NID Exam Date 2026: Check Last Dates for Application and More

Overview: The NID DAT Prelims for the academic year 2026 are expected to take place around December 2024, and the NID DAT Mains will likely be held in April 2026. While the NID exam date has not been announced, keep an eye on this page for regular updates.

Download Free Study Material for NID 2026 by CreativeEdge

The NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually to provide admission to UG and PG programs in the Design category.

The National Institute of Design has not published the NID Exam Date 2026 and the official application form. However, according to the previous exam trends, students can expect the NID application to start in September 2024.

Continue reading for more info on the NID Entrance Exam dates for the next academic year and more info on the exam.

Understanding the NID Entrance Exam

The NID entrance exam, officially known as the NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT), is conducted in two stages: DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. The DAT Prelims is a written test, while DAT Mains comprises a studio test and personal interview. Both stages are crucial for determining the final selection of candidates.

Important NID Exam Date 2026

NID Application Form Dates 2026

The process for applying for the NID exam consists of four steps: 

• Online registration
• Filling out the application form
• Uploading documents
• Paying the application fee

You must have completed the final examination of 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board (AISSE/ ICSE/ CBSE) to fill out the NID Online Registration Form 2026.

Check: NID 2026 Syllabus

You can only fill out the application form online through the official website. 

Application for NID 2026 Exam Dates	Dates (Tentative)
Start date to fill out the NID application form	September 3, 2024
Last date to submit the application form	Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 4 PM
Last date to submit the application form with a late fee	December 3, 2024
Application correction window	December 4–9, 2024

Admit Card for NID Exam Date 2026

The National Institute of Design entrance exam consists of two stages: a written paper (NID DAT Prelims), a studio test, and an interview round (NID DAT Mains). 

• The NID Admit Card is released separately for prelims and main examinations.
• You can download the admit card from the official website only through online mode.
• Your Email ID and date of birth are required to download the call letter. 

Events	Dates (Tentative)
NID DAT Prelims Admit Card Release Date	December 24, 2024 to January 5, 2026
Release of NID Admit Card for Mains Exam	February 24, 2026 at 4 PM

NID Exam Date 2026

Per the NID Exam Pattern, prelims and main exam question papers will have two sections: Section A (MCQ type) and Section B (subjective).

Both exams are conducted for 100 marks, and each exam lasts 3 hours.

Events	Dates (Tentative)
NID DAT Prelims Exam Date	January 5, 2026
NID DAT Mains Exam Date	M.Des: March 3, 2026 to April 6, 2026 B.Des: April 26, 2026 to May 4, 2026

Check: Short tricks to crack the NID exam on the first attempt

NID Result Dates 2026

The National Institute of Design will declare the results of the entrance test after a month after the examination.

NID DAT Results are published in the form of a scorecard on the official website. You can check the results by using your registration number and password.

Events	Dates (Tentative)
NID DAT Prelims Result Date	B.Des: April 1, 2026 M.Des: February 17, 2026
NID DAT Mains Result Date	May 16, 2026, and for M.Des on May 6, 2026

How to check the NID final result 2026

The NID 2026 final results for the B. Des and M. Des programs will be released after the 2026 NID exam date are over.

Results can be viewed online by simply clicking on the official portal and logging in with one's login information. The procedure is outlined in detail below.

Follow the steps below to check the final results:

• Visit the official website and locate the NID result link.
• Enter your email address and birth date.
• Click the Submit button.
• Download the NID Entrance Exam Score Report.

Check: NID Admission Process 2024

It should be noted that the final results for both the B.Des and M.Des courses will be prepared by weighing the DAT Prelims and DAT Mains, and candidates should keep an eye on the NID exam date to ensure they are well-prepared for both stages of the examination.

Weightage for the NID final results 2026 - B. Des Program

The weightage performed by the two test parts is shown in the following tables.

Exam Component	DAT Prelims	DAT Mains
Weightage	40%	60%

Check: Important GAT Questions with solutions for the NID exam

Weightage for the NID final results 2026 - M. Des Program

Exam Component	DAT Prelims	DAT Mains
		Studio Test	Personal Interview
Weightage	30%	40%	30%

Other Important NID entrance exam Dates for NID Exam 2026

Other NID 2026 Exam dates to be noted are as follows - 

Particulars	NID Exam Date (Tentative)
Window for submission of Campus Preference	May 16–18, 2026
Seat Allotment, Payment of Token Fees and Uploading of documents	M.Des: May 6–7, 2026 B.Des: May 27–30, 2026
Provisional offer letter	M.Des: May 20, 2026 B.Des: June 10, 2026
Payment of remaining fees	June 11–16, 2026
Subsequent rounds of seat allotment, along with the payment of full fees	June 2026
Physical verification of documents at the respective NIDs	To be announced later by the respective NIDs

Conclusion

Aspirants are eagerly waiting for the announcement of the NID 2026 exam dates. For many aspirants, it's not just a date on a calendar but a beacon guiding their NID preparation and aspirations.

Staying informed about the NID entrance exam dates is crucial for timely and effective preparation. Mark your calendars with the key dates and plan your study schedule accordingly. Remember, consistency and dedication are key to cracking the NID entrance exam. Good luck with your preparation, and may you achieve your dream of becoming a part of the prestigious NID community!

As you embark on this journey towards admission into one of the most esteemed design institutions, staying informed and preparing well are crucial. Keep checking this page for up-to-date information on the NID 2026 Exam date and other important updates. 

Read more: How is Life at NID