The NID DAT 2026 notification is expected in the first week of September 2025, opening registrations for admission to B.Des and M.Des programs at the prestigious National Institute of Design.
Based on past trends, the application window will run till December 2025, followed by the Prelims in January 2026 and Mains in March–April 2026, with results in May. Candidates must meet age and educational eligibility, apply online at admissions.nid.edu, and prepare for both objective and creative tests. Stay connected with AUBSP for official updates, preparation tips, and expert guidance.
NID DAT Exam 2026: Notification Expected Soon
The National Institute of Design (NID) will soon release the official notification for the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) 2026. This exam is the gateway to undergraduate (B.Des) and postgraduate (M.Des) design programs at NID’s various campuses. The official notification and information brochure are expected to be released in the first week of September 2025 on the official admissions website, admissions.nid.edu.
Why NID DAT 2026 Matters for Design Aspirants
NID is globally recognized for its excellence in design education. Clearing the NID DAT exam not only opens doors to world-class design training but also gives you access to lucrative career opportunities in fields like UX/UI design, fashion, product design, visual communication, and more. Each year, thousands of aspirants compete for a limited number of seats, making the exam highly competitive.
This is why preparing with the right knowledge, deadlines, and strategy is crucial. AUBSP ensures you stay ahead of the competition by breaking down every important detail of NID DAT 2026 in a student-friendly manner.
Key Dates for NID DAT 2026
Planning ahead is half the battle won. By analyzing previous years’ trends, we can estimate the timeline for NID DAT 2026. These dates may shift slightly once the official notification is out, but they serve as an excellent planning framework for aspirants.
Expected NID DAT 2026 Schedule:
- Application Starts: First week of September 2025
- Last Date to Apply: First week of December 2025
- Correction Window: Second week of December 2025
- Prelims Admit Card: Fourth week of December 2025
- Prelims Exam: First week of January 2026
- Prelims Result (M.Des): Third week of February 2026
- Prelims Result (B.Des): First week of April 2026
- Mains Admit Card (M.Des): Fourth week of February 2026
- Mains Admit Card (B.Des): Second week of April 2026
- M.Des Mains Exam: March–April 2026
- B.Des Mains Exam: Fourth week of April 2026
- Final Result Declaration: May 2026
👉 Pro Tip: Keep checking admissions.nid.edu and bookmark AUBSP for real-time updates on any changes.
NID DAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Meeting the eligibility is non-negotiable. If you don’t meet the prescribed age or educational qualifications, your application may be rejected. Below is the detailed eligibility breakdown for both B.Des and M.Des aspirants.
For B.Des Applicants
- Educational Qualification: Passed or appearing in Class 12 (10+2) from any recognized board (Science/Commerce/Arts/Humanities).
- Age Criteria (as on July 1, 2025):
- General/EWS: Born on or after July 1, 2005
- OBC-NCL/SC/ST: Born on or after July 1, 2002
- PwD: Born on or after July 1, 2000
- Overseas: Born on or after July 1, 2005
For M.Des Applicants
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree of at least 3 years in any discipline from a recognized institution.
- Age Criteria (as on July 1, 2025):
- General/EWS/Overseas: Born on or after July 1, 1993
- OBC-NCL/SC/ST: Born on or after July 1, 1990
- PwD: Born on or after July 1, 1988
👉 AUBSP Tip: Double-check your documents to confirm that your age certificate, degree marksheets, and category certificates align with the eligibility rules before applying.
NID DAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The exam pattern plays a crucial role in shaping your preparation strategy. NID DAT consists of two stages—Prelims and Mains—each designed to evaluate creativity, problem-solving, and design thinking.
DAT Prelims (Stage 1)
- Mode: Written Test | Duration: 3 Hours | Marks: 100
- Sections:
- Part I (Objective): GK, Current Affairs, Analytical Ability, English Comprehension
- Part II (Subjective): Design Aptitude, Creativity, Visualization, Drawing & Problem-Solving
- Weightage: 40% (B.Des) | 30% (M.Des)
- Important Note: No negative marking
DAT Mains (Stage 2)
- Mode: Practical Test + Interview
- Components:
- Studio Test: Hands-on tasks like sketching, material manipulation, doodling, or model making
- Portfolio Review (M.Des only): Presentation of design portfolio showcasing previous work
- Interview: Assessment of communication skills, passion for design, and awareness
- Weightage: 60% (B.Des) | 70% (M.Des: Studio Test 40% + Interview 30%)
👉 AUBSP Tip: Focus equally on conceptual knowledge and creative practice. While Prelims demand analytical clarity, Mains emphasize applied creativity and portfolio strength.
