As the NID DAT 2026 prelims conclude, shortlisted candidates are now entering the critical Mains and portfolio review phases. The National Institute of Design has structured the 2026 selection process to prioritize hands-on evaluation for both B.Des and M.Des aspirants. Shortlisted students must prepare their creative portfolios for the upcoming studio tests and personal interviews scheduled for March and April. With the M.Des prelims result expected on February 17, staying updated on documentation requirements is essential for a successful transition to the final merit round.

Following the successful conduct of the preliminary entrance exams on December 21, the focus for design aspirants has shifted toward the intensive selection phases of the NID DAT 2026. As of January 28, candidates who appeared for the Master of Design (M.Des) and Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs are actively preparing for the "Mains" stage, which includes studio tests and personal interactions. This transitional period is vital, as the National Institute of Design has revised its selection criteria for the 2026-27 academic session, placing 100% weightage on the Mains performance for the final merit list. Consequently, the preliminary scores now serve exclusively as a qualifying gateway to reach these advanced evaluation rounds.

Emphasis on Portfolio Review and Studio Tests

The current stage of the admission cycle requires students to move beyond theoretical knowledge and demonstrate practical design sensibility through their work.

• Portfolio Development: M.Des candidates are currently refining their creative bodies of work for the mandatory portfolio review. This stage allows faculty members to assess the applicant's technical skills, conceptual depth, and evolution as a designer.
• Studio Test Preparation: For B.Des students, the upcoming Mains will focus on the "Studio Sensitivity Test" (60%) and "In-person Sensitivity Test" (40%). These sessions involve 3D modeling, material handling, and spontaneous problem-solving tasks.
• M.Des Interview Focus: Unlike undergraduate courses, the postgraduate Mains include a personal interview (60% weightage) alongside a faculty-specific studio test (40% weightage).
• Document Readiness: Aspirants are advised to keep their physical and digital portfolios updated to meet the specific requirements of the official NID admissions portal.

Key Timelines for 2026 Aspirants

While the preliminary results are still pending for B.Des, the timeline for M.Des candidates is moving rapidly toward the final selection rounds.

• M.Des Prelims Result: The results for the postgraduate preliminary exam are scheduled to be declared on February 17, 2026.
• B.Des Prelims Result: Undergraduate aspirants will receive their scores on April 7, 2026, marking the start of their intensive studio test stage.
• Mains Admit Cards: For M.Des, the admit cards for the studio tests and interviews will be released in late February 2026.
• Final Merit List: The culmination of the 2026 admission process will be the release of the final merit list in May, followed by counseling and campus allotment.

Strategic Preparation for the Final Rounds

With the stakes higher than ever due to the weightage shift, many students are seeking expert guidance for the portfolio review and studio test stage.

• Material Handling: Success in the 2026 Mains often depends on a candidate's ability to manipulate unconventional materials like wire, clay, and paper under strict time constraints.
• Narrative Building: The personal interview is no longer just a formality; it is a critical selection tool used to gauge a student's design philosophy and long-term career goals.
• Mock Interviews: Several design coaching centers have launched "Mains-only" crash courses this January to help students simulate the high-pressure environment of the NID studio tests.
• Campus Preferences: B.Des candidates should also begin researching the unique strengths of various NID campuses (Ahmedabad, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam) to prepare for the preference-filling round in May.

Conclusion

As of January 28, the NID DAT 2026 process has entered its most creative and demanding stage. The shift toward a Mains-heavy selection model underscores NID's commitment to finding students with genuine practical talent rather than just test-taking skills. Whether it is through rigorous model-making practice or the meticulous curation of a design portfolio, the activities of the current week will determine who secures a seat in India's premier design institution. Aspirants are urged to remain focused on the official 2026-27 admission handbook for any mid-session updates regarding venue shifts or interview formats.