NID Exam Centres 2026: State-Wise List, City Options & Exam Day Guidelines

Summary: NID DAT Prelims is conducted across officially designated test cities in India. NID releases the final allotted exam centre, venue address, date, reporting time, and exam-day instructions on the candidate’s Admit Card. This guide includes the complete NID exam centres 2026 list, how to choose the best centre, how to change centre (if allowed), and exam day travel tips.

Choosing the correct NID exam centre is a very important part of your preparation strategy. Whether you are appearing for NID DAT Prelims or DAT Mains, selecting a convenient and accessible centre ensures stress-free travel, calm mindset, and on-time reporting on the exam day.

This guide provides the complete state-wise NID exam centres 2026 list, including NID DAT exam centres for B.Des and M.Des programs, along with city-specific centres like NID exam centres in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and others across India.

Download Free Study Material for NID 2026 by CreativeEdge

We will also cover:

1. NID Exam Centres 2026 - Latest Updates

2. How to choose the best NID test centres near you

3. Steps on how to check your allotted NID exam centre

4. NID exam day guidelines

5. Travel and preparation tips for smooth exam experience

Whether you are searching for NID exam centre near me or planning your travel before the exam, this article is your one-stop reference.

NID Exam Centres 2026 : Latest Updates

The DAT Prelims will be conducted in the following cities across India:

Ahmedabad	Dehradun	Lucknow
Bengaluru	Hyderabad	Mumbai
Bhopal	Jaipur	Nagpur
Bhubaneswar	Jorhat	New Delhi
Chandigarh	Kochi	Patna.
Chennai	Kolkata	Lucknow

A city may have more than one test centre. NID reserves the right to add or remove any test centre and allot a test centre that may not be of the candidate’s choice.

Prepare with: NID Mock Test Series 2026

Changes in NID Exam Centres 2025 vs 2026:

Aspect	NID Exam Centres 2025	NID Exam Centres 2026	What This Means for You
Number of Prelims Test Cities	Wider list (more than 20 cities)	Trimmed list (~17 key cities)	Fewer location options → Select your closest metro city early while applying
Type of Cities	Mix of metros + several smaller tier-2 cities	Mostly major metro / regional hubs	Travel planning becomes easier, but preferred centres may fill quickly
DAT Mains Centre Allotment	Separate centre-selection window, limited seats per campus	Same format continues, but centres allotted strictly by availability	Be prompt during the Mains selection window to secure preferred campus
Change of Exam Centre	Change allowed only during edit window	Same rule, emphasised more strictly in the handbook	Final centre cannot be changed after allotment → choose carefully
Announcement of Centre Details	Published in Admit Card only	Still published exclusively in the Admit Card	Check your admit card as soon as it is released and plan travel immediately

State-Wise List of NID Exam Centres (NID DAT Prelims 2026)

Below is the officially expected NID DAT exam centres list based on previous years.

The final centres will be confirmed in the NID DAT Admit Card 2026.

NID Exam Centres 2026 in North India

State	NID DAT Exam Centre Cities
Delhi NCR	New Delhi
Punjab	Chandigarh
Uttar Pradesh	Lucknow
Rajasthan	Jaipur
Uttarakhand	Dehradun

NID Exam Centres 2026 in Mumbai & Western Region

State	Test Centres Available
Maharashtra	Mumbai, Nagpur
Gujarat	Ahmedabad

Note: NID Exam Centres in Mumbai are among the most preferred due to better connectivity.

Toprankers Tips: Time Management Tips for NID 2026

Download Past Year NID GK Questions with Answers

NID Exam Centres 2026 in South India

State	NID DAT Exam Centres
Karnataka	Bangalore
Tamil Nadu	Chennai
Kerala	Kochi
Telangana	Hyderabad

NID Exam Cantres 2026 in East & Central India

State	NID Test Centres
West Bengal	Kolkata
Odisha	Bhubaneswar
Bihar	Patna
Madhya Pradesh	Bhopal

NID Exam Centres 2026 in North-East India

State	NID Test Centres
Assam	Jorhat

How to Select your NID Exam Centre 2026 in the Application Form

You must select your test centre preference(s) when filling the online application. Here’s the verified workflow:

1. Go to admissions.nid.edu and Sign Up (Programme, Nationality, Category).

2. Log in and open NID Application Form; fill all details.

3. Proceed to the section where you enter preferences (you will see test centres listed and, for B.Des, a subsequent campus preference for admission step is also present). Save & proceed.

4. Upload documents, finish payment, and download the auto-generated application (only then is the form considered complete).

5. If needed, use the Window to Edit Application Form (2 December 4 PM to 4 December till midnight) to modify the chosen test centre, after this window, no centre change is allowed.

NID Exam Centres 2026 - Difference between B.Des and M.Des

Stage	B.Des	M.Des	Key Notes
DAT Prelims	Conducted at several cities across India, as mentioned in the official NID notification.	Conducted at same centres as B.Des	No difference for Prelims
DAT Mains	Conducted only at NID campuses (depends on seats availability)	Conducted at specific NID campuses only, depending on seats availability.	This is where the difference applies

How to Select the Best NID Exam Centres 2026 Near You

Selecting the right NID exam centre is not just a logistic decision, it directly affects your mindset, energy, and performance on exam day. A calm, comfortable, and easily reachable test centre can help you stay focused and avoid unnecessary stress.

