NID DAT 2026 Notification Soon: Check Date, Time, Eligibility, and Exam Pattern

The National Institute of Design (NID) will soon release the NID DAT 2026 notification on its official website admissions.nid.edu. As students wait eagerly, the exam is expected to be announced in the first week of October 2025. Moreover, the registration process will begin soon after the release. Therefore, students must stay alert and check the website daily for updates.

What is NID DAT Exam?

The Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is the main entrance exam for admission into top NID campuses. It is held in two stages:

• DAT Prelims – This is the first step, and it tests creativity, general knowledge, and design skills. Moreover, it decides who will move to the next round.

• DAT Mains – This is the second step, and it checks practical design ability, studio test, and interview performance. Thus, it finalizes the selection of students.

Together, both stages play a very important role, since only students who clear Prelims can appear for Mains.

NID DAT 2026 Notification: Expected Dates

Although the official schedule has not been announced yet, based on past years, here are the expected dates:

Therefore, students must keep checking the official website regularly so that they do not miss any updates.

Courses Offered Through NID DAT

By clearing the NID DAT exam, students can enter many famous design courses. These courses are offered at Bachelor (B.Des) and Master (M.Des) levels.

• Bachelor of Design (B.Des): This course is spread across four years. It helps students learn the basics of design along with practical skills. Additionally, it opens career options in product design, animation, and fashion.

• Master of Design (M.Des): This course runs for two-and-a-half years. It offers specialization in areas like communication design, furniture design, and graphic design. Furthermore, it allows students to focus on one chosen field.

Thus, the exam becomes a golden chance for aspirants to enter the creative design industry.

Read more: How to Become a Graphic Designer in India

NID DAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, students must check if they fit the eligibility rules. These are expected to be similar to last year.

• Age Limit: For the B.Des program, students must be born on or after 1 July 2006. For M.Des, the limit is 1 July 1996. However, reserved categories may get some relaxation.

• Education Qualification: For B.Des, students should have passed or must be appearing for Class 12 in 2026. For M.Des, a bachelor’s degree in any stream is required. Moreover, final-year students can also apply.

Therefore, students must check eligibility carefully, since the authorities will reject forms of ineligible candidates.

NID DAT 2026 Exam Pattern

The exam is designed to test creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

• DAT Prelims: It includes both objective and subjective questions. Additionally, it focuses on drawing, creativity, and awareness.

• DAT Mains: It includes a studio test and interview. Moreover, it checks practical skills, teamwork, and design approach.

Since the exam is competitive, students should prepare carefully with sample papers and previous-year papers.

How to Apply for NID DAT 2026?

The application process will be completely online. Students must follow these steps once the form is out:

1. Visit the official website admissions.nid.edu.

2. Click on the link for NID DAT 2026 Registration.

3. Fill in details like name, email, and educational background. Additionally, keep scanned documents ready.

4. Upload photo, signature, and certificates as required.

5. Pay the fee online through debit/credit card or net banking.

6. Finally, download the confirmation page for future use.

Therefore, students should keep all documents ready in advance to avoid mistakes at the last moment.

The NID DAT 2026 exam is one of the most awaited design entrance exams in India. Since it opens doors to top design careers, thousands of students prepare for it every year. Moreover, with the notification expected soon, aspirants should stay alert, prepare well, and keep checking the official website for updates.