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NID DAT Mains 2026 (B.Des & M.Des): Registration, Exam Date, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus

NID DAT Mains 2026 (B.Des & M.Des): Registration, Exam Date, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus

Edited By Rajyalaxmi Venkatapuram | Updated on Aug 11, 2025 05:59 PM IST | #NID DAT

The National Institute of Design offers admission into all its design programmes based on the performance in two stages of NID DAT, which are Prelims and Mains. The NID DAT Mains 2026 will be conducted only for the candidates who cleared the NID DAT entrance exam, i.e. Prelims. Aspirants planning to obtain admission into BDes and MDes programmes need to appear for the stage-2 exam known as NID DAT Mains 2026, once they are shortlisted from the Prelims exam (stage-1).

This Story also Contains
  1. NID DAT Mains 2026 - Highlights
  2. NID DAT Mains Exam Date 2026
  3. NID DAT Mains Eligibility 2026
  4. NID DAT Mains Syllabus 2026
  5. NID DAT Mains Exam Pattern 2026
  6. NID DAT Mains Admit Card 2026
  7. NID DAT Mains Schedule 2026: Studio Test & PI
  8. NID DAT Mains Result 2026
NID DAT Mains 2026 (B.Des & M.Des): Registration, Exam Date, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus
NID DAT Mains 2026 (B.Des & M.Des): Registration, Exam Date, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus

NID DAT Mains 2026 will be scheduled to be held in between March and April. NID DAT 2026 is conducted to assess the knowledge, skills and observation power of the aspiring candidates. Continue to read more about the NID DAT Mains 2026 for the design admission process.

NID DAT Mains 2026 - Highlights

Particulars

NID DAT Mains Details

NID DAT full form

National Institute of Design - Design Aptitude Test

NID DAT Mains conducting body

National Institute of Design

Exam mode of NID DAT Mains

Offline mode at NID Campuses

Exam pattern of NID DAT Mains

Studio test and Personal interview

NID DAT Mains will be applicable for

BDes and MDes programmes

NID DAT Mains Exam Date 2026

NID will conduct the Mains exam in between March and April 2026. Students who have passed the NID DAT Prelims exam 2026 will only be eligible to appear for the NID DAT Mains exam. NID DAT exam dates 2026 for BDes and MDes will be released online. NID DAT Mains schedules for BDes and MDes programmes are provided below in separate tables for the convenience of the applicants.

NID DAT Exam Date - BDes Mains 2026

ParticularsNID DAT BDes Mains Dates

NID DAT Mains admit card release date for BDes

April 2026

NID DAT 2026 Mains exam date

April to May 2026

NID DAT Mains results for BDes

May 2026

Campus preference submission window dates

May 2026

Rechecking request for NID DAT Mains

May 2026

Seat allotment, payment of token fee and documents uploading

May 2026

NID BDes provisional offer letter

June 2026

NID BDes remaining semester fee payment dates

June 2026

NID DAT Exam Date - MDes Mains 2026

ParticularsNID DAT MDes Mains Dates

NID DAT Mains admit card release date for MDes

February 2026

NID DAT 2026 Mains exam date

March to April 2026

NID DAT Mains results for MDes

May 2026

Rechecking request for NID DAT Mains

May 2026

Seat allotment, payment of token fee and documents uploading

May 2026

NID MDes provisional offer letter

May 2026

NID MDes remaining semester fee payment dates

May 2026

NID DAT Mains Eligibility 2026

Candidates need to make a note that there is specific NID DAT eligibility 2026 for Mains. Aspiring candidates who have cleared the NID DAT entrance exam Prelims are only eligible to appear for NID DAT 2026 Mains exam based on their merit and score obtained.

NID DAT Mains Syllabus 2026

The NID DAT syllabus 2026 for Mains is provided for BDes and MDes courses based on the previous year as the NID syllabus officially will not be released. However candidates can go through the NID DAT Mains syllabus for BDes where the candidates need to prepare on model making, material manipulation, doodling, creative thinking, audio-visual exercises, guidance on portfolio making etc. The NID DAT Mains syllabus for MDes will be of model making, creative thinking, doodling, material manipulation, audio-visual exercises, etc.

