NID MDes Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit, Qualification, Marks

NID MDes Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit, Qualification, Marks

Ongoing Event

NID DAT Application Date:11 Sep' 25 - 01 Dec' 25

Rajyalaxmi VenkatapuramUpdated on 09 Sep 2025, 12:03 PM IST

The National Institute of Design will release the NID M.Des eligibility criteria 2026 on its official website - admissions.nid.edu. Candidates can get the details of the NID DAT M.Des 2026 eligibility criteria in the information handbook. The NID M.Des 2026 eligibility criteria will include details regarding NID M.Des qualification requirements and the NID M.Des age limit 2026. Candidates must make sure they meet the NID Master of Design eligibility before deciding to appear for NID DAT M.Des 2026. The institute will conduct the NID M.Des entrance exam for admissions into UG and PG design programmes at NID campuses across India.

This Story also Contains

  1. NID MDes Entrance Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026
  2. NID Age Limit for PG
  3. NID 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Qualification for NID MDes
NID MDes Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit, Qualification, Marks
NID MDes Eligibility

It is very important for the candidates to review the NID MDes eligibility criteria 2026 before submitting the NID application form. The NID masters eligibility requirement covers age restrictions, academic qualifications, and other aspects. Interested applicants should carefully read and check all NID MDes requirements to avoid any cancellations during NID admissions. Read the entire article for all details on NID MDes eligibility criteria 2026.

NID MDes Entrance Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026

Before submitting the NID application form for MDes, candidates must fulfil the NID 2026 eligibility requirements. Individuals who do not meet the NID 2026 MDes eligibility will not be allowed to proceed with the application process for admission. Applicants interested in applying for NID DAT 2026 for MDes admission need to be sure that they match all the requirements. The table provided below contains comprehensive details regarding the NID 2026 qualifying criteria, including age restrictions.

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NID Age Limit for PG

The students need to meet the NID MDes age limit to be eligible for admission. The NID master's age limit will be different based on each category. Therefore, candidates are advised to refer to the NID age limit for PG before filling out the online NID DAT application form.

NID MDes Age Limit

Category

NID DAT Age Limit 2026 for MDes

Indian Nationals in the General category and the General EWS category

Application for admission is limited to applicants born on or after July 1, 1994.

Indian Nationals in Reserved Category (OBC-NCL, SC & ST)

Participants who are born on or after July 1, 1991, are eligible for admission.

Indian Nationals in PwD Reserved Category

Candidates born on or after July 1, 1989 are eligible to apply for admission.

Foreign Nationals in Overseas (Supernumerary) Category

Non-Indian citizens born on or after July 1, 1994 can also apply under the overseas category.

Note: If a foreign citizen satisfies all requirements for NID MDes (Master of Design) eligibility, they may only apply for the NID DAT exam under the abroad category. Candidates must stay within the NID MDes age limit agreed upon by the authorities and obtain a bachelor’s degree or diploma in any discipline in order to meet NID MDes eligibility.

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NID 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Qualification for NID MDes

In order to be considered for admission, candidates must also meet the NID MDes 2026 educational qualification and the minimum percentage for NID M.Des. As per the NID MDes qualification requirement, aspirants should meet at least one of the following criteria:

NID MDes Qualifications

The applicants must have completed any one of the following degrees to qualify for NID MDes eligibility.

  • Bachelor Degree: The applicant must have graduated from an institute recognised by Indian law with a bachelor’s degree in any specialisation after 12th grade for over a minimum of 4-year duration. OR
  • Full-time diploma: Applicants must have graduated from an institution approved by Indian law with a minimum of 4-year degrees in design/ fine arts/applied arts/architecture after 12th standard or its equivalent. OR
  • Bachelor Degree: Candidates must have finished a minimum of 3-year degree programme in any specialisation after the 12th grade or its equivalent from an Indian law-recognised institution.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the eligibility criteria for NID BDes admission?
A:

The candidate must have completed 10+2 or an equivalent qualification with a minimum of 50% marks. Along with that the applicant must appear the NID DAT (Design Aptitude Test), which is divided into two rounds: NID Prelims and NID Mains.

Q: Who is eligible for Masters in Design in NID?
A:

Candidates must hold a B.Des (Bachelor of Design) or an equivalent graduate degree in order to be considered for admission to the MDes (Master of Design) programme. 

Q: What is the maximum number of attempts allowed for the NID entrance exam?
A:

There is no limit to the number of attempts allowed for the NID exam.

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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 !