As of January 27, 2026, the National Institute of Design is progressing with its 2026-27 admission cycle. While M.Des results are expected on February 17, candidates are already preparing for the intensive portfolio evaluation and studio tests. The B.Des prelims results are slated for April 7, marking the beginning of the next selection tier for undergraduate design hopefuls. Prospective students must monitor the official NID portal for the latest mandates on document submission and Mains stage schedules.

The National Institute of Design (NID) is steadily moving through its critical 2026-27 academic intake cycle. As of January 27, 2026, the focus has shifted toward the evaluation of thousands of digital portfolios and the preparation for the upcoming Studio Tests. Following the nationwide Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Prelims held on December 21, 2025, the selection committee is currently processing the initial screening results. While the official M.Des prelims results are scheduled for release on February 17, many postgraduate aspirants have already begun the portfolio refinement process, as this stage carries significant weight in the final merit calculation.

Upcoming Milestones for B.Des and M.Des

The official NID admission calendar highlights a staggered timeline to manage the rigorous evaluation of creative talent across its seven campuses.

• M.Des Prelims Result: Expected on February 17, 2026, at 4:00 PM.
• B.Des Prelims Result: Slated for publication on April 7, 2026, at 4:00 PM via the official portal.
• Mains Phase: Shortlisted M.Des candidates will undergo studio tests and interviews starting in March, while B.Des mains are tentatively planned for April and May 2026.
• Portfolio Submission: Postgraduate applicants must ensure their digital portfolio is ready for review immediately following the prelims result declaration.

The Role of Portfolio in Final Merit

For the 2026-27 session, NID has emphasized a more holistic selection process. For M.Des candidates, the portfolio evaluation serves as a direct window into the applicant's design philosophy, technical skill, and ability to solve complex problems.

• Documentation: A typical NID portfolio should include 10–15 curated projects that demonstrate a range of skills, from observational sketching to 3D prototyping.
• Studio Test Weightage: In a notable update for the 2026 cycle, the weightage for the DAT Mains—consisting of the studio test and interview—has been clearly defined, with some undergraduate programs shifting entirely toward Mains performance for the final merit rank.

Key Dates for NID DAT 2026 Aspirants

Candidates are advised to keep track of these essential dates to ensure they complete all selection requirements on time.

Conclusion

As the January 27 status report confirms, the NID admission cycle is proceeding exactly as per the announced schedule. Aspirants should treat this period as the prime time for selection preparation, shifting their focus from theoretical design concepts to practical, hands-on work. With the portfolio review acting as a decisive factor for M.Des candidates and the studio test looming for B.Des hopefuls, the next few months will be the most demanding phase of the 2026 design intake. Regular visits to the NID website are recommended to stay updated on any specific instructions regarding material handling or interview formats for the Mains round.