NID Answer Key 2026: Download Provisional and Final Answer Key PDF Link here

Overview: Are you eagerly awaiting the NID Answer Key 2026? Are you looking for a way to ensure you have the correct answers to all the questions you faced during your NID exam? If so, you have come to the right place! This blog will provide you with the latest NID 2026 Answer Key information.

NID 2026 Answer Key: Official Link & Latest Update

If you are looking for the NID 2026 Answer Key official link, here’s the most important update: NID usually does not publish the Question Booklet / Answer Key publicly for NID DAT. That’s why you may not find an official “answer key PDF download” link on the website.

Still, for every authentic update (exam notices, dates, result updates, and any official communication), you should rely only on the official admissions portal and the official handbook/notifications.

• Official NID Admissions Portal: https://admissions.nid.edu/
• Official NID Website: https://www.nid.edu/

Tip: Once the result is announced, candidates who are not satisfied with their score can check the official rechecking window (if enabled for that cycle) on the admissions portal.

Download Free Study Materials for NID 2026 by CreativeEdge

The National Institute of Design (NID) does not officially provide the NID question papers or the NID DAT answer key for 2026 for candidates to compare their answers with. As per the Admission Handbooks' instructions, the NID 2026 answer keys will not be shared with candidates, even upon request, due to the subjective nature of the questions. Although they do give an option to submit rechecking request, in case a candidate is not satisfied with his/her score.

However, what you can do instead is go through NID 2026 exam analysis that will give you all necessary information about students' reaction, types of questions asked, difficulty level reported by exam takers and much more. We understand that the NID answer key is essential for students preparing for the NID entrance exam. Therefore, our experts at CreativEdge provides memory-based NID answer key to help students estimate their score, analyze their performance and predict their chances of qualifying for the next stage.

In this article we have provided a detailed breakdown of the 2026 exam to assist students in preparing for the NID DAT 2026 exam. Continue reading for steps to download the NID DAT answer key 2026 and other essential updates.

NID DAT Answer Key 2026 - Overview

The NID entrance exam is conducted to select talented and skilled candidates who can pursue a degree in design. Right after the results are declared for both Prelims & Mains, NID will give the candidates a chance to apply for rechecking. For 2026, the NID Prelims Results are scheduled to be announced on Tuesday 7 April, 2026 by 4 pm. Refer the following table for a quick understanding of NID Answer Key 2026:

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) 2026
Conducting Body	National Institute of Design
Exam Levels	DAT Prelims and DAT Mains
Official Answer Key Release	Not officially released by NID
Availability Mode (if released)	Online pdf
Includes (if released)	Question-wise answers

NID Answer Key Important Dates 2026

In recent years, NID did not release any answer key or the question paper. Instead, they only give rechecking window, after which they release the NID Result directly. 

While preparing the NID Cut Off 2026 list for B. Des, 0% of the weightage will be given to prelims from the year 2026. Only NID DAT Mains scores will be taken into account to prepare the final NID 2026 rank list.

For the M.Des program also, 0% of weightage will be given to prelims and the DAT mains score will only decide the final ranks. 

Check the table below for all the important events related to the NID Answer key:

NID DAT Events	NID Exam Dates
NID DAT Exam Date 2026	21 December 2026
NID DAT answer key 2026 release date	NID won't release the answer key for 2026 (as per official NID 2026 admissions brochure)
NID DAT 2026 result date for prelims	B.Des: 4 pm. Tuesday, 07 April 2026
	M.Des: 4 pm. Tuesday, 17 February 2026
Rechecking Request for DAT Prelims	B.Des:  4 pm Tuesday, 07 April 2026 to 11:59 (midnight) Wednesday, 08 April 2026 M.Des:  6 pm Tuesday, 17 February 2026 to 11:59 (midnight). Wednesday, 18 February 2026
NID DAT mains result date 2026	B.Des & M.Des: April - May 2026 (tentative)
Rechecking Request for DAT Mains Exam	To be announced later (Mid-may tentatively, right after the mains results are announced)

NID Answer Key 2026 – FAQs

1. Is the NID Answer Key 2026 released after the exam?

No. The NID answer key 2026 is not released for the DAT exams. NID does not provide the question booklet or answer key, even if requested by candidates. This is because the NID DAT exam is subjective in nature, and sharing the answer key is not considered appropriate in the larger public interest.

