NID DAT 2026: Registration (Open), Exam Date (Out), Pattern, Eligibility, Syllabus, Previous Year Papers

NID DAT 2026: Registration (Open), Exam Date (Out), Pattern, Eligibility, Syllabus, Previous Year Papers

Ongoing Event

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

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Team Careers360Updated on 11 Sep 2025, 06:08 PM IST
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The National Institute of Design has opened the NID DAT 2026 application form on September 11, 2025. Candidates can register online from the official website - admissions.nid.edu till December 1, 2025. The NID entrance exam for prelims will be conducted on December 21, 2025. The NID DAT 2026 notification includes the complete NID DAT 2026 schedule and complete details of the NID 2026 entrance exam. Interested applicants must make sure they fulfil the NID eligibility criteria before completing registrations online.

This Story also Contains

  1. NID DAT 2026: An Overview
  2. NID DAT Exam Date 2026
  3. NID 2026 Eligibility Criteria
  4. NID DAT 2026 Application Form
  5. NID 2026 Fees
  6. NID DAT 2026 Syllabus
  7. NID DAT 2026 Exam Pattern
  8. Previous Year NID Question Paper
  9. NID 2026 Preparation Tips
  10. NID DAT 2026 Books for Preparation
  11. NID DAT 2026 Admit Card
  12. NID DAT 2026 Answer Key
  13. NID DAT 2026 Result
  14. NID DAT 2026 Counselling
NID DAT 2026: Registration (Open), Exam Date (Out), Pattern, Eligibility, Syllabus, Previous Year Papers
NID 2026

NID DAT 2026 exam will have two components - Prelims and Mains. Candidates will be offered NID admissions 2026 based on the consolidated scores in both components of the exam. Aspirants planning to appear for the NID DAT 2026 can check the NID exam eligibility, the paper pattern of the NID DAT exam, the best books for preparation, NID exam dates, and more on this page. The institute will conduct the NID DAT entrance exam for admissions into B.Des and M.Des programmes of NID campuses. Continue reading for more information on the NID entrance exam 2026.

NID DAT 2026: An Overview

NID DAT is a national-level exam conducted by the National Institute of Design once a year for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The NID DAT exam will be conducted in English for 3 hours. Candidates can refer to NID previous year papers to get an idea of the NID difficulty levels of the NID exam. Read the complete article to know more about the NID entrance exam 2026. Check out the overview of the NID 2026 exam.

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Best innovation and research-driven university of Uttar Pradesh

ParticularsNID Details

NID full form

NID Design Aptitude Test

Short Name

NID DAT

Conducting Body

National Institute of Design

Frequency of Conduct

Once a year

Exam Level

National Level Exam

Languages

English

Mode of Exam

Offline

Exam Duration

3 Hours

Official website

admissions.nid.edu

NID DAT Exam Date 2026

The National Institute of Design has notified the NID 2026 exam date at admissions.nid.edu. Candidates can refer to the table given below for the schedule of NID DAT 2026 BDes and MDes.

NID DAT 2026 Exam Date

NID EventsNID BDes Dates 2026NID MDes Dates 2026

NID DAT 2026 application form date

September 11, 2025

September 11, 2025

NID application form 2026 last dateDecember 1, 2025December 1, 2025

Correction of NID DAT 2026 application form

December 2-4 2025

December 2-4 2025

NID DAT admit card 2026

December 11, 2025

December 11, 2025

NID 2026 exam date for prelims

December 21, 2025

December 21, 2025

NID DAT result 2026 prelims

April 7, 2026

February 17, 2026

Rechecking request for DAT prelims

April 7-8, 2026

February 17-18, 2026

Download admit card for NID DAT mains

April 2026

February 2026

NID DAT 2026 exam date for mains

April 2026

March 2026

NID DAT 2026 mains result

May 2026

May 2026

Rechecking request for DAT mains 2026

May 2026

May 2026

NID 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for the BDes and MDes programme should meet NID DAT 2026 eligibility criteria. It is important to fulfill the NID DAT eligibility criteria so as not to face any disqualification at the last moment. The NID eligibility criteria 2026 for BDes and MDes programmes are different. Candidates can refer to the table given below for the NID DAT eligibility criteria 2026.

NID DAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

ProgrammeEducational QualificationAge Limit

BDes

  • The candidates who have completed or appeared for the 10+2 examination in any discipline (Science, Arts, Commerce, Humanities, etc) from any recognised board such as CBSE, IB, ICSE, or its equivalent will be eligible for NID DAT 2026.


