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NID DAT Counselling Process 2026 : Everything about NID Admission Fees, Seat Allotment Process
September 24, 2025
Summary: Unlock the secrets of NID DAT Counselling 2026! Dive into a brief yet intriguing overview of key dates, selection processes, and strategies for India's top design institute. Are you ready for the journey?
The National Institute of Design (NID) is set to embark on its 2026 DAT counselling journey, a pivotal step for design aspirants nationwide.
The counselling process, a critical phase following the NID DAT entrance exam, is not just about securing a seat but also about making informed decisions that shape future careers in design.
NID’s reputation as a premier design institute is anchored in its rigorous selection process, exemplified by the NID DAT.
The NID DAT counselling session, therefore, is more than a formal procedure; it’s a discerning process to identify and nurture potential design mavens.
This year's session, taking place in the creatively stimulating environment of NID Ahmedabad, is a testament to the institute's commitment to fostering design excellence.
What is NID DAT Counselling 2026?
NID DAT Counselling is the process by which candidates who qualify the NID entrance exams (Prelims + Mains) are shortlisted, allotted campuses, asked to submit documents and confirm seats. It’s the final phase that converts your exam performance into an actual admission.
Key Features & What’s New in 2026
1. The DAT Prelims score is only used for shortlisting; it will not carry any weight in final admission decisions.
2. For B.Des, shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit campus preferences during counselling.
3. The final merit is based entirely on DAT Mains (Studio Sensitivity + In-Person Sensitivity) for B.Des, with 60% weightage to Studio and 40% to In-Person.
4. For M.Des, final admission is based on Mains (Studio Test + Interview), with 40% + 60% weightage.
5. If any seats remain vacant after the initial counselling rounds, independent NID campuses may run additional Mains / allotment rounds.
Who Gets Called for Counselling?
To be eligible for NID DAT counselling 2026, you must:
1. Appear in DAT Prelims
2. Score high enough to be shortlisted (based on category & seat quotas). NID aims to call 1.5 × total seats under each category for Mains stage.
3. Appear in DAT Mains
4. Be among the final merit rankers in Mains for your category
If you miss any of these steps, you won’t reach the counselling / seat allotment stage.
Prepare Smart: Study Plan For NID Studio Test 2026
NID Counselling Dates 2026
This table provides a comprehensive overview of the important dates for both the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs for the NID Entrance Exam 2026.
| Event | B.Des Dates (2026) [Tentative] | M.Des Dates (2026) [Tentative] |
|---|---|---|
| NID DAT Application Form Date | September 11 to December 1, 2025 | September 11 to December 1, 2025 |
| Correction of NID DAT Application Form | 2 December 2025 to 4 December 2025 | 2 December 2025 to 4 December 2025 |
| NID DAT Admit Card | 4 pm Thursday, 11 December 2025 | 4 pm Thursday, 11 December 2025 |
| NID DAT Exam Date (Prelims) | Sunday, 21 December 2025 | Sunday, 21 December 2025 |
| NID DAT Prelims Result | 07 April 2026 | 17 February 2026 |
| Rechecking Request for DAT Prelims |
07 April 2026 to 08 April 2026 |
17 February 2026 to18 February 2026 |
| Download Admit Card for NID DAT Mains | 10 days before mains exam | 10 days before mains exam |
| NID DAT Exam Date (Mains) | April to May 2026 | April to May 2026 |
| NID DAT Mains Result | May 2026 | May 2026 |
| Opening of Submission Window of Campus Preference | May last week 2026 | May last week 2026 |
| Rechecking Request for DAT Mains | Up to 2 days after mains result | Up to 2 days after mains result |
| Payment of Token Fees and Uploading of Documents | May to June, 2026 | May to June, 2026 |
| Provisional Offer Letter of NID Admission | June 2026 | May to June, 2026 |
Stay updated: NID Exam Date 2026 & Schedule
Overview NID DAT Counselling Process 2025
Below is a refined sequence of what happens after the DAT Mains results are out and how nid dat counselling proceeds.
