NID DAT 2026 Registration Closes Dec 1 for B.Des & M.Des

The registration window for the National Institute of Design (NID) Design Aptitude Test (DAT) 2026 is about to close. Aspiring designers for both Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs must complete their online application by the December 1, 2025 deadline. The NID DAT is the mandatory two-stage entrance exam for admission to the prestigious NID campuses, renowned as Institutions of National Importance. The DAT Prelims are scheduled for December 21, 2025. Don't miss this final opportunity to apply at admissions.nid.edu and step closer to a career in design.

For every ambitious designer in India and abroad, securing a seat at the National Institute of Design (NID) represents the pinnacle of design education. As an Institution of National Importance, NID's programs are among the most selective and highly regarded globally. The crucial first step to realizing this dream—the registration for the NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) 2026—is nearing its conclusion.

​The online application portal, accessible via the official website admissions.nid.edu, opened on September 11, 2025, granting aspirants a window of nearly three months to prepare and submit their documentation. However, that window is now rapidly closing. The final deadline for submitting your application is December 1, 2025. Given the high stakes and zero tolerance for late submissions, all B.Des and M.Des aspirants must finalize their applications immediately. This comprehensive guide details the key deadlines, eligibility requirements, and the two-stage examination process for NID DAT 2026.

​Key Dates and Application Essentials

​The NID DAT 2026 is conducted for admission to the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) program at NID Ahmedabad and the four new NIDs (Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam), as well as the Master of Design (M.Des) program at NID Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Bengaluru. Adherence to the prescribed timeline is non-negotiable.

• ​Crucial Deadlines (SEO Keywords: NID DAT 2026 last date, NID DAT exam date): 
  • ​Application Process Start Date: September 11, 2025
  • ​Last Date to Submit Online Application (Regular Fee): December 1, 2025, 11:59 PM IST.
  • ​Application Correction Window: December 2 – December 4, 2025.
  • ​Admit Card Release for DAT Prelims: December 11, 2025.
  • ​NID DAT Prelims Examination Date (B.Des & M.Des): December 21, 2025 (Sunday).
• ​Application Fee Structure (Subject to official notification; for General/OBC-NCL/EWS): 
  • ​B.Des Program: Approximately \text{₹} 3,000.
  • ​M.Des Program (Single Discipline): Approximately \text{₹} 3,000.
  • ​M.Des Program (Two Disciplines): Approximately \text{₹} 6,000.
  • ​Reduced fees apply for SC/ST, PwD, and female candidates. Candidates should use the online payment gateway provided on the NID admissions portal.
• ​Eligibility at a Glance: 
  • ​B.Des: Candidates must have passed or be appearing in the final examination of the 10+2 (HSC) or equivalent from a recognized board. There are strict age limits, with general category candidates typically required to be born on or after July 1, 2005.
  • ​M.Des: Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree (minimum 4-year duration) or an equivalent diploma (minimum 3-year duration) after 10+2, in a relevant specialization. Age criteria also apply, typically requiring candidates to be born on or after July 1, 1993, for the general category.

​ The Two-Stage Entrance Exam: DAT Prelims & Mains

​Admission to NID is strictly based on the performance in the two-stage Design Aptitude Test (DAT). Aspirants must first clear the Prelims to be shortlisted for the Mains.

• ​DAT Prelims (Weightage 100% for Shortlisting): 
  • ​This is a Pen-and-Paper/Pen-and-Pencil test of 3 hours duration.
  • ​It comprises two parts: Part I (Objective) and Part II (Subjective), assessing core design aptitude.
  • ​Part I (Objective-type): Tests General Knowledge, Quantitative Ability, Analytical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability. This section includes questions that gauge a candidate's overall awareness and logical skills.
  • ​Part II (Subjective/Creative): Focuses heavily on Sketching, Visual Communication, Observation Skills, and Design Sensitivity—the ability to visually and creatively solve design problems. There is no negative marking in the Prelims.
• ​DAT Mains (Weightage counts for Final Selection): 
  • ​Candidates shortlisted from the Prelims proceed to the Mains, which is typically conducted in April 2026.
  • ​B.Des Mains: Involves a Studio Test (model making, drawing, sketching, material manipulation) and may include a Personal Interview.
  • ​M.Des Mains: Consists of a Discipline-Specific Studio Test followed by a Personal Interview and Portfolio Review. The Mains tests hands-on skills, creativity under pressure, problem-solving, and in-depth subject knowledge.
• ​Preparation Focus: 
  • ​Conceptual Clarity: Master drawing fundamentals, including perspective, proportion, and human/object rendering.
  • ​Design Awareness: Stay informed about current affairs, iconic designs, and the history of design.
  • ​Time Management: Practice timed mock tests, especially for the sketching component, to ensure completion within the 3-hour limit.

​ B.Des & M.Des Specializations and Campuses

​NID offers a rich spectrum of specializations across its campuses, preparing students to become leaders in various design fields.

• ​B.Des Disciplines at NID Ahmedabad (Main Campus): 
  • ​Communication Design: Graphic Design, Film & Video Communication, Animation Film Design, Exhibition Design.
  • ​Industrial Design: Ceramic & Glass Design, Furniture & Interior Design, Product Design.
  • ​Textile, Apparel, Lifestyle & Accessory Design: Textile Design.
  • ​The four new NID campuses offer foundational B.Des programs in Communication Design, Industrial Design, and Textile and Apparel Design.
• ​M.Des Disciplines (Offered at Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Bengaluru): 
  • ​M.Des programs are offered across multiple faculties, including Industrial Design (e.g., Product Design, Toy & Game Design), Communication Design (e.g., Graphic Design, Photography Design), and Interdisciplinary Design Studies (e.g., Strategic Design Management).
  • ​The M.Des course structure allows graduates to specialize deeply, leading to highly specific career paths in UX/UI, Automobile Design, or Craft and Technology.
• ​Why Choose NID
  • ​NID alumni are highly sought after by top global companies, with many establishing successful design studios and startups.
  • ​The curriculum is project-based, emphasizing 'learning by doing' and collaboration with industry partners.

​Conclusion: Secure Your Spot Now

​The window of opportunity to apply for NID DAT 2026—your first and most critical step towards a career from India's premier design school—is closing on December 1, 2025. Given the imminent DAT Prelims on December 21, 2025, time is of the essence. Do not delay your application submission, document verification, and fee payment. Visit admissions.nid.edu now, complete your registration, and dedicate the final weeks to focused preparation. Your future in design is waiting.

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