Here’s how to choose the best NID exam centre near you wisely:

1. Choose the Nearest Major Metro City

Instead of choosing a small town or district centre just because it is technically “closer,” select the nearest well-connected metro city, such as:

• Mumbai
• Delhi
• Bengaluru
• Chennai
• Kolkata
• Hyderabad
• Ahmedabad

Why Choose Metro Cities as your NID Exam Centres 2026:

Exam centres in major cities typically have:

• Better transport connectivity
• More consistent infrastructure
• Less chance of last-minute centre reallocation

2. Check Travel Time at the Same Time of Day

Search your route on Google Maps at the same time your exam will start.

For example:

If the NID exam reporting time is 8:00 AM, check your route at 7:00 AM on a weekday.

This helps you realistically evaluate traffic congestion and rush hour delays. Whether you’ll need to leave earlier or what. The goal is to reach the centre calm and comfortable, not rushed and anxious.

Read more: NID 2025 Exam Analysis

Download 10 Most Asked NID Drawing Questions with Solution Tips

3. Prefer a Centre You Can Visit Before Exam Day

If possible, visit the location once:

• Check building entrance
• Identify nearest bus/metro stop
• Identify food + washroom availability nearby

This removes exam-day confusion, especially in large campuses or multi-building complexes.

4. Avoid Unknown / Very Far Centres Even If You Think You Can Manage

Common student mistake: I’ll just take a morning train/flight on exam day.

This increases risk of:

• Delays
• Stress
• Lack of breakfast/sleep
• Mental fatigue in the exam hall

Choose a centre that allows enough sleep the night before and an easy morning commute.

Check: NID Exam Section Wise Preparation Strategy

5. If You Live in a Small Town, Choose the Nearest City You Already Know

Ask yourself:

• Where do you regularly travel for tuition / shopping / relatives / outings?
• Pick a city you are familiar with. Familiarity reduces anxiety.

6. Check If You Have a Backup Travel Companion

If possible:

• Travel with a parent / older sibling / close friend
• Arrange cab / auto / metro ahead of time
• Keep buffer of 30-45 minutes extra

Confidence increases dramatically when you’re not navigating alone.

In short, when choosing your NID exam centre, consider:

Factor	Why It Matters
Proximity to your home or hostel	Reduces travel fatigue
Public transport availability	Ensures timely arrival
Familiarity with the city	Lowers stress & confusion
Weather conditions	Severe winters/summers can affect travel

Refer: Important questions for the NID GAT exam

How to Check Your Confirmed NID Exam Centre 2026

A) See the official city list (before applying)

1. Go to admissions.nid.edu.

2. Open the Admissions Handbook for your programme (B.Des or M.Des).

3. Scroll to the ‘Test Centres / DAT Prelims Cities’ section to view the official city list for this cycle.

This is the only authoritative list. (Cities can change year to year.)

B) Check centres while filling the application

4. Create/Login to your account on the NID admissions portal.

5. Start the Application Form → keep filling as per the instructions and then proceed to the Test Centre Preference section.

6. Select your preferred city (and backup preferences, if the form offers more than one).

7. Pick nearest major metro for reliable connectivity.

8. Save & Submit the form after completing uploads and payment.

9. If you need a change, use the Application Edit Window (4 pm Dec 2 to midnight Dec 4).

After the edit window closes, centre change requests aren’t accepted.

C) Confirm your final allotted centre (admit card)

10. When NID releases the DAT Prelims Admit Card, log in to your Candidate Dashboard.

11. Download & open the NID admit card. Your final exam city, test venue/address, reporting time and instructions are printed there. This is the only confirmed source of your allotted centre.

D) After downloading the admit card (quick checks)

12. Verify address (plug into Maps for travel time at reporting-time traffic).

13. Read exam-day instructions (what to carry/not carry).

14. Arrange travel with a 30-45 min buffer; if unfamiliar with the area, consider a location visit a day prior.

15. If there’s a mismatch/error, contact NID helpdesk immediately (details on the portal/handbook).

Please Note:

• If your preferred NID exam centre is not available, choose the nearest metro city.
• Both programs share the same application & DAT Prelims dates.
• Des Prelims results are released earlier than B.Des.
• DAT Mains exam locations are NOT the same as Prelims test centres, final venue comes only in the DAT Mains admit card.

Know: Last Minute Preparation Tips to Crack NID Entrance Exam in 2026

How to Check NID Exam Centres 2026 for DAT Mains (Studio Test + Interaction)

Unlike DAT Prelims (where you select exam centre cities while filling the application), DAT Mains exam centres are not chosen at the time of registration. The final DAT Mains venue is disclosed only to candidates who qualify after Prelims.

Also note that DAT mains exam centres are not the same as your DAT Prelims test city. They are usually NID campus locations. 

