NID DAT 2026 Mains Studio Test and Interview Schedule Activated for March

The National Institute of Design (NID) has officially activated the schedule for the DAT Mains 2026. Shortlisted B.Des and M.Des candidates can now access their specific slots for the Studio Test and Personal Interviews scheduled throughout March 2026. This final stage is crucial for securing admission into NID’s campuses in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, Kurukshetra, Vijayawada, Bhopal, and Jorhat. Ensure your portfolio is ready for the upcoming evaluation rounds.

The National Institute of Design (NID) has officially released the schedule for the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Mains 2026 today, February 5, 2026. Following the declaration of the prelims results, the institute has activated the portal for shortlisted candidates to view their specific dates for the Studio Test and Personal Interview. These rounds are conducted at various NID campuses and are designed to test the hands-on skills and creative disposition of the aspirants. Unlike the prelims, the Mains focus heavily on material handling, 3D modeling, and observational skills, which are essential for a professional designer.

Studio Test and Interview Framework

The Studio Test serves as a practical orientation for candidates, where they are provided with various materials to solve design problems within a limited timeframe. For B.Des aspirants, the Studio Test is the primary component of the Mains, while M.Des candidates must also appear for a Personal Interview. Each candidate’s invitation to the Mains specifies the exact venue and time, and no requests for rescheduling are typically entertained by the NID Admissions Cell.

• B.Des Studio Test: This is a day-long session focusing on drawing, sketching, and material manipulation.
• M.Des Interview: Candidates must present a physical or digital portfolio that reflects their past work and design philosophy.
• Admit Cards: The specific hall tickets for the Mains will be available for download via the official NID admissions portal starting in late February.

Final Selection and Weightage

The final merit list is compiled by combining the scores of the Prelims and the Mains. For the 2026-27 academic session, the NID has maintained a high weightage for the Mains to ensure that the creative disposition of the student aligns with the institute's rigorous curriculum. Candidates are required to carry their original academic documents for physical verification during the orientation phase of the interview.

• Portfolio Readiness: M.Des candidates are advised to curate their work to show a range of skills from ideation to final execution.
• Travel Arrangements: Since the Mains are conducted on-site, candidates should finalize their travel based on the NID DAT Mains schedule.
• Selection Status: Only those who appear for all components of the Mains will be considered for the final invitation to join the institute.

Conclusion

The activation of the Mains schedule marks the final hurdle for design aspirants seeking entry into India's premier design school. Candidates should regularly monitor the NID official website for any last-minute instructions. A clear disposition and well-prepared portfolio will be the keys to success in this competitive round. The institute’s admissions handbook provides further clarity on the evaluation criteria for the Studio Test.