NID B. Des 2026–27 Admission Guide
All You Need to Know About This Year’s Admission Process
NID B. Des 2026–27 Admission Guide
All You Need to Know About This Year’s Admission Process
NID B. Des 2026–27 Admission Guide
All You Need to Know About This Year’s Admission Process
October 13, 2025
The NID B.Des Admissions 2026–27 application process is now formally open if you want to apply to the National Institute of Design (NID), one of India's top design schools.
With information sourced from the NID B.Des Handbook 2026–27 (published on September 11, 2025), this article provides you with a comprehensive overview of the NID Admissions process, important dates, eligibility, seat matrix, exam structure, and recent changes.
Here is all the information you need to ace the NID DAT 2026 exam, regardless of whether you're studying for the NID Ahmedabad, NID MP, NID AP, NID Haryana, or NID Assam exams.
The NID B.Des Admissions 2026–27 application process is now formally open if you want to apply to the National Institute of Design (NID), one of India's top design schools.
With information sourced from the NID B.Des Handbook 2026–27 (published on September 11, 2025), this article provides you with a comprehensive overview of the NID Admissions process, important dates, eligibility, seat matrix, exam structure, and recent changes.
Here is all the information you need to ace the NID DAT 2026 exam, regardless of whether you're studying for the NID Ahmedabad, NID MP, NID AP, NID Haryana, or NID Assam exams.
NID 2026-27 Important Dates
NID 2026-27 Important Dates
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit:
Age Limit:
General / EWS: Born on or after 1 July 2005
OBC-NCL / SC / ST: Born on or after 1 July 2002
PwD: Born on or after 1 July 2000
Overseas: Born on or after 1 July 2005
General / EWS: Born on or after 1 July 2005
OBC-NCL / SC / ST: Born on or after 1 July 2002
PwD: Born on or after 1 July 2000
Overseas: Born on or after 1 July 2005
Education:
Education:
Must have passed or be appearing for the Class XII (10+2) exam in 2025–26 in any stream (Science / Arts / Commerce / Humanities).
Must pass in the first attempt and submit marksheet by 15 July 2026; otherwise admission is cancelled and fees forfeited.
Must have passed or be appearing for the Class XII (10+2) exam in 2025–26 in any stream (Science / Arts / Commerce / Humanities).
Must pass in the first attempt and submit marksheet by 15 July 2026; otherwise admission is cancelled and fees forfeited.
Exam Structure (Two Stages)
Exam Structure (Two Stages)
Stage 1: DAT Prelims
Stage 1: DAT Prelims
Offline paper–pen test across India
Evaluates creativity, visualization, problem-solving, and design sensitivity
Conducted 21 December 2025
Offline paper–pen test across India
Evaluates creativity, visualization, problem-solving, and design sensitivity
Conducted 21 December 2025
Stage 2: DAT Mains
Stage 2: DAT Mains
Age Limit:
For shortlisted candidates only
Includes Studio Sensitivity Test (60%) + In-Person Sensitivity Test (40%)
Final merit list will be based only on DAT Mains performance
Age Limit:
For shortlisted candidates only
Includes Studio Sensitivity Test (60%) + In-Person Sensitivity Test (40%)
Final merit list will be based only on DAT Mains performance
Participating NIDs & Seat Intake (2026–27)
Participating NIDs & Seat Intake (2026–27)
What’s New / Important Changes This Year
What’s New / Important Changes This Year
Prelims Score Not Considered: The score of DAT Prelims will now only be used to shortlist a candidate for Mains – it will not matter in the overall outcome of the examination.
Studio + In-Person Tests: The Mains format is now clearly articulated into two parts and the weightage has been clearly defined (60:40).
Campus Preference System: Candidates will now choose their preferred NID campuses at application stage and will only be able to change it to a maximum of once before the seat allotment.
Increased Overseas Supernumerary Seats: 15% additional seats for international candidates, across all NIDs.
More Clarity with PwD and Third Gender: More clarity and clearly defined scribe shortcuts for PwD had been defined - also an application-fee reduction for Third Gender applicants.
Digital Process: This entire process is a (from application, to upload document, to counselling) is done digital this year.
Prelims Score Not Considered: The score of DAT Prelims will now only be used to shortlist a candidate for Mains – it will not matter in the overall outcome of the examination.
Studio + In-Person Tests: The Mains format is now clearly articulated into two parts and the weightage has been clearly defined (60:40).
Campus Preference System: Candidates will now choose their preferred NID campuses at application stage and will only be able to change it to a maximum of once before the seat allotment.
Increased Overseas Supernumerary Seats: 15% additional seats for international candidates, across all NIDs.
More Clarity with PwD and Third Gender: More clarity and clearly defined scribe shortcuts for PwD had been defined - also an application-fee reduction for Third Gender applicants.
Digital Process: This entire process is a (from application, to upload document, to counselling) is done digital this year.
Design Trends & Focus Areas for NID DAT 2026–27
Design Trends & Focus Areas for NID DAT 2026–27
Alongside official changes, recent paper trends show a strong emphasis on:
Sustainability & Eco-Design
Design Thinking & Problem Solving
Social Context–Based Scenarios
Observation & Storytelling
Material Exploration & Functionality
Cultural & Design Awareness (GK Section)
These areas reflect how NID evaluates both imagination and empathy - the true marks of a designer.
Alongside official changes, recent paper trends show a strong emphasis on:
Sustainability & Eco-Design
Design Thinking & Problem Solving
Social Context–Based Scenarios
Observation & Storytelling
Material Exploration & Functionality
Cultural & Design Awareness (GK Section)
These areas reflect how NID evaluates both imagination and empathy - the true marks of a designer.
Important Downloads
Important Downloads
Handbooks for the NID 2026-27 application session.
NID Official Website - admissions.nid.edu
Handbooks for the NID 2026-27 application session.
NID Official Website - admissions.nid.edu
Sample Papers
Sample Papers
Editing Your NID Application Form
Editing Your NID Application Form
Did you make a mistake? Don’t worry! The application form edit window will be open from December 2 to December 4, 2025. However, you can’t change everything – some fields like your name, email ID, mobile number, and study program cannot be edited. But, you can update your exam center, address, and uploaded documents.
Make sure to double-check your information before you submit!
NID DAT 2026 Test Centers
You can choose your exam center from 23 cities across India when filling out your application. The final list of centers will be mentioned on your admit card. Choose wisely based on your convenience!
You can choose your exam center from 23 cities across India when filling out your application. The final list of centers will be mentioned on your admit card. Choose wisely based on your convenience!
Now that you have all the details, start preparing for the exam and make sure to apply on time. Best of luck in your design journey!
Now that you have all the details, start preparing for the exam and make sure to apply on time. Best of luck in your design journey!
Editing Your NID Application Form
The 2026–27 cycle emphasizes clarity, inclusivity, and adaptability. NID continues to test creative thinking over drawing perfection — so practice conceptual ideation, observation-based problem-solving, and visual storytelling.
Keep an eye on official updates at https://admissions.nid.edu, as all notifications, including exam mode or date changes, will be announced only there.
Studio Sector 4 - Design coaching program
Studio Sector 4
Design coaching program
Join expert-led guidance for NID, NIFT & CEED prep — where creativity meets clarity.
Join expert-led guidance for NID, NIFT & CEED prep — where creativity meets clarity.