Silver Oak University B.Design Admissions 2025
Management Conclaves | Industrial visits to eminent companies | Celebrated guest speakers
NID DAT M.Des Exam 2026: Application Form, Eligibility, Pattern, Documents Required, Fees
Aspirants planning to obtain MDes admission at the list of NIDs in India need to appear and qualify for the entrance exam known as NID DAT. The NID 2026 registration will begin in September 2025. Candidates to visit admissions.nid.edu, to fill the NID DAT application form 2026 for MDes. During the NID DAT MDes application 2026 process, the applicants have to pay the NID exam fees. Before applying, the students are advised to check the NID DAT 2026 MDes eligibility criteria.
This Story also Contains
- NID DAT MDes 2026 - Overview
- NID DAT Exam Date 2026 for MDes
- NID DAT MDes 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- NID DAT MDes Application Form 2026
- NID DAT MDes Registration Fees
- NID DAT Exam Centres Prelims 2026
- NID DAT MDes Admit Card 2026
- NID DAT MDes Exam Pattern 2026
- NID DAT MDes Result 2026
- NID DAT MDes Seat Allotment 2026
The NID DAT entrance exam consists of two stages, Prelims and Mains. The shortlisted candidates from NID Prelims will be eligible to appear for NID Mains exam. Continue reading for more details on NID DAT MDes admission 2026. Scroll down to know more about NID DAT MDes 2026 admission, application start and end dates, exam dates, and more.
NID DAT MDes 2026 - Overview
The National Institute of Design conducts a national-level exam ‘NID DAT’, that consists of two parts - ‘Prelims’ and ‘Mains’ exams. NID offers MDes programme at its three campuses, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Gandhinagar. The applicants need to appear for NID DAT MDes exam that consists of both the Prelims and Mains exams to obtain NID admission. To know more about the MDes programme admission information, the aspirants have to go through the complete article.
NID DAT MDes 2026 - Overview
NID Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Full exam name | National Institute of Design - Design Aptitude Test |
Short exam name | NID DAT |
Type of exam | Postgraduate - PG |
Level of exam | National |
Exam medium | English |
Number of stages | 2 - Prelims and Mains |
Application mode | Online |
NID DAT Exam Date 2026 for MDes
The most crucial part for the applicants is to know about the NID DAT MDes 2026 application dates. Aspirants have to check the below tentative dates to proceed further.
NID DAT MDes Application & Prelims Exam Dates 2026
| Events | NID DAT MDes Dates |
|---|---|
NID DAT MDes application form start date | First week of September 2025 |
NID DAT MDes application form last date | December 2025 |
Application form correction window dates | December 2025 |
NID DAT Prelims admit card release date | December 2025 |
NID DAT Prelims exam | January 2026 |
NID DAT Prelims exam result | February 2026 |
NID DAT MDes Mains Exam Dates 2026
| Events | NID MDes Dates |
|---|---|
NID MDes Mains admit card release date (DAT) | February 2026 |
NID DAT Mains exam dates | March to April 2026 |
NID DAT Mains exam result | May 2026 |
| Rechecking request of NID DAT Mains result | May 2026 |
Seat allotment, semester fee payment & uploading of documents | May 2026 |
Provisional offer letter issue date for round-1 | May 2026 |
Provisional offer letter issue date for round-2 | June 2026 |
Top Design Entrance Exams
National Level | Institute Level |
NID DAT | |
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 EBookNID DAT MDes 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Desired applicants have to meet the NID DAT MDes eligibility criteria 2026 before proceeding to fill the application form. The NID DAT MDes 2026 eligibility criteria for the aspirants are described as follows.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Age limitations |
|
Educational qualifications required |
|
Recommended eBooks
Related eBooks & Sample Papers
NID DAT MDes Application Form 2026
The NID DAT 2026 MDes application form will be released online at admissions.nid.edu in the first week of September 2025 tentatively. Aspirants need to fill and submit the NID DAT MDes 2026 application form before the last date which is expected to be in December 2025. Below are the steps provided for filling out the NID DAT MDes application form 2026.