After getting shortlisted, candidates can login to their NID admissions portal and fill their preferences from a list of available exam centres (might be different for B.Des & M.Des candidates). The centre is then allocated on a first come first serve basis.

We suggest you lock your preferred campus as soon as the choice opens, or you might miss on a centre near you due to limited seats per campus.

Here is the exact step-by-step process:

A) Wait for DAT Prelims Result

1. Visit admissions.nid.edu and log in to your candidate dashboard.

2. Download your DAT Prelims Result / Scorecard.

3. Check whether you are shortlisted for DAT Mains.

NOTE: Only shortlisted candidates can proceed to Mains.

B) In some admission cycles, NID opens a “Centre Selection Window” for Mains based on seat availability.

If this option is offered:

4. You will see a Centre Selection / Preference Form in your dashboard.

5. Select your preferred campus (first-come, first-served basis).

Practice: Design Thinking Awareness Questions and Answers PDF

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C) Look for DAT Mains Admit Card Release

6. NID will announce the DAT Mains admit card release date through:

• The official website
• Dashboard notice
• (Sometimes) Email or SMS notification

7. Once released, log in to your candidate dashboard again.

8. Click Download DAT Mains Admit Card.

D) Find Your DAT Mains Exam Centre in Your Admit Card

9. Open the admit card. You will see:

• Name of NID Campus (e.g., NID Ahmedabad, NID Bengaluru, NID Gandhinagar, etc.) for mains exam.
• Full campus address
• Reporting time & schedule
• Materials to carry
• NID Studio Test & Interaction/Interview instructions

E) After Getting the DAT Mains Centre 2026

10. Plan your travel and stay early (especially if the campus is in another state).

11. If possible, arrive 1 day before to avoid delays and reduce stress.

NID Exam Day Guidelines 2026 (Very Important)

To avoid last-minute problems, carry the following:

1. Printed NID DAT Admit Card

2. Valid Photo ID (Aadhar / Passport / PAN / Driving License)

3. Transparent pouch with:

• HB + 2B pencils
• Sharpener
• Eraser
• Black fineliner (optional)
• Water bottle (transparent)
• Snacks (nuts / glucose biscuits)

Avoid Bringing:

1. Mobile phone / smartwatch

2. Color pens, paints, markers (unless allowed by instructions)

3. Heavy bags (many centres don’t allow storage)

Reporting Time Reminder:

Reach 45-60 minutes early to avoid rush and anxiety.

Read more: NID Study Plan 2026   

Quick Overview of NID DAT Exam Structure Before Choosing NID Exam Centres 2026

The NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) has two stages:

Stage	Mode	Description	Conducted At
DAT Prelims	Offline (Pen & Paper)	Tests observation, drawing, creativity & reasoning	Conducted at NID exam centres across India
DAT Mains	Studio Test + Interview	Tests material handling and design problem-solving ability	Conducted at selected NID campuses only

So, choosing the right NID test centres for Prelims matters the most for your travel comfort & focus.

Also Check: Subjects-wise NID 2026 Syllabus and Important Topics

NID DAT Exam - Important Dates & Schedule

Refer the table below for all important dates for NID Entrance Exam 2026 (B.Des & M.Des):

Admission Stage	B.Des Date	M.Des Date
Online Application Form Opens	11 September 2025	11 September 2025
Last Date to Submit Application Form	11:59 PM, 01 December 2025	11:59 PM, 01 December 2025
Window to Edit Application Form	02 Dec 2025 (4 PM) → 04 Dec 2025 (11:59 PM)	02 Dec 2025 (4 PM) → 04 Dec 2025 (11:59 PM)
Download Admit Card for DAT Prelims	4 PM, 11 December 2025	4 PM, 11 December 2025
DAT Prelims Exam	Sunday, 21 December 2025	Sunday, 21 December 2025
DAT Prelims Result	4 PM, 07 April 2026	4 PM, 17 February 2026
Prelims Rechecking Window	07-08 April 2026	17-18 February 2026
Download Admit Card for DAT Mains	To be announced later	To be announced later
DAT Mains Exam	To be announced later	To be announced later
DAT Mains Result	To be announced later	To be announced later
Admission Counselling / Seat Allotment	Tentatively 2nd-3rd Week of June 2026	05-07 May 2026
Provisional Offer Letter	- (not mentioned separately)	26 May 2026

At a glance:

1. DAT Prelims is a paper-and-pencil test held on the same day/time across designated NID test centres in India.
2. Centres are common to B.Des & M.Des for DAT Prelims; NID may add/remove centres and can allot a centre not on the candidate’s preference list if required. Changes are allowed only during the Edit Window.
3. DAT Mains (Studio/Interview) is not at these city centres; details are announced later via the DAT Mains admit card.

Also Check: NID tips to improve drawing Skills for NID Exam 2026

Attempt FREE Full-length NID Mock Tests by Creativedge

Final Advice:

Choosing the Right NID Test Centre Matters More Than You Think. Your performance on the exam day depends not only on preparation but also on:

• Travel comfort
• Mental calmness
• Low stress environment
• Familiarity with surroundings

So, select your NID exam centre smartly and plan travel at least 2-3 days in advance. A clear mind performs better than a tired one.

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