NID 2026 Toppers List: Topper AIR, Marks, & Strategy Insights

Summary: The NID 2026 toppers list highlights the top performers of NID DAT 2026, along with insights into NID topper marks 2026, NID DAT merit list 2026, and preparation trends. This blog analyses toppers’ strategies and success patterns to help aspirants targeting NID 2027 and 2028 prepare more effectively.

NID admission is one of the most competitive design entrances in India, and each year the NID DAT toppers list showcases exceptional talent, creativity, and exam strategy. This page presents the NID 2026 toppers list, details about NID topper marks 2026, insights from past winners, and real prep tips to help future aspirants aim for the top.

The final NID DAT merit list 2026 is released by the National Institute of Design after evaluation of Prelims, Studio Test, and Interview. We’ll update this page as soon as the official PDF is out, along with scores and rank breakdowns.

Latest Updates:

NID 2026 Exam Date - Conducted on 21st December 2025

NID 2026 B.Des FINAL Result - Awaited (Expected in May 2026)

NID 2026 M.Des FINAL Results & Toppers List - OUT NOW 

Click here to Download CreativeEdge NID Toppers List PDF 

NID 2026 Toppers List (Final Merit List) - Awaited

Below is the NID DAT 2026 toppers list based on the official merit list released by NID (names and scores to be updated as soon as available).

This table will be refreshed with Rank, Candidate Name, Programme (B.Des / M.Des), and final score, as soon as the official NID results are out. 

All India Rank	Candidate Name	Programme (B.Des/M.Des)	NID Topper Marks 2026
AIR 1	Ayush	M.Des - Textile Design & Apparel Design	51.50 out of 100 in DAT Mains
AIR 2	Vikash	M.Des - Animation Film Design	57.10 out of 100 in DAT Mains
AIR 3	Rutuja	M.Des - Strategic Design Management	49.70 out of 100 in DAT Mains
AIR 1	TBA	B.Des	TBA
AIR 2	TBA	B.Des	TBA
AIR 3	TBA	B.Des	TBA

Check: Complete NID 2026 Exam Analysis

NID DAT 2026 Prelims Result

B.Des:

Candidate Name	CreativEdge Student ID	Programme	NID Prelims Result
Avni	6562220	B.Des	Qualified for Mains
Kunal	6232611	B.Des	Qualified for Mains
Mohit	6600740	B.Des	Qualified for Mains
Shraddha	6548950	B.Des	Qualified for Mains
Devansh	6531074	B.Des	Qualified for Mains
Lakshya	6272657	B.Des	Qualified for Mains
Sheetal	6716569	B.Des	Qualified for Mains
Vidushi	6632548	B.Des	Qualified for Mains

M.Des:

The NID DAT 2026 Prelims result for M.Des was officially announced on 12th February 2026. Candidates who appeared for the exam could download their scorecards from the official NID admissions portal using their registered credentials.

Candidate Name	CreativEdge Student ID	Programme (M.Des)	NID Prelims Result
Vikash	6681300	M.Des – Animation Film Design	Qualified for Mains
Mouly	6373424	M.Des – Textile, Apparel, & Lifestyle Accessory Design	Qualified for Mains
Radhika	6277236	M.Des – Universal Design	Qualified for Mains
Apurva	6471484	M.Des - Animation Film Design	Qualified for Mains
Ayush	6681300	M.Des – Textile Design & Apparel Design	Qualified for Mains
Anjali	5429121	M.Des – Furniture Interior Design	Qualified for Mains
Tamanna	6668421	M.Des – New Media Design	Qualified for Mains

Key Details – NID Prelims 2026

Particular	B.Des	M.Des
Exam Name	NID DAT 2026 (B.Des) Prelims	NID DAT 2026 (M.Des) Prelims
Result Announcement Date	2nd April 2026	12 February 2026
Mode of Result	Online (Scorecard download)	Online (Scorecard download)
Shortlisting Criteria	1.5× total seats (category-wise)	1.5× total seats (category-wise)
Next Stage	NID DAT Mains (Studio Test + In-person Sensitivity Test)	NID DAT Mains (Studio Test / Interview)

What the Prelims Scorecard Included

The NID DAT 2026 M.Des Prelims result contained:

• Section-wise marks
• Total score in Prelims
• Qualifying status
• Shortlisting confirmation for DAT Mains

Only candidates meeting the category-wise cut-off and falling within the prescribed shortlisting ratio (1.5 times the total seats) were eligible to appear for the Mains stage.

