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NID Entrance Exam 2026: Registration, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Books, Previous Year Papers

Updated on 18th July, 2025 by Sumeet Sudarshan

About NID DAT 2026

The National Institute of Design will publish the NID 2026 notification on its official website - nid.edu. As per the tentative NID 2026 schedule based on last year's trends, the NID DAT 2026 application form will open in September 2025. Interested applicants must fill up the application form before the prescribed deadline. NID DAT 2026 will consist of NID DAT prelims and NID DAT mains. Candidates who are shortlisted in the NID DAT result for prelims will be able to appear for NID DAT mains. The final NID admissions will be done based on the candidate's cumulative score in the prelims and the mains exam. Through the NID entrance exam, candidates will be offered admission into the NID campuses at NID Ahmedabad, NID Andhra Pradesh, NID Haryana, NID Madhya Pradesh, and NID Assam. 

In the NID counselling process, candidates are offered seats based on their campus preference and in the merit order category-wise and as per the seat availability. The NID counselling 2026 includes the registration process, followed by submission of campus and course preference, document verification, and payment of the admission fee. Based on the question raised, "How many attempts are there for NID DAT in a year?" candidates can note that they candidate will be able to attempt NID DAT only once in a year.

About NID DAT Entrance Exam

The NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) exam is a national-level exam conducted by the National Institute of Design. The NID entrance exam 2026 serves as a gateway for the students aspiring to pursue a career in fashion design and technology programmes offered by the institute. NID offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes such as Bachelor of Design (BDes) and Master of Design (M.Des.). 

NID offers B.Des and M.Des programs with a duration of 4 years and 2.5 years, respectively. NID DAT B.Des prelims exam is conducted as a pen-and-paper-based test. The NID DAT question paper is in the English language only. The main objective of the NID DAT exam is to assess the candidate's knowledge, skills, and behavioral abilities.

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NID DAT 2026 Highlights

Full Exam Name
NID Design Aptitude Test
Short Exam Name
NID DAT
Conducting Body
National Institute of Design
Frequency Of Conduct
Once a year
Exam Level
National Level Exam
Languages
English
Mode Of Application
online
Application Fee
Online : 3000
Mode Of Exam
offline
Mode Of Counselling
offline
Participating Colleges
26
Exam Duration
3 Hours
No Of Seats
225

National Institute of Design will release the NID DAT 2026 cut-off on its official website. The NID DAT cutoff is the minimum score required for candidates to qualify for selection rounds. The NID cutoff 2026 includes the rank and score of the last candidate allotted a seat. 

The cutoff is the minimum score required for candidates to qualify for the next stage. The NID cutoff is prepared by authorities based on various factors such as the availability of the number of seats, the NID DAT exam difficulty, the total number of candidates participating in the exam, and last year's cutoff trends.

 NID Previous Year's Cutoff (2025)

CampusOPENGEN-EWS
OBC-NCL
Open RankScoreCategory RankScoreCategory RankScore
NID Ahmedabad4859.601650.904053.70
NID Andhra Pradesh20054.102050.4011948.50
NID Assam24753.00NENE13047.90
NID Madhya Pradesh16655.001750.8010249.30
NID Haryana19354.302150.3010049.40


CampusSCSTPwD
Open RankScoreCategory RankScoreCategory RankScore
NID Ahmedabad2451.701147.80740.60
NID Andhra Pradesh6645.602742.50NENE
NID Assam7444.803940.20NENE
NID Madhya Pradesh4448.202243.50NENE
NID Haryana5646.602942.20940.00

Candidates interested in pursuing the B.Des and M.Des programmes at NID should meet the eligibility criteria set by the institute.  The eligibility criteria of NID DAT for B.Des, and M.Des programs ensure that candidates meet the educational qualifications necessary for pursuing design education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. 

NID DAT eligibility criteria for B.Des

BDes NID eligibility criteria have been updated below. 

