Following the NID DAT Prelims on December 21, 2025, the National Institute of Design is preparing for the DAT Mains 2026. This article covers the upcoming studio tests, portfolio reviews, and personal interviews for B.Des and M.Des aspirants.

National Institute of Design (NID) has moved beyond the first stage of its competitive admission cycle. With the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Prelims concluded on December 21, 2025, the focus for thousands of design aspirants has shifted to the second and more intensive phase: the DAT Mains. This stage is pivotal as it moves away from theoretical aptitude toward the practical application of design thinking through hands-on tasks and creative expression.

• Shortlisting Process: While the Prelims results for M.Des are expected on February 17 and for B.Des on April 7, candidates are already refining their work for the studio test rounds.
• Mains Components: The DAT Mains for the 2026-27 session includes a variety of assessments, such as the Studio Test, Statement of Purpose (SoP) submission, and, specifically for M.Des candidates, a comprehensive portfolio review.
• Evaluation Weightage: For the current cycle, the final merit list is primarily determined by performance in the Mains. For B.Des, the Studio Test carries a 60% weightage, while for M.Des, the interview and portfolio components hold significant importance.
• Reporting Guidelines: Candidates appearing for the physical rounds at various NID campuses must ensure they have their updated admit cards, which will be issued tentatively starting in February for M.Des.

Deep Dive into Studio Tests and Portfolio Requirements

The studio test is the heart of the NID Mains, designed to test a candidate's material handling and creative problem-solving skills under strict time constraints. Simultaneously, the portfolio acts as a visual narrative of an applicant's design journey, showcasing their unique voice and technical versatility.

• Material Handling: Candidates are often provided with diverse materials—such as clay, wire, or paper—and tasked with creating a 3D model that solves a specific situational problem.
• Thematic Appreciation: This part of the admission process evaluates how a candidate perceives and interprets complex social or environmental themes through visual storytelling and sketching.
• Portfolio Curation: A successful portfolio for 2026 should not just be a collection of finished works; it must demonstrate the "process" including initial sketches, iterations, and the final conceptualization.
• Personal Interview: For M.Des, the interaction with the faculty panel focuses on the candidate's motivation, their understanding of the chosen discipline, and the projects highlighted in their creative folder.

NID DAT 2026 Admission Schedule (Mains & Beyond)

Conclusion

The 2026 NID admission cycle represents a rigorous journey from a broad screening of thousands to a highly curated selection of the most promising designers. As the results of the Prelims approach, the preparation for the studio test and the refinement of the portfolio remain the top priorities for serious aspirants. The successful integration of design thinking with hands-on skill is what sets the final merit list apart. With the academic session slated to begin in July 2026, the coming months will define the next generation of creative leaders who will enter the prestigious campuses of Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, and the new NIDs across India.