates.

NID Exam Reporting Time Guidelines

Appearing for the NID Entrance exam for Prelims or Mains requires preparation on the part of the candidate when arriving at the exam centre. To avoid last-minute issues, candidates must follow these NID DAT exam day guidelines:

  • Arrive at least 1 hour before the reporting time mentioned.
  • Carry a printed copy of the NID DAT admit card and a valid ID proof like Aadhar Card, Driving License etc.
  • Verify the NID DAT exam centre location a day before to avoid delays.
  • Gates will close strictly at the time specified on the admit card.
  • Candidates arriving late may not be allowed to enter the exam hall.
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NID Exam Time Duration

The exam duration differs for Prelims and Mains.

  • NID Prelims Duration: Approximately 3 hours
  • NID Mains Duration: Varies depending on studio test format

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the reporting time for NID DAT prelims exam?
A:

For the NID DAT 2026 prelims exam, candidates are required to report at 8:00 AM, with the gates closing time by 9:30 AM.

Q: When to arrive at the NID Exam Centre?
A:

Candidates can arrive at the exam centre at least one hour before the gate closing time. According to the tentative timings, candidates can arrive at 8 AM, with the gate closing set for 9:30 AM.

Q: How much time for the NID Exam?
A:

Candidates can spend 3 hours on the NID DAT Prelims Entrance exam. The Mains exam can vary between 2-3 hours based on the studio and interview sessions. 

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Questions related to NID DAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to NID DAT ?

Hello,

Yes, if you are in Class 12, you are eligible to sit for the NID DAT 2026 (BDes) exam. The National Institute of Design allows students who are in their final year of Class 12 or have already passed to apply.

To know more access below mentioned link:

https://design.careers360.com/articles/nid-admission-2026

You can get the NIT DAT SYLLABUS, updated version from careers 360 in detail from careers 360 article. Follow the link given from The link of the syllabus article is given below from careers 360

https://design.careers360.com/articles/nid-dat-syllabus-2026

Yes you are eligible to appear for NID DAT for the M.Des programme. Since you are in final make sure you will have completed your BA by the required deadline. Also go through the specific specializations you want to apply for, some may require certain specific backgrounds to be eligible

Hello,

To prepare for M.des exams like CEED or NID DAT, here are some points which you can follow:

Understand the pattern – focus on creativity, design aptitude, and problem-solving.

Practice sketching daily and improve visualization.

Study basics of color, form, and design concepts.

Solve previous papers and build a

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