Educational qualification 

Applicants have to complete their HSC from any stream from a recognised board such as CBSE, IB, ICSE or equivalent. 

Other additional qualifications

  • Applicants have to pass a 10+2 pattern from a state or central board such as  recognised by the AIU, or pre university examination under board or university recognised by AIU OR

  • Applicants have to complete their HSC from any stream from a recognised board such as CBSE, IB, ICSE or equivalent. 

Age limit

As per the NID DAT age limit, candidates must not be more than 20 years as on the specified date to be eligible for NID admissions.  However, the age relaxation of three will be available for reserved category students and up to 5 years for PwD category. 

NID DAT eligibility criteria for M.Des

Candidates can check the NID eligibility criteria for MDes courses. 

Educational Qualifications

  • Candidates need to hold a bachelor's degree of 4 years after 12th standard from a recognised institute or university.

  • Students need to pursue a full-time diploma of 4 years duration in design, arts, fine arts, applied arts and architecture. 

  • Applicants must pass 3 years of a bachelor's degree in any specialisation from a recognised board

  • Students appearing in the final year of the bachelor's exam and not issued the certificate are also eligible. But the candidate should produce their certificate before the specified date mentioned by the authorities. 

Age limit

As per the NID age limit for last year, Candidates belonging to the general and general EWS category born after July 1, 1993, are eligible for the exam. Reserved category candidates will get the age relaxation of three years and five years of age relaxation for PwD category. 

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The National Institute of Design will open the NID DAT 2026 application form tentatively in September 2025. Interested candidates will be able to complete NID DAT 2026 registration from the official website - nid.edu before the last date. Candidates are required to pay the requisite fees to complete the NID DAT registration. 

Checklist of documents required to fill the application form of NID DAT 2026. 

Here is the important list of documents required for filling the NID DAT application form that candidates must keep ready before starting their registration.

  • Photograph

  • Signature of the candidate

  • Category  certificate like EWS certificate, OBC-NCL certificate, Caste certificate for SC, Tribe certificate for ST (if applicable)

  • Disability certificate (if applicable)

  • First and last page of the passport for foreign/overseas applicants. 

Steps to fill the NID DAT application form 2026

Candidates need to follow these steps to fill out the registration form of NID 2026. 

  • Applicants should register or sign up to fill out the application form 

  • After registration, log in and fill the NID application form 

  • Enter the required information and click the save and exit button. 

  • Upload the necessary documents and signature with specified dimensions 

  • Pay the NID application fee.

NID DAT Application Fee 

Applicants can check the NID DAT application fee that need to paid by the student as per their category. The application fee is as per last year.

NID DAT Registration Fee

Category

NID DAT application  fee

NID application fee with late fees

General

Rs. 3000

Rs. 4500

General - EWS

Rs. 3000

Rs. 4500

OBC-NCL

Rs. 3000

Rs. 4500

SC

Rs. 1500

Rs. 2250

ST

Rs. 1500

Rs. 2250

General- PwD

Rs. 1500

Rs. 2250

General EWS - PwD

Rs. 1500

Rs. 2250

OBC-NCL- PwD

Rs. 1500

Rs. 2250

SC-PwD

Rs. 1500

Rs. 2250

ST - PwD

Rs. 1500

Rs. 2250

Overseas (Supernumerary)

Rs.5000

Rs. 7500

College Predictor

Know your admission chances based on your Category & NID DAT score by using NID DAT 2025 College Predictor.