2. Can candidates request the NID DAT question paper or answer key?

No. The NID DAT question paper and answer key cannot be requested under any circumstances. NID has clearly stated that the question booklet cum answer key will not be shared, as the exam involves creative and subjective evaluation rather than objective answers.

3. Is there any alternative to the NID answer key for checking answers?

Since the official NID answer key is not available, candidates can only rely on:

• Personal performance analysis
• NID exam analysis by experts (like at CreativEdge)
• Student feedback and memory-based questions

However, these are unofficial references and not substitutes for an official answer key.

4. Can I get my NID answer sheet after the exam?

Yes. While the NID answer key is not released, candidates can request their NID DAT answer sheet, but only after the admission process is fully completed.

5. When can I apply for my NID answer sheet?

Candidates can apply for their NID answer sheet within 6 months from the date of the final result announcement. Requests made during the admission process will not be accepted.

6. What is the fee to obtain the NID answer sheet?

To receive the NID DAT answer sheet, candidates must:

• Pay an online fee of ₹1000 per exam
• Submit the required documents as specified by NID

This fee is separate for each exam.

7. What documents are required to get the NID answer sheet?

Candidates must submit:

• A copy of the NID admit card
• The admit card must be duly attested by the invigilator
• The attestation must include the official seal of the test centre

Without these documents, the answer sheet request will not be processed.

8. How long does it take to receive the NID answer sheet?

Once the payment and required documents are submitted, the NID answer sheet is usually provided within 15-20 days.

9. How long is the NID result available?

The NID result remains available for 6 months after the final result declaration. After this period, no result-related information will be shared by NID.

10. Does NID share marks breakup or evaluation criteria?

No. NID does not disclose:

• Detailed evaluation criteria
• Section-wise or question-wise marks breakup
• Interview assessment methodology

The NID evaluation process remains confidential.

11. Can candidates access other students’ marks or admission data?

No. NID does not share statistical or comparative data of other candidates. Only a candidate’s own result-related information is accessible, and that too within the specified timeframe.

Check: NID DAT Counselling Process 2026

What is NID Rechecking Window? How to Apply for NID Rechecking?

After the NID DAT Prelims result is announced, NID provides a limited rechecking window for candidates who wish to verify their marks or answer evaluation.

However, it’s crucial to note that the rechecking process is not re-evaluation or re-assessment of your answers. It only verifies whether your marks were correctly totalled and entered in the system.

NID Rechecking Window 2026 Dates

Event	Date (B.Des)	Date (M.Des)
NID DAT Prelims Result Declaration	4 pm. Tuesday, 07 April 2026	4 pm. Tuesday, 17 February 2026
Rechecking Window Opens	4 pm Tuesday, 07 April 2026	6 pm Tuesday, 17 February 2026
Rechecking Window Closes	11:59 (midnight) Wednesday, 08 April 2026	11:59 (midnight) Wednesday, 18 February 2026
Result of Rechecking (if applicable)	Within 1 week	Within 1 week

Check: List of NID Colleges in India

Attempt FREE Exam-like NID Mock Tests by Creativedge

Step-by-Step Process for NID DAT Rechecking 2026

Here’s how to apply for rechecking once NID activates the link on its admissions portal:

Step	Action
Step 1	Visit the official NID admission website - admissions.nid.edu.
Step 2	Log in using your registered email ID and date of birth.
Step 3	Locate and click on the ‘Rechecking Window’ link for your program (B.Des or M.Des).
Step 4	Read the instructions carefully. It clarifies what will and won’t be rechecked.
Step 5	Pay the rechecking fee (usually around ₹2,000 per candidate per paper).
Step 6	Submit the form and download the acknowledgement slip for future reference.

Read more: Short tricks to crack NID interview.

