Why Choose the National Institute of Design (NID)?
The National Institute of Design (NID) is a world-renowned center for Industrial, Communication, and Integrated Design, offering sought-after B.Des., M.Des., and Ph.D. programs.
NID stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, treating design as a strategic tool for problem-solving. It offers exceptional creative opportunities through:
- World-Class Faculty: Expert-led, personalized instruction.
- Innovative Curriculum & Facilities: Access to cutting-edge technology and design centers.
- Industry & Global Connections: High placement record with top companies like Apple and Google, and strong alumni network.
NID shapes dedicated, talented individuals for a rewarding career, ensuring graduates are prepared to drive change and innovation.
Why choose NID?
01
Premier Design Institute
NID is renowned for its innovative design programs and has multiple campuses across India.
02
Diverse Programs
Offers undergraduate (B.Des) and postgraduate (M.Des) courses covering various design disciplines.
03
Industry Oriented Curriculum
Focuses on practical skills and industry exposure through projects and internships.
04
Global Recognition
NID graduates are highly sought after in the design industry worldwide.
NID DAT 2026-2027 Admission Criteria
To be eligible for the NID DAT Mains and secure admission, candidates must meet specific criteria for both B.Des and M.Des programs.
Bachelor of Design (B.Des.)
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed or be appearing for the Higher Secondary (10+2) examination in the current academic year from any stream (CBSE, ICSE, etc.).
- Age Limit (as of July 1, 2026):
- General/EWS/International: Must be born on or after July 1, 2005 (upper age limit of 20 years).
- Reserved Categories: Must be born on or after July 1, 2002 (3 years age relaxation).
Master of Design (M.Des.)
- Educational Qualification: Applicants must possess:
- A four-year Bachelor’s degree (after 10+2) in any specialization; OR
- A four-year full-time Diploma in Design, Fine Arts, Applied Arts, or Architecture (after 10+2); OR
- A three-year Bachelor’s degree in any specialization (exams completed by August).
- Final-year students can apply, but must complete all exams by June 28, 2026, and submit final results by July 31, 2026.
- Age Limit (as of July 1, 2026):
- General/EWS/International: Must be born on or after July 1, 1994 (upper age limit of 28 years).
- Reserved Categories: Must be born on or after July 1, 1991 (3 years age relaxation).
NID B.Des Career Opportunities
The four-year Bachelor of Design (B.Des) program at NID prepares students for diverse professional roles across the creative and industrial sectors.
| B.Des Disciplines | Career Opportunities |
|---|---|
| Animation Film Design |
Animator, Visual Effects Artist, Storyboard Artist, Character Designer, Art Director (Animation) |
| Film & Video Communication |
Filmmaker, Cinematographer, Editor, Documentary Director, Visual Journalist, Corporate Video Producer |
| Graphic Design |
UI/UX Designer, Brand Identity Designer, Packaging Designer, Publication Designer, Web Designer, Art Director (Advertising) |
| Ceramic & Glass Design |
Studio Potter, Glass Artist, Product Designer (Ceramics/Glass), Industrial Designer for Tableware/Tiles, Crafts Consultant |
| Furniture Design |
Furniture Designer, Interior Product Designer, Exhibition Designer, Retail Fixture Designer, Manufacturing Consultant |
| Product Design |
Industrial Designer, Consumer Electronics Designer, Automotive Designer, Medical Device Designer, Design Consultant |
| Textile Design |
Textile Designer, Fabric Technologist, Surface Pattern Designer, Merchandiser, Design Manager in Apparel or Home Furnishing |
| Industrial Design |
(General field covering Product, Furniture, etc.) Roles in Manufacturing, R&D, and Product Innovation |
| Communication Design |
(General field covering Graphic, Film & Video, etc.) Roles in Branding, Advertising, Digital Media, and Information Design |
| Textile & Apparel Design |
Apparel Designer, Fashion Technologist, Quality Controller, Sustainable Design Specialist, Retail Buyer |
NID M.Des Career Opportunities
The Master of Design (M.Des) program at NID is a two-and-a-half-year postgraduate course offering specialized training that leads to high-level roles in management, consulting, research, and innovation.