Try Now

Documents Required at Exam NID DAT 2026

NID Design Aptitude Test 2026

  • Admit card and Photo identity proof

NID DAT 2026 Exam Centers

StateCity
Gujarat
Ahmedabad
Karnataka
Bangalore
Madhya Pradesh
Bhopal
Odisha
Bhubaneswar
Chandigarh
Chandigarh
Tamil Nadu
Chennai
Uttarakhand
Dehradun
Assam
Guwahati
Telangana
Hyderabad
Rajasthan
Jaipur
Kerala
Kochi
Thiruvananthapuram
West Bengal
Kolkata
Haryana
Kurukshetra
Uttar Pradesh
Lucknow
Maharashtra
Mumbai
Nagpur
Delhi
New Delhi
Bihar
Patna
Chhattisgarh
Raipur
Jharkhand
Ranchi
Andhra Pradesh
Vijayawada
WUD Design Admissions 2025

International tie-ups | Project based learnings | Attractive Scholarships | State of the art infrastructure | Applications Closing Soon!

Pearl Academy B.Des Admissions 2025

No. 1 Design & Fashion Institute by ASSOCHAM, India Today, Outlook and The Week rankings

The NID DAT exam pattern 2026 helps the candidates understand the exam modalities. It provides information on the types of questions, section-wise marks distribution, and marking scheme. The NID total marks are 100. Candidates can check the NID DAT test pattern 2026 in the table below.

NID DAT 2026 Exam Pattern for B.Des 

Particulars

B.Des

M.Des 

Type of Question

Objective and Subjective

MCQ 

Exam mode

Prelims: Paper and pen/pencil test

duration

Will be announced on the admit card

NID B.Des Exam Pattern Marks Distribution (tentative)

Parts

Part A

Part B

Pattern

Objective & Subjective 

Subjective

Questions

(1 Q- 15 Q) - 1 marks 

(16 - 26) - 2 marks  

27 Question - 3 marks

28Q-31Q - 15 marks


Marks 

15 + 22+ 3 

15 x 4 marks

Total Marks Allotted

40 marks

60 marks

NID M.Des Exam Pattern Marks Distribution (tentative)


Papers

Paper 1

Pattern

MCQ (objective)

Questions

1Q - 34 Q - 1 mark

35Q - 37 Q - 2 marks


Marks 

34 + 6

Total Marks

40 marks 



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Candidates who want to crack the NID DAT examination need to take the NID DAT mock test to boost their preparation. By practising the NID DAT 2026 mock test , candidates can familiarise themselves with the exam structure. NID 2026 mock test helps the candidate to understand the actual exam environment. By regular practice with the NID DAT mock test candidates can know time management, how much time they take to solve the question, and areas that need to be focused more. With the help of mock tests of NID DAT 2026, candidates can know their strengths and weaknesses to grasp the section that needs more practice. 

Candidates should follow useful preparation tips to stand out from the rest. Apart from showing dedication and honesty, knowing some practical tips helps them to a great extent in cracking the NID DAT exam. Careers360 gives the best tips on how to crack NID DAT and get admission to a reputed institute.

  • Solving NID DAT Sample Papers is one of the best ways to prepare for the NID DAT exam as it gives them an idea of the type of questions that will be asked in the entrance exam. Candidates can also know about the marking scheme of the exam.

  • Attempting DAT mock exams helps candidates understand the difficulty level of the exam.

  • Reading previous year's NID DAT question papers is a great way to prepare for exams.

  • It is important for students to prepare a well-thought-out study plan and follow it religiously.

  • Candidates should also follow the best books for NID DAT preparation. There are many books like the NID DAT book by RS Aggarwal, Design Drawing by Francis D.K. Singh, Robert W. Gill's basic rendering, and NID mock test series, candidates can follow.

The authorities will release the NID DAT 2026 admit card tentatively ten days before the exam. Candidates will be able to download the NID 2026 admit card from the official website through their login. The authorities will issue a separate NID 2026 prelims admit card and NID 2026 mains admit card. 

Students must carry the NID DAT hall ticket to the exam centre. If they fail to bring the admit card, candidates will not be permitted to enter the NID DAT 2026 exam centre. Candidates need to bring any one of the valid documents such as pan card, driving licence, aadhar card, etc along with the admit card.