  • For Indian Nationals in General Category and General EWS Category: Candidates 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): Candidates born on or after 1 July 2002.
  • For Indian Nationals in PwD Reserved Category: Candidates born on or after 1 July 2000.
  • For Foreign Nationals in Overseas (Supernumerary) Category: Candidates born on or after 1 July 2005.

MDes

  • Bachelor Degree of minimum 4-year duration in any specialisation, after 12th standard or equivalent to 12th standard from any university and/or institute recognised by the law in India.
    • Or
  • Full-time Diploma of minimum 4-year duration in Design/Fine Arts/Applied Arts/ Architecture, after 12th standard or equivalent to 12th standard
    • Or
  • Bachelor Degree of minimum 3-year duration in any specialisation, after 12th standard or equivalent to 12th standard
  • For Indian Nationals in General Category & General EWS Category: Candidates 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): Candidates born on or after 1 July 1991.
  • For Indian Nationals in Person with Disabilities (PwD) Reserved Category: Candidates born on or after 1 July 1989.
  • For Foreign Nationals in Overseas (Supernumerary) Category: Candidates born on or after 1 July 1994.

NID DAT 2026 Application Form

The National Institute of Design has released the NID DAT 2026 application form on its official website. Follow the steps to fill out the NID DAT registration form:

  • Visit to the official website—admissions.nid.edu
  • Click on the NID DAT registration link and get yourself registered.
  • Go to the NID DAT application form link and enter the login credentials.
  • Fill up the personal details, such as
    • Name of the candidate
    • Father’s name
    • Mother’s name
    • Gender
    • Qualification
    • Email ID & Mobile number
    • Communication address
    • Date of birth
    • Course name
    • Category
    • Nationality
  • Select the NID DAT 2026 exam centre
  • Upload the photograph of the candidate
  • Payment of application fee based on the category
  • Upload the required documents
  • Click on the submit button
  • Download and take a printout of the NID DAT application form 2026 for future reference.
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.
Download EBook

NID 2026 Fees

Category

NID form fees (BDes)

NID form fees (MDes)


1 Discipline

2 Discipline

General/ General- EWS/ OBC-NCL

Rs 3000

Rs 3000

Rs 6000

Female candidates (except SC,ST,PwD)Rs 2000Rs 2000Rs 4000

SC/ ST

Rs 1500

Rs 1500

Rs 3000

PwDRs 500Rs 500Rs 1000
Third genderRs 500Rs 500Rs 100

Overseas (Supernumerary)

125 USD

125 USD

250 USD

NID DAT 2026 Syllabus

The authorities do not release any specific NID syllabus for the DAT exam. However, candidates appearing for the NID DAT 2026 can check the table below for important topics based on the previous year's sample paper.

NID Entrance Exam Syllabus BDes

Innovation in design

Theme development

Exercises on imagination

Graphics & pictograms

Principles of composition

Design Theory

Optical illusion

Form & function

Inspiration & design development

Natural & geometrical form

Colour, pattern & texture

Drawing fundamentals

Lateral thinking

Design Awareness

Creative thinking & writing

Ornaments & motifs

Imagination & doodling

Understanding light & shade

Elements & Principles of Design

Colour psychology & optical illusions

3D visualization

Lettering

Developing observation

Good design vs. bad design

Optical illusion

Outline for beginners

Memory drawing

Innovation & Creation

Mood, theme & colour inter-relationship

Visual logic

Colour terminology

Presentation techniques

Picture analysis

Story pictures

Usage of colour in compositions

Natural & geometrical form

Use of measurements, scale & proportions

Expression & emotion

Developing themes & colour associations

Foreshortening & perspective

Check:

DSU- Dayananda Sagar University B.Des 2025

60+ Years of Education Legacy | UGC & AICTE Approved | Prestigious Scholarship Worth 6 Crores

Hindustan University B.Des Admissions 2025

NAAC A+ Grade & NBA Accredited | Ranked among Top 25 Private Universities & Deemed to be Universities by ARIIA Rankings

NID DAT 2026 Exam Pattern

With the help of the NID DAT exam pattern 2026, candidates can understand the time allotted for each section, the number of questions asked, the types of questions, and the total marks. Refer to the table given below for a better understanding of the exam pattern.