NID DAT Mains Exam Pattern 2026

Provided below is the NID DAT 2026 exam pattern for Mains exam for BDes and MDes programmes.

Programmes

NID DAT Mains exam pattern 2026

For BDes

  • DAT Mains consists of tests in multiple formats such as in studio set-up.

  • The question paper will be in English only.

  • Test mode can be either online or offline based on the Institute decision.

  • The weightage of NID DAT BDes Mains is 60%.

For MDes

  • DAT Mains for MDes is divided into two sections. One is a Studio test and the other is Interview.

  • Studio test consists of tests in different formats.

  • The test will be conducted in English only.

  • Interviews will be conducted separately for each discipline, immediately after the studio test is over. The exam centre will be the same for the studio test and interview.

  • The weightage of NID DAT MDes Mains is 70% (studio test - 40% and interview - 30%).

NID DAT Mains Admit Card 2026

The National Institute of Design will release the NID DAT Mains admit card 2026 online at admissions.nid.edu. The NID DAT admit card 2026 for Mains will be released for BDes and MDes programmes separately based on the schedule. Candidates should use their allotted login credentials to view and download the NID DAT 2026 admit card Mains.

The NID DAT Mains admit card 2026 is an important document that needs to be carried to the exam centre on the day of examination. The NID DAT admit card release dates for Mains exam are as follows.

ParticularsNID DAT Mains Dates 2026

NID DAT Mains admit card release date - BDes

April 2026

NID DAT Mains admit card release date - MDes

February 2026

Top Design Entrance Exams

NID DAT Mains Schedule 2026: Studio Test & PI

Aspirants appearing for the NID DAT MDes Mains schedule can check the tentative dates provided below. However, based on the schedule, the authorities will release the NID DAT MDes Mains schedule for each discipline in online mode at admissions.nid.edu.

DisciplineRegistration TimeStudio Test DatesInterview Dates

Strategic design management

March 2026

March 2026

March 2026

Textile design

March 2026

March 2026

March 2026

Lifestyle accessory design

March 2026

March 2026

March 2026

Toy and game design

March 2026

March 2026

March 2026

Animation film design

March 2026

March 2026

March 2026

Apparel design

March 2026

March 2026

March 2026

Furniture and interior design

March 2026

March 2026

March 2026

Photography design

March 2026

March 2026

March 2026

Transportation and automobile design

March 2026

March 2026

March 2026

Film and video communication

March 2026

March 2026

March 2026

Ceramic design

March 2026

March 2026

March 2026

Product design

March 2026

March 2026

March 2026

New media design

March 2026

March 2026

March 2026

Graphic design

March 2026

March 2026

March 2026

Interaction design

March 2026

March 2026

March 2026

Information design

March 2026

March 2026

March 2026

Universal design

March 2026

March 2026

March 2026

Design for retail experience

March 2026

March 2026

March 2026

Digital game design

March 2026

March 2026

March 2026

NID DAT Mains Result 2026

The NID DAT 2026 results for Mains of BDes and MDes programmes will be declared at the official web portal of NID - admissions.nid.edu. Candidates should use their login credentials to view and download the NID DAT 2026 Mains results. The NID DAT Mains result dates for BDes and MDes are provided in the table below.

ParticularsNID DAT Mains Result Dates

NID DAT Mains result date - BDes

May 2026

NID DAT Mains result date - MDes

May 2026

Steps to download the NID DAT 2026 result Mains are as follows.

  • Visit admissions.nid.edu

  • Click on the link NID DAT final result (BDes/MDes)

  • Enter the login credentials

  • View and download the NID DAT Mains results

  • Print the downloaded NID DAT 2026 results of Mains for further admission process

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the NID DAT exam date the same for BDes and MDes programmes?

No, the NID DAT 2026 exam date for BDes and MDes will be held on different dates.

2. What is the NID DAT admit card release date for BDes and MDes Mains?

The NID DAT admit card for BDes Mains will be released in April and MDes Mains in February 2026 tentatively.

3. When and where will the NID DAT Mains schedule be released?

The NID DAT Mains schedule will be released tentatively in February/March 2026 at admissions.nid.edu. 

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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,

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 !

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