Steps to download the NID DAT 2026 admit card 

Candidates can access the NID DAT admit card 2026 by following the steps below: 

  • Go to the NID official website - admissions.nid.edu

  • Click the NID DAT admit card tab on the home page.

  • Enter the credentials such as email ID and date of birth, in the login window. 

  • Click the submit button and check the details mentioned on the admit card. 

  • Take the printout of the downloaded admit card for further reference. 

Last year, the authority did not release the NID DAT answer key for the prelims and mains exam. In case, the answer key for NID DAT 2026 for the prelims exam is released, the details will be updated here. The purpose of the NID DAT exam answer key is to help candidates calculate their probable scores and also to submit any objections they may have with the answers.

Candidates can match their answers with the NID DAT 2026 answer key and follow the same marking scheme as given on the day of the actual examination.

The NID DAT results 2026 for M.Des and B.Des will be declared online tentatively in April 2026 for NID DAT prelims and in May 2026 for NID DAT mains. Candidates can check their NID DAT results on the official website, admissions.nid.edu, using their login credentials. 

Only those candidates who are shortlisted from the NID DAT 2026 prelims result will be allowed to appear for the NID DAT 2026 mains exam. The final merit list will be prepared after considering the scores in the prelims and the mains. The NID DAT 2026 prelims score has 40% weight while the NID DAT 2026 mains has 60% weight in the final selection process.

Steps to Check the NID DAT Results 2026

Candidates can check the NID DAT exam results 2026 by using the steps below: 

  • Visit the official NID admissions website. 
  • Enter the login credentials such as email ID, application number, and date of birth
  • Enter the verification code that will be displayed on the screen 
  • Candidates need to download the NID DAT results 2026 and take a printout for further reference. 

The National Institute of Design will announce the NID 2026 counselling dates on its official website. Candidates who have been shortlisted after the NID DAT final result will be able to complete NID DAT 2026 counselling registration.  Candidates will be able to secure admissions into M.Des and B.Des programmes at NID campuses. Qualified candidates need to follow the steps below during the NID counselling process 2026:

  • Candidates who will qualify the NID DAT exam need to register for NID DAT counselling and give their preference of campuses

  • Candidates must upload the required documents specified by the NID authorities. 

  • The provisional offer letter will be issued based on the merit list, candidates category and seat availability for the eligible candidates.

NID DAT Seat Intake 2026

The tables given below provide the NID DAT seat intake for various campuses for the B.Des programme.

NID B.Des Campus-wise Seat Intake 2026

Campuses

Seats

NID Ahmedabad

128

NID Andhra Pradesh75
NID Haryana75
NID Madhya Pradesh75+ 11 supernumerary seats
NID Asssam75
Total439


List of Courses & Colleges Accepting NID Admission Test

BDes Courses at NID

Ceramic & Glass Design

Furniture & Interior Design

Product Design

Animation Film Design

Exhibition Design

Film & Video Communication

Graphic Design

Textile Design

Industrial Design

Communication Design

Textile & Apparel Design

Animation Film Design  

Ceramic and Glass Design            

Furniture & Interior Design         

Film & Video Communication    

Graphic Design

Product Design

Textile Design

Apparel Design

Lifestyle Accessory Design  

Strategic Design Management  

New Media Design         

Photography Design      

Toy & Game Design       

Transportation & Automobile Design

Design for Retail Experience      

Digital Game Design       

Information Design        

Interaction Design          

Universal Design

List of NIDs in India Offering B.Des

NID Ahmedabad

NID Assam

NID Madhya Pradesh

NID Andhra Pradesh

NID Haryana


Documents Required at NID DAT 2026 counselling

NID Design Aptitude Test 2026

  • Valid photo ID
  • Admit card
  • 10th marksheet
  • 10+2 marksheet

General Information

Contacts

07926629500 , 07926629600

Relevant Links

Official Website Link Click Here
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: 30th July | Limited seats available in select program

Indian Institute of Art & Design Admissions 2025

Associated with FDCI, CII & IIFTI | Merit-cum-means scholarships to deserving students

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is NID admission portal?

