The National Institute of Design (NID) is one of the most renowned design institutions both in India and globally due to its design education and innovation. Every year thousands of candidates take the NID DAT exam to gain admission to its highly sought-after B.Des and M.Des courses. The official notification and registration of the NID Admission 2026 cycle are expected to be released soon as the season approaches.
This article will be a step-by-step guide to the NID DAT exam dates, eligibility requirements, application procedure, exam format and more. You will also learn about where you can get the right guidance for design courses in Mumbai.
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What Is NID DAT 2026: Quick Overview
The NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is a national-level entrance examination for admission to undergraduate (B.Des) and postgraduate (M.Des) programmes offered by the National Institute of Design.
- Exam Name: NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT)
- Conducting Body: National Institute of Design (NID)
- Courses: Bachelor of Design (B.Des) & Master of Design (M.Des)
- Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper)
- Stages: DAT Prelims and DAT Mains
The test evaluates candidates’ creativity, visual aptitude, and problem-solving skills, essential qualities for a career in design.
Along with preparing for NID DAT, aspirants can also explore art and design courses in Mumbai to build a strong creative foundation.
NID 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
Here’s a quick look at the key NID 2026 exam dates you should mark in your calendar:
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
| Application Start | September 11, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | December 1, 2025 |
| Correction Window | December 2–4, 2025 |
| Admit Card (Prelims) | December 11, 2025 |
| DAT Prelims Exam | December 21, 2025 |
| Prelims Result | February 17, 2026 (M.Des) / April 7, 2026 (B.Des) |
| DAT Mains | March–April 2026 |
| Final Result | May 2026 |
Students are advised to keep checking the official website of the National Institute of Design for any updates or revisions in the official NID DAT exam date schedule.
Who Is Eligible for NID DAT 2026?
Candidates should carefully read the eligibility criteria before completing the NID DAT 2026 registration:
- B.Des: Candidates should have passed or be appearing for 10+2 (any stream) examinations of a recognised board of CBSE, ICSE, IB or State Boards.
- M.Des: The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree in any field of study from a recognised university or institute.
- Age Limit: B.Des aspirants must have a date of birth on or after July 1, 2005 (relaxation in the case of reserved categories).
- Reservation: The seats are booked according to the Government of India guidelines for OBC, SC, ST, EWS, and PwD categories.
How to Apply for NID DAT 2026?
The application form is to be filled out online with the help of the official portal. The steps to follow are simple:
- Go to the website and click on the NID admission 2026 application form.
- Create an account with an authentic email address and phone number.
- Complete personal, educational, and other details.
- Provide scanned copies of your current photograph, signature and category certificate (where applicable).
- Pay the application fee:
- General: ₹3,000
- OBC-NCL/EWS: ₹3,000
- SC/ST: ₹1,500
- PwD: ₹500
- Post the form and save the confirmation page to refer to it later.
Be sure to submit your application before the deadline to prevent delays on the server or technical malfunctions.
If you’re exploring fashion design options, check out NIFT coaching in Mumbai for professional guidance alongside NID preparation.
If you’re passionate about interior design, discover how NID can help you build a successful career; read our blog on How NID Can Shape Your Future in Interior Design.
What Is the Exam Pattern for NID DAT 2026?
Understanding the NID DAT exam pattern for prelims and mains is key to effective preparation.
- DAT Prelims:
- Conducted in offline mode.
- Includes both objective (MCQ) and subjective (descriptive/sketching) questions.
- Tests creativity, visualisation, general design awareness, and analytical ability.
- DAT Mains:
- Shortlisted candidates from the prelims appear for the studio test and personal interview.
- Evaluates hands-on skills, innovation, communication, and problem-solving ability.
- Final Merit List:
- Prepared based on performance in the mains, category-wise cutoff, and overall score.
This structure ensures candidates are assessed comprehensively on both creative and conceptual fronts.
If your interests extend to visual storytelling and motion design, explore our digital and motion courses in Mumbai for practical learning.
Why Stay Updated on NID DAT 2026?
The NID admission procedure is competitive. Aspirants should keep a watch on all formal announcements, given that the NID DAT exam date is already announced.
B.Des applicants will be able to receive admit cards in December 2025 and have results announced in April 2026. Failure to meet a deadline may translate to another year of waiting to apply.
It will be a good idea to regularly check in at the official NID portal and keep up with reliable educational news and not miss any significant notification or change in exam procedures.
How to Prepare for NID DAT 2026?
NID admission preparation for 2026 needs to be done with innovativeness, logic and novelty. The steps to an effective plan are the following:
- Sketch daily to improve visualisation and proportion.
- Observation questions and creative problem-solving.
- Review the fundamentals of the design, colour theory, perspective, form, and balance.
- Do sample papers and mock tests to become accustomed to the pattern of questions.
- Make a portfolio (especially for M.Des) of your process and ideation.
- Stay updated on the NID DAT 2026 registration notifications.Â
In case you want to receive formal mentoring, you can enrol in a professional coaching programme or online course on NID preparation.
Start Building Your Future in Design Today
Conclusion
The NID admission 2026 registration has already begun, marking the start of the design entrance season. Good aspirants should start at a young age by studying the fundamentals of design, trying out mock papers and keeping track of announcements.
The NID DAT takes creativity, yet discipline and preparation strategy must be effective. Keep pace, keep practising, and submit your NID application form 2026 before the deadline.
For detailed assistance or preparation guidance, contact us today; we’re here to support your NID journey.
Komal Ullal
Ms. Komal Ullal, a recipient of the prestigious President’s Award and Co-founder of UAF, is an expert in student profiling, enhancing artistic skills, mentoring in design thinking and an inspiring women entrepreneur. With an impressive collection of 577 awards—including 196 trophies and 109 medals—earned in drawing and painting at both national and international levels, she was featured in the Limca Book of Records in 2007 as the youngest achiever of such accolades. Her passion and dedication continue to inspire budding artists and designers worldwide.