Must Read: NID 2026 Exam Analysis - Paper Review

Download Free Study Materials for NID 2027 by CreativeEdge

Key Highlights from NID DAT Toppers List 2026

The top ranks in NID 2026 reflect high performance across both Studio Test and In-person Sensitivity Test (B.Des) or Interview (M.Des), which carry the most weight in the final merit.

Top aspirants showed balanced strength in creative aptitude, conceptual thinking, and articulation of ideas. In this blog, you get complete insights into NID 2026 toppers list, highest marks in NID 2026, and lessons you can learn if you are also planning to target NID in upcoming 2027 and 2028.

Details	NID UG 2026	NID PG 2026
NID 2026 Topper's Highest Marks
NID 2026 Topper's State

This will also be updated with score and rank details shortly after the official and final NID results are out.

Check: Top NID Colleges in India - Seats, Fees, Placements

CreativEdge NID Toppers List of Last Year (2025) – B.Des & M.Des

The NID DAT 2025 toppers list was released after the final results for both B.Des and M.Des programs were declared by the National Institute of Design. The final merit list includes top rankers based on combined performance in DAT Prelims and DAT Mains.

NID 2025 Toppers Rank (PG)	NID 2025 Toppers Name	CreativEdge Program
AIR 20	Aditi Shukla (NID Ahmedabad)	Platinum Batch
AIR 21	Apurva Bang (NID Andhra Pradesh)	Platinum Batch
AIR 45	Sneha Sarode (NID Kurukshetra)	Platinum Batch
Air 46	Srijal Kale (NID Bhopal)	Platinum Batch
--	Navya Bhaska (NID Bhopal)	Crash Course Batch
--	Monisha Joshi (NID Jorhat)	Crash Course Batch
NID 2025 Toppers Rank (PG)	NID 2025 Toppers Name	CreativEdge Program
AIR 5	Ananya Dey (NID Ahmedabad)	Premium Postgraduate Program
AIR 6	Priyal Soni (NID Ahmedabad)	Premium Postgraduate Program
AIR 9	Gitali Ajmera	Premium Postgraduate Program
AIR 16	Ashish Dobhal	Premium Postgraduate Program

Check: Expected NID DAT Cut Off 2026 

Download Study Plan to Manage NID Exam Preparation with Boards

How the NID DAT 2025 Toppers Were Determined

The NID DAT final result was prepared by combining scores from:

• DAT Prelims (30%)
• DAT Mains (Studio Test + Interview) (70%)

Trends from the NID 2025 Toppers List

• Multiple high achievers appeared across both B.Des and M.Des streams from CreativEdge.
• Top ranks often come from NID entrance exam performance that showcases high-level creative clarity and structured responses.
• Past-performance analyses suggest that candidates with exam scores of around 80 - 90+ generally secured top ranks and admission to premier NID campuses like NID Ahmedabad & NID Gandhinagar.

What This Means for NID 2026 Aspirants

Studying the previous years’ NID toppers list helps in understanding:

• The competitive benchmark for top ranks
• The level of preparation required across all stages
• How performance in Studio Test and Interview significantly influences final merit

Using previous toppers’ trends as guidance allows aspirants to refine their preparation strategy for NID DAT 2026.

NID Previous Year Toppers List (2024)

NID Toppers List 2024:

• 2 students in Top 10 All India ranks
• Over 50 total admissions in NID courses
• Hundreds of selections in top design colleges/universities

NID Toppers Rank	NID Toppers Name
AIR 2	Angel Topno
AIR 9	Ayushmaan Panika
AIR 13	Aryanshi Singh
AIR 13	Bhumika Batra
AIR 35	Naitik Gupta
AIR 45	Asmi Agnihotri
AIR 46	Aayush Rasal
AIR 63	Khushi Suryavanshi
AIR 180	Iniya Saravanan
AIR 201	Sanskriti Malviya
AIR 258	Roshni Prajapat

