NID Studio Test Eligibility Criteria 2026: Nationality, Age Limit, Educational Qualification

NID Studio Test Eligibility Criteria 2026: Nationality, Age Limit, Educational Qualification

Sumeet SudarshanUpdated on 30 Jul 2025, 09:24 AM IST

The National Institute of Design (NID) prescribes the NID 2026 studio test eligibility criteria on the official website - admissions.nid.edu. To appear in the NID studio test, candidates must make sure they meet the NID eligibility criteria and avoid disqualification. Only those candidates who are shortlisted from the NID DAT entrance exam will be eligible to participate in the second stage of the NID admission process. Read the full article to know more about the NID Studio Test 2026 eligibility criteria.

NID Studio Test Eligibility Criteria 2026: Nationality, Age Limit, Educational Qualification
NID Studio Test Eligibility Criteria

The prelims of NID DAT 2026 will tentatively be conducted in January 2026. The NID Mains, also known as the studio test will be conducted tentatively in March 2026 as per the NID schedule. The NID DAT 2026 studio test will be held in multiple formats for admission into the B.Des and M.Des programmes.

NID DAT Mains 2026 Eligibility

Candidates who are shortlisted after NID DAT prelims can appear for the NID DAT mains exam. Candidates must make sure they fulfil the requirements prescribed under the NID DAT eligibility both for the prelims and the mains to successfully secure admission. The eligibility requirements for NID DAT studio test 2026 pertain to minimum educational qualification, age limit and nationality.

Silver Oak University B.Design Admissions 2025

Management Conclaves | Industrial visits to eminent companies | Celebrated guest speakers

Bennett University B.Design Admissions 2025

Merit Based Scholarships Available

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 EBook

Minimum Educational Qualification for NID exam

CourseDetails
B.Des

Candidates must have completed their higher secondary education (10+2) in 2024-25 in any stream such as Science, Arts, Commerce, Humanities, etc from any recognized board (CBSE, IB, ICSE or equivalent).

M.Des

A bachelor’s degree of a minimum of 4 years in any specialisation after their 10+2. or

A full-time diploma of a minimum of 4 years in Design/Fine arts/Applied arts/Architecture after 10+2. or

A 3-year bachelor's degree in any discipline after 12th standard.

Sanskriti University B.Des Admissions 2025

Best innovation and research-driven university of Uttar Pradesh

IIFT Design Admissions 2025

Recruiters: Tommy Hilfiger, USPA, Arvind etc | Only Fashion Institute in India to have entered the LIMCA BOOK OF RECORDS

Browse Top Fashion Design Colleges by Location

NID 2026 Age Limit

CourseAge limit (as per last year)
B.Des
  • Gen and Gen-EWS category: Born on or after July 1, 2004.

  • OBC-NCL, SC & ST category: Born on or after July 1, 2001.

  • PwD category: Born on or after July 1, 1999.

  • Overseas category: Born on or after July 1, 2004.


M.Des
  • Gen and Gen-EWS category: Born on or after July 1, 1993.

  • OBC-NCL, SC & ST category: Born on or after July 1, 1990.

  • PwD category: Born on or after July 1, 1988.

  • Overseas category: Born on or after July 1, 1993.


Nationality

Indian nationals from the categories of Gen, Gen-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST and PwD are eligible. Foreign nationals need to apply under the overseas category.

Top Design Entrance Exams


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is the NID entrance exam eligibility same for BDes and MDes courses?
A:

No, the NID BDes eligibility 2026 and the NID MDes eligibility 2026 are different.

Q: What is the NID DAT BDes mains exam date 2026?
A:

The NID DAT 2026 BDes mains will be tentatively held in March 2026.

Q: Is there any age limit for NID Studio Test 2026?
A:

Yes, there is an age limit for the NID studio test 2026.

Q: Who is eligible for NID DAT Mains 2026 Studio Test?
A:

Candidates shortlisted from NID DAT Prelims are eligible to appear for the NID DAT studio test.

Articles
|
Upcoming Design Exams
Ongoing Dates
SEED Application Date

1 Aug'25 - 30 Nov'25 (Online)

Ongoing Dates
GLS DAT Application Date

17 Aug'25 - 31 Jan'26 (Online)

Ongoing Dates
UPESDAT Application Date

1 Sep'25 - 12 Sep'25 (Online)

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 !