NID DAT 2026 Mains and Portfolio Evaluation Phase Progresses in February

National Institute of Design (NID) admission cycle has entered its most decisive stage for postgraduate seekers. Following the completion of the Prelims in December, the focus now shifts toward the "Mains" stage, comprising the Studio Test and Portfolio Review for M.Des aspirants. For the 2026 intake, NID has implemented a significant shift where the prelims score acts as a filter, and the final merit is determined heavily by the second phase. This period is vital for candidates to refine their physical and digital works before the in-person evaluations begin at designated NID campuses.

M.Des Prelims Results and Shortlisting Dynamics

• Result Declaration: The DAT Prelims results for M.Des candidates are scheduled for release on February 17, 2026, at 4:00 PM via the official admissions portal.
• Shortlisting Ratios: Approximately 4.5 times the number of available seats per category will be shortlisted to participate in the studio test and interview stages.
• Rechecking Window: A brief window for requesting a recheck of the prelims results will be open from February 17 to February 18, 2026.
• Admit Card Release: Candidates who clear the first hurdle can download their admit cards for the Mains stage in the final week of February 2026.
• Evaluation Center: The second stage involves hands-on material handling and sensory tests, which will be conducted across campuses like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Gandhinagar.

B.Des Studio Test Preparation and Criteria

• Qualifying Nature: For undergraduate seekers, the B.Des Prelims result—expected on April 7—acts solely as a qualifying stage, with the final merit being determined by the Mains performance.
• Portfolio Guidelines: While the B.Des studio test is primarily performance-based, many private design schools and the NIDs emphasize a curated portfolio as a visual record of growth.
• Skill Assessment: The upcoming Studio Test will evaluate candidates on 3D modeling, conceptual clarity, and their ability to communicate design intent under time constraints.
• Campus Preferences: The window for submitting campus and discipline preferences will open immediately after the final results in May, following the evaluation of creative entries.

NID DAT 2026 Mains Schedule (Post-February Phase)

Conclusion

The transition into the NID DAT Mains today marks a high-stakes shift from theoretical aptitude to practical design thinking. For the shortlisted aspirants, the coming weeks are a race to finalize their digital portfolios and practice the physical modeling skills required for the studio tasks. Under the revised 2026 selection framework, the merit of an individual is tied directly to their authentic creative vision displayed during the interview. This rigorous evaluation process ensures that only the most technically curious and innovative minds enter the NID ecosystem. As the M.Des results approach on February 17, candidates must stay focused on the narrative of their portfolio and their ability to solve complex visual problems.