NID DAT 2026 Application Process and Fees
Applications will be accepted only online through admissions.nid.edu. It’s important to fill the form correctly, as details cannot be changed later except during the correction window.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Register: Sign up with your name, email ID, and mobile number.
- Login & Form Filling: Enter personal, academic, and contact details. Choose your exam center.
- Upload Documents: Photograph, signature, category certificate, PwD/overseas documents.
- Fee Payment: Pay securely via debit card, credit card, or net banking.
Expected Application Fees:
| Category | B.Des Fee | M.Des Fee (1 Discipline) | M.Des Fee (2 Disciplines) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/EWS/OBC-NCL | ₹3,000 | ₹3,000 | ₹6,000 |
| SC/ST/PwD | ₹1,500 | ₹1,500 | ₹3,000 |
| Overseas | ₹5,000 | ₹5,000 | ₹10,000 |
👉 AUBSP Tip: Apply well before the deadline to avoid last-day payment failures.
Documents Required for NID DAT 2026
Candidates must keep scanned documents ready before starting the application. Incorrect formats or large file sizes may lead to rejection.
Documents Checklist:
- Passport-size photo (50–200 KB, JPG/JPEG)
- Scanned signature (50–200 KB, JPG/JPEG)
- Category Certificate (OBC-NCL/SC/ST/EWS) in PDF (up to 1 MB)
- PwD Certificate (if applicable, PDF up to 1 MB)
- Passport (first & last page) for overseas candidates (PDF up to 1 MB)
NID DAT 2026 Exam Centers
The Prelims exam is conducted across multiple cities in India, while the Mains exam is usually held at NID campuses. Candidates must select their preferred exam city while applying. NID has a total of 425 seats for the B.Des program and 347 seats for the M.Des program across its campuses.
Common Prelims Centers: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Patna, Ranchi, Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada, among others.
👉 AUBSP Tip: Choose an exam center closest to your residence for convenience and lower travel stress.
Preparation Tips for NID DAT 2026
Cracking NID DAT requires creativity, awareness, and consistent practice. Unlike standard exams, DAT emphasizes original thinking.
AUBSP Expert Preparation Tips:
- Practice Sketching Daily: Enhance your drawing, visualization, and presentation skills.
- Stay Updated on Current Affairs: Read newspapers, design blogs, and magazines regularly.
- Build a Portfolio (for M.Des): Showcase diversity in your work—sketches, projects, designs.
- Take Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions to improve time management.
- Analyze Previous Papers: Understand recurring question types and difficulty level.
👉 Remember: Creativity + Clarity + Practice = Success in NID DAT.
Career Opportunities After NID
Graduating from NID opens doors to prestigious design careers in India and abroad. Alumni work with leading brands, startups, and even pursue entrepreneurship.
Popular Career Paths After NID:
- UX/UI Designer
- Fashion & Textile Designer
- Product Designer
- Graphic & Visual Communication Designer
- Animation & Film Designer
- Design Entrepreneur
NID graduates are highly sought-after by multinational corporations, design studios, tech companies, and creative industries.
Stay Ahead with AUBSP
The NID DAT 2026 exam is a golden opportunity for creative minds aspiring to build a future in design. With limited seats and growing competition, structured preparation is the key.
We ensure aspirants have access to accurate updates, in-depth guides, preparation tips, and expert strategies. Bookmark this page and follow AUBSP to stay ahead in your NID DAT 2026 journey.
👉 Stay tuned for mock test series, strategy guides, and latest NID updates—only on AUBSP.com
FAQs on NID DAT 2026
What is the NID DAT Exam 2026?
The NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) 2026 is the national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Institute of Design for admission to its undergraduate (B.Des) and postgraduate (M.Des) design programs.
When will the NID DAT 2026 notification be released?
