NID DAT 2026: Exam Date, Syllabus, Eligibility, Pattern, Registration & Design Admission Guide

What is NID DAT?

The National Institute of Design Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT) is a national-level entrance examination conducted annually by the National Institute of Design (NID) for admission to Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs across its campuses in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Madhya Pradesh. Established under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, NID DAT evaluates candidates' aptitude for design through a two-stage process: Prelims (objective and subjective screening) and Mains (studio test and interview). 

Annually, over 20,000 candidates appear for approximately 1,000 B.Des seats and 400 M.Des seats in specializations like Product Design, Communication Design, Textile Design, and Film & Video Design. Students take NID DAT to access world-class design education at NID, known for its innovative curriculum, industry collaborations, and strong placements (average package 8–12 LPA, highest up to 30 LPA). It is a preferred choice for aspiring designers seeking practical, creative training without the broader scope of exams like UCEED (tech-focused) or NIFT (fashion-specific), offering a focused pathway to careers in industrial, visual, and digital design.

NID DAT 2026 Highlights

NID DAT 2026 features a two-stage process with Prelims emphasizing aptitude and Mains focusing on studio skills.

NID DAT 2026 Important Dates

NID will release the official notification on September, 2026. The tentative schedule is as follows:

NID DAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet NID's criteria, with relaxations for reserved categories. Non-Indian nationals can apply under separate quotas.

• Nationality: Indian nationals; Foreign nationals/NRIs/OCIs/PIOs eligible under NRI quota (5% supernumerary seats).
• B.Des (UG): Passed or appearing in Class 12 from a recognized board (any stream).
• M.Des (PG): Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
• Minimum Marks: No minimum percentage required; merit-based selection.
• Age Limit: Born on or after August 1, 2005 for B.Des (5-year relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD).
• Attempts: No limit.

NID DAT 2026 Application Form: Step-by-Step Guide

The entire process is online only at admissions.nid.edu.

• Visit admissions.nid.edu → Click “Apply Now”
• Register with email & mobile → Verify OTP → Generate Login ID & Password
• Log in → Select B.Des / M.Des / Both → Fill personal, academic, category details
• Upload recent passport-size photograph, signature, and certificates (caste/EWS/PwD if applicable)
• Pay application fee online (Net Banking / Card / UPI)
• Submit and download filled application + payment receipt

NID DAT 2026 Application Fees

Non-refundable fee (2026 structure):

Document Specifications for Upload

NID DAT Application Correction Window & Exam Centres

• Correction Window: December, 2026 (limited fields: photo, signature, category, test centre).
• Prelims Centres: 30+ cities across India (Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, etc.).
• Mains Centres: Only at NID campuses (Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Gandhinagar, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh).

NID DAT 2026 Exam Pattern

NID DAT is a two-stage exam: Prelims (screening) and Mains (final selection). Only Prelims-qualified candidates appear for Mains.

NID DAT Prelims 2026 Detailed Pattern

• Part A: Objective (MCQs) – 40–50 questions on design aptitude, visualization, GK, logic
• Part B: Subjective – 3–5 drawing/sketching questions (human figures, perspective, product design, theme-based)
• No negative marking
• Marks distribution varies every year

NID DAT 2026 Detailed Syllabus

The syllabus tests creativity, observation, and design thinking:

• Visualization & Spatial Ability
• Observation & Design Sensitivity
• Environmental & Social Awareness
• Analytical & Logical Reasoning
• Language & Creativity
• Design Thinking & Problem Solving
• Drawing & Sketching Skills (human figures, objects, perspective, theme-based stories)

NID DAT 2026 Best Books & Resources

How to Download NID DAT 2026 Admit Card

Admit cards are released separately for Prelims and Mains.

• Visit admissions.nid.edu → Log in with Email ID & Password
• Download Prelims admit card (December 11, 2025) and Mains admit card (February 2026)
• Print in colour and carry with original photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID)

NID DAT 2026 Exam Day Instructions

• Report 60 minutes before exam time
• Entry closes 30 minutes before start
• Prohibited items: Mobile, calculator, smart watch, notes, bags
• For Prelims: Carry black/blue ballpoint pen, HB pencils, eraser, sharpener, dry colours
• For Mains: Bring portfolio (A3/A2 size) with 10–15 best works

NID DAT Cutoff Trends (Prelims Qualifying Marks out of 100 – General Category)

NID Fees: Annual Tuition Fee (2026–27 Expected)

Hostel + mess extra: ₹1.5–2.5 lakh/year.

NID DAT 2026 Counselling & Seat Allotment

Counselling is fully online with multiple rounds.

• Choice filling: Select campus + discipline
• 3–5 rounds of seat allotment
• Seat acceptance fee: ₹50,000 (adjusted in first-year fee)
• Documents required: NID scorecard, 10th/12th/graduation marksheets, portfolio, category certificate, photo ID
• Reservation: SC 15%, ST 7.5%, OBC-NCL 27%, EWS 10%, PwD 5%

NID DAT 2026 Result & Merit List

Results are declared in two stages.