| M.Des Disciplines | Career Opportunities |
|---|---|
| Animation Film Design | Animation Director, Series Creator, VFX Supervisor, Independent Filmmaker, Academician |
| Film & Video Communication | Creative Director, Media Strategist, Senior Editor, Documentary Producer, Communication Consultant |
| Graphic Design | Design Director, Branding Strategist, UI/UX Lead, Information Architect, Design Entrepreneur |
| Apparel Design | Fashion Director, Merchandising Manager, Head of Design, Costume Designer, Trend Forecaster |
| Textile Design | Research & Development Specialist, Material Innovator, Fabric Consultant, Design Head (Home/Apparel Textiles) |
| Ceramic & Glass Design | Industrial Design Lead (Glass/Ceramics), R&D Engineer, Studio Manager, Design Educator |
| Furniture Design | Design Manager (Modular Furniture), Exhibition Designer, Interior Architecture Consultant, Sustainable Design Specialist |
| Product Design | Innovation Manager, Design Strategist, Senior Product Designer, Design Researcher, Usability Expert |
| Lifestyle Accessory Design | Luxury Goods Manager, Jewelry Designer, Accessory Brand Strategist, Retail Experience Designer |
| Toy & Game Design | Game Designer, Educational Toy Developer, Creative Lead in Interactive Media, Serious Games Consultant |
| New Media Design | Interaction Designer, Digital Product Manager, AR/VR Experience Designer, Future Media Specialist |
| Design for Retail Experience | Retail Strategist, Store Planner, Visual Merchandising Head, Customer Experience (CX) Designer |
| Information Design | Data Visualization Specialist, Content Strategist, UX Writer, Policy Design Consultant |
| Photography Design | Art Director (Photography), Photo Editor, Commercial Photographer, Visual Storyteller, Photography Educator |
| Design for Digital Experience | Senior UX/UI Designer, Service Designer, Digital Transformation Consultant, Accessibility Specialist |
| Design for Sustainability | Sustainability Consultant, Eco-Product Developer, Circular Economy Strategist, Social Impact Designer |
| Design Management | Design Leadership, Innovation Management, Design Thinking Facilitator, Chief Design Officer (CDO) |
| Universal Design | Accessibility Consultant, Inclusive Product Developer, Policy Advisor for Public Infrastructure |
| Transportation & Automobile Design | Exterior/Interior Automobile Designer, Mobility Strategist, Advanced Concepts Designer, Vehicle Ergonomist |
NID Admission Registration Process
The NID admission registration for B.Des and M.Des programs follows a simple sequence of steps for the DAT 2026-2027:
- Visit the official NID website to initiate the registration.
- Sign up by creating a new admission account.
- Complete the online application form accurately, providing all necessary details.
- Upload Mandatory Documents as specified in the NID admission guidelines.
- Pay the application fee using your preferred payment method to finalize the process.
- Receive Confirmation of successful registration via your registered email.
afdindia provides comprehensive support, guiding students through every stage of the registration and admission process, alongside specialized NID DAT coaching, mock tests, and study materials.
NID DAT Entrance Exam Pattern - 2025-2026
To secure admissions to Bachelor’s in Design programs at NID, candidates need to clear two stages:
- Stage 1 - NID DAT Prelims - Pen and Paper (written Test)
- Stage 2 - NID DAT Mains - Studio Test
For a Bachelor’s in Design, the DAT prelims comprise a three-hour pen-and-paper examination that is further divided into two parts - objective-type questions worth 40 marks, which are MCQs on general knowledge, observation skills, and design awareness. The 2nd half consists of subjective/drawing based questions worth 60 marks, which assess drawing skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
Candidates who clear the preliminary round will be invited to attend the NID DAT Mains. Dat Mains comprises studio tests that involve candidates engaging in hands-on assessments such as drawing, sculpting, group discussions, and presentations.
| Mode of Exam | Pen and Paper Mode |
| Duration of Exam |
3 hours duration Part I: General Ability Test (GAT) (Weightage 40%) Part II: Design Aptitude Test (DAT) (Weightage 60%) |
| Total marks | 100 |
| Language of the question paper | English |
| Types of questions | Objective & Subjective |
For the Master’s in Design program, the DAT prelims is a 2.5-hour paper divided into two parts: objective-type questions - Common Design Aptitude test (40 marks) that has to be finished within 30 minutes. The subjective-type questions involve sketching, which has to be completed within 2 hours.
| Mode of Exam | Pen and Paper mode |
| Duration of Exam |
2 hours 30 mins (for one discipline) Paper I: Common Design Aptitude Test (30 mins) Paper II: Discipline-wise (2 hours) 4 hours 30 mins (for two disciplines) Paper I: Common Design Aptitude Test (30 mins) Paper II: Discipline-wise (2 hours) Paper III: Discipline-wise (2 hours) |
| Total marks | 100 |
| Language of the question paper | English |
| Types of questions | Objective & Subjective |
Applicants who pass the mains will receive a counseling invitation to confirm their admission to their preferred NID campus.
NID Admissions 2026/2027 - Important Dates
| Sl. No. | Admission Stages | B.Des. | M.Des. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Online Application begins | Thursday 11 Sept, 2025 | Thursday 11 Sept, 2025 |
| 2 | Last date for Online Application | 11:59 pm (midnight, Monday, 01 Dec, 2025) | 11:59 pm (midnight, Monday, 01 Dec, 2025) |
| 3 | Edit Application forms | 4pm, Tuesday, 02 Dec 2025, to 11:59 (Midnight) Thursday Dec 04, 2025 | 4pm, Tuesday, 02 Dec 2025, to 11:59 (Midnight) Thursday Dec 04, 2025 |
| 4 | Download Admit Card for DAT Prelims | 4 pm Thursday, 11 Dec, 2025 | 4 pm Thursday, 11 Dec, 2025 |
| 5 | DAT Prelims Exam | Sunday 21 Dec, 2025 | Sunday 21 Dec, 2025 |
| 6 | DAT Prelims Result | 4 pm Tuesday, 7 April 2026 | 4 pm Tuesday, 17 Feb, 2026 |
| 7 | Rechecking request for DAT Prelims | 4 pm Tuesday, 07 April 2026 to 11:59 (midnight) Wed 08 April, 2026 | 6 pm Tuesday, 17 Feb 2026 to 11:59 (midnight) Wed 18 Feb, 2026 |
| 8 | Download Admit Card for DAT Mains | To be announced later | To be announced later |
| 9 | DAT Mains Exam | April – May 2026 | March – April, 2026 |
| 10 | DAT Mains Exam Result | May 2026 | May 2026 |
| 11 | Rechecking request for DAT Mains | To be announced later | To be announced later |
| 12 | Admission counselling, Payment of fees & physical verification of Documents | 2nd/3rd week of June 2026 (tentatively) | 2nd/3rd week of June 2026 (tentatively) |
NID Admission Counselling & Seat Selection
After the DAT results, the counselling process begins with candidates selecting and submitting their preferred NID campuses on the portal; failing this step is considered a withdrawal.
