NID PhD Admissions 2025: Dates, Eligibility, Fees, Selection Criteria

NID PhD Admissions 2025: Dates, Eligibility, Fees, Selection Criteria

Ongoing Event

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

Team Careers360Updated on 27 Dec 2024, 03:29 PM IST

National Institute of Design offers NID PhD programme, with the NID-HSLU PhD Cooperation Program and the SAGE PhD Fellowship on the basis of eligibility, research proposal, doctoral research test and interview. NID PhD registration 2025 is expected to begin in May, while the DRT entrance is likely to be held in August. Candidates will have to visit admissions.nid.edu to apply for the NID PhD admission 2025. Read the complete article to know more about the NID PhD 2025 admissions.

This Story also Contains

  1. NID PhD Admission Dates 2025
  2. What is the NID PhD Course?
  3. NID PhD Selection Criteria 2025
  4. NID PhD Eligibility Criteria 2025
  5. How to apply for NID PhD admission 2025?
  6. NID PhD Registration Fees 2025
  7. What is NID DRT?
  8. NID DRT Admit Card 2025
  9. NID PhD Result 2025
NID PhD Admissions 2025: Dates, Eligibility, Fees, Selection Criteria
NID PhD Admissions 2025

NID PhD Admission Dates 2025

The authorities will announce the NID PhD 2025 dates at admissions.nid.edu. The applicants must be aware of all the important dates associated with NID PhD admissions. The candidates are required to fill the application form before the deadline in order to ensure that their application is accepted. Here are tentative important dates that the candidate must not miss out.

NID PhD Dates 2025

NID PhD Events

NID PhD Dates

NID PhD application start date

May 2025

NID PhD application end date

June 2025

NID application edit date

To be notified

NID DRT (Doctoral Research Test) date

August 2025

NID PhD Interview Date

To be notified

NID PhD results date

To be notified

What is the NID PhD Course?

For advanced studies in the design field the National Institute of Design of a PhD programs. The program is meant to allow professionals and educators to reinvent their own practice or knowledge base along with contributing to the innovation of new design theories. NID PhD registration details have been discussed in the article below. The NID PhD program is recognised at a global level for its knowledge generation and practical design application.

Types of NID PhD Courses

There are two types of PhD programmes offered by the National Institute of Design. The candidates can get to know about both in the section below.

Full Time PhD: The full time PhD program is designed to create scholars who stay within the campus throughout the duration of PhD and are eligible for NID PhD stipend if situations permit. The duration of this PhD is 3 years which can be extended up to 5 years by the candidate and endorsement by their guide and co-guide. NID offers one NID PhD stipend which is the full time SAGE scholarship on the topic of Biopackaging. This fellowship is through the SAGE PhD Fellows program of Echo Network of Bangalore which is a Denmark-based organisation that works with the Nordic Centre of India to promote research on Sustainability.The duration of the funding is 3 years only. The candidates will have to visit Denmark and are required to spend up to 7 months working with Danish institutes associated with Echo Network on this project.

Part Time PhD: Part time PhD programme requires the students to be on the campus only for the duration of scheduled coursework, seminars, and other academic requirements. The maximum duration of 5 years is allowed with an extendable period of 2 years. A certificate of No Objection from the employer is required to be submitted during the admission process. This must state that the employer has no objection to the employee pursuing a PhD, and that the employee will be available in person or online whenever required for course work. No NID PhD stipend will be given to part time PhD students of PhD.

NID PhD Selection Criteria 2025

To get admissions into the National Institute of Design the candidates will have to appear for certain tests and interviews. The admission criteria for the National Institute of Design PhD course is as stated below.

Eligibility Check: The candidates will be shortlisted according to the NID PhD eligibility as stated above. The information given in the application form by the candidates will be considered final and will be used to check the eligibility requirements.

Assessment of Research Proposal: All the candidates who fulfill the eligibility criteria can move forward in the selection process and their research proposal will be assessed. The candidates have to outline their aim behind the doctoral research, why they are applying, and background of conducting the research. The proposal must be limited to 2000 and 3000 words, or 20,000 characters including spaces. The candidates selected in this process will proceed to the next stage.

Design Research Test: the candidates selected in stage 2 will be required to appear in the design research test conducted to assess the research abilities, general awareness, basic numerical and design abilities. With an experience of more than 15 years in work the candidate can be exempted from appearing for the DRT.

Personal Interview: the candidates selected from the design research test will proceed to have a personal interview conducted online. The institution will appoint representatives who will test the candidate for aptitude for conducting the proposed research. The candidates must also prepare to answer the following.

  • The merit of the Research Proposal for adding to new knowledge in the field of Design
  • Competence of the candidates for conducting the proposed research as assessed by their academic record and work experience and personal accomplishments in relevant areas
  • Match of the candidate’s proposed research area with the published interest areas of at least one faculty member of the Institute and with the Institute’s overall goals and priorities.
  • Exposition of proposed research to panel, demonstrating articulation and conviction.
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NID PhD Eligibility Criteria 2025

The candidates are required to meet certain NID PhD eligibility before they apply for the NID PhD programs. Any one of the following educational qualifications are accepted as NID PhD eligibility.

