NID DAT 2026 Mains Admit Cards Expected Ahead of March Studio Tests

The National Institute of Design (NID) is preparing to release the DAT Mains 2026 admit cards for the M.Des program by late February. As the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Prelims results for M.Des are scheduled for declaration on February 17, shortlisted candidates will soon move toward the Studio Test and Interview phases B.Des aspirants can expect their mains admit cards later in April following their prelims results. Ensure you download your hall ticket from the official admissions portal to secure your entry for the final selection rounds at designated NID campuses across India.

The admission cycle at the National Institute of Design (NID) is entering a high-stakes transition as the focus shifts toward the DAT Mains 2026. Following the conclusion of the Prelims evaluation for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, the institute is expected to release the admit cards for the M.Des Mains (Studio Test and Personal Interview) in the final week of February. This follows the scheduled declaration of the NID DAT M.Des Prelims results on February 17, 2026.

Anticipated Release of M.Des and B.Des Mains Admit Cards

The NID Admission Cell has historically maintained a staggered schedule for its two primary programs. While M.Des aspirants are currently bracing for the February 17 result notification, B.Des candidates have a longer wait, with their prelims results slated for April 7, 2026. Consequently, the issuance of admit cards for the B.Des Mains is tentatively scheduled for the second week of April, ahead of their Studio Tests in May.

• M.Des Mains Timeline: Admit cards are likely to be available for download in the last week of February 2026, with exams spanning March and early April.
• B.Des Mains Timeline: Call letters are expected in mid-April 2026, targeting an exam window in the first week of May.
• Download Protocol: Candidates must log in to the official NID admissions portal using their registered email ID and date of birth to retrieve their digital hall tickets.

Understanding the Studio Test and Interview Components

The NID DAT Mains is a comprehensive evaluation designed to test the practical and creative application of design principles. For the 2026-27 session, the Studio Test remains a critical component, carrying significant weightage in the final merit calculation. The NID DAT Exam Pattern specifies that the Mains exam for M.Des will involve both a Studio Test and a Personal Interview, conducted at specific NID campuses such as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Gandhinagar.

The Studio Test typically involves exercises in material handling, 3D modeling, and sensory observation. During this phase, candidates are provided with everyday materials—such as wire, clay, and paper—to solve specific design problems under timed conditions. The Personal Interview for M.Des candidates further evaluates their professional portfolio and specialization-specific aptitude.

Administrative Compliance and Venue Details

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which oversees the NID, emphasizes the importance of verifying the details on the admit card immediately upon download. The hall ticket is a mandatory document for entry and will contain specific details regarding the allotted exam center, reporting time, and the list of prohibited items. Candidates are advised to print multiple copies of their admit card on A4-sized paper and carry a valid government-issued photo ID.

• Venue Allocation: Unlike the Prelims, which are held in over 20 cities, the NID Mains centers are generally restricted to NID campuses located in Ahmedabad, Kurukshetra, Vijayawada, Bhopal, and Jorhat.
• Portfolio Readiness: M.Des aspirants should utilize the current gap to refine their physical and digital portfolios for the interview rounds.
• Technical Support: For any discrepancies in the admit card, candidates should contact the NID Admissions Office at admissions@nid.edu before the exam date.

Conclusion

As the February 17 result date for the M.Des Prelims approaches, the anticipation for the NID DAT 2026 Mains admit cards continues to build. The transition to the Studio Test represents the final hurdle for design aspirants to secure a place in India’s premier design institution. By providing the admit updates well in advance, the NID ensures that shortlisted candidates have sufficient time to plan their travel to designated campuses. This phase marks the culmination of the 2026 admission cycle, where the brightest creative minds in the country are vetted through rigorous practical and interpersonal evaluations. Aspirants must remain vigilant and monitor the official portal for the final activation of the download link to ensure they are fully prepared for the March and April selection rounds.

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