Top Colleges Accepting NID DAT Score 2026 in India

Top Colleges Accepting NID DAT Score 2026 in India

Ongoing Event

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

Sumeet SudarshanUpdated on 26 Sep 2025, 05:04 PM IST

The National Institute of Design (NID) conducts the NID DAT entrance exam for admission into NID campuses across India. In addition to NID campuses, there are several other top colleges that accept NID DAT 2026 scores. Through the NID entrance exam, candidates will be admitted into the B.Des and M.Des programmes of participating institutes. NID will conduct NID DAT prelims 2026 on December 21, 2025. In this article, get the list of top design colleges in India accepting NID DAT 2026 scores.

Top Colleges Accepting NID DAT Score 2026 in India
Top College Accepting NID DAT Score

Candidates who have a valid score in NID DAT 2026 must separately apply to the participating institutes. Centralised NID DAT counselling will be conducted only for NID campuses. Other colleges that accept NID DAT 2026 scores will conduct NID 2026 admission as per their own schedule.

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Top Colleges Accepting NID DAT 2026 Score in India

The NID Design Aptitude Test, also known as NID DAT, is a yearly examination. NID DAT is a two-stage entrance test that includes prelims and main exams. Candidates who are shortlisted in the prelims need to appear for the NID DAT mains exam for both the B.Des and M.Des programmes. Those who obtain a valid NID DAT score will be eligible for admission to NID colleges in India.

The following is a list of the top colleges accepting NID DAT 2026 score for their design admission.

  1. National Institute of Design - The National Institute of Design, one of India’s premier design institutes, is responsible for conducting the NID Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT). The B.Des programme is offered by NID campuses in Ahmedabad, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam. The M.Des programme is offered by NID campuses in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru,

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  1. IILM School of Design (IILM), Gurgaon - IILM Gurgaon is a leading institution and ranks among the top colleges accepting NID DAT scores to provide admissions. Established in 2004 as a private institute, IILM offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate design programs. The IILM School of Design in Gurgaon recognizes the NID DAT score, enabling candidates to pursue their passion in the field of design.

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.
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  1. World University of Design - The World University of Design (WUD), a private institution, is among one of the top colleges accepting NID DAT score 2026 for admissions. It offers BDes programs in various disciplines such as Product Design, Film and Video, Animation and Game Design, fashion design, Fashion Communication, Interior Architecture & Design, and more to candidates with a valid NID score.

  2. Shiv Nadar University - Shiv Nadar University, a private interdisciplinary research institution established in 2011 and located in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, India, is one of the universities that recognizes NID DAT scores. It offers admission to candidates in a variety of disciplines, including engineering, management, and humanities. Candidates who have passed the NID DAT are eligible to apply for design courses at the university. In addition to the NID DAT score, Shiv Nadar University also accepts scores from the Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED).

  3. BITS School of Design: BITS School of Design is a popular design college located in Mumbai. It conducts its own BITS DAT entrance exam. However, candidates with a valid score in NID DAT 2026 are exempted from appearing for BITS DAT.

  4. LPU Jalandhar: Lovely Professional University, located in Jalandhar, is a top private university in India. It offers B.Des and M.Des programmes. Candidates with a valid score in NID DAT can apply for the design programmes at the university.

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Admission Process at Top Colleges Accepting NID DAT 2026 Scores

The admission process of colleges that accept NID DAT 2026 scores will be conducted separately. The steps in the admission process are given below -

  • Appear for NID DAT 2026 and obtain a valid score
  • Fill out the application form of the respective institute
  • Shortlisted candidates will be called for a portfolio review/student test/ interview
  • Publication of list of selected candidates
  • Allotted candidates must pay the requird fee and complete document verification within the prescribed deadline

Top Design Entrance Exams

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the selection process for NID DAT 2026?
A:

Candidates have to appear for NID DAT prelims. Shortlisted candidates must appear for NID DAT mains. The score in NID DAT mains will have 100% weightage in the final selection process.

Q: Which colleges accept NID scores 2026?
A:

Apart from NID campuses, colleges such as World University of Design, LPU and Shivnadar University accept NID DAT scores. 

Q: Which NID offers M.Des programme?
A:
NID Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Gandhinagar offer M.Des programme.
Q: How to apply for admission to NID score-accepting colleges?
A:

Candidates who have qualified for NID DAT prelims and mains exams can apply for admission to NID score-accepting colleges by filling out the online application form available on the official website of the respective college. 

Q: How many NID colleges in India are there?
A:

There are total of 7 NID colleges in India. They are at Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Gandhinagar, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Assam.

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Questions related to NID DAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to NID DAT ?

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.