NID Exam Centres 2027: 17-City DAT List, How to Choose & Change

17 cities are announced as NID exam centres for 2027 DAT Prelims exam happening on 20 December 2026 (offline, one day) - Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jorhat, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi and Patna.

You choose a preferred city in the application and can change it only during the correction window (1-3 December 2026); your final center and venue appear only on the Admit Card. DAT Mains is held later at NID campuses. Cities are from the official NID handbooks (10 September 2026).

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NID Exam Centers 2027 : Latest Updates (Full List of 17 Exam Cities)

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

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

A city may have more than one test center. NID reserves the right to add or remove any centre and to allot a centre that may not be your first choice. See the full NID exam dates for the schedule.

Prepare with: NID Mock Test Series

Download Real NID PYPs + Answer Keys (Direct Link)

State-Wise List of NID Exam Centers (NID DAT Prelims 2027)

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

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

NID Exam Centers 2027 in North India

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

NID Exam Centers 2027 in Mumbai & Western Region

State	Test Centers Available
Maharashtra	Mumbai, Nagpur
Gujarat	Ahmedabad

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

Toprankers Tips: Time Management Tips for NID

NID Exam Centers 2027 in South India

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

NID Exam Centers 2027 in East & Central India

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

NID Exam Centers 2027 in North-East India

State	NID Test Centers
Assam	Jorhat

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New for NID 2027: Where Do Integrated Pathway Candidates Sit the Exam?

A new 5.5. year integrated M.Des course has been announced by NID for 12th pass out design aspirants apart from the regular 4 year B.Des. However, Prelims is the same for all programs (even for M.Des) - the same 17 cities on 20 December 2026.

Only the Mains differs. For M.Des, DAT Mains includes Studio Test + Interview. And for the Integrated Pathway, like D.des, it’s a Studio Sensitivity + In-Person Sensitivity Test, held at an NID campus and announced on the Mains admit card.

How to Select your NID Exam Centre 2027 in the Application Form

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

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

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

3. Proceed to the section where you enter NID 2027 exam centres preferences (you will see test centers 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 center. After it closes, no change is allowed.

NID Exam Center 2027 - Difference between B.Des and M.Des

Stage	B.Des / Integrated	M.Des	Key Notes
DAT Prelims	Same 17 cities across India	Same 17 cities across India	No difference for Prelims
DAT Mains	At one of the NID campuses (depends on seats availability)	At an NID campus (Studio Test + Interview)	This is where the difference applies

Note: M.Des Prelims results (16 Feb 2027) are released earlier than B.Des and the Integrated Pathway (16 Mar 2027). Mains venues are confirmed only on the Mains admit card.

How to Select the Best NID Exam Centers 2027 Near You

Selecting the right NID exam cent 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 2027:

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.

Download Study Plan to Manage NID Exam Preparation with Boards

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.

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

With your centre sorted, tighten your prep using our section‑wise NID strategy.

Get the Best NID PYPs Book - 12 Years of Solved Papers (2015-2026)

How to Check Your Confirmed NID Exam Centre 2027

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.

Read our points to remember before the NID exam the night before.

Click to Get NID 2027 Self Study Kit

How to Check NID Exam Centres 2027 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).

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 2027

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.

Download Most Important NID Logical Reasoning Questions PDF

NID Exam Day Guidelines 2027 (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 fine liner (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 2027 Study Plan 

Quick Overview of NID DAT Exam Structure Before Choosing NID Exam Centres 2027

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.

Knowing how the paper behaves helps too - see our NID exam analysis before exam day.

Download High Yield NID GK Questions with Answers PDF

NID DAT 2027 Exam - Important Dates & Schedule

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

Stage	B.Des & Integrated	M.Des
Applications	10 Sep - 30 Nov 2026	10 Sep - 30 Nov 2026
Correction window	1-3 Dec 2026	1-3 Dec 2026
Prelims admit card	10 Dec 2026	10 Dec 2026
DAT Prelims	20 Dec 2026	20 Dec 2026
Prelims result	16 Mar 2027	16 Feb 2027
DAT Mains / counselling	To be announced	To be announced

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

Attempt FREE Full-length NID Mock Tests by Creativedge

Changes in NID Exam Centers in Past Years (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

Match your final prep to the NID syllabus.

Attend FREE NID 2027 Sketching Demo Class by Experts

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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