NID DAT Mains Exam Dates 2026: Check Exam Complete Schedule Here

NID DAT Mains Exam Dates 2026: Check Exam Complete Schedule Here

Sumeet SudarshanUpdated on 29 Aug 2025, 04:03 PM IST

The National Institute of Design (NID) will notify the NID DAT mains 2026 exam dates on its official website - nid.edu. The entire NID DAT schedule will be released in the admission handbook at the time of NID DAT 2026 notification. NID DAT mains is the second stage of the NID DAT 2026 exam. Shortlisted candidates who clear the NID DAT prelims will be called to appear for NID DAT mains. The authorities will issue the NID DAT 2026 admit card for mains to the eligible candidates. In this article, get the NID DAT mains 2026 dates for B.Des and M.Des.

This Story also Contains

  1. NID DAT Mains 2026 Schedule
  2. NID Mains Detailed Schedule for MDes
  3. NID DAT Mains 2026 Important Events and Details
NID DAT Mains Exam Dates 2026: Check Exam Complete Schedule Here
nid mains exam date 2026

The NID mains 2026 dates will span several days. The test consists of tests in multiple formats in a studio set. The NID DAT mains carries a 60% weight in the selection process. Only those candidates who appear for both phases of the NID DAT entrance exam will be able to secure NID admission.

NID DAT Mains 2026 Schedule

The NID exam notification will contain the NID 2026 dates. The table below provides the NID DAT mains 2026 exam calendar for both B.Des and M.Des courses.

NID DAT Mains Exam Date for B.Des (Tentative)

Events

Dates

NID DAT mains 2026 admit card date

Second week of April 2026

NID DAT mains exam 2026 date

First week of May 2026

NID DAT mains result 2026 date

Third week of May 2026

NID DAT Mains Exam Date for M.Des (Tentative)

Events

Dates

NID DAT mains 2026 admit card date

Fourth week of February 2026

NID DAT mains exam 2026

March /April 2026

NID DAT mains result 2026

First week of May 2026

NID Mains Detailed Schedule for MDes

The detailed schedule including the NID M.Des mains 2026 date and time will be notified by the institute. Candidates from each specialisation discipline will be allotted a separate date and time.

NID DAT Mains 2026 Important Events and Details

Candidates who qualified and shortlisted appeared for DAT mains exam 2026 can view the below schedule of NID DAT mains 2026.

NID Mains 2026 Admit Card Date

The National Institute of Design (NID) will release the NID Mains admit card 2026 online, tentatively 1-2 weeks before the exam. Shortlisted candidates can download their admit card for DAT Mains through their login. The NID DAT mains 2026 admit card is a mandatory document for the exam.

NID Mains 2026 Exam Date

The NID authorities will tentatively conduct the NID DAT Mains 2026 for B.Des, in the first week of May 2026. The DAT Mains exam for M.Des will be tentatively conducted from the first week of March 2026.

NID DAT Mains 2026 Result Date

The NID DAT Result for mains will be declared on the official website nid.edu. The NID DAT Mains results for B.Des and M.Des will be declared on different dates.

NID Counselling Dates 2026

The authorities will announce the M.Des NID DAT Counselling dates at admissions.nid.edu. Candidates who clear the NID DAT mains will be called to participate in the counselling process. The institute is expected to conduct the NID 2026 counselling in May 2026. The dates will be notified separately for B.Des and M.Des.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the official website to check the NID DAT mains exam dates 2026?
A:

The official website to check the dates of NID DAT mains 2026 is admissions.nid.edu.

Q: Who conducts the NID DAT mains exam 2026?
A:

National Institute of Design (NID) conducts the DAT mains exam 2026.

Q: When is the NID DAT mains exam 2026 for B.Des aspirants?
A:

The NID DAT mains exam 2026 for B.Des aspirants is expected to be conducted in the first week of May 2026.

Q: When is the DAT mains 2026 for M.Des candidates?
A:

The DAT mains 2026 for M.Des aspirants will be tentatively conducted from the first week of March 2026.

Q: Who will be eligible to appear for the DAT mains 2026?
A:

The candidates who qualified the NID DAT Prelims will be eligible to appear for the DAT Mains exam 2026.

Articles
|
Next
Upcoming Design Exams
Certifications By Top Providers
Certificate Program in Machine Learning and AI with Python
Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Artificial Intelligence
Via Columbia University, New York
Certificate Program in Design Thinking
Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Online BCA
Via Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham AHEAD Online
Post Graduate Certification in Data Science and Machine Learning
Via Management Development Institute, Murshidabad
VLSI Design using Verilog
Via National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology, Haridwar
Udemy
 1087 courses
Coursera
 505 courses
Edx
 330 courses
Vskills
 157 courses
Swayam
 136 courses
Explore Top Universities Across Globe

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 !