The official notification is expected to be released in the first week of September 2025 on the admissions portal, admissions.nid.edu.
What are the tentative key dates for NID DAT 2026?
Applications will open in September 2025, with the last date in December 2025. DAT Prelims are expected in January 2026. M.Des prelims results will be in February 2026, while B.Des prelims results will likely be declared in April 2026. DAT Mains will be held between March and May 2026, and final results will be declared in May 2026.
Who is eligible to apply for B.Des at NID?
Applicants must have passed or be appearing for Class 12 in any stream from a recognized board. They must also meet the age criteria as per category requirements.
What is the age limit for B.Des applicants?
General/EWS candidates must be born on or after July 1, 2005. OBC-NCL/SC/ST candidates must be born on or after July 1, 2002. PwD candidates must be born on or after July 1, 2000. Foreign nationals must be born on or after July 1, 2005.
Who is eligible to apply for M.Des at NID?
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree of at least 3 years duration in any specialization from a recognized university or institute.
What is the age limit for M.Des applicants?
General/EWS candidates must be born on or after July 1, 1994. OBC-NCL/SC/ST candidates must be born on or after July 1, 1991. PwD candidates must be born on or after July 1, 1989.
How can candidates apply for NID DAT 2026?
The application process is completely online through admissions.nid.edu. Candidates need to register, fill in details, upload documents, and pay the application fee.
What are the application fees for NID DAT 2026?
For B.Des or M.Des (1 discipline), General/EWS/OBC-NCL candidates pay ₹3,000, SC/ST/PwD candidates pay ₹1,500, and Overseas candidates pay ₹5,000. For M.Des (2 disciplines), the fee is ₹6,000 for General/EWS/OBC-NCL, ₹3,000 for SC/ST/PwD, and ₹10,000 for Overseas candidates.
What is the exam pattern of NID DAT 2026?
The exam has two stages: DAT Prelims (written test) and DAT Mains (studio test and interview). Prelims include both MCQs and subjective questions, while Mains focus on hands-on design skills and interviews.
How is the final score calculated for B.Des?
For B.Des, DAT Prelims carries 40% weightage and DAT Mains carries 60% weightage.
How is the final score calculated for M.Des?
For M.Des, DAT Prelims carries 30% weightage, DAT Mains Studio Test carries 40%, and the Personal Interview carries 30%.
Is there an official syllabus for NID DAT 2026?
No, NID does not release an official syllabus. However, questions typically cover drawing, color theory, composition, visual logic, creative problem-solving, and general knowledge related to art and culture.
What skills are tested in DAT Prelims?
DAT Prelims test design aptitude, creative thinking, drawing skills, observation, logical reasoning, and general awareness.
What happens in DAT Mains for B.Des candidates?
B.Des candidates undergo a Studio Test where they are assessed on creative problem-solving, material handling, and innovation.
What happens in DAT Mains for M.Des candidates?
M.Des candidates face a Studio Test followed by a Personal Interview and Portfolio Review.
Where are the NID DAT exam centers located?
DAT Prelims are held in multiple cities across India, and candidates can select their preferred center while applying.
How many seats are available for B.Des at NID?
There are 425 seats for B.Des across NID campuses.
How many seats are available for M.Des at NID?
There are 347 seats for M.Des across NID campuses.
Which campuses offer B.Des programs?
B.Des programs are offered at NID Ahmedabad, NID Andhra Pradesh, NID Haryana, NID Madhya Pradesh, and NID Assam.
Which campuses offer M.Des programs?
M.Des programs are offered at NID Ahmedabad, NID Bengaluru, and NID Gandhinagar.
What specializations are available for B.Des at NID Ahmedabad?
Specializations include Animation Film Design, Film & Video Communication, Graphic Design, Ceramic & Glass Design, Furniture & Interior Design, Product Design, and Textile Design.
What specializations are offered at new B.Des campuses?
The new campuses at Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam offer broader disciplines such as Communication Design, Industrial Design, and Textile & Apparel Design.
What specializations are available for M.Des at NID campuses?
NID Ahmedabad offers a wide range of design specializations, NID Bengaluru focuses on Digital Game Design and Interaction Design, while NID Gandhinagar offers areas like Transportation & Automobile Design and Photography Design.
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