|
Step |
What Happens |
What You Must Do |
|
1. Result & Merit List Announcement |
NID publishes final results for Prelims and Mains, and shortlists for counselling. |
Log into the admissions portal, check your rank and eligibility for counselling. |
|
2. Counselling Registration / Choice Filling |
For B.Des, candidates fill in campus preferences (ranked order) as part of counselling. M.Des typically doesn’t require campus preference filling. |
Submit your preferred NID campuses in correct priority before counselling deadline. |
|
3. Seat Allotment |
Seats are allotted based on: |
Wait for your allotment. If you get a seat, you must confirm it by following next steps. |
|
4. Confirmation & Fee Payment |
Once seat is allotted to you, you must confirm if you accept it by paying a non-refundable token / seat acceptance fee. Also upload/submit required documents for verification. |
Pay the specified fee within the deadline. Upload all required scanned documents (ID proof, marksheets, category certificate, etc.). |
|
5. Document Verification |
The NID admissions office will verify all your submitted documents against what you declared in the application. Any discrepancy may lead to cancellation. |
Be ready with original certificates, mark sheets, identity proof, category / PwD certificates. |
|
6. Provisional Offer / Admission Letter |
After verification, you will be issued a Provisional Offer Letter for your campus/programme. |
Accept the offer, pay remaining fees (if any), and complete reporting formalities. |
|
7. Further Rounds / Vacant Seat Allotment |
If some seats remain vacant, NID may open further counselling rounds or re-allot. Independent NIDs may conduct additional Mains / rounds. |
If permitted, opt for further rounds or reallotment, submit willingness and follow process. |
Preparation for NID Counselling
Prospective students should familiarize themselves with NID's academic offerings and reflect on their preferences and career aspirations. Understanding the nuances of each design program can significantly aid in making informed choices during the NID counselling.
The Role of Merit and Choice
Admission to NID is not solely based on merit; candidates’ preferences play a crucial role. The NID counselling process respects individual choices, aligning them with the merit list to facilitate the best fit for each candidate.
Post-Seat Allotment Steps
Once a seat is allotted in the NID DAT counselling process, candidates must promptly complete the formalities, including fee payment and document submission. This step is crucial as delays or discrepancies can lead to the forfeiture of the allotted seat.
Key Rules, Tie-Breaks & Policies in Counselling
1. Prelims to Mains Filtering: Prelims only filters candidates; Prelim scores do not carry weight in final selection.
2. Tie-break Policy: If two or more candidates score the same, tie-break rules will resolve ranking (as per NID rules).
3. Vacant Seats & Additional Rounds: If all initial seats aren’t filled, NID may invite further rounds or re-offer seats.
4. Invalid Details / Misrepresentation: If any data entered during application or counselling is found false, NID can cancel your candidature at any stage.
5. Non-editable fields: After application, details like name, DOB, and mobile may not be changeable during counselling.
Financial Aspects of NID DAT Counselling
1. NID Counselling Fees: Understanding the NID fee structure is crucial. The article will provide a detailed breakdown of the fee components, including tuition fees, seat acceptance fees, and any additional charges, helping candidates plan their finances accordingly.
2. Scholarship and Financial Aid: Information on scholarships and financial aid available at NID will be discussed, offering insights into how economically disadvantaged students can fund their education.
NID Merit List: Understanding its Composition
Criteria for Merit List Preparation
An in-depth analysis of how the merit list is prepared, including the weightage given to each exam stage, will be provided. This section aims to demystify the merit list process, making it more transparent for candidates.
Weightage for preparation of the final merit list is indicated below.
| Program | Design Aptitude Test- Prelims | Studio Test | Interview |
| B.Des | 0% | 60% | 40% |
| M.Des (all disciplines) | 0% | 40% | 60% |
Implications of the Merit List
The impact of the merit list on seat allocation and the importance of each component of the DAT in determining a candidate’s overall ranking will be explored.
Know more: Salary after NID 2025
Document Required for NID DAT 2025 Counselling
Comprehensive List of Required Documents
A detailed checklist of all documents required for NID counselling will be provided. This list will help candidates prepare in advance and avoid any last-minute hassles.
- Acceptance of Admission Form, signed by the candidate.
- Demand Draft in favor of “National Institute of Design”
- One set of self-attested copies of ALL documents submitted online
- Rules and Regulations, signed by candidate and parent/guardian
- Physical Fitness Certificate, certified by an RMO, in the format provided by NID
- Undertaking by the candidate only in case the result of the 12th Standard or final year Bachelor program is not declared, in the format provided by NID
- Indemnity
- Copy of Medical insurance in the name of the candidate.
- Hostel Rules and Regulations
- Hostel Application Form
- Four (4) copies of recent passport photograph not more than 3 months old [with roll number written on the back side]
Tips for Document Organization
Practical tips on how to organize documents efficiently will be offered, ensuring candidates present their documents in a structured and professional manner during the NID counselling session.
Check: NID DAT Application Form 2026
Navigating the NID DAT Cut off and Seat Matrix
Understanding the NID Cut off Trends
An analysis of past years’ NID cut off trends can give 2026 exam preparing candidates an idea of the scores required for various programs and campuses.
