Your Design Future Awaits: NID DAT 2026 Application Window Open Now

Aspiring designers, the countdown is on! Registration for the prestigious NID DAT 2026 is currently open. The National Institute of Design's Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is your gateway to top-tier B.Des programs. Ensure you meet the crucial eligibility criteria, which typically include passing or appearing for Class 12 exams and adhering to the age limit (e.g., born on or after July 1, 2005, for General/EWS). The application window closes on December 1, 2025, so don't delay your submission on the official admissions portal. Mark your calendar for the DAT Prelims on December 21, 2025, and start your preparation immediately.

The pursuit of a distinguished career in the creative industries begins with the right foundation, and for thousands of aspirants, that path leads through the doors of Pearl Academy. Great news for all future designers, fashion entrepreneurs, media specialists, and business innovators: the Pearl Academy 2026 entrance exam application form is officially open. This announcement signals the commencement of the multi-cycle admission process for one of India's premier institutions for Design, Fashion, Business, and Media.

​The current focus is on the January 2026 admission cycle, which is typically the most preferred session for early applicants. Candidates aiming for undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), or professional certificate courses must adhere to the tight timeline to secure their place. The strict deadline to submit the online application form is January 13, 2026, with the online entrance examination scheduled just a few days later, from January 17–19, 2026. Prospective students are strongly advised to act promptly to complete their registration and begin preparations for the rigorous selection process.

​Key Dates and Admission Timeline for the January 2026 Session 

​Securing admission to Pearl Academy requires meticulous planning. Missing any of the crucial dates for the January 2026 cycle could mean a significant delay in your academic journey. Candidates must ensure all steps, from application submission to exam appearance, are completed on time.

• ​Application Form Last Date: January 13, 2026 (This is the final deadline for online application submission and payment of the application fee of ₹2,000 for UG/PG programs).
• ​Admit Card Release (Written Exam):January 14, 2026 (Candidates must download and print this mandatory document for the written test).
• ​Entrance Exam Dates (Online):January 17–19, 2026 (The written exam, consisting of the General Proficiency Test (GPT) and the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) or Media Aptitude Test (MAT), will be conducted online).
• ​Admit Card Release (Personal Interview - PI): January 20, 2026.
• ​Personal Interview (Online):January 22–25, 2026 (Shortlisted candidates from the written exam will attend an online Comprehensive Aptitude Interview, which may include a Portfolio Presentation for design courses).

​Aspirants are encouraged to utilize this early cycle to maximize their chances of securing admission into their desired course and campus before later cycles become more competitive.

​Eligibility Criteria and Application Process: Your Roadmap to Pearl Academy 

​Before initiating the application process, candidates should thoroughly check the eligibility requirements for their chosen program. Pearl Academy offers a diverse range of courses across various disciplines.

​Eligibility Snapshot

• ​Undergraduate (UG) Programs (B.Des., BBA, etc.): Candidates must have successfully passed or be appearing for their 10+2 (Class 12th) examination or equivalent from a recognized central or state board in any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts/Humanities).
• ​Postgraduate (PG) Programs (M.Des., MBA, etc.): Candidates must hold a Bachelor's Degree or an equivalent qualification in any discipline from a recognized university. Provisional admission is often available for those appearing for their final year graduation exams.
• ​Professional Certificate Courses: Typically requires a minimum of Class 10 or 10+2 completion.

​Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. ​Online Registration: Visit the official Pearl Academy admissions portal and register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
2. ​Application Form Filling: Log in to the portal and meticulously fill in all personal, educational, and contact details. Candidates can typically select their preference for two courses and campuses.
3. ​Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of essential documents, including the Class 10th and 12th mark sheets (or equivalent), a recent passport-size photograph, and a scanned signature.
4. ​Application Fee Payment: Pay the application fee, which is ₹2,000 for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs (or a different fee for certificate courses), via credit card, debit card, or net banking.
5. ​Final Submission: Review the form and submit the application before the deadline of January 13, 2026.

​The Pearl Academy Entrance Exam Structure: GPT and DAT/MAT 

​The selection process is multi-faceted, designed to assess a candidate's general knowledge, aptitude, and creative potential.

​The Written Admission Test (WAT) - Phase I

​The written test is a composite paper with a total duration of \mathbf{90} minutes for Design and Media programs (UG/PG), generally comprising two key sections:

• ​General Proficiency Test (GPT): A \mathbf{60}-minute section primarily consisting of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). This segment assesses a candidate's: 
  • ​English Language proficiency (grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension).
  • ​Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability (patterns, series, coding-decoding).
  • ​Quantitative Ability (basic mathematics, arithmetic, algebra).
  • ​General Knowledge/Awareness.
• ​Design Aptitude Test (DAT) / Media Aptitude Test (MAT): A \mathbf{30}-minute section designed to evaluate skills critical to the respective disciplines: 
  • ​DAT (for Design courses): Tests the candidate's power of observation, imagination, communication skills, creativity, drawing, and design ability.
  • ​MAT (for Media courses): Tests specific aptitudes relevant to media and communication.

​Personal Interview (PI) - Phase II

​Candidates who clear the written exam hurdle are shortlisted for the final phase:

• ​Online Personal Interview: A crucial \mathbf{30}-minute round where candidates engage in a direct interview.
• ​Portfolio Showcase: Design aspirants are often required to present a portfolio of their creative work during this interview. This showcase is vital for demonstrating practical skills, design thinking, and artistic potential beyond the written test scores. The PI and Portfolio showcase together form a decisive part of the final merit list.

​The entire process is currently structured for online execution, providing convenience to candidates across the country. Preparation should focus not just on the objective-type GPT, but also on honing drawing skills, creative problem-solving for the DAT, and compiling a strong portfolio.

​Conclusion: Seize the January Cycle Advantage 

​The opening of the Pearl Academy 2026 admission cycle for its popular programs like B.Des., M.Des., and other business and media courses marks a significant milestone for design aspirants. With the application deadline set for January 13, 2026, and the online entrance exam quickly following from January 17–19, 2026, time is of the essence. Aspiring students are strongly encouraged to finalize their applications immediately, ensuring all required documents are in order and payment is completed. Secure your early advantage and take the decisive step towards a fulfilling and vibrant career in the creative world by applying today!