| Steps | Process |
|---|---|
Registration |
|
Application form |
|
Documents Required to be Upload
Documents | Required file size |
Coloured scanned copy of the recent passport-size photograph | Between 50 KB - 200 KB in JPEG format |
Scanned signature of the candidate | Between 50 KB - 200 KB in JPEG format |
General EWS category certificate issued by the competent authority | Max 1 MB in PDF format |
OBC-NCL/SC/ST category certificate issued by the competent authority | Max 1 MB in PDF format |
PWD certificate, if applicable | Max 1 MB in PDF format |
Overseas category candidates have to upload the first and last pages of their passport | Max 1 MB in PDF/JPEG format |
NID DAT MDes Registration Fees
Category | Application fee | |
Discipline 1 | Discipline 2 | |
General/General-EWS/ OBC-NCL | Rs. 3000 | Rs. 6000 |
SC/ST/Gen-PwD/ Gen-EWS-PwD/ OBC-NCL-PwD/ SC-PwD/ST-PwD | Rs. 1500 | Rs. 3000 |
Overseas (Supernumerary) | Rs. 5000 | Rs. 10000 |
Browse Top Fashion Design Colleges by Location
NID DAT Exam Centres Prelims 2026
The authorities will release the list of NID DAT exam centres for Prelims 2026 through the official brochure. The applicants need to select their preferred NID masters exam centre for DAT during the process of NID application submission only. However, below is the list of the NID DAT Prelims exam centres (as per the previous year) where the exam will be conducted in the following cities in India.
- Ahmedabad
- Bengaluru
- Bhopal
- Bhubaneshwar
- Chandigarh
- Chennai
- Dehradun
- Guwahati
- Hyderabad
- Jaipur
- Kochi
- Kolkata
- Kurukshetra
- Lucknow
- Mumbai
- Nagpur
- New Delhi
- Patna
- Raipur
- Ranchi
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Vijayawada
NID DAT Exam Centres Mains 2026
The candidates will be shortlisted for the NID MDes mains exam based on the scores of the NID DAT prelims exam 2026. The NID DAT mains exam consists of 2 parts: Studio test and interviews. Provided below is the tentative schedule of NID DAT Studio Test along with the test location and timings.
| Sr. No. | Discipline | Registration Time* (Tentative) | Studio Test Dates (Tentative) | Interview Dates** (Tentative) |
| 1 | Strategic Design Management | 8:00 am, March 2026 at NID Gandhinagar Campus | March 2026 From 09:00 am to 12:00 noon | March 2026 From 09:00 am onwards |
| 2 | Textile Design | 8:00 am, March 2026 at NID Ahmedabad Campus | March 2026 From 09:00 am to 12:00 noon | March 2026 From 09:00 am onwards |
| 3 | Lifestyle Accessory Design | 1:00 pm, March 2026 at NID Gandhinagar Campus | March 2026 From 02:30 pm to 05:30 pm | March 2026 From 09:00 am onwards |
| 4 | Toy & Game Design | 8:00 am, March 2026 at NID Gandhinagar Campus | March 2026 From 09:00 am to 12:00 noon | March 2026 From 09:00 am onwards |
| 5 | Animation Film Design | 8:00 am, March 2026 at NID Ahmedabad Campus | March 2026 From 09:00 am to 12:00 noon | March 2026 From 09:00 am onwards |
| 6 | Apparel Design | 1:00 pm, March 2026 at NID Gandhinagar Campus | March 2026 From 02:30 pm to 05:30 pm | March 2026 From 09:00 am onwards |
| 7 | Furniture & Interior Design | 8:00 am, March 2026 at NID Ahmedabad Campus | March 2026 From 09:00 am to 12:00 noon | March 2026 From 09:00 am onwards |
| 8 | Photography Design | 8:00 am, March 2026 at NID Gandhinagar Campus | March 2026 From 09:00 am onwards | March 2026 From 09:00 am onwards |
| 9 | Transportation & Automobile Design | 8:00 am, March 2026 at NID Gandhinagar Campus | March 2026 From 09:00 am to 12:00 noon | March 2026 From 09:00 am onwards |
| 10 | Film & Video Communication | 8:00 am, March 2026 at NID Ahmedabad Campus | March 2026 From 09:00 am to 12:00 noon | March 2026 From 09:00 am onwards |
| 11 | Ceramic Design | 8:00 am, March 2026 at NID Ahmedabad Campus | March 2026 From 09:00 am to 12:00 noon | March 2026 From 09:00 am onwards |
| 12 | Product Design | 8:00 am, March 2026 at NID Ahmedabad Campus | March 2026 From 09:00 am to 12:00 noon | March 2026 From 09:00 am onwards |
| 13 | New Media Design | 1:00 pm, March 2026 at NID Gandhinagar Campus | March 2026 From 02:30 pm to 05:30 pm | March 2026 From 09:00 am onwards |
| 14 | Graphic Design | 8:00 am, March 2026 at NID Ahmedabad Campus | March 2026 From 09:00 am to 12:00 noon | March 2026 From 09:00 am onwards |
