NID DAT 2026 Mains Timeline Active for March Studio Tests and Interviews

The National Institute of Design has officially activated the DAT Mains 2026 schedule for shortlisted postgraduate and undergraduate aspirants. Starting March 2026, candidates will undergo rigorous studio tests and personal interviews across various NID campuses. This report highlights the essential dates, weightage criteria, and preparation milestones required for the final selection phase in the 2026-27 admission cycle.

The National Institute of Design (NID) has officially activated the timeline for the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Mains 2026, marking the final stage of the prestigious admission process.  the institute has confirmed that the second phase of evaluation, comprising the Studio Test and Personal Interviews, will commence in March. Following the release of the M.Des Prelims results scheduled for February 17, shortlisted candidates will be granted access to the Mains portal to view their specific testing slots. This sequence of events is critical for aspirants aiming to secure one of the limited seats at NID Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, and other regional campuses. Unlike the objective-heavy Prelims, the Mains examination is designed to test hands-on creative skills and the artistic disposition of each student.

Studio Test Framework and Evaluation Focus

The NID DAT Mains is a multifaceted evaluation that moves beyond theoretical knowledge. For the 2026 session, the institute has emphasized a hands-on approach to ensure that the final merit list reflects the most capable designers.

• B.Des Studio Test: Shortlisted undergraduate candidates will participate in a day-long session focusing on 3D modeling, material manipulation, and sensory observation.
• M.Des Components: For postgraduate aspirants, the Mains consist of both a Studio Test and a Personal Interview. These are typically held at the same center to streamline the evaluation sequence.
• Portfolio Review: During the interview phase, M.Des candidates must present a professional portfolio that demonstrates their design journey and technical disposition.
• Material Handling: Students are often provided with diverse materials (clay, wire, paper) to solve specific design problems under strict time constraints.

Critical Dates and Admit Card Access

Candidates must remain vigilant regarding the official announcements on the NID Admissions Portal. The administrative merit of the selection process relies on strict adherence to the following tentative schedule.

Accessing the official Admissions Handbook is recommended for detailed information on venue-specific guidelines. Aspirants should note that the Mains admit cards will only be available to those who exceed the Prelims cutoff and complete the mandatory registration for the second stage.

Weightage and Final Selection Criteria

The 2026 admission cycle continues to place a high premium on the Mains performance. While the Prelims serve as a qualifying gateway, the final selection is heavily influenced by the practical rounds.

• M.Des Weightage: The final score typically considers a 40% weightage for Prelims and a 60% weightage for the Mains components.
• B.Des Weightage: The Studio Test accounts for a significant portion of the final ranking, often determining the candidate's campus allotment.
• Document Verification: Candidates must carry original academic certificates and category documents to the Mains venue for physical verification, ensuring the administrative merit of their application.

Conclusion

The activation of the NID DAT Mains schedule on February 7, 2026, sets the stage for a month of intense creative evaluation. As candidates prepare for the March Studio Tests, the focus shifts from theoretical aptitude to physical model-making and portfolio storytelling. By maintaining a professional disposition and adhering to the prescribed sequence of events, aspirants can successfully navigate this final hurdle. The upcoming weeks will be decisive for the 2026-27 cohort, as the National Institute of Design seeks to identify the next generation of innovators through its rigorous on-campus assessments.

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