Know: How CreativEdge has given the most NID, NIFT & UCEED Toppers

Check NID Topper's Experience of Facing NID Prelims & Mains

Previous Years NID Toppers from CreativEdge Who Got Admissions in Top NID Colleges in India

NID Toppers Names	NID Campus Secured
Ayushman Panika	NID Ahmedabad
Aryanshi Singh	NID Ahmedabad
Asmi Agnihotri	NID Ahmedabad
Ayush Rasal	NID Ahmedabad
Shruti Verma	NID Ahmedabad
Aryan Gupta	NID Ahmedabad
Abhijeet Rana	NID Ahmedabad
Ajay Sapkale	NID Ahmedabad
Divyanshi Khedakar	NID Ahmedabad
Anokhi Shah	NID Ahmedabad
Honey Jaiswal	NID Ahmedabad
Rima	NID Ahmedabad
Ruchi Deshmukh	NID Ahmedabad
Rudraksh Bade	NID Ahmedabad
Sakshi Agarwal	NID Ahmedabad
Khushi Suryavanshi	NID Vijaywada
Naitik Gupta	NID Bhopal
Angel Topno	NID Gandhinagar
Riya Saxena	NID Assam
Vea Daswani	NID Bhopal
Raghav Ganpathy	NID Bhopal
Dipesh Bhandari	NID Bhopal
Taher Kapadia	NID Bhopal
Lippi Gupta	NID Bhopal
Faiqa Atif	NID Bhopal
Adithya.S	NID Vijaywada
Prakhar Sharma	NID Vijaywada
Tanishq Kachchawa	NID Vijaywada
Saumya Gautam	NID Jorhat
Karun Thapa	NID Jorhat

Know more: NID Exam Section Wise Preparation Strategy

Explore NID DAT Exam 2027 Prep Courses by CreativeEdge

Lessons to Learn from NID 2026 Toppers Success Stories:

The journey of students featured in the NID 2026 toppers list reveals clear, repeatable lessons that go far beyond talent or luck. By analysing the preparation patterns and decision-making of NID DAT 2026 top rankers, aspirants can understand what actually makes the difference in a highly competitive design entrance exam.

Here are the most important lessons aspirants can take away from the success stories of NID 2026 toppers.

1. Toppers Focused on Process, Not Just Final Output

One common trait among NID 2026 top rankers was their strong focus on design process. Instead of jumping straight to final sketches, they spent time:

• Understanding the problem deeply
• Exploring multiple ideas
• Justifying decisions logically

This approach helped them score better in CAT answers, Studio Test questions, and Interviews, where NID evaluates thinking, not decoration.

2. Consistency is Always Better than Intensity

The NID 2026 toppers did not rely on last-minute preparation. Their success stories highlight:

• Daily sketching and ideation practice
• Short, regular reasoning and observation exercises
• Weekly mock tests and review sessions

Rather than extreme study hours, consistent, structured practice helped them steadily improve across all sections.

3. Mock Tests Improved Scores & Confidence

One of the strongest lessons from NID toppers was how seriously they treated mock tests. Instead of focusing only on scores, toppers used mocks to understand question intent, manage time, and refine their approach.

They regularly:

• Attempted full-length and section-wise mocks under timed conditions
• Analysed mistakes to identify gaps in thinking or execution
• Improved presentation, clarity, and speed with every mock

This habit helped them enter the actual NID exam with familiarity, confidence, and control, making mocks a crucial part of their success.

Attempt Now: FREE NID Mock Test Series 

4. Strong Time Management Was a Game Changer

A recurring lesson from the NID 2026 toppers list is how well toppers managed time:

• They did not overwork one CAT question at the cost of others
• They planned answers before drawing
• They balanced speed with clarity

This ability proved crucial in NID DAT Prelims, which many students found lengthy.

Check: NID Eligibility Criteria 2026

5. Studio Test Preparation Was Treated Seriously

For both B.Des and M.Des toppers, Studio Test preparation was not an afterthought. Top rankers:

• Practised model-making with limited materials
• Simulated real studio test conditions
• Focused on functionality, not just aesthetics

Since Studio Test performance heavily influences final merit, this preparation directly reflected in their ranks.

