National Institute of Design: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Bhopal Campus Life

About National Institute of Design - [NID] Bhopal

The National Institute of Design, Madhya Pradesh (NID MP), established in 2019, is located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. It is an autonomous institute of national importance under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. NID MP was set up as part of the National Design Policy to expand design education across India.

NID MP holds recognition as an Institution of National Importance and offers Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) degrees in Industrial Design, Communication Design, and Textile & Apparel Design. The institute operates on a 29.49-acre residential campus and has graduated its first batch in 2023. It is known for its focus on innovation, indigenous design solutions, and alignment with national initiatives like Make in India and Skill India.

Key Highlights

Overview

The National Institute of Design, Madhya Pradesh (NID MP), established in 2019, is located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. It is an autonomous institute of national importance under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. NID MP was set up as part of the National Design Policy to expand design education across India.

NID MP holds recognition as an Institution of National Importance and offers Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) degrees in Industrial Design, Communication Design, and Textile & Apparel Design. The institute operates on a 29.49-acre residential campus and has graduated its first batch in 2023. It is known for its focus on innovation, indigenous design solutions, and alignment with national initiatives like Make in India and Skill India.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

The National Institute of Design (NID) Bhopal admission for 2026 is conducted through the common Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT), which includes two stages: Prelims and Mains. The application process is online, and admission is based on performance in these exams followed by counselling. The key programs offered are Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des).

Admission Process

Admission to the National Institute of Design (NID) Bhopal for the Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) program is through the two-stage Design Aptitude Test (DAT), consisting of Prelims and Mains. Candidates must register online, appear for the DAT Prelims, and qualify for the Mains for final selection.

B.Des. Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register online on the official NID admission portal starting September 2025.
2. Fill out the application form with personal, educational, and category details.
3. Upload required documents including photograph, signature, and category certificates.
4. Pay the application fee online and print the confirmation receipt.
5. Appear for the DAT Prelims exam scheduled for December 21, 2025.
6. Check DAT Prelims results and, if shortlisted, appear for the DAT Mains exam.
7. After final selection, complete document verification and pay the admission fees.
8. Join the mandatory one-year Foundation Program before specialization allocation.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• Recent passport-sized photograph
• Signature scan
• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
• Caste/Category certificate (if applicable)
• Disability certificate (if applicable)
• Passport copy (for foreign nationals)

Cutoff 2025

The National Institute of Design (NID) Bhopal B.Des admission cutoffs in 2025 showed a slight decrease compared to 2024 across all categories. The closing marks for the General category were 55, with OBC, SC, ST, and EWS categories having proportionally lower cutoffs. Communication Design remains the most preferred course, with consistent cutoff trends across other design specializations.

Placements 2025

National Institute of Design (NID) Bhopal recorded a strong placement season in 2025, with a highest package of ₹25 LPA and an average package of ₹10 LPA. The placement rate stood around 60%, with over 50 companies participating, including top recruiters from IT, consulting, and core design sectors.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

IT: Tech Mahindra, Amazon, Cisco, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Adobe

Consulting: DE Shaw, Clever Tap

Core: Aditya Birla, Raw Mango, Suta, Studio Carbon, Bombay Design House

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

National Institute of Design (NID) Bhopal is recognized among the top government design institutes in India in 2025, featuring prominently in specialized design rankings though it does not appear in the NIRF overall or architecture-specific rankings. It holds a strong reputation in design education IIRF and other design-focused rankings.

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• AICTE: Approved
• UGC: Accredited

Scholarships & Financial Aid

National Institute of Design (NID) Bhopal offers merit-based scholarships to students excelling in entrance ranks and academic performance, with amounts ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 annually. Additionally, students can avail various central and state government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal and Madhya Pradesh state schemes, especially for economically weaker sections and reserved categories.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education for ST Students: Financial assistance for ST students pursuing higher education, disbursed via NSP.
• Saksham Scholarship: For specially-abled students enrolled at NID, amount varies based on eligibility.

Comparison

National Institute of Design (NID) Bhopal is compared with Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) IDC School of Design and National Institute of Design Ahmedabad as they are premier government design institutes in India known for their strong design programs, industry connections, and placement records.

Key Strengths

• National Institute of Design - [NID] Bhopal: Emerging design institute with strong government backing, modern curriculum, and growing industry collaborations.
• Indian Institute of Technology Bombay - IDC School of Design: Part of IIT Bombay with strong technical integration, research focus, and excellent placement records.
• National Institute of Design - Ahmedabad: Oldest and most prestigious design institute in India with global recognition and extensive alumni network.