| 15 | Interaction Design | 8:00 am, March 2026 at NID Bengaluru Campus | March 2026 From 09:00 am to 12:00 noon | March/April 2026 From 09:00 am onwards |
| 16 | Information Design | 8:00 am, March 2026 at NID Bengaluru Campus | March 2026 From 09:00 am to 12:00 noon | March/April 2026 From 09:00 am onwards |
| 17 | Universal Design | 8:00 am, March 2026 at NID Bengaluru Campus | March 2026 From 09:00 am to 12:00 noon | March/April 2026 From 2:00 pm onwards |
| 18 | Design for Retail Experience | 8:00 am, March 2026 at NID Bengaluru Campus | March 2026 From 09:00 am to 12:00 noon | March/April 2026 From 09:00 am onwards |
| 19 | Digital Game Design | 8:00 am, March 2026 at NID Bengaluru Campus | March 2026 From 09:00 am to 12:00 noon | March/April 2026 From 09:00 am onwards |
Note:
(1): *Those candidates appearing for two Studio Tests on the same date, shall report to the Ahmedabad Campus for registration. This is NOT applicable for the Studio Tests to be conducted at Bengaluru Campus.
(2): ** It is mandatory for the candidate to report for registration as per the date and time announced in the above schedule. Only the registered candidates will be allowed to appear for the Studio Test and Interview. Detailed schedule for the Interviews shall be communicated on the day of the Registration. It will be the sole responsibility of the candidate to take note of the same.
NID DAT MDes Admit Card 2026
The candidates must use their login credentials to view and download the NID DAT MDes 2026 admit card. The hard copy of the downloaded NID DAT MDes admit card 2026 should be brought by the candidate to the NID MDes Mains exam centre on the examination day. Also, the candidates must bring a valid photo identity card as a proof along with the NID DAT 2026 MDes admit card.
Steps to download the NID DAT 2026 MDes admit card
- Visit the official website - admissions.nid.edu
- Select the ‘Download NID DAT MDes admit card’ link
- Use login credentials and click ‘Submit’ button
- Download the NID DAT MDes admit card
- Take a printout of the NID DAT admit card
Details that will be mentioned in the NID DAT MDes admit card are:
- Candidate's Name
- Candidate's Photograph
- Candidate's Signature
- Category
- Exam centre name
- Exam date and time
- Exam instructions
NID DAT MDes Exam Pattern 2026
The NID DAT 2026 exam comprises of two stages - Prelims and Mains. The NID DAT exam pattern will be released by the NID authorities through the official brochure. The NID DAT exam pattern for prelims and mains exam is different. Having the prior knowledge of the NID DAT exam pattern and the NID syllabus helps the candidates to crack the entrance exam in an easier way. Provided below is the individual exam pattern for Prelims and Mains.
NID DAT MDes Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The NID DAT MDes prelims exam is for a total of 100 marks. The NID DAT MDes prelims exam consists of objective and subjective questions. The candidates who will be through in the NID DAT MDes prelims exam will be eligible to appear for the NID masters exam, i.e. DAT mains.
NID DAT MDes Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The shortlisted candidates from the NID DAT prelims exam only will be eligible to appear for the NID DAT MDes mains exam. There are 2 parts in NID DAT MDes mains exam which are the studio test and the interviews.
- Studio test: Consists of tests in different formats and will be conducted in English only.
- Interviews: Will be conducted immediately after the studio test and is separate for each discipline.
NID DAT MDes Result 2026
NID MDes Mains result 2026 will be declared online by the authority at the official website. The NID MDes result 2026 for DAT Prelims will be declared tentatively in February. The students have to check the NID DAT 2026 MDes results using their login credentials by clicking on the link that will be made available on the official web page of NID.
Weightages of DAT Prelims & DAT Mains for the final result
Programme | DAT Prelims | DAT Mains |
MDes | 30% | 70% (Studio test - 40% & Interviews 30%) |
Also check: NID Full Form
NID DAT MDes Seat Allotment 2026
The NID offers MDes for 2.5 years duration at its Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Gandhinagar campuses. The candidates will be allocated with the MDes seats based on the merit obtained and the choice during the registration process of NID DAT MDes Counselling 2026.