• Prelims result: January 2026 (marks + shortlist status)
• Final merit list: April 2026 (combined Prelims + Mains weightage)
• Separate rank lists for B.Des and M.Des
• Download from admissions.nid.edu

NID DAT vs UCEED vs NIFT: Key Comparison

NID DAT, UCEED, and NIFT are premier design entrances, but differ in focus: NID DAT emphasizes creative aptitude and studio skills, UCEED tech/UI/UX design, NIFT fashion/textiles. Difficulty: UCEED > NID DAT > NIFT. Pattern: NID DAT has Prelims (MCQ + subjective) + Mains (studio); UCEED MCQ + drawing; NIFT GAT + CAT + situation test.

FAQs

1. Is NID DAT tougher than UCEED?

No. UCEED is tougher due to its analytical, numerical, and complex sketching questions. NID DAT Prelims is more creative and drawing-heavy, while Mains (studio test + portfolio) is the real differentiator. Students with strong sketching and ideation usually find NID easier than UCEED.

2. What is a safe score in NID DAT Prelims for Ahmedabad campus?

General category: 68–72+ marks out of 100 for B.Des. Top 500–800 AIR almost guarantees Ahmedabad; 900–1500 AIR gets Gandhinagar/Bengaluru.

3. Is portfolio compulsory for NID Mains?

Yes. You must carry an A3/A2 portfolio with 10–15 best works (sketches, paintings, 3D models, digital art). Quality and diversity matter more than quantity.

4. Can I prepare for NID DAT and UCEED together?

Yes, 80% syllabus overlaps (visualization, drawing, design thinking). Extra focus on studio test practice for NID and NAT questions for UCEED.

5. Which campus is best in NID?

NID Ahmedabad > NID Gandhinagar/Bengaluru > Haryana/AP/Assam/MP. Ahmedabad has the best faculty, industry exposure, and placements (highest 25–30 LPA).

6. Is coaching necessary for NID DAT?

Not compulsory, but 95% of toppers join coaching (SILICA, Pahal, BRDS, DQ Labs) for structured drawing practice, mock studio tests, and portfolio building.

7. How many students appear for NID DAT?

Around 20,000–25,000 for B.Des and 10,000+ for M.Des every year.

8. Is there negative marking in NID DAT Prelims?

No negative marking. Attempt all questions.

9. Which branch is most popular in NID?

Communication Design (Graphic, Animation, Film & Video) > Product Design > Textile & Apparel Design. Communication has highest seats and placements.

10. What is the fee in NID Ahmedabad?

B.Des: ≈ ₹4–4.5 lakh/year (General), ₹2–2.25 lakh (SC/ST/PwD). Hostel + mess extra ≈ ₹2 lakh/year.

11. Can I get into NID without drawing skills?

Very difficult. Both Prelims (subjective sketching) and Mains (studio test) heavily test drawing, observation, and ideation skills.

12. Is Maths compulsory for NID?

No. Class 12 from any stream (Science/Commerce/Arts) is eligible.

13. How to prepare for NID Mains studio test?

Practice clay modelling, doodling, material handling (paper, cardboard, wire), group discussion, and theme-based storytelling. Join a good coaching for 2–3 months of hands-on practice.

14. Is hostel compulsory in NID?

Yes for first-year students. Optional from second year at some campuses.

15. Which is better: NID Ahmedabad or NIFT Delhi?

For product/industrial/communication design: NID Ahmedabad. For fashion/textile/accessory design: NIFT Delhi. NID has better international recognition and research focus.

16. Can I change campus after admission?

No. Campus allotment is final. Only discipline change within the same campus is sometimes allowed after first year.

17. What is the placement record of NID?

95–100% placement. Average package: 10–15 LPA (B.Des), 12–18 LPA (M.Des). Top recruiters: Google, Microsoft, Titan, Philips, Infosys, Tata Elxsi.

18. Is there reservation in NID?

Yes. SC 15%, ST 7.5%, OBC-NCL 27%, EWS 10%, PwD 5% (horizontal). 5% supernumerary seats for NRI/Foreign nationals.

19. Which is easier: NID DAT or NIFT?

NIFT is easier (more objective, fashion-specific). NID DAT is tougher due to subjective drawing and studio test.

20. Can I appear for both B.Des and M.Des?

Yes, by paying double fee and appearing for both exams. Separate merit lists.

21. Is 60 marks enough for NID Haryana or Andhra Pradesh?

Yes. 58–62 marks (General) usually gets newer campuses (Haryana, AP, Assam, MP).

22. Is there any bond after NID?

No bond or compulsory service. You are free to work anywhere after graduation.

23. Which coaching is best for NID DAT?

SILICA (Mumbai/Pune), Pahal Design (Delhi/Ahmedabad), BRDS, and DQ Labs are the most trusted with consistent toppers.