NID - National Institute of Design
NID 2026 Notification Schedule:
|
Event |
Tentative Date |
|---|---|
|
Release of NID 2026 Notification |
September 2025 |
|
Online Application Form Release |
September 2025 |
|
Last Date to Submit Application Form |
December 2025 |
|
Application Correction Window |
December 2025 |
|
Release of DAT Prelims Admit Card |
December 2025 |
|
NID DAT Prelims Exam |
January 2026 |
|
DAT Prelims Result Declaration |
March 2026 |
|
Release of DAT Mains Admit Card |
April 2026 |
|
NID DAT Mains Exam (B.Des) |
May 2026 |
|
NID DAT Mains Exam (M.Des) |
April–May 2026 |
|
Final Result Declaration |
May 2026 (M.Des), June 2026 (B.Des) |
|
Counselling Registration |
May–June 2026 |
|
Round 1 Seat Allotment |
June 2026 |
|
Round 2 Seat Allotment |
June–July 2026 |
Note: These dates are tentative and subject to change. Regularly check admissions.nid.edu for the official schedule.
Table of Contents
Important Information
NID Notification 2026
NID Latest Fees Detail 2026
NID Previous Year Cutoff's
NID Previous Year Paper
NID Result
NID Admit Card
NID Mock Test
NID Latest Updates 2026
National Institute of Design (NID)
The National Institute of Design (NID) is internationally acclaimed as one of the finest educational and research institutions for Industrial, Communication, Textile, and IT Integrated (Experiential) Design. Established in 1961, NID has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s design landscape.
The establishment of the National Institute of Design (NID) was influenced by various global and local forces. The late 1950s marked a pivotal period for Indian culture and education. As a newly independent nation, India faced the immense challenge of nation-building, striving to balance its ancient traditions with modern technology and ideas. During this time, the Modern Movement, the philosophy of Machine Aesthetics, and groundbreaking experimentation in the arts, architecture, and design were all in full swing. There was a widespread quest for a distinct Indian identity in every facet of life.
In 1955, Pupul Jayakar, a prominent writer on Indian craft traditions and the founder of the Indian Handlooms and Handicrafts Export Council (HHEC), met the renowned American designer Charles Eames at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The Museum had organized an exhibition titled “The Textiles and Ornamental Arts of India,” which sparked a lifelong dialogue between these two influential figures.
Simultaneously, the Government of India was contemplating the establishment of a design institute, guided by the advice of Pupul Jayakar and other like-minded individuals. The 1950s, a decade of rapid industrialization in India, amplified the necessity for such an institute. In 1957, the Government of India requested the Ford Foundation to invite Charles and Ray Eames to visit India. During their visit, Charles and Ray Eames traveled extensively across the country, engaging with writers, craftspeople, architects, scientists, industrialists, educators, and philosophers. They documented their journey with hundreds of photographs, capturing the diverse essence of India.
✨ NID 2026 Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Design Aptitude Test (DAT) |
| Conducting Body | National Institute of Design |
| Courses Offered | B.Des (Bachelor of Design), M.Des (Master of Design) |
| Exam Mode | Prelims (Offline), Mains (Studio Test/Interview) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Level | National |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Official Website | admissions.nid.edu |
Important Information
NID Notification 2026
NID Latest Fees Detail 2026
NID Previous Year Cutoff's
NID Previous Year Paper
NID Result
NID Admit Card
NID Mock Test
NID Latest Updates 2026
Campuses and Locations
- NID has campuses in Ahmedabad (its main campus), Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, and Kurukshetra.
- The Ahmedabad campus, nestled in the vibrant city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is the oldest and most renowned.
Courses Offered
- NID offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various design disciplines.
- Disciplines include Product Design, Graphic Design, Animation Film Design, Textile Design, and more.
- Students receive rigorous training in design thinking, aesthetics, and practical skills.
