NID 2026 Selection Process Revised: How New Weightage Affects NID Admission Chances?

NID 2026 Selection Process Revised: How New Weightage Affects NID Admission Chances?

Ongoing Event

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

Sumeet SudarshanUpdated on 15 Sep 2025, 05:03 PM IST

The National Institute of Design has notified the revised NID 2026 selection process on the official website - admissions.nid.edu. The revised NID selection process has altered the weightage for prelims and mains components of the NID entrance exam for the final selection of the candidates. This change will have an impact on the candidate’s admission chances. In this article, let’s look at the details of the revised selection process and how it impacts a candidate’s NID admission prospects.

This Story also Contains

  1. What are the Changes in the NID DAT 2026 Selection Process?
  2. NID 2026 Tie-Breaking Rule
  3. How Does the Revised Selection Process Affect Admission Chances?
NID 2026 Selection Process Revised: How New Weightage Affects NID Admission Chances?
NID 2026 Selection Process Revised

Candidates shortlisted through NID DAT 2026 will be eligible to secure admission into B.Des and M.Des programmes of participating NID campuses.

What are the Changes in the NID DAT 2026 Selection Process?

As per the revised selection process mentioned in the NID 2026 notification, the NID DAT 2026 prelims result will not have any weightage in the final selection of candidates for B.Des and M.Des programmes. The NID 2026 prelims exam will be a qualifying exam to shortlist candidates for the mains exam.

The NID 2026 mains exam will have all the weightage for the final selection of candidates, and the components of NID B.Des mains have also changed.

NID B.Des 2026 Revised Weightage

Particulars

Revised Weightage in Final Selection

Old Weightage in Final Selection

Prelims

No weightage in final selection. Qualifying exam for mains

40%

Mains

Studio sensitivity test - 60%

In-person sensitivity test - 40%

60%

NID M.Des 2026 Revised Weightage

Particulars

Revised Weightage in Final Selection

Old Weightage in Final Selection

Prelims

No weightage in final selection. Qualifying exam for mains

30%

Mains

Studio test - 40%

Interview - 60%

Studio test - 40%

Interview - 30%

NID 2026 Tie-Breaking Rule

The revised NID 2026 tie-breaker will be notified later on. The tie-breaker rule will be used to rank the candidates in case they obtain the same score in the exam. The authorities are expected to notify a separate tie-breaker rule for prelims and mains.

How Does the Revised Selection Process Affect Admission Chances?

The revised selection process of NID 2026 places more importance on the NID mains component in the final selection. This reduces the NID DAT cut-off for prelims to only a qualifying cut-off that candidates have to clear to appear for the mains exam. All candidates who clear the prelims will be on an equal plane. This means candidates have to begin their preparations afresh for the mains to secure an NID seat.

The NID syllabus for B.Des prelims focuses on GK and analytical ability, while the syllabus for M.Des prelims is a test of the candidate’s theoretical knowledge about the fundamentals of art and drawing. With more weightage being placed on studio test, interview/and in-person sensitivity test, the admission chances will depend on the candidate’s creativity, personality, and practical performance, more than the performance in the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which campuses offer the M.Des programme?
A:

NID Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Bengaluru offer the M.Des programme.

Q: Which campuses offer B.Des programmes?
A:

NID Ahmedabad, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam offer the B.Des programme.

Q: What are the courses offered through NID DAT 2026?
A:

Candidates will be admitted into B.Des and M.Des programmes of NID campuses through NID DAT 2026.

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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 !