  • Master of Design (M.Des) degree from an accredited institution or recognised university of India or an equivalent foreign degree
  • Master of Philosophy in Design (M.Phil (Design))4 degree from a recognised institution or University of India or an equivalent foreign degree
  • Master of [Architecture/Fine Art/Applied Art]from a recognised institution or University of India or an equivalent foreign degree, following a [Master/Bachelor of Design degree from India or an equivalent foreign degree]
  • Bachelor of Design (B.Des)5 degree from NID + 3 years professional or teaching experience
  • Certificate of 2-year Faculty Development Program in Design from NID or any other recognised University
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How to apply for NID PhD admission 2025?

The application form for the NID PhD course will be available in online mode. The candidates must note that the date for applying to the PhD programs at National Institute of Design is yet to be announced. The candidates who want to apply for NID PhD must take the given steps below.

  • The candidates will have to visit the official website of National Institute of Design and be aware of the program that they are applying to. The candidates can apply for both the NID HSLU Cooperation PhD program and SAGE PhD Fellowship separately.
  • The candidates will have to fill NID PhD registration details on the official website with correct information, valid email id, and active phone number. The login credentials will be sent to the registered email address. The candidates are requested not to delete any emails to them, for future reference. The candidates must login using their login credentials and proceed further.
  • The candidates will have to fill in an online application form after which they must click on save and proceed option and move to the next section of uploading the documents. The candidates must click on save and exit if they want to fill the application form later.
  • The candidates will have to upload the documents of a scanned recent passport size photograph in colour. The size of the photograph was not exceeding hundred KB and it must be in JPG/JPEG format. The candidates are also required to upload the scanned image of their signature which must be in JPG/JPEG format and less than 100 KB. Along with that the candidates must have a valid category certificate if required. Along with the documents the research proposal must be attached in one single PDF file with the maximum size of 5 MB. The Bachelors Degree, Masters degree, additional qualification and work experience certificate must be in one single PDF file with the maximum size of 10 MB. The document list according to the categories are given below.
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Documents required for NID PhD admission 2025

Category

Signature

Photo

Documents

GeneralYesYes-
EWSYesYesEWS Certificate
OBC-NCLYesYesOBC-NCL Certificate

SC

Yes

Yes

Caste Certificate

ST

Yes

Yes

Tribe Certificate


  • Once the documents are uploaded the candidates will have to pay the NID PhD admission fees which is given below according to categories.

NID PhD Registration Fees 2025

Category

NID PhD admission fees

General

Rs. 5000/-

EWS

Rs. 5000/-

OBC-NCL

Rs. 5000/-

SC

Rs. 2500/-

ST

Rs. 2500/-

Non-Indian citizens

Rs. 5000/-

What is NID DRT?

NID DRT is a written test conducted to assess the research abilities, general awareness, basic numerical and design abilities. The candidates will be asked questions on the same which they must answer. The candidates can be exempted from the test if they have work experience of 15 years or more in the industry.

NID DRT Admit Card 2025

The NID DRT admit card is an essential document to carry to the exam. The candidates who have successfully submitted their application along with the documents and fees will be screened based on their eligibility. The selected candidates can proceed with the DRT test which is conducted on a specific date. The NID DRT admit card will be issued to the candidates who have been selected for the test. The candidates are required to carry the admit card to the examination hall without which they will not be allowed to write the exam.

Steps to download NID Phd written test admit card

  • Visit the official website of NID - admissions.nid.edu
  • Click on the NID DRT admit card download link
  • Enter registered mail id and date of birth
  • The admit card will reflect their personal details along with the exam date, time and venue.

NID PhD Result 2025

The candidates who are selected for the PhD programs can check their names on the official website. If the candidates proceed to accept the admission day they will have to produce original documents informed to them along with a no objection certificate from the employers.

NID PhD Minimum Qualifying Criteria

The minimum qualifying criteria of various categories for NID PhD admissions are given below which will be considered for the selection of the candidates. Only candidates having the mentioned percentage at different stages of exam will be eligible for admissions.

CategoryOpenEWSOBC NCLSCSTPwDForeign National

DRT

60%

60%

55%

50%

50%

50%

60%

Interview

60%

60%

55%

50%

50%

50%

60%

NID PhD Total Seats

A total of 12 seats are available for PhD candidates in NID which are as follows.

Total
SCSTOBCEWSOpen

12

2

1

3

1

5

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can you get a PhD in Design?
A:

Yes NID offers a PhD in Design programme.

Q: How many seats are available for PhD in NID?
A:

There are a total of 12 seats available for NID PhD.

Q: What are the types of NID PhD?
A:

The types of NID PhD are full time and part time PhD.

Q: What is the NID PhD application fee?
A:

NID PhD application fee is Rs. 5000.

Q: Can I do a PhD without any exam in NID?
A:

Students need to appear for the NID DRT exam and interview to get selected for the program. However, candidates can be exempted from the test if they have work experience of 15 years or more in the industry.

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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 !