Important Information
NID Notification 2026
NID Latest Fees Detail 2026
NID Previous Year Cutoff's
NID Previous Year Paper
NID Result
NID Admit Card
NID Mock Test
NID Latest Updates 2026
NID 2026 Eligibility Criteria
✅ Bachelor of Design (B.Des)
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Passed or appearing in 10+2 (any stream – Science, Commerce, Humanities) from a recognized board (CBSE, ICSE, IB, or equivalent) |
| Eligibility for Appearing Candidates | Candidates appearing for 10+2 in 2026 are eligible but must provide proof of passing at counselling |
| Age Limit | General/EWS: Born on or after July 1, 2006 OBC-NCL/SC/ST: Born on or after July 1, 2003 PwD: Born on or after July 1, 2001 Overseas Category: Born on or after July 1, 2006 |
| Minimum Percentage | No minimum percentage required; must meet the passing criteria of the respective board |
✅ Master of Design (M.Des)
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | – Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university, or – Full-time diploma (minimum 4 years) in Design, Fine Arts, Applied Arts, or Architecture |
| Eligibility for Appearing Candidates | Final-year candidates in 2026 are eligible but must submit proof during admission |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit for M.Des programs |
| Work Experience | Not mandatory, but candidates with relevant professional experience are preferred |
✅ PhD in Design
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Master’s degree in Design or a related field, or equivalent qualifications from a recognized institute |
| Work Experience | Preferred but not mandatory; varies based on specialization and research area |
🔍 Always check the official NID Admissions Portal for the latest and most accurate eligibility criteria before applying.
NID Admission Process 2025
Eligibility Criteria
| Program | Eligibility | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| B.Des / GDPD | 10+2 pass or appearing (any stream, recognized board) | 20 years as of June 30, 2025 (Relaxed: 23 years for OBC/SC/ST, 25 years for PwD) |
| M.Des | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline | No age limit |
| Ph.D. | Master’s degree or equivalent with relevant experience | No age limit |
2. Application Process
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Visit admissions.nid.edu (avoid unofficial sites like nid.org) |
| Documents Required | Photograph, Signature, Caste Certificate (if applicable) |
| Application Fee | General/OBC: ₹3,000 (B.Des/M.Des), ₹6,000 (both programs) SC/ST/PwD: ₹1,500 (B.Des/M.Des), ₹3,000 (both programs) |
| Application Window | October 2024 – December 6, 2024 (extended deadline) |
3. NID Entrance Exam Stages
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| DAT Prelims | 3-hour pen-and-paper test Assesses design aptitude, creativity, general knowledge Date: January 5, 2025 |
| DAT Mains (B.Des) | Studio Test: Drawing, model-making, group discussions Date: April 26 – May 4, 2025 |
| DAT Mains (M.Des) | Studio Test + Personal Interview Date: March 15 – April 13, 2025 |
4. Final Selection & Seat Allotment
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Weightage | 30% DAT Prelims + 70% DAT Mains |
| Final Results | M.Des: May 6, 2025 B.Des: May 16, 2025 |
| Counseling | June – July 2025 (Tentative) |
| Seat Intake | 425 seats (B.Des) and 347 seats (M.Des) across all NID campuses |
NID Notification 2026
NID Latest Fees Detail 2026
NID Previous Year Cutoff's
NID Previous Year Paper
NID Result
NID Admit Card
NID Mock Test
NID Latest Updates 2026
NID Fees 2026
NID Fee Structure (Approximate)
| Program | Duration | Total Fees | Semester-wise Fees | Campuses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.Des | 4 years | ~₹13.88 lakh (including tuition, hostel, mess at Ahmedabad) | ₹1.5–2 lakh (Lower in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Assam) | Ahmedabad, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Assam |
