As of February 2, 2026, the National Institute of Design (NID) admission cycle is entering the critical Stage 2 assessment for shortlisted candidates.With the M.Des Prelims results scheduled for release on February 17, 2026, aspirants are currently refining their portfolios and preparing for the upcoming Studio Tests.Mains admit cards are expected in the last week of February, leading into the March-April examination window for postgraduate disciplines.Undergraduate B.Des candidates are also monitoring the timeline, with their Mains stage tentatively set for May 2026.

By February 2, 2026, the National Institute of Design (NID) has transitioned into the most intensive phase of its annual selection process. Following the Prelims exam conducted on December 21, 2025, thousands of design aspirants are now awaiting the first hurdle of results. For Master of Design (M.Des) candidates, the Prelims Merit list is due on February 17, 2026, which will determine who proceeds to the DAT Mains. This second stage is particularly demanding as it involves a hands-on Studio Test and an interactive Portfolio review. Aspirants are currently utilizing this waiting period to curate their best works, ensuring their creative journey is well-documented for the jury. Detailed schedules and requirements can be found on the Official NID Admissions 2026 Portal.

Transition from Prelims to Mains Assessment

The 2026 admission cycle features a significant shift in evaluation. For the first time, Prelims scores are primarily for shortlisting, while the final Merit ranking is heavily weighted—or in some cases entirely based—on the Mains performance.

• Shortlisting Ratio: For M.Des, approximately 4.5 times the number of available seats per category will be called for the Mains.
• Portfolio Submission: M.Des candidates must prepare a digital and physical Portfolio to showcase their technical skills and design thinking.
• Studio Test Focus: This stage evaluates material handling, 3D modeling, and sensory observation through practical exercises.
• Interview Component: A personal interview follows the studio test to assess the candidate's discipline-specific aptitude and motivation.
• B.Des Timeline: While M.Des starts in March, the B.Des Mains are tentatively scheduled for May 2026.

Critical Deadlines for the 2026 Session

Aspirants must remain vigilant regarding the February milestones. The issuance of the Mains admit card depends entirely on the upcoming Prelims Merit status. Missing these updates can result in disqualification from the subsequent admission stages.

• Candidates can request a recheck of their Prelims scores between February 17 and 18 for M.Des.
• The physical Portfolio review remains a cornerstone of the M.Des selection, requiring high-quality prototypes and sketches.
• To review the full list of campus-wise seats, visit the NID 2026 Seat Matrix Page.

Portfolio and Studio Test Preparation

The Portfolio is more than a collection of drawings; it is a narrative of a designer's problem-solving capabilities. For the 2026 intake, NID examiners are looking for authenticity and a clear understanding of the social impact of design.

• Material Exploration: Candidates should practice with clay, wire, and paper to prepare for the unexpected model-making tasks in the Studio Test.
• Digital Documentation: A well-organized digital Portfolio is essential for the initial screening in several M.Des specializations.
• Thematic Appreciation: Many Mains tasks involve storytelling or thematic sketching based on audio-visual cues.
• Admit Card Access: Once released, the Mains admit card will specify the exact NID campus for the interview rounds.
• For preparation tips, aspirants can refer to the NID DAT Mains Handbook.

Conclusion

The NID DAT 2026 main admission and portfolio review stages represent the final and most decisive hurdles for design hopefuls this year. As the M.Des Prelims results approach on February 17, the focus has shifted from theoretical aptitude to practical creativity and the professional presentation of one's portfolio. The 2026 selection process emphasizes that a high merit rank in the initial screening is merely the beginning, with the studio tests and interviews carrying the ultimate weight for seat allocation. By maintaining a rigorous preparation schedule and staying updated with the official portal, candidates can successfully navigate the complexities of NID's elite admission standards. This phase is not just about clearing an exam, but about demonstrating the creative maturity required for a career in global design leadership.