Instant Scholarship for NID 2027 Prep is Here. Avail Now!

6. They Maintained a Strong Balance Between GAT and CAT Preparation

One consistent pattern among NID toppers was how well they balanced GAT and CAT preparation throughout their journey. Instead of over-focusing on drawing alone, toppers:

• Practised logical, analytical, and visual reasoning regularly
• Gave equal importance to creativity, ideation, and visualization
• Integrated GAT and CAT practice into the same study routine

This balanced approach ensured they performed consistently across both sections of NID DAT, avoiding the common pitfall of scoring high in one section but losing marks in the other.

Read More: Section-wise NID Marking Scheme 2026

7. They Practised Drawing and Design Thinking Regularly, Not Occasionally

NID toppers treated drawing and design thinking as daily habits, not last-minute skills. Their preparation focused on:

• Quick sketches to improve speed and clarity
• Daily ideation exercises to strengthen design thinking
• Solving real-world problems through visual storytelling

This regular practice helped them develop original ideas, clear communication, and confident execution, which directly reflected in their CAT answers, Studio Test performance, and interviews.

8. Toppers Learned from Mistakes Instead of Ignoring Them

Another key lesson from NID DAT 2026 top rankers was their habit of:

• Reviewing mock test errors
• Identifying repeated weaknesses
• Making small, targeted improvements

This feedback-driven approach prevented stagnation and ensured continuous progress.

9. They Didn’t Try to Be “Perfect Designers”

Most NID 2026 toppers did not aim for flawless sketches. Instead, they focused on:

• Clear ideas
• Honest problem-solving
• Practical solutions

NID values original thinking and relevance far more than overly polished artwork.

10. Confidence Came from Preparation, Not Guesswork

The confidence seen in the NID 2026 toppers list was not accidental. It came from:

• Familiarity with exam patterns by practicing NID previous year question papers.
• Repeated exposure to similar questions by focusing on NID important topics & high-weightage areas.
• Practising under time pressure (repeated mocks).

This preparation allowed toppers to stay calm and composed during both Prelims and Mains.

How CreativeEdge Toppers Prepared - and What You Can Learn for NID 2027 & 2028

The preparation journeys of CreativeEdge toppers show that cracking NID is not about shortcuts or last-minute effort. It is about starting early, following a system, and staying consistent. Here’s how they prepared, and how aspirants targeting NID 2027 and NID 2028 can apply the same approach.

1. They Started Early and Built a Strong Foundation

CreativEdge toppers began their preparation early with a clear understanding of the NID exam structure and subjects.

NID Exam Structure at a Glance (DAT Prelims)

Section	Nature of Questions	What Is Tested
GAT (General Ability Test)	Objective & short-answer	Logical reasoning, visual reasoning, quantitative ability, general awareness, observation skills
CAT (Creative Ability Test)	Subjective / descriptive	Creativity, imagination, visualization, problem-solving, sketching, and design thinking

Successful NID aspirants don’t study everything at once. They break preparation into small, daily, repeatable goals across GAT and CAT.

Also Check: NID DAT Syllabus 2026

GAT: Logical, Visual & Analytical Ability

Focus daily on:

• Logical reasoning questions (series, patterns, coding, mirror images)
• Visual reasoning and observation-based questions

• Design-oriented GK and awareness of architecture, everyday objects, and surroundings

CAT: Drawing & Visualization

Make drawing a daily habit:

• Practice object drawing, scenes, and perspective
• Work on proportion, clarity, and storytelling

CAT: Creativity & Design Thinking

Daily ideation matters more than perfect drawings:

• Solve one creative problem statement daily
• Practice thinking of multiple solutions
• Write short explanations to justify your ideas

What you can learn:
Early preparation helps you strengthen fundamentals, which later becomes a major advantage in CAT, Studio Test, and interviews.

Check: Important NID 2027 CAT Questions

2. They Followed a Simple, Daily Study Routine

Rather than irregular long study hours, CreativEdge toppers followed a realistic daily routine, usually involving:

• Focused GAT practice sessions
• Daily sketching or ideation exercises
• Weekly mock tests or timed practice

This routine makes NID preparation manageable alongside school, college, or boards.

What you can learn:
A daily routine builds momentum. Small, consistent efforts compound into strong performance over time.