What Will Be Checked During Rechecking

Aspect	Included in Rechecking
Totalling of marks	✅ Yes
Transfer of marks to the system	✅ Yes
Missing marks for any evaluated question	✅ Yes
Re-evaluation or re-marking of answers	❌ No
Review of subjective answers	❌ No
Challenge to the examiner’s judgement	❌ No

 Rechecking Result Declaration

• If any error is found (like incorrect total or missing marks), NID will update your marks and re-issue a corrected scorecard.
• If no discrepancies are found, the earlier marks remain final.
• The rechecking decision by NID is final and binding, no further correspondence is entertained.

Also Read: How to Prepare for NID Exam in Last week 

NID DAT Prelims Answer Key Rechecking 2026 - Important Information

The National Institute of Design allows aspirants to recheck their NID DAT prelims answer booklet after announcing the results. 

Only those who appeared for NID DAT 2026 prelims can request a re-evaluation. You will be shortlisted for the NID Admission Process only if your name is on the final merit list.

You can request to recheck the answer booklet only through online mode, which will restrict to the following:

1 - Whether all the answers have been marked.

2 - Whether there has been an error in the piling up of marks for every question in Part II of the NID DAT answer booklet

3 - Whether the exam conducting body correctly transferred the marks onto the answer booklet's cover page.

• On rechecking the answer booklet, if authorities find any error, the marks will be revised accordingly, and the same will be intimated to you through your registered mail ID.
• Note that the examination cell will not entertain a request for re-evaluation if the candidate has submitted it without a scanned copy of the admit card signed by the invigilator with the seal of the test centre.
• Candidates can challenge answers to a maximum of three questions. In this case, the NID DAT 2026 answer key challenge must be submitted individually for each question, including a complete solution and explanation.
• Candidates must pay Rs.1,000 as a fee for challenges per question. If the challenge is valid, you will receive a full refund. However, the fee will not be refunded if the objection is not legitimate.
• Only test-takers who took that question will receive a mark if the challenge is legitimate.

Note - The NID Admission Committee will decide on challenges to the answers and answer key.

Also check: NID Fee Structure for various categories

Attempt Mock Tests for 100% in NID 2026 by CreativeEdge

How to Download NID Answer Key PDF 2026?

After the exam, the NID does not release the answer key so that the candidates can check their answers and calculate their probable scores.

However, in case they change their policy and publish the NID answer key 2026, you can follow the instructions below to download the NID 2026 answer key for the NID exam:

• Visit the official website of the National Institute of Design (NID).
• On the homepage, look for the link that says "NID DAT Answer Key 2026" and click on it.
• You will be redirected to the new login window, where you must enter your required details, such as your registration number, date of birth, and other details.
• Once you have provided all the details, click the "Submit" button.
• Your NID DAT Answer Key 2026 will be displayed on the screen.
• Download the answer key and cross-check your answers with it. 
• Calculate your probable score based on the answer key.
• Take a printout for future reference.

Read more: NID interview questions with answers

How to Calculate Your Probable Score Using the NID Answer Key 2026

Once the NID DAT 2026 Prelims is over, most aspirants are eager to know: ‘How can I calculate my expected marks and predict whether I’ll qualify for the Mains?’

Here’s a complete, step-by-step guide to help you do it correctly.

Step 1: Download the NID Answer Key 2026

Download the NID Answer Key 2026 PDF from the official website (if & when released by NID). 

Step 2: Match Your Answers Carefully

Use your rough notebook or question recall (if you remember what you marked during the test).
Go through each question in the NID answer key and mark:

• Correct answers
• Wrong answers
• Questions you didn’t attempt

This process helps you identify your accuracy percentage before jumping into scoring.

Read more: Latest NID Exam Updates

Step 3: Understand NID DAT Prelims Marking Scheme

According to the NID 2026 Information Handbook, the marking pattern of the DAT Prelims is as follows:

NID Exam Pattern - Type of Question	No. of Questions	Marks
Objective type questions	Questions 1 to 14	1 mark
	Questions 15 to 22	2 marks
Subjective type questions	Question No. 23	15 marks
	Question No. 24	20 marks
	Question No. 25	15 marks
	Question No. 26	20 marks
Total Marks		100 marks

There is no negative marking in the NID DAT Prelims. So even if you are uncertain about the accuracy of any answer, it will not reduce your total marks.