| M.Des | 2.5 years | ~₹10.15–11.50 lakh | ₹1.2–1.8 lakh | Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru |
| Ph.D. | Varies | Depends on research program | Not specified | Contact NID directly for details |
Additional Notes
-
Additional expenses: Materials, workshops, personal costs
-
Scholarships & Financial Aid: Available for eligible students, especially from reserved categories
-
For official updates: Visit nid.edu
NID 2026 Syllabus
🧠 Section A: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Design Awareness | History of design, notable designers, design movements, and basic design principles |
| General Knowledge | Current affairs, Indian culture, art, architecture, and social/environmental issues |
| Quantitative Ability | Basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, ratios, percentages, and data interpretation |
| Logical Reasoning | Analytical puzzles, visual sequences, patterns, analogies, and problem-solving |
| English Comprehension | Grammar, vocabulary, sentence correction, and reading comprehension |
✏️ Section B: Subjective (Descriptive)
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Drawing & Sketching | Perspective drawing, human figures, proportions, and object rendering |
| Creativity & Visualization | Storyboarding, visual storytelling, ideation, and concept development |
| Observation Skills | Noticing environmental details, product features, and real-life scenarios |
| Color Theory | Color schemes, contrasts, warm/cool tones, and psychological effects of colors |
🎨 NID 2026 Syllabus – DAT Mains
🧪 Studio Test
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Material Handling | Creating models using clay, paper, wire, fabric, and recycled materials |
| Design Problem-Solving | Addressing hypothetical or real-world design issues creatively |
| Group Activities | Tasks to assess team collaboration, communication, and leadership skills |
🗣️ Personal Interview (Especially for M.Des)
| Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Portfolio Review | Evaluation of creative work (mandatory for M.Des applicants) |
| Design Knowledge | Awareness of current trends, innovations, and design applications |
| Communication Skills | Clarity of thought, self-expression, and passion for design |
📖 NID 2026 Preparation Resources
| Resource Type | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Books | – NID DAT Guide by Arihant Experts – Design Drawing by Francis D.K. Ching |
| Past Papers | Practice previous years’ NID DAT papers for pattern familiarity |
| Online Platforms | – Coursera (design thinking, sketching) – YouTube: Channels like Design Coach, Faber Castell, and Draw with Jazza |
| Daily Practice | Regular sketching, model-making, observation journaling, and concept ideation exercises |
NID Notification 2026
NID Latest Fees Detail 2026
NID Previous Year Cutoff's
NID Previous Year Paper
NID Result
NID Admit Card
NID Mock Test
NID Latest Updates 2026
NID Cutoff's
| Program | Category | Cutoff Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| B.Des Program | Open | 48-53 |
| OBC-NCL | 43-48 | |
| EWS | 50-55 | |
| ST | 40-45 | |
| SC | 40-45 | |
| PWD | 40-45 | |
| M.Des Program (Expected) | ||
| NID Ahmedabad | Open | 96.84 |
| OBC-NCL | 79.41 | |
| SC | 65.27 | |
| ST | 63.49 | |
| NID Andhra Pradesh | Open | 94.17 |
| OBC-NCL | 71.72 | |
| SC | 53.33 | |
| ST | 50.51 | |
| NID Haryana | Open | 91.15 |
| OBC-NCL | 65.82 | |
| SC | 46.12 | |
| ST | 47.91 | |
| NID Madhya Pradesh | Open | 88.16 |
| OBC-NCL | 60.95 | |
| SC | 50.17 | |
| ST | 46.19 | |
| NID Assam | Open | 87.10 |
| OBC-NCL | 57.17 | |
| SC | 45.98 |
Note
Reserved category candidates receive relaxation in cutoff scores:- OBC-NCL: 10% less than the open category cutoff.
- SC/ST: 20% less than the open category cutoff.