In Round 1 Seat Allotment, candidates are notified if they have been allocated a seat based on their merit and preference. To confirm the allotted seat, the candidate must pay a mandatory, non-refundable token fee within the deadline. Subsequently, shortlisted candidates must upload all required documents (as a single PDF file ) for verification by the respective NID authorities.
A Round 2 Seat Allotment is conducted later for any remaining vacant seats.
Why afdindia to Get Admission in NID?
At afdindia, we know that cracking the NID DAT Mains requires more than just creativity—it demands the right strategy, expert guidance, and consistent practice. We offer a systematic and hands-on approach to help students build strong design thinking and problem-solving abilities, ensuring they are fully prepared for both the Prelims and the highly competitive Mains exams.
We acknowledge the challenging nature of the NID DAT and aim to instill the necessary skills and confidence in our students. With a proven track record of top selections, afdindia remains the go-to choice for NID coaching in India. Our methods ensure you're equipped with the right skills and strategies to confidently secure a spot at your dream design institute.
Join afdindia today and ace your NID DAT 2026–2027 with confidence!
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FAQs
What is the NID DAT for M.Des Admissions?
The NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is a nationwide entrance exam conducted for candidates seeking admission into the Master of Design (M.Des) programs offered by three NID campuses across India. The purpose of the NID DAT is to evaluate a candidate’s design potential, including their creativity, conceptual thinking, visual awareness, and understanding of design fundamentals.
Who is eligible to apply for NID DAT?
B.Des: Candidates who have completed or are appearing for their 10+2 exams from a recognized board.
M.Des: Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline or a full-time diploma in design, fine arts, or architecture.
What is the age limit for NID admissions?
B.Des: Maximum age of 20 years (General category); 3-year relaxation for reserved categories.
M.Des: Maximum age of 27years (General category); 3-year relaxation for reserved categories.
How many campuses does NID have?
NID has seven campuses: Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam. However, B.Des programs are available at only five campuses, while M.Des is offered at three campuses.
What is the exam pattern of NID DAT?
DAT Prelims: A three-hour written test with objective (MCQ) and subjective questions.
DAT Mains: A studio test that involves hands-on exercises like drawing, sketching, and model-making. For M.Des, an interview is also conducted.
What is the seat confirmation fee for NID admissions?
Indian candidates: ₹30,000 (non-refundable).
Overseas candidates: ₹75,000 (non-refundable).
Is there any reservation for NID admissions?
Yes, NID follows the Government of India’s reservation policy for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, PwD, and EWS categories.
How can I prepare for the NID DAT exam?
Practice sketching, creative problem-solving, and general knowledge. Solve previous years’ question papers. Enrolling in coaching programs provided by afdindia can offer you expert guidance and mock tests to boost your chance of clearing the DAT exam.
Where can I get official updates on NID admissions?
Visit the official NID website for the latest announcements on admissions, exam dates, and eligibility criteria.
Can I apply for multiple M.Des specializations at NID?
Yes, candidates can apply for up to two M.Des disciplines, but they must appear for separate DAT Mains tests for each specialization if shortlisted.
Is there a negative marking in NID DAT?
No, there is no negative marking in NID DAT Prelims or Mains.
How much time does it take to prepare for the NID entrance exam?
Preparation for the NID entrance exam generally requires 6 to 12 months. The advanced conceptual clarity, observational abilities, and drawing techniques required by the Creative Aptitude Test must be developed over this extended period of time.
What are the passing marks for NID DAT?
There are no fixed passing marks, as selection is based on relative performance. The cut-off varies each year depending on exam difficulty and competition.
Which NID is best for BDES?
Due to its extensive infrastructure, history, and variety of design disciplines, the NID Ahmedabad campus is generally considered the best and most desirable campus for B.Des. All NID campuses offer degrees, and they are equally respected and valuable.
Academic Director
Ms. Julie James NIFT (New Delhi - 1994 batch)
She has 30+ years of experience in design education. Post-graduate from NIFT- New Delhi (1991 batch). She has held managerial roles in the fashion industry, HOD - Dept. of Fashion Design, Assumption College & as Academic Director in afdindia.
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