Step 4: Assign Marks as per the Answer Key

Now, using the answer key:

1. For each correct answer in the objective section, add full marks allotted to that question

2. For subjective questions, refer to the CreativEdge model solutions - compare your drawing, creativity, and idea approach.

• Award yourself a range score (e.g., 6-8/10 for average attempts, 9-10/10 for excellent ones).
• Focus on concept clarity, composition, storytelling, and functionality, as these are the main evaluation parameters used by NID examiners.

Tip: Be honest while self-assessing subjective answers - overestimation can lead to false confidence. Aim for realistic marking.

Step 5: Calculate Your Total Estimated Marks

Once all answers are checked:

• Add up marks from NID GAT (objective) and NID CAT questions (subjective).
• This gives you your probable score out of 100.

Example:

Section	Correct Answers	Approx. Marks Scored
Objective (Part I)	18/20	27
Subjective (Part II)	3/4 (average 15 marks each)	45
Total (Estimated)	—	72/100

So, your expected score = 72 marks (±2 marks).

Step 6: Compare with Previous Year’s Cut-Offs

Once you’ve estimated your marks, the next step is to compare your score with past NID DAT Prelims cut-offs to understand your chances of qualifying for the Mains i.e. NID Studio Test.

Category	NID DAT Prelims 2025 Cut-Off (Out of 100)	Expected Cut-Off 2026
OPEN	59.60	68-74
EWS	50.90	48-55
OBC-NCL	53.60	50-60
SC	51.70	50-55
ST	47.80	40-50
PwD	40.60	38-45

If your probable score is close to or above these numbers, you have a strong chance of being shortlisted for NID DAT Mains 2026.

Also Check: NID Sample Papers (B.Des & M.Des)

Download PYPs with Solutions for NID by CreativeEdge

How to Raise Objections Against NID Answer Key 2026?

As we discussed earlier, NID does not usually release the official question paper or the answer key. However, if NID does happen to do so in 2026, and you want to challenge the NID DAT answer key, then follow the steps below to raise your objections:

• Visit the official website of the National Institute of Design (NID).
• Log in to your account using your E-mail ID and date of birth.
• Click on the "Challenge Answer Key" link.
• Select the question about which you wish to raise the complaint.
• Submit the objections by paying Rs.1000/- per question.
• You can pay this amount only online.

Know More: NID Exam Day Instructions

Previous Year NID Answer Key & Question Paper

NID does not release official previous year question papers or the official NID answer key for the DAT exams. Since the exam is highly subjective and design-oriented, the official NID question paper and answer key are not made public by the institute.

However, to support aspirants in their preparation, our experts have curated 100% real NID previous year question papers along with detailed NID answer keys based on student feedback and exam-day recall.

You can check the NID past papers and their answer key (from 2021 - 2025) below. 

Year	NID Previous Year Question Paper PDF Download Link
NID 2026 Answer Key & Question Paper	Coming Soon
NID 2025 Answer Key and Question Paper	Click Here
NID 2024 Question Paper with Answer Key	Click Here
NID 2023 Question Paper with Answer Key	Click Here
NID 2022 Question Paper with Solutions	Click Here
NID 2021 Question Paper with Solutions	Click Here

NOTE: If you want fully solved NID past year papers (both GAT & CAT sections) with QR-based step-by-step video solutions of all NID sketching questions, get yourself NID previous year papers book and NID sample papers book by CreativEdge.

Conclusion 

While NID doesn’t officially release answer keys, you can still check memory-based NID question paper and NID answer key for 2026 curated by CreativEdge in-house mentors, as soon as the exam gets concluded. It combines the real-time memory-based recall from students with expert validation, ensuring that every answer, sketch, and concept is analyzed for authenticity.

NID answer key can serve as the most accurate and valuable tool for aspirants to evaluate your performance and plan the next phase.

In short:
If you want a head start before results, rely on expert-verified NID DAT Answer Key 2026 only - your early mirror to success.

Preparing for NID 2026? 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 2026 subjects.