As the NID DAT 2026 seat matrix is yet to be released, meanwhile candidates can check the number of seats allotted in each campus based on the programme specialisation as per the previous academic year.
Faculty of Communication Design
Discipline | Campus | Number of seats |
Animation film design | Ahmedabad | 19 |
Film and video communication | Ahmedabad | 19 |
Graphic design | Ahmedabad | 19 |
Photography design | Gandhinagar | 19 |
Faculty of Industrial Design
Discipline | Campus | Number of seats |
Ceramic and glass design | Ahmedabad | 12 |
Furniture and interior design | Ahmedabad | 19 |
Product design | Ahmedabad | 19 |
Toy and game design | Gandhinagar | 12 |
Transportation and automobile design | Gandhinagar | 19 |
Universal design | Bengaluru | 19 |
Faculty of Information Technology-Integrated Programmes
Discipline | Campus | Number of seats |
Digital game design | Bengaluru | 19 |
Information design | Bengaluru | 19 |
Interaction design | Bengaluru | 19 |
New media design | Gandhinagar | 19 |
Faculty of Interdisciplinary Design Studies
Discipline | Campus | Number of seats |
Design for retail experience | Bengaluru | 19 |
Strategic design management | Gandhinagar | 19 |
Faculty of Textile, Apparel, Lifestyle, and Accessory Design
Discipline | Campus | Number of seats |
Apparel design | Gandhinagar | 19 |
Lifestyle accessory design | Gandhinagar | 19 |
Textile design | Ahmedabad | 19 |
Check Design Colleges:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: In how many stages will be the NID DAT MDes 2026 exam conducted?
A:
The NID DAT MDes 2026 exam will be conducted in two stages, i.e. Prelims and Mains.
Q: What is the mode of NID DAT MDes application form 2026?
A:
The NID DAT MDes 2026 applications have to be filled and submitted in online mode at admissions.nid.edu.
Q: What is the NID DAT MDes application form fee for 2026?
A:
The NID DAT MDes application fee differs from one category to the other. Please refer to the NID DAT MDes Registration Fees section for detailed information.
Q: When will be the NID DAT MDes 2026 exam conducted?
A:
The NID DAT 2026 MDes exam will be held in two parts - Prelims and Mains. Both of these tests will be conducted on separate dates.
Articles
Related Stories
|
Upcoming Design Exams
Certifications By Top Providers
Explore Top Universities Across Globe
University of Essex, Colchester
Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQUniversity College London, London
Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BTThe University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Post Code EH8 9YLUniversity of Delaware, Newark
Newark, DE 19716University of Nottingham, Nottingham
University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RDBristol Baptist College, Bristol
The Promenade, Clifton Down, Bristol BS8 3NJPopular Courses and Specializations
Popular Degrees
Popular Branches
List of colleges accepting NID DAT
Browse Design Colleges by State
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:
- Understand the Syllabus : Focus on key areas like design principles, creativity, visualization, and observation skills.
- Solve Previous Papers : Practice with past NID DAT papers to understand question types and patterns.
- Time Management : Dedicate daily hours to sketching, problem-solving, and revision.
- Strengthen Drawing Skills : Practice daily to improve speed and accuracy.
- Use Online Resources : Utilize free tutorials, sample papers, and design blogs.
- 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 !
Applications for Admissions are open.
Graphic Era (Deemed to be University) Admissions 2025
ApplyNAAC A+ Grade | Among top 100 universities of India (NIRF 2024) | 40 crore+ scholarships distributed
Amity University, B.Design Admissions 2025
ApplyRanked amongst top 3% universities globally (QS Rankings)
Sharda University Admissions 2025
ApplyNorth India's Largest Educational Group | NIRF Ranked 86 | NAAC A+ Grade | Highest Package 1.6 Cr |
Parul University B.Des. Admissions 2026
ApplyIndia's youngest NAAC A++ accredited University | NIRF rank band 151-200 | 2200 Recruiters | 45.98 Lakhs Highest Package
GNA University B.Des Admissions 2025
Apply100% Placement Assistance | Avail Merit Scholarships
KL University B.Des Admissions 2025
ApplyA++ Grade by NAAC | Ranked #22 among all Indian Universities by NIRF in 2024 | 100% Placement, 60 LPA Highest CTC, 300+ Recruiters
NID DAT Notifications
Never miss an NID DAT update
Get timely NID DAT updates directly to your inbox. Stay informed!