NID MDes Studio Test Conducted for Candidates Who Cleared DAT Prelims

NID conducted the MDes Studio Test on March 8, 2026. Shortlisted candidates now prepare for personal interviews starting late March.

The National Institute of Design has successfully organized the NID Studio Session for the Master of Design (MDes) program. This test was held on March 8, 2026, across major centers including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Gandhinagar. Only those who achieved the minimum qualifying marks in the DAT Prelims were permitted to participate in this critical stage. It is a fact that the MDes Mains Assessment carries significant weight in the final selection process, making this weekend’s activity a major milestone for design aspirants. According to the official NID Admissions portal, the studio test is designed to evaluate a candidate’s hands-on skills and creative problem-solving abilities. Following this, the Design Interview Phase is scheduled to begin later this month to further assess the suitability of the applicants for their chosen disciplines. Successful completion of the MDes Mains Assessment and the subsequent rounds will lead to the final merit list, which determines admission to the prestigious 2026-2027 academic session.

Structure of the Studio Test and Evaluation

The NID Studio Session typically involves a variety of practical tasks that test material handling and 3D modeling skills. It is a fact that the MDes Mains Assessment requires students to work with different materials provided at the center to create models based on specific prompts. This year, the test maintained its rigorous standards to ensure that only the most skilled designers move forward to the Design Interview Phase.

• All materials required for the tasks were provided by the institute at the test centers.
• It is a fact that the MDes Mains Assessment scores are combined with the interview marks for the final result.
• The NID Studio Session results help the faculty understand the technical aptitude of each student.
• Candidates are not allowed to bring outside tools, ensuring a fair environment for all.
• The Design Interview Phase will allow faculty to see the portfolios that support these practical skills.
• Each discipline has a specific set of criteria tailored to the needs of that design field.

Upcoming Interview Schedule and Locations

Following the completion of the NID Studio Session, the focus now shifts to the personal interaction round. The Consortium of NIDs has confirmed that the Design Interview Phase will take place from March 21 to April 1, 2026. It is a fact that the MDes Mains Assessment is incomplete without this final step, which is conducted at the specific campus offering the program.

• Interviews for Industrial Design and Communication Design will be held at the NID Ahmedabad campus.
• It is a fact that the MDes Mains Assessment results for the final merit list are expected in May.
• The Bengaluru campus will host the Design Interview Phase for IT-Integrated and Interdisciplinary streams.
• Textile and Apparel Design candidates are required to report to the Gandhinagar campus for their sessions.
• The NID Studio Session hall ticket remains a valid document for entry into these interview venues.
• Students must bring their original certificates for verification during the Design Interview Phase.

Weightage and Final Selection Criteria

The final selection for the MDes program is a cumulative process. It is a fact that the MDes Mains Assessment (including the studio test) usually accounts for a large portion of the total score. The NID Studio Session provides 40% of the weightage, while the remaining 60% comes from the Design Interview Phase. This balanced approach ensures that both practical talent and professional communication are evaluated.

NID MDes 2026 Admission Key Highlights

conclusion

The completion of the NID Studio Session marks the end of the first part of the Mains examination. It is a fact that the MDes Mains Assessment is the most challenging part of the journey to becoming an NIDian. As candidates move into the Design Interview Phase, they must focus on presenting their creative journey clearly. This simple read highlights that consistent preparation is the key to success in these final admission steps.