3. They Studied Previous Year Papers to Understand the Exam

CreativeEdge toppers regularly studied previous year NID question papers to:

• Understand the type and difficulty level of questions
• Identify recurring themes and high-focus areas
• Learn how NID frames open-ended and subjective questions

They didn’t memorise answers, they analysed how questions test thinking.

What you can learn:
Previous year papers help you prepare smartly by showing what matters most in the actual exam.

4. They Used a Smart Revision Strategy

Revision was not random. Toppers:

• Maintained error logs from mocks
• Revised weak areas weekly
• Revisited core concepts multiple times instead of learning new topics repeatedly

This ensured steady improvement and reduced repeated mistakes.

What you can learn:
Revision is about refinement, not repetition. Focus on improving weak areas rather than over-practising strengths.

Download PYPs with Solutions for NID 2026 by CreativeEdge

5. Consistency Was More Important Than Intensity

One of the strongest lessons from CreativeEdge toppers is consistency. They:

• Practised regularly, even on busy days
• Avoided long breaks in preparation
• Trusted gradual improvement

They did not chase perfection every day.

What you can learn:
Consistent preparation over months beats short bursts of intense study.

6. CreativEdge for Structured Preparation

A major reason CreativEdge toppers stayed on track was right guidance & structure. CreativEdge offers:

• 2-year long courses for early starters (NID 2028 aspirants)
• 1-year long courses for focused and serious preparation (NID 2027 aspirants)

These programs provide:

• Clear monthly goals
• Regular feedback
• Continuous skill development across GAT, CAT, Studio Test, and Interview

Also Read: NID Interview Questions with Answers

7. A Clear 1-Year Roadmap Kept Them Focused

Here’s a month-wise full year’s study plan inspired by NID 2026 Toppers exam preparation. It gives maximum focus to CAT or NID sketching questions practice that aligns with the new NID exam pattern and the surprising format of NID 2026 question paper.

Months	Primary Focus	CAT Preparation (80–90% Priority)	GAT Preparation (10–20% Priority – Structured Coverage)	Practice Style	Outcome by End of Phase
Months 1–2	Creative foundations	Line quality, basic forms, object sketching, simple compositions, visual clarity	Observation basics, introduction to visual reasoning, everyday design awareness	Untimed, skill-building practice	Comfort with sketching and observation-driven thinking
Months 3–4	Observation & visual thinking	NID Perspective Questions, light–shadow, scene composition, simple visual storytelling	Pattern recognition, visual puzzles, basic logical sequencing	CAT-heavy practice with light time limits	Stronger observation and idea-to-visual translation
Months 5–6	Ideation & concept depth	Multiple ideation methods, theme-based drawing, functional creativity	Applied logical reasoning, design awareness (products, spaces, systems)	Section-wise timed CAT practice	Faster ideation with clearer conceptual logic
Months 7–8	CAT dominance	Full-length CAT questions, multi-part drawing answers, relevance & clarity	Weekly mixed drills covering visual + NID logical reasoning questions	CAT-intensive practice	High CAT confidence with retained GAT readiness
Months 9–10	Prelims simulation	Drawing-only mock papers, execution speed, presentation discipline	Integrated GAT practice: design awareness + reasoning sets	Full mocks + deep analysis	Exam stamina and adaptability to pattern changes
Months 11–12	Refinement & peak readiness	Clean presentation, idea precision, minimal words + strong visuals	Quick revision of design awareness, logic, and visual reasoning	Fewer mocks, quality analysis	Calm, CAT-ready, and GAT-prepared

Why This Priority Split Is Ideal for NID 2027 & 2028

• Reflects 100% drawing-based NID 2026 Prelims
• Aligns with long-term CAT weightage increase (60% → 70% → 100%)
• Protects aspirants if GAT questions returns in any form
• Builds core design skills that NID always values

Bottom Line for Aspirants:

You can survive with basic GAT readiness, but you cannot succeed without strong CAT skills.

Daily sketching, visual storytelling, ideation speed, problem-solving, and expressing ideas clearly with fewer words and stronger visuals should now dominate your NID preparation.

