The National Institute of Design is moving toward the critical NID DAT 2026 Mains stage, with M.Des results expected on February 17 and B.Des on April 7.Qualified candidates must prepare for the Studio Test and Personal Interview, which now carry the total weightage for final selection under the revised 2026 criteria. Aspirants are currently refining their portfolios as the admissions process transitions from Prelims screening to in-depth creative assessment. Stay updated on the official NID admissions portal for admit card releases and final merit list schedules for the 2026-27 academic session

As of January 29, 2026, the National Institute of Design (NID) is preparing to transition into the second and most decisive phase of its entrance cycle. Following the completion of the Prelims in December, the evaluation-process is currently underway to identify the top tier of candidates eligible for the Mains. Under the significantly revised 2026 admission guidelines, the Prelims now serve strictly as a qualifying filter, meaning the upcoming stages will bear the entire weight of a candidate's final ranking. For M.Des aspirants, the first major milestone is just weeks away, as the DAT Prelims results are scheduled for release on February 17, 2026, followed by the B.Des results on April 7.

Strategic Shift in the 2026 Admission Cycle

The current evaluation-process marks a historic shift in how NID selects its future designers, placing an unprecedented premium on hands-on skills and personality.

• Elimination of Prelims Weightage: In a departure from previous years, the marks obtained in the December written test will not be carried forward to the final merit list; they are used only to shortlist aspirants for the next round.
• The Studio Test: This stage involves physical model-making, material handling, and sensory observation tasks designed to test practical "design thinking" in real-time.
• In-Person Assessment: For the 2026 intake, the personal interview and portfolio review for M.Des candidates will constitute a massive 60% of the final score, while for B.Des, the in-person sensitivity test accounts for 40%.

Portfolio Preparation and Mains Eligibility

As aspirants await their qualifying status, the focus has shifted toward the "Portfolio Review" which serves as a backbone for the interview stage.

• Shortlisting Ratios: NID typically invites approximately 1.5 times the number of available seats for B.Des and roughly 4.5 times for M.Des per category, making the evaluation-process extremely competitive.
• Document Readiness: Candidates are advised to keep their digital and physical portfolios updated, as the Mains admit cards for M.Des will be issued shortly after the February 17 result.
• Venue Details: While Prelims were held across 22 cities, the 2026 Mains (Studio Tests) are traditionally held at specific NID campuses including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Gandhinagar, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh.

Important Timeline for Candidates

With the 2026 dateline of January 29, students should mark the following upcoming dates on their calendars to ensure no procedural lapses occur.

• M.Des Prelims Result: February 17, 2026 (4:00 PM).
• B.Des Prelims Result: April 07, 2026 (4:00 PM).
• Mains Admit Cards: Expected late February for M.Des and mid-April for B.Des aspirants.
• Final Results: The culmination of the entire process is expected in May 2026, leading to the centralized counseling and seat allotment in June.

Conclusion

The NID DAT 2026 admission cycle is entering its most critical phase as the focus shifts from theoretical knowledge to practical creativity. The ongoing evaluation-process will soon determine which aspirants advance to the Studio Tests, where their ability to manipulate materials and articulate design visions will be the sole decider of their admission. As the 2026 deadlines approach, candidates must prioritize their portfolio refinement and stay vigilant for the official results on the NID portal. This year's revised weightage ensures that the most capable and creative minds will secure their place in India's premier design institution.