NID DAT 2026 Mains and Studio Test Phase to Continue in March

NID is transitioning into the Mains and Studio Test phase for the 2026 admission cycle, with M.Des results expected in mid-February. Aspirants for the Master's program will participate in the Studio Test and Personal Interview rounds throughout March. This news report covers the NID DAT 2026 schedule, the offline evaluation format, and the final merit weightage for B.Des and M.Des programs.

The National Institute of Design (NID) is moving into the high-stakes phase of its 2026 admission cycle. Following the declaration of the M.Des Prelims results earlier this month, the focus for March 2026 has shifted to the NID DAT Mains. This second stage, comprising the Studio Test and Personal Interview, is the final hurdle for postgraduate aspirants seeking entry into the specialized disciplines of industrial, communication, and IT-integrated design.

Studio Test and Interview Phase

The M.Des Mains are tentatively scheduled to be held between March and April 2026. Unlike the Prelims, these rounds are conducted in an offline mode at designated NID campuses, where candidates are tested on hands-on creativity and 3D visualization through various practical assignments.

• The Studio Test evaluates the candidate’s ability to manipulate materials and solve design problems in real-time.
• Personal Interviews follow the Studio Test, allowing the faculty to assess the candidate's design approach and portfolio understanding.
• For the 2026 cycle, NID has revised its weightage, making the Mains scores the primary factor for the final merit list.

B.Des Prelims Results and Future Schedule

While Master's candidates are busy with the Studio Test, undergraduate (B.Des) aspirants are currently waiting for their Prelims results, which are expected on April 7, 2026. This staggered schedule allows NID to manage the intensive Mains rounds for the PG batch during the month of March.

• Aspirants must download their Mains admit cards from the official NID portal using their login credentials.
• Candidates are advised to keep their physical portfolios ready for the interview rounds, as tactile sketches often provide a competitive advantage.
• The following table summarizes the NID DAT 2026 Mains schedule:

Conclusion

In conclusion, the month of March 2026 is the definitive period for NID Master's candidates to showcase their practical skills. As the Studio Test and interview rounds progress, the focus remains on material handling and the authentic articulation of the candidate's design journey.

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