NID DAT 2026 Exam on December 21, Check Exam Day Guidelines

NID DAT 2026 Exam on December 21, Check Exam Day Guidelines

Ongoing Event

NID DAT Admit Card Date:11 Dec' 25 - 21 Dec' 25

Sumeet SudarshanUpdated on 13 Dec 2025, 09:48 AM IST

The National Institute of Design will conduct the NID 2026 prelims exam on December 21, 2025. Candidates appearing for NID DAT 2026 must follow the NID 2026 exam guidelines carefully to complete the exam. The prelims are the first step in the NID selection process. The NID 2026 admit card for prelims is available for download from December 11 onwards. In this article, check out the important NID DAT 2026 exam day guidelines that candidates are required to adhere to.

This Story also Contains

  1. NID Prelims Exam Date 2026
  2. What is the Dress Code for the NID Exam?
  3. NID DAT 2026 Prelims Exam Day Guidelines
NID DAT 2026 Exam on December 21, Check Exam Day Guidelines
nid 2026 prelims exam guidelines

The NID DAT entrance exam is one of the top design entrance exams in India, through which candidates will be able to secure admission into the B.Des and M.Des programmes of participating NID campuses.

NID Prelims Exam Date 2026

The NID 2026 prelims exam date is on December 21, 2025. The exam timings are mentioned on the exam admit card. The NID prelims will be conducted as a pen-and-paper-based test simultaneously at around 17 NID exam centres across India.

What is the Dress Code for the NID Exam?

There is no specific NID DAT 2026 dress code. However, given below are some general guidelines that candidates should keep in mind -

  • Candidates should avoid wearing flashy and heavy clothes.

  • Wearing heavy jewellery and other accessories should also be avoided as they may not be allowed inside the exam hall.

  • Opt for a dress that is appropriate for the weather and comfortable to wear, one that will not hamper performance during the exam.

  • Candidates must opt for footwear that is open and transparent. Shoes with thick soles should not be worn.

NID DAT 2026 Prelims Exam Day Guidelines

All the important instructions for the NID DAT prelims will be mentioned in the admit card. Given below are important exam day guidelines for NID DAT 2026 prelims that candidates must follow-

  • Carry a printout of the NID 2026 admit card on the exam day, as it is a mandatory document to appear for the exam.

  • Keep an original copy of a valid ID proof, such as an Aadhar card, voter ID, passport, or driving licence.

  • The NID 2026 admit card must be preserved till the end of the NID admission process.

  • Report at the NID 2026 exam centre at the prescribed reporting time, as latecomers will not be allowed inside the exam centre.

  • Although there is no specific NID 2026 dress code, candidates must avoid wearing heavy clothing and jewellery and wear something light and comfortable instead.

  • Electronic gadgets such as phones and smartwatches are not allowed inside the exam hall.

  • Candidates must bring their own stationery as they will not be allowed to borrow such material from other candidates during the exam.

  • Any candidate found indulging in any malpractice will be disqualified from the admission process.

UPES B.Des Admissions 2026

Ranked #45 amongst Universities in India by NIRF | Ranked #1 in Academic Reputation in India by QS World University Rankings

Pearl Academy B.Des Admissions 2026

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is there any dress code for NID prelims 2026?
A:

No, there is a specific dress code for NID DAT prelims 2026.

Q: Is the NID 2026 admit card compulsory for NID prelims?
A:

Yes, a copy of the NID 2026 admit card must be carried on the exam day.

Q: When is the NID 2026 prelims exam?
A:

The NID 2026 prelims exam date is on December 21, 2025.

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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

Hope it helps.

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 to apply for them. You can find more details here design.careers360.com/articles/nid-dat-eligibility-criteria

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 strong portfolio.

Stay consistent and observe everyday designs for new ideas.

THANKU.

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.