Applications for the National Institute of Design (NID) Design Aptitude Test (DAT) 2026 officially closed on December 1 . Submitted NID DAT 2026 application forms are now open for correction. This dedicated window runs for three days, from December 2 to December 4 . The NID DAT 2026 Prelims examination is set for December 21 .
Candidates must access the official NID admissions portal, admissions.nid.edu, to make any necessary adjustments. The correction facility provides a limited opportunity to ensure all details are accurate before the examination process begins.
Application Correction Details
The online correction window allows specific modifications to the NID DAT 2026 application form. Applicants should review all entered data carefully. However, certain foundational details remain fixed. These non-editable fields include eligibility status, date of birth, registered email address, category, and citizenship. Other general information in the form may be updated during this period.
About NID DAT
The NID Design Aptitude Test is a rigorous, national-level entrance examination. It serves as the primary gateway for admissions to Bachelor of Design (BDes) and Master of Design (MