NID DAT 2026: Registration Expected to Commence in September 2025, Official Notice Soon

NID DAT 2026 registrations for B.Des & M.Des programs are expected to begin in September 2025. Aspirants should monitor the official NID website for the upcoming notification and application details.

For aspiring designers across the country, attention is now turning towards the National Institute of Design (NID) Design Aptitude Test (DAT) 2026. While the NID DAT 2025 admission cycle has largely concluded with examinations and seat allotments already completed earlier this year, prospective candidates for the next academic session can anticipate the official notification and commencement of registrations for NID DAT 2026 to begin in September 2025.

The National Institute of Design, renowned as India's premier design institution, conducts the NID DAT annually for admissions to its highly sought-after Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs. The application process typically commences in the months of September or October of the preceding year for the exam held in January.

Understanding the NID DAT Timeline:

Based on previous years' patterns, the NID DAT admission process unfolds in distinct phases:

• Official Notification & Registration Start: The detailed notification outlining eligibility, key dates, and application procedures is usually released in late August or early September. The online registration window opens concurrently or shortly after.
• Application Deadline: Candidates generally have a window of two to three months to complete their online applications. For NID DAT 2026, this is likely to be around November or December 2025.
• DAT Prelims (Phase 1): This written examination is typically conducted in the first week of January (for NID DAT 2026, this would be January 2026).
• DAT Prelims Results & Mains Admit Card: Results for the preliminary test are usually announced a few months later, followed by the release of admit cards for DAT Mains.
• DAT Mains (Phase 2): This stage involves a Studio Test and/or Interview, usually conducted between March and May.
• Final Results & Counselling: Final results and subsequent counselling rounds for seat allotment are typically held in May and June.

Who Can Apply (General Eligibility):

While the official NID DAT 2026 brochure will confirm precise criteria, general eligibility for NID DAT includes:

• For B.Des: Candidates must have passed or be appearing for their 10+2 (or equivalent) examination from any recognized board. Age limits apply, usually with relaxations for reserved categories.
• For M.Des: Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree of minimum three or four years' duration in any discipline, or a full-time Diploma of at least four years' duration in Design/Fine Arts/Applied Arts/Architecture.

The Application Process:

The application for NID DAT is entirely online, usually involving:

1. Online Registration: Creating an account on the NID admissions portal.
2. Filling Application Form: Providing personal, academic, and contact details.
3. Uploading Documents: Submitting scanned copies of photographs, signatures, and category certificates (if applicable).
4. Payment of Application Fee: Remitting the requisite fee through online payment gateways.

Preparing for NID DAT 2026:

Aspirants are advised to begin their preparation well in advance, focusing on improving their creative aptitude, drawing skills, general knowledge, logical reasoning, and design sensitivity. Familiarizing oneself with the exam pattern, including both objective and subjective questions in DAT Prelims and practical components in DAT Mains, is crucial.

Candidates are strongly advised to keep a close watch on the official NID admissions website (admissions.nid.edu) for the release of the NID DAT 2026 official notification and application forms. Timely application and diligent preparation are key to securing a seat in one of the most coveted design institutes in the country.