The National Institute of Design (NID) has officially opened the registration portal for the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) 2026, the gateway to its esteemed Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs for the academic session 2026-27. Aspiring designers are encouraged to apply promptly to secure their place in one of India’s premier design institutions.
Key Dates to Remember for NID DAT
- Application Start: September 3,2025
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2025, by 11:59 PM IST
- DAT Prelims Exam Date: December 21, 2025
- Application Correction Window: December 2–4, 2025
Programs Offered and Campuses
1) B.Des: Available at NID campuses in Ahmedabad, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam.
2) M.Des: Offered at NID Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Bengaluru.
Eligibility Criteria for NID DAT
B.Des: Candidates must have completed or be appearing for their Class 12 (10+2) examinations in any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities) in the academic year 2024-25.
M.Des: Applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree or a four-year diploma after 12th grade from a recognized university or institute, or a bachelor’s degree of at least three years in any specialization after 12th or equivalent.
How to Apply for NID DAT
1. Visit the Official Portal: Navigate to http://admissions.nid.edu.
2. Sign Up: Click on “Sign Up” under the “How to Apply” section.
3. Create an Account: Register using your name, email, and mobile number to generate login credentials.
4. Fill in Details: Log in and complete the application form with personal, academic, and program-specific information.
5. Upload Documents: Provide necessary documents, including a recent photograph, signature, caste/PwD certificate, and passport (if applicable). M.Des applicants must also include work experience details.
6. Pay Application Fee: Complete the payment process online.
7. Confirmation: Print the confirmation slip for your records.
Application Fees
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹3,000
- SC/ST/PwD: ₹1,500
- Overseas Candidates: ₹5,000
Exam Pattern
The NID DAT comprises two stages:
1. Prelims: A written test assessing design aptitude.
2. Mains: A studio test and interview for shortlisted candidates.
Preparation Tips
1) Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the topics covered in the DAT Prelims and Mains.
2) Practice Regularly: Engage in regular sketching and design exercises to enhance creativity and speed.
3) Stay Updated: Keep abreast of current design trends and innovations.
4) Mock Tests: Take online mock tests to simulate exam conditions and improve time management.
Important Reminders
1) Avoid Last-Minute Applications: To prevent technical issues, submit your application well before the deadline.
2) Keep Documents Ready: Ensure all required documents are scanned and ready for upload.
3) Stay Informed: Regularly check the official website for updates and notifications.
For more detailed information and updates, visit the official NID admissions portal: http://admissions.nid.edu
Embark on your journey to becoming a design professional by applying to NID DAT 2026 today!
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Ambika Krishnamurthy is an education news writer dedicated to covering academic updates, exam alerts, policy changes, and student-centric stories. With a focus on clarity and reliability, she aims to keep readers informed about the latest developments in the education sector, helping students and educators stay ahead in their academic journeys.