For More Details: NID Admission Process & Seat Allotment Guide

Why You Should Choose CreativeEdge for Your NID 2027–2028 Preparation

Preparing for NID requires much more than practicing sketches or solving aptitude questions. It demands structured guidance, design thinking, continuous feedback, and long-term mentoring. CreativeEdge has been built around these exact needs of NID aspirants. Here’s why CreativeEdge is a strong choice for students preparing for NID 2027 and NID 2028.

1. NID-Focused Preparation, Not Generic Coaching

CreativeEdge programs are designed specifically around the NID exam structure, including GAT, CAT, Studio Test, and Interview stages. The teaching approach aligns closely with how NID evaluates design thinking, originality, and clarity, rather than rote learning.

What this means for you:

You prepare exactly for what NID tests, not unnecessary topics.

2. Strong Emphasis on Thinking Before Drawing

At CreativeEdge, students are trained to understand the problem, ideate clearly, and then visualize. This approach mirrors how NID evaluates creative answers.

Result:
Cleaner CAT responses, better studio outputs, and stronger interview articulation.

3. Balanced Focus on GAT, CAT, and Studio Test

Many aspirants focus heavily on drawing and ignore aptitude. CreativeEdge ensures:

• Regular GAT practice (logical, analytical, visual reasoning)
• Continuous CAT ideation and sketching exercises
• Early exposure to studio-based problem solving

This balanced preparation improves performance across all stages of NID DAT.

4. Live, Interactive Classes with Real-Time Feedback

CreativeEdge sessions are interactive and application-oriented, not passive lectures. Students receive:

• Live feedback on sketches and ideas
• Corrections during practice itself
• Clear suggestions on how to improve answers

Why it matters:
Design improves through feedback, not repetition.

Must Read: CreativEdge Coaching: Results, Features, Faculty & more

Download Important NID Sketching Questions PDF with Answers

5. Structured Long-Term Roadmaps (Not Last-Minute Prep)

CreativeEdge follows month-wise and phase-wise preparation plans, ideal for NID 2027 and 2028 aspirants starting early. This avoids panic-driven preparation closer to the exam.

Outcome:
Steady improvement and higher confidence over time.

6. Studio Test & Interview Preparation Built In

Studio test and interview preparation is not treated as an afterthought. Students practise:

• Model making under time constraints
• Observation-based tasks
• Concept explanation and portfolio walkthroughs

This holistic approach reflects directly in final merit performance.

7. Mentorship-Driven Learning Environment

Students at CreativEdge are guided through:

• One-on-one doubt resolution
• Regular performance reviews
• Strategy corrections based on progress

This mentorship helps aspirants stay on track and avoid common mistakes.

Must Check: Lighthouse CreativEdge Mentorship Program

8. Access to High-Quality Preparation and Practice Resources

CreativeEdge students get:

• NID-style practice questions
• Memory-based previous year questions
• Mock tests designed around current exam trends

These resources help students build exam familiarity early.

9. Proven Results and Student Success Stories

Over the years, CreativeEdge students have consistently performed well across design entrances. Their success stories reflect:

• Strong fundamentals
• Confident studio performance
• Clear communication in interviews

This track record reinforces the effectiveness of the preparation approach.

10. A Supportive Peer & Learning Community

Preparation at CreativeEdge is not isolated. Students benefit from:

• Peer discussions
• Collaborative ideation
• Motivation during long preparation phases

This community-driven learning keeps preparation engaging and sustainable.

Get Inspired: Explore CreativEdge Topper's Testimonials

NID Toppers Start Here - Take Mock Tests Today!

Final Thoughts on the NID 2026 Toppers List

The NID 2026 toppers list is not just a rank table, it’s a reflection of disciplined preparation, strong idea execution, and clear communication.
Understanding the patterns, habits, and preparation strategies of top rankers can give future design aspirants a significant competitive edge.

Bookmark this page and revisit it after the official merit list is released to see fully verified names, ranks, and scores of the NID DAT 2026 toppers list.

Targeting NID 2027 or 2028? We can help you with exact strategic roadmap, study material and crucial feedback required to ace this exam.

Join CreativEdge, India’s leading NID online coaching and get expert guidance on all NID subjects. 

You can enroll in offline NID batches at your nearest centres also!