🧾 NID 2026 Counselling Process
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Registration |
|
| Choice Filling & Locking |
|
| Document Verification |
|
| Seat Allotment |
|
| Fee Payment |
|
| Subsequent Rounds |
|
📎 Required Documents for Verification
| Document | Applicable Program |
|---|---|
| 10+2 Mark Sheet & Certificate | B.Des |
| Bachelor’s Degree Certificate | M.Des |
| Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD) | If applicable |
| Passport-size Photograph | All |
| Signature (Scanned) | All |
💡 Counselling Tips
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Prioritize Campuses | Choose top institutes like NID Ahmedabad for the best placements and exposure |
| Follow Deadlines | Stay updated with counselling schedules; missing a deadline can forfeit your seat |
| Check Cut-Off Trends | Use previous years’ cut-off data to make informed choices and improve admission chances |
📝 NID 2026 Exam Pattern – DAT Prelims
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Pen-and-paper (Offline) |
| Duration | B.Des: 3 hours M.Des: 2.5 hours |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Sections | Section A: MCQs testing general aptitude, design awareness, and analytical skills Section B: Subjective questions on creativity, drawing, and visualization |
| Language | English |
| Weightage in Final Score | B.Des: 30% M.Des: 30% |
| Exam Centers | Conducted in approximately 22 cities across India |
| Eligibility for Mains | Only candidates who clear the Prelims are shortlisted for the Mains |
🎨 NID 2026 Exam Pattern – DAT Mains
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Studio Test (Practical) and Personal Interview |
| Components | Studio Test: Sketching, model-making, hands-on creative tasks, and group activities Personal Interview: Communication skills, portfolio review (M.Des), passion for design |
| Duration | Typically 2–3 hours |
| Location | NID campuses – Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Gandhinagar, etc. |
| Weightage in Final Score | 70% (for both B.Des and M.Des) |
🔑 Key Takeaways
| Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Balanced Assessment | Exam tests a combination of theoretical aptitude, creativity, and practical application |
| Strategic Preparation | Understanding weightage and section types helps in focused preparation |
| Portfolio for M.Des | Strong portfolio and clear communication add value during the interview round |
NID Career Scope: Opportunities Await
The NID Career Scope is expansive, graduates thriving in diverse fields. NID’s reputation ensures opportunities with top companies, startups, or academia. Career paths include:
- Fashion Design: Design for brands like Sabyasachi, Zara, or Nike. Launch your label or work in costume design for Bollywood/Hollywood.
- Industrial Design: Create products for Apple, IKEA, or Mahindra, specializing in furniture, electronics, or automobiles.
- Communication Design: Excel in graphic design, animation, or UI/UX for Google, Pixar, or Zomato.
- Textile Design: Innovate in sustainable fabrics, retail, or luxury fashion.
- Entrepreneurship: Start design consultancies or studios, leveraging NID’s network.
- Academia: Teach at premier institutes or pursue Ph.D. programs.
Entry-level salaries range from ₹6–12 lakh per annum, with senior designers earning ₹20 lakh or more. The fashion designing course at NID is particularly lucrative, offering global prospects.
NID Notification 2024-25
NID Latest Fees Detail 2024-25
NID Previous Year Cutoff's
NID Previous Year Paper
NID Result
NID Admit Card
NID Mock Test
NID Latest Updates 2024-25
NID Top Colleges: Choose Your Campus
NID’s seven campuses rank among the NID Top Colleges in India, each excelling in specific areas:
- NID Ahmedabad: The flagship campus, offering B.Des, M.Des, and Ph.D. in all disciplines. Renowned for Industrial and Communication Design.
- NID Gandhinagar: Specializes in M.Des programs like Apparel Design and Lifestyle Accessories.
- NID Bengaluru: Focuses on IT-integrated design, including UI/UX and digital game design.
- NID Andhra Pradesh (Vijayawada): Offers B.Des in Communication, Industrial, and Textile Design.
- NID Haryana (Kurukshetra): Strong in product design and apparel, with modern infrastructure.
- NID Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal): Known for sustainable design and textile innovation.
- NID Assam (Jorhat): Emphasizes regional crafts and Textile/Apparel Design.
Select a campus aligned with your specialization for NID 2025.
🎫 NID 2026 Admit Card – Key Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date |
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| Download Process |
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| Details Mentioned |
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| Required Documents |
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| Important Instructions |
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📊 NID 2026 Result
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| DAT Prelims Result |
|
| Final Result (Prelims + Mains) |
|
🧾 How to Check NID 2026 Result
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Visit admissions.nid.edu |
| Step 2 | Log in using your registration number and password |
| Step 3 | Download your scorecard, which includes:
|
📌 Additional Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Cut-Off Marks | Released with the final result; varies by program, campus, and category |
| Counselling Eligibility | Only candidates meeting or exceeding the cut-off will be eligible for the NID 2026 Counselling Process |