Campus & Infrastructure

The National Institute of Design (NID) Bhopal campus is a green, residential facility spread over 29.49 acres at Acharpura, Bhopal, with a scenic hill backdrop. It features modern architecture with state-of-the-art classrooms, workshops, and sports facilities designed to foster creativity and holistic development.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: Well-stocked Knowledge Management Center with extensive print and digital resources
• Labs: Multiple design laboratories and workshops equipped with professional design equipment
• Classrooms: Spacious, air-conditioned smart classrooms

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Auditorium with 500+ seating capacity
• Sports facilities: Football ground, cricket pitch, badminton court, basketball court, volleyball court, tennis court, jogging track
• Gymnasium and open gym
• Medical facilities including a health center with doctors and specialists
• Wi-Fi enabled campus
• Cafeteria and cafe kiosks
• Mobile ATM service twice a week
• Amphitheatre and multi-facility rejuvenation center

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility criteria for admission to the BDes program at NID Bhopal?

Candidates must have passed Class 12th from any recognized board in any stream. The maximum age limit for general category candidates is 20 years as of July 1 of the admission year, with relaxations for reserved categories.

How is the admission process conducted for NID Bhopal?

Admission is based on the Design Aptitude Test (DAT), conducted in two stages: DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. Final selection depends on combined scores from both stages, followed by document verification and fee payment.

What is the application fee for NID Bhopal admission?

The application fee for NID Bhopal admission is ₹3,000, payable online during the application process on the official website.

What is the fee structure for the BDes program at NID Bhopal?

The total fee for the BDes program ranges approximately from ₹1.09 lakh to ₹10.9 lakh, depending on the year and specific course components.

Are scholarships available for students at NID Bhopal?

NID Bhopal offers a wide range of scholarships, including merit-based and need-based options, supported by government and institutional funds to assist eligible students financially.

What is the average placement package at NID Bhopal?

The average placement package at NID Bhopal is around ₹10 lakh per annum, with top recruiters offering roles in product design, UI/UX, textile design, and graphic design.

Which companies recruit from NID Bhopal?

Over 50 companies participate in campus placements, including leading design studios, tech firms, and manufacturing companies offering internships and job roles.

What is the placement rate at NID Bhopal?

The placement rate is approximately 60-70%, with many students opting for self-employment or higher studies alongside campus placements.

What specializations are offered in the BDes program at NID Bhopal?

NID Bhopal offers specializations in Industrial Design, Textile and Apparel Design, and Communication Design, with seat intake distributed among these disciplines.

How experienced is the faculty at NID Bhopal?

The faculty comprises experienced design professionals and academicians with expertise in various design fields, supporting a hands-on, project-based learning approach.

What are the hostel facilities like at NID Bhopal?

Separate hostels for boys and girls are available with furnished rooms, 24/7 security, internet Wi-Fi, and mess facilities. Hostel accommodation is mandatory for most students.

Is the food quality in the NID Bhopal mess satisfactory?

The mess provides regular meals with good quality food, managed under a contractual basis and overseen by a Students’ Mess Committee.

Are there any student clubs or cultural fests at NID Bhopal?

NID Bhopal has active student clubs and organizes vibrant cultural and social events, fostering a creative and collaborative campus environment.

What is the campus location and connectivity of NID Bhopal?

The campus is located in Acharpura, on the outskirts of Bhopal, spread over 29.49 acres with a green, peaceful environment. The institute provides bus services to the city; the nearest major railway station is Bhopal Junction.

Is there a dress code or uniform at NID Bhopal?

There is no uniform at NID Bhopal; the institute encourages creative self-expression through flexible dress codes.

Can students pursue part-time jobs while studying at NID Bhopal?

While the curriculum is intensive and project-based, students may explore part-time opportunities, but the institute does not officially facilitate or encourage part-time jobs.

What are the laptop or technical requirements for students at NID Bhopal?

Students are expected to have laptops with design software capabilities, but the institute also provides well-equipped labs and workshops with necessary design tools and equipment.

How does NID Bhopal compare with other NID campuses in terms of reputation and facilities?

NID Bhopal is an Institute of National Importance with modern infrastructure, NAAC A+ accreditation, and a growing reputation, comparable to other NID campuses with a focus on innovation and design thinking.

What is the return on investment (ROI) for studying at NID Bhopal?

With an average placement package of ₹10 lakh per annum and strong industry connections, NID Bhopal offers a high ROI for design education relative to its fee structure.

Does NID Bhopal have an active alumni network?

NID Bhopal has a growing alumni network engaged in diverse design fields, contributing to mentorship, industry connections, and collaborative opportunities for current students.