What are Qualifying Marks for NID 2026? Check Previous Year NID Qualifying Marks

What are Qualifying Marks for NID 2026? Check Previous Year NID Qualifying Marks

Ongoing Event

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

Sumeet SudarshanUpdated on 17 Sep 2025, 06:06 PM IST

The National Institute of Design will conduct the NID Design Aptitude Test for admission into its undergraduate and postgraduate design programmes. The NID selection process has been revised, and candidates appearing for the NID DAT 2026 should be aware of the qualifying marks for NID admission. In this article, let’s understand the changes in the NID qualifying marks and the revised selection process.

What are Qualifying Marks for NID 2026? Check Previous Year NID Qualifying Marks
What are Qualifying Marks for NID 2026?

Through the NID entrance exam, candidates will be admitted into the B.Des and M.Des. programmes of participating NID campuses.

What Are the Qualifying Marks for NID?

Before the selection process of NID was revised, the NID prelims marks were considered for the candidate’s final selection. In NID DAT B.Des, the prelims exam had a weightage of 40%, while the NID DAT mains had a weightage of 60%. In NID DAT M.Des, the prelims had a weightage of 30%, and the mains had 70% weightage - (Studio test 40% and Interview 30%).

The previous-year NID cut-off trends indicate that the qualifying marks were between 45 and 60 marks, varying across categories. However, this is likely to change under the revised selection process.

The tables below provide the rank and score of the last candidate who was allotted a seat at various NIDs under different categories.

Qualifying Marks for NID B.Des (Previous Year)

Campus

OPEN

GEN-EWS

OBC-NCL

SC

ST

Open

Rank

Score

Category

Rank

Score

Category

Rank

Score

Category

Rank

Score

Category

Rank

Score

NID Ahmedabad

48

59.60

16

50.90

41

53.60

24

51.70

11

47.80

NID Andhra Pradesh

225

53.50

53

45.60

125

48.20

67

45.50

46

38.60

NID Assam

294

51.80

56

45.00

142

47.40

83

44.00

40

40.00

NID Madhya Pradesh

197

S4.20

49

45.90

103

49.30

44

48.20

25

42.80

NID Haryana

193

54.30

48

45.90

106

49.00

56

46.60

35

41.20

Qualifying Marks for NID M.Des (Previous Year)

Discipline

OPEN

GEN-EWS

OBC-NCL

SC

ST

Open Rank

Score

Category

Rank

Score

Category

Rank

Score

Category

Rank

Score

Category

Rank

Score

Animation Film Design

12

55.10

NE

NE

6

46.65

5

46.30

1

52.15

Ceramic & Glass Design

6

58.10

NA

NA

6

49.95

3

50.50

NE

NE

Furniture & Interior Design

10

55.90

2

50.25

7

47.45

4

44.85

2

50.40

Film & Video Communication

10

67.35

2

54.20

7

62.65

6

56.35

1

63.45

Graphic Design

8

62.25

NE

NE

9

53.90

4

55.65

1

59.80

Product Design

13

57.60

NE

NE

15

46.80

3

50.70

1

46.05

Textile Design

8

59.25

NE

NE

5

47.20

6

40.20

1

48.40

Apparel Design

9

54.15

NE

NE

6

47.95

3

40.65

1

43.35

Lifestyle Accessory Design

10

59.30

NE

NE

9

48.60

7

43.95

2

46.25

New Media Design

8

57.70

NE

NE

8

46.55

4

43.00

1

52.50

Photography Design

16

50.15

NE

NE

1

46.50

5

43.50

NA

NA

Strategic Design Management

11

61.40

1

50.50

7

45.15

4

43.90

2

55.25

Transportation & Automobile

Design

9

56.35

NE

NE

S

47.25

4

45.35

NE

NE

Toy & Game Design

6

72.95

NA

NA

6

48.70

2

45.40

NA

NA

Digital Game Design

7

66.65

2

60.00

6

54.85

5

52.7


53.15

Oesign For Retail Experience

7

59.30

NE

NE

8

47.60

3

55.10

NA

NA

Information Design

10

63.50

3

52.10

8

49.95

3

53.45

NE

NE

Interaction Design

11

57.50

NE

NE

7

50.35

5

52.80


41.80

Universal Design

14

60.55

2

57.00

11

48.80

5

51.25

1

46.55

What are the Qualifying Marks for NID Under the New Selection Process?

Under the revised NID selection process, the NID prelims will not have any weightage in the final selection of the candidates. The NID prelims will only be a qualifying exam for the mains. As a result of this, the weightage for the mains has also changed.

The qualifying marks in NID will change drastically from the previous years in the revised admission process. There will be separate minimum qualifying marks for NID DAT prelims, after which all shortlisted candidates will be called for mains. The NID qualifying cut-off is expected to vary across categories but will remain the same for candidates within a particular category.

Next, candidates have to clear the NID DAT mains cut-off to secure admission.

NID B.Des 2026 Revised Weightage

Particulars

Weightage

Prelims

No weightage in final selection

Mains

Studio sensitivity test - 60%

In-person sensitivity test - 40%

NID M.Des 2026 Revised Weightage

Particulars

Weightage

Prelims

No weightage in final selection

Mains

Studio test - 40%

Interview - 60%

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the weightage of the Studio test in NID M.Des mains?
A:

Studio test has a weight of 40% in the NID M.Des mains

Q: What is the weightage of NID Prelims in the final selection?
A:

NID Prelims will not have any weightage in the final seletion of candidates. It is only a qualifying exam for mains.

Q: Is the NID selection process revised?
A:

Yes, the NID selection process has been changed.

Q: What are the courses offered through NID DAT?
A:

Through NID DAT candidates will be admitted into B.Des and M.Des programmes

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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 !