For B.Des:
| Category | B.Des Cut Off NID |
| OPEN | 48-53 |
| OBC - NCL | 43-48 |
| EWS | 50-55 |
| ST | 40-45 |
| SC | 40-45 |
| PWD | 40-45 |
For M.Des:
| Institutes | NID M.Des Cut Off |
| NID Ahmedabad |
|
| NID Andhra Pradesh |
|
| NID Haryana |
|
| NID Madhya Pradesh |
|
| NID Assam |
|
Note: These cut off data for both B.Des and M.Des is expected to change to a certain extent because of the major changes announced in NID 2026 exam pattern.
Know more: List of NID Colleges in India
NID DAT Seat Matrix
A detailed explanation of the seat matrix across different NID campuses will help candidates gauge their chances of securing a seat in their desired program.
NID Ahmedabad campus offered a NID total seats of 125 in B.Design programmes.
Seat matrix for NID DAT 2026
| Department | B. Design Specialisation | Seats |
| Faculty of Industrial Design | Product Design | 19 |
| Furniture Design | 13 | |
| Ceramic and Glass Design | 13 | |
| Faculty of Communication Design | Graphic Design | 19 |
| Animation Film Design | 19 | |
| Film and Video Communication | 13 | |
| Exhibition Design | 13 | |
| Faculty of Textile, Apparel & Lifestyle Accessory Design | Textile Design | 19 |
Refer: NID Interview Questions with Answers 2026
NID DAT Counselling Reservation Policy
Detailed Breakdown of Reservation Quotas
A thorough explanation of the reservation quotas for various categories, including GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, and ST is provided below, highlighting NID’s commitment to inclusive education.
B.Des Programme Seat Reservation
|
Category-wise reservation of seats+ |
|||||
|
Institute |
Total No. of Seats |
GEN-EWS (10%) |
OBC-NCL (27%) |
Scheduled Caste (15%) |
Scheduled Tribe (7.5%) |
|
NID Ahmedabad |
128 |
13 |
35 |
19 |
10 |
|
NID Andhra Pradesh |
75 |
8 |
20 |
11 |
6 |
|
NID Haryana |
75 |
8 |
20 |
11 |
6 |
|
NID Madhya Pradesh |
75 |
8 |
20 |
11 |
6 |
|
NID Assam |
75 |
8 |
20 |
11 |
6 |
Check: How to Ace NID Interview?
M.Des Programme Seat Reservation
|
GEN-EWS (10%) |
OBC-NCL (27%) |
Scheduled Caste (15%) |
Scheduled Tribe (7.5%) |
|
|
Disciplines with 19 seats each |
2 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
|
Disciplines with 12 seats each |
1 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
Note: Of all seats across various categories, such as Open, GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, and ST categories, 5% of seats are reserved for the PwD category candidates.
Preparation Strategies for Aspiring NID Candidates
- Preparing for NID Counselling: Do’s and Don’ts: NID study preparation plan will be offered to help candidates prepare effectively for the counselling process, ensuring they present their best selves.
- Long-term Career Planning: Guidance on how to leverage NID's education for long-term career success in the field of design will be provided.
Tips to Excel in NID dat counselling 2026
1. Submit campus preferences wisely, choose campus and discipline combinations you genuinely want.
2. Keep all original certificates clean and well-organized to avoid rejection.
3. Pay the seat confirmation fee before the deadline. Missing it often leads to forfeiture of seat.
4. Track announcements on NID’s official site (admissions.nid.edu), counselling schedules may shift.
5. If offered a seat you’re not fully satisfied with, stay alert for subsequent rounds.
6. If shortlisted in multiple disciplines (for M.Des), follow the discipline preference / upgrade rules.
Conclusion
As candidates gear up for the NID DAT Counselling 2026, they stand at the threshold of an exciting and fulfilling career in design. This comprehensive guide aims to provide clarity, insights, and valuable tips to help them navigate this crucial phase confidently.
The journey through NID’s counselling process is not just about securing a seat but about stepping into a world where design thinking, creativity, and innovation converge to shape the future.
Prepare with: NID Mock Test Series 2026 by Creative Edge
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the important dates for NID DAT Counselling 2025?
How does NID select candidates for its design programs?
What documents are required for NID counselling?
Is there a reservation policy for different categories?
Are there scholarships or financial aid available at NID?
How does the merit list affect my admission chances?
Can I request rechecking of DAT results?
What should I do after seat allotment?
Vineeta Agrawal
Communications Executive
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