NID DAT BDes Prelims (40%)

Section

Type of question

Number of Questions in each section

Maximum marks per section

Part I


MCQ

  • Q1 - Q15
  • Q16- Q26
  • Q27
  • 15 marks
  • 22 marks
  • 3 marks

Part II

Subjective type

Q28 - Q31

60 marks

Total Marks



100 marks

NID DAT BDes MAINS (60%)

Particular

Details

Mode of exam

Offline

Exam Duration

3 hours

NID DAT Total marks

100

Mode of Language

English

Type of questions

Based on Drawing/ Sketching/ Model Making

Previous Year NID Question Paper

NID DAT 2026 will consist of two parts: Prelims and Mains exams. The NID DAT exam pattern for the prelims and the mains exam varies. As per the previous year, the NID DAT question paper for the Prelims exam includes subjective and objective type questions and the Mains exam consists of questions based on drawing, sketching, and model making.

NID B.Des Question Paper with Solution PDF by Silica Institute

NID 2026 Preparation Tips

  • Attempt previous year NID question papers
  • Understand the syllabus and exam pattern
  • Create a study schedule and stick to the routine
  • Focus on maintaining speed and accuracy at the same time
  • Boost your creativity and observation skills

NID DAT 2026 Books for Preparation

Aspirants who are going to appear for the NID 2026 exam are advised to check the list of recommended books for the entrance exam. With the help of the NID books, candidates can get a detailed explanation of topics and also the list of important topics.

Best Books for NID DAT 2026

NID DAT book by R.S. Aggarwal (aptitude section)

Design drawing by Francis D.K.Ching

NID (B.Des.) Entrance Books and Test Series

NID Workbook

Basic Rendering from Robert W.Gill

Guide for NID

NID Mock Test Series

Success Master- NID Entrance Examination

NIFT/ NID/ IIFT entrance exam guide by Surendra

Also Check:

NID DAT 2026 Admit Card

The institute will release the NID DAT admit card 2026 on December 11, 2025 for NID prelims. Candidates who are shortlisted for NID DAT 2026 mains will be issued the NID DAT 2026 mains admit card separately. The NID admit card is issued online. Candidates can download the admit card through their login.

Steps to Download the NID Admit Card 2026

  • Visit the official website - admissions.nid.edu
  • Click on the NID DAT admit card link
  • Enter the login credentials
  • Click on the 'Proceed to download admit card' button.
  • The NID DAT admit card 2026 will appear on the screen.
  • Download the admit card and take a printout

NID DAT 2026 Answer Key

NID officially will not release the NID DAT answer key 2026. However, the unofficial answer key will be released by the coaching institute for the candidates sake as per the memory-based questions. Candidates will be able to download the answer key online as per its release.

NID DAT 2026 Result

The NID DAT 2026 result will be declared online. First, the institute will declare the NID DAT prelims result 2026. The NID B.Des prelims 2026 result will be declared on April 17, 2026. The NID M.Des prelims result 2026 will be declared on February 17, 2026. Candidates who are shortlisted in the prelims will be called to attend the NID DAT 2026 mains. The final NID DAT result 2026 will be prepared based on the scores of the candidates in the prelims and mains.

Steps to Download the NID Result 2026

Candidates can download the result of NID DAT 2026 by following the steps given below

  • Visit the official website - admissions.nid.edu
  • Click on the NID DAT Result link
  • Login with email id and date of birth
  • NID DAT 2026 result will be displayed on the screen
  • Download and take a printout of the result for future reference

NID DAT 2026 Counselling

The full NID DAT counselling 2026 schedule will be released online. Candidates to visit the official website - admissions.nid.edu for the counselling dates. The NID DAT 2026 counselling will be held in May tentatively. The NID DAT 2026 seat allotment will be done based on the campus and course preferences opted by the students during the counselling registration process. The authorities will also release the NID DAT cutoff 2026 as per each counselling round.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When will the authorities release the NID DAT 2026 dates?
A:

The authorities have notified the NID DAT dates for BDes and MDes at admissions.nid.edu on September 11, 2025. 

Q: when is NID entrance exam 2026?
A:

The NID 2026 prelims exam for B.Des and M.Des will be held tentatively on December 21, 2025.

Q: What is the NID DAT exam duration?
A:

The NID DAT exam duration is 3 hours.

Q: What is the age limit criteria for the BDes programme?
A:

The limit criteria for the BDes programme are as follows:

  • For Indian Nationals in General Category and General EWS Category: Candidates 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): Candidates born on or after 1 July 2002.

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

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

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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 !