NID admission portal is admissions.nid.edu

2. Is NID notification 2026 out?

No, the National Institute of Design has not yet been released. 

3. What is the date for declaration of NID prelims result 2026?

The NID prelims results 2026 will be tentatively declared in April 2026.

4. When will the NID authorities commence the NID 2026 registration form?

The NID application form 2026 will be released tentatively in September 2025.

5. Is there a negative marking in the written exam of NID DAT 2026?

There is no negative marking for the incorrect answer in the NID DAT entrance exam.

6. Where will the prelims exam of NID DAT 2026 be conducted?

The NID DAT prelims exam 2026 will be held tentatively in January 2026.

7. Who is eligible for NID DAT 2026?

Candidates who cleared the 10+2 are eligible for B.Des programme. For M.Des programme, candidates must hold bachelor's degree or equivalent from recognised university are eligible. Candidates need to check the NID website for other criteria like age limit and more. 

8. What is NID DAT 2026?

NID DAT stands for National Institute of Design - Design Aptitude Test. Candidates seeking admission at NID campus need to appear for the NID DAT entrance exam.

E-books and Sample Papers

1975+ downloads
1760+ downloads
21765+ downloads
1435+ downloads

Colleges Accepting NID DAT

Questions related to NID DAT

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 Anupriya,

Yes, it is possible to prepare for the NID DAT 2025 on your own, even with limited time. With a focused approach, you can make the most of the time available before the exam on January 5th. Here’s a short strategy to help you:

  1. Understand the Syllabus : Get familiar with the exam pattern and syllabus, which includes General Knowledge , Logical Reasoning , Creativity , Drawing , and Design Awareness .

  2. Prioritize Topics : Focus on the most important and scoring sections. Prioritize creative thinking, observation skills , and drawing abilities .

  3. Practice Daily : Dedicate 4-6 hours a day to sketching, problem-solving, and studying previous years’ papers.

  4. Use Resources : Utilize online tutorials, books like NID Entrance Guide, and join online communities for tips.

  5. Mock Tests : Regularly take mock tests to track your progress and improve time management.

With consistent effort, you can prepare effectively within the available time. There’s definitely hope!

I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello aspirant,

There are several resources available for free online classes to prepare for NID DAT, UCEED, and NIFT:

YouTube Channels:

  • Design Career Hub: Provides comprehensive video tutorials, mock tests, and tips for NID DAT, UCEED, and NIFT.
  • Art & Design Academy: Offers free online classes and workshops for design entrance exams.
  • Design Institute: Provides video lectures, practice questions, and mock tests for NID DAT, UCEED, and NIFT.

Online Platforms:

  • National Institute of Design (NID): NID's official website offers free online resources, including practice questions and previous year papers, to help you prepare for NID DAT.
  • Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB): IITB's official website provides free online resources for UCEED preparation, including practice questions and mock tests.
  • National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT): NIFT's official website offers free online resources, including practice questions and previous year papers, to help you prepare for NIFT entrance exam.

Other Resources:

  • Design blogs and forums: There are many design blogs and forums where you can find helpful tips, advice, and resources for preparing for design entrance exams.
  • Social media groups: Joining social media groups dedicated to design entrance exams can connect you with other aspirants and provide access to valuable resources.

Additional Tips:

  • Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to success in design entrance exams.
  • Stay updated: Keep yourself updated with the latest exam patterns, syllabus changes, and important dates.
  • Seek guidance: If you are struggling with any particular subject or concept, don't hesitate to seek guidance from teachers, mentors, or online tutors.

By utilizing these free resources and following these tips, you can effectively prepare for NID DAT, UCEED, and NIFT without spending a lot of money.

I hope this information helps you.


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 !

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