NID DAT Counselling Process 2026 : Everything about NID Admission Fees, Seat Allotment Process

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 counseling journey, a pivotal step for design aspirants nationwide.

The counseling 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. 

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 (2025)	M.Des Dates (2025)	B.Des Dates (2026) [Tentative]	M.Des Dates (2026) [Tentative]
NID DAT Application Form Date	September 8 to December 1, 2024	September 8 to December 1, 2024	September 8 to December 1, 2025	September 8 to December 1, 2025
NID DAT Registration by Paying Late Fee	December last week, 2024	December last week, 2024	December last week, 2025	December last week, 2025
Correction of NID DAT Application Form	December last week, 2024	December last week, 2024	December last week, 2025	December last week, 2025
NID DAT Admit Card	10 days before prelims exam	10 days before prelims exam	10 days before prelims exam	10 days before prelims exam
NID DAT Exam Date (Prelims)	Jan 5, 2025	January 5, 2025	January first week 2026	January first week 2026
NID DAT Prelims Result	February 17, 2025	April 1, 2025	February to March 2026	March to April 2026
Rechecking Request for DAT Prelims	February 16, 2025	February 16, 2025	March End, 2026	March End 2026, 2026
Download Admit Card for NID DAT Mains	10 days before mains exam	10 days before mains exam	10 days before mains exam	10 days before mains exam
NID DAT Exam Date (Mains)	May 3, 2025	May 3, 2025	April to May 2026	April to May 2026
NID DAT Mains Result	May 16, 2025	May 6, 2025	May 2026	May 2026
Opening of Submission Window of Campus Preference	May 16 to 19, 2025	May 16 to 19, 2025	May last week 2026	May last week 2026
Rechecking Request for DAT Mains	May 16 to 17, 2025	May 6 to 7, 2025	Up to 2 days after mains result	Up to 2 days after mains result
Payment of Token Fees and Uploading of Documents	May 27 to 30, 2025	May 8 (till midnight), 2025	May to June, 2026	May to June, 2026
Provisional Offer Letter of NID Admission	June 10, 2025	May 20, 2025	June 2026	May to June, 2026

Stay updated: NID Exam Date 2026 & Schedule

Overview NID DAT Counselling Process 2025

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. 

Read more: NID Placements

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, 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. 

Check: NID Seats 2025

Financial Aspects of NID DAT Counselling

• 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. 
• 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. 

Know more: Salary after NID 2025

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.  

Prepare: Study Plan For NID Studio Test 2026 

Weightage for preparation of the final merit list is indicated below. 

Program	Design Aptitude Test	Studio Test	Interview
B.Des	20%	60%	20%
M.Des (all disciplines)	20%	50%	30%

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. 

Check: NID DAT Result

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] 

Check: NID DAT Admit Card 2026

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 Cutoffs and Seat Matrix 

Understanding the Cutoff Trends 

An analysis of past years’ cutoff trends will be provided, giving candidates an idea of the scores required for various programs and campuses. 

Expected NID DAT Cutoff - Campus Wise 

Institute	Category
	Open	Gen - EWS	OBC - NCL	SC	ST	PwD	Overseas
NID Ahmedabad	96.84	65.96	79.41	65.27	63.49	52.16	65.48
NID Andhra Pradesh	94.17	NE	71.72	53.33	50.51	47.98	NA
NID Haryana	91.15	NE	65.82	46.12	47.91	46.33	NA
NID Madhya Pradesh	88.16	NE	60.95	50.17	46.19	NE	NA
NID Assam	87.10	NE	57.17	45.98	NE	NE	NA

• NE: Not Eligible 
• NA: Not Applicable  

Know more: List of NID Colleges in India

NID DAT Minimum Qualifying Criteria 

Open	EWS	OBC-NCL	SC/ST	PwD	Overseas
65	65	55	45	45	65

Check: NID Cut off Marks

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 

Institute	Total Seats	OBC-NCL (27%)	GEN-EWS (10%)	Scheduled Caste (15%)	Scheduled Tribe (7.5%)
NID Ahmedabad	125	34	13	19	9
NID Andhra Pradesh	75	20	8	11	6
NID Haryana	75	20	8	11	6
NID Madhya Pradesh	75	20	-	11	6
NID Assam	75	20	8	11	6
Total	525	114	45	63	33

Learn more: How to Ace NID Interview?

M.Des Programme Seat Reservation 

Disciplines/Categories	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. 

Boost your NID preparation: NID Online Coaching Classes 2026 by Creative Edge

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