NID DAT Admit Card Date:11 Dec' 25 - 21 Dec' 25
The National Institute of Design will release the passing marks for the NID Prelims 2026 on the official website at admissions.nid.edu. Candidates who manage to clear the NID Prelims cut-off will be eligible for the NID Mains. Furthermore, candidates also need to know that the NID DAT Prelims marks will not be considered in the final cut-off of the NID Selection Process. The number of candidates who will get the NID Prelims passing marks will be approximately 1.5 times the number of seats that are available for NID DAT 2026.
This Story also Contains
Candidates can check out the article below to learn about the expected cutoffs for NID DAT Prelims 2026. The article will also carry previous years' scores for NID Prelims to give candidates an idea of the potential score they need to get for the NID Prelims 2026 round.
The NID DAT Prelims cut-off differs for each candidate category and is announced in the form of both rank and score. Aspirants appearing for the NID DAT 2026 entrance exam should take note of the updated selection process. The Prelims marks are no longer included in the final merit calculation, so variations in cutoff scores can be expected. Candidates can check out the table below to learn about the passing marks for the NID Prelims 2026, category-wise.
Category | Tentative Marks for NID Prelims 2026 |
Open | 56-60 |
OBC - NCL | 40-44 |
EWS | 48-52 |
ST | 42-44 |
SC | 27-30 |
PwD | 8-10 |
Overseas | 22-25 |
Candidates can also check out the NID DAT Previous years' marks for qualifying to NID DAT Mains 2026 to get an idea of the potential score and rank that candidates have received in the previous years.
Category | NID Prelims 2025 Passing Marks |
General | 59 |
GEN-EWS | 46 |
OBC - NCL | 51 |
SC | 46 |
ST | 38 |
Overseas | 22.5 |
PwD | 19 |
Category | NID Prelims 2024 Passing Score | Rank Cutoff for Candidates Shortlisted for DAT Mains 2024 |
General | 58.5 | 253 |
GEN-EWS | 43 | 153 |
OBC - NCL | 50 | 257 |
SC | 43.75 | 181 |
ST | 29 | 120 |
Overseas | 24.25 | 62 |
PwD | 9.75 | 96 |
The National Institute of Design has notified in its admission handbook that approximately candidates numbering 1.5 times the number of seats will qualify for the NID Mains. The scores they obtain in the NID Prelims will not have any impact on the final NID Cutoffs 2026. Candidates who look forward to clearing the Prelims are advised to have a strong grasp of the NID DAT 2026 Syllabus and prepare accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
According to the Information Brochure for NID DAT 2026. The NID Prelims scores will not be considered for the final weightage. Instead, the scores from the Studio Test and In-Person interview of the DAT Mains will be considered.
The expected NID Prelims Cut-Off 2026 ranges from 56–60 for Open and 48–52 for EWS. It varies each year based on exam difficulty, seat availability, and applicant count.
On Question asked by student community
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.
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
Ranked #45 amongst Universities in India by NIRF | Ranked #1 in Academic Reputation in India by QS World University Rankings
No. 1 Design & Fashion Institute by ASSOCHAM, India Today, Outlook and The Week rankings
World-class design education with a global curricular collaboration with Parson’s School of Design
Ranked 2nd in the IIRF 2023 Design School Ranking | Approved by AICTE | Highest CTC 13 LPA | Application Deadline: 20th Jan'26
EXAMS dates- 13-14 Dec | Leading Design College | Highest CTC: ₹12 LPA | Average CTC: ₹7.5 LPA | Scholarships for Deserving Students