The National Institute of Design (NID) is set to release the official NID DAT 2026 notification in September 2025. The Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is one of India’s most prestigious entrance exams for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate (B.Des) and postgraduate (M.Des) programs in design. The upcoming notification will provide details about application dates, eligibility, syllabus, and exam schedule. Candidates will be able to access the direct application link at admissions.nid.edu once it is live.
The NID DAT serves as the gateway to India’s top design institute, offering world-class education and global opportunities. With design careers gaining massive popularity in fields like fashion, product design, UI/UX, animation, and industrial design, competition for admission is expected to be tougher than ever.
Important Dates for NID DAT 2026
Aspiring candidates should mark the following tentative dates:
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Notification Release: September 25, 2025
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Application Start Date: October 1, 2025
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Last Date to Apply: November 10, 2025
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Prelims Exam Date: January 2026
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Mains Exam Date: April 2026
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Final Result: May 2026
These dates will be confirmed in the official notification and may slightly vary.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility for NID DAT 2026 differs for B.Des and M.Des programs.
For B.Des (Undergraduate):
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Age limit: Maximum 20 years as of July 1, 2025 (relaxation for reserved categories).
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Education: Must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 from a recognized board.
For M.Des (Postgraduate):
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Age limit: Maximum 30 years as of July 1, 2025 (relaxation for reserved categories).
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Education: Must hold a bachelor’s degree of at least 4 years in any discipline, or be in the final year.
Foreign nationals are also eligible under the overseas category, subject to additional criteria.
Application Process
Candidates can apply for NID DAT 2026 through the official admissions portal.
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Visit admissions.nid.edu.
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Register using email ID and mobile number.
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Fill in personal, academic, and category details.
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Upload scanned photograph, signature, and required documents.
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Pay the application fee online via debit/credit card or net banking.
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Submit and download the application confirmation for reference.
Application Fee (Expected):
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B.Des & M.Des General/OBC: ₹3,000
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SC/ST/PwD: ₹1,500
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Overseas Category: USD 200
Exam Pattern
The NID DAT consists of two stages:
1. DAT Prelims (Screening Test):
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Mode: Pen-and-paper
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Questions: Objective + subjective type
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Duration: 3 hours
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Total Marks: 100
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Focus: Design aptitude, creativity, drawing skills, visualization, and problem-solving
2. DAT Mains (Studio Test/Interview):
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Mode: Offline
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Includes practical assignments, studio tasks, and personal interviews
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Evaluates creative thinking, material handling, and communication skills
Both stages must be cleared to secure admission to NID.
Syllabus Overview
The DAT exam doesn’t follow a strict syllabus but tests general aptitude and creativity. Topics usually include:
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Visualization and imagination skills
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Drawing and sketching ability
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Design awareness and everyday problem-solving
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General knowledge and current affairs related to design
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Observation and analysis skills
Practicing sketching and staying updated with design trends are key to success.
Career Opportunities After NID
Graduates from NID are highly sought after in India and abroad. Some popular career paths include:
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Product Design – Industrial and consumer product innovation
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Communication Design – Advertising, branding, and media roles
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Fashion and Textile Design – Apparel and lifestyle industries
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Animation and Game Design – Multimedia and entertainment
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UX/UI Design – Digital products and startups
With India’s design industry booming in 2025, NID alumni are securing jobs with top companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, L&T, Tata Elxsi, and global fashion houses.
Why NID DAT 2026 is Important
The NID DAT 2026 is not just another entrance exam but a stepping stone for students aspiring to shape industries with their creativity. In September 2025, with India’s focus on innovation and design-led manufacturing under the Make in India and Startup India initiatives, the relevance of design education is at its peak.
Preparation Tips
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Practice sketching and doodling daily.
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Work on creative problem-solving exercises.
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Solve previous year papers for pattern familiarity.
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Stay updated with design trends and innovations.
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Take mock studio tests to prepare for the mains.
Verdict: Time to Gear Up for NID DAT 2026
The NID DAT 2026 notification, expected by September 25, 2025, will set the stage for one of India’s most competitive entrance exams. With high competition and limited seats, aspirants must prepare strategically to secure their place in the prestigious National Institute of Design. If you dream of a career in creativity, innovation, and design, this is your golden opportunity.
FAQs
When will the NID DAT 2026 notification be released?
It is expected on September 25, 2025.
Where can I apply for NID DAT 2026?
You can apply online at admissions.nid.edu.
What is the age limit for B.Des aspirants?
The maximum age limit is 20 years as of July 1, 2025, with relaxations for reserved categories.
How many stages are there in NID DAT?
There are two stages – Prelims and Mains, both of which must be cleared.
Is NID DAT tough?
Yes, it is highly competitive, but with consistent practice in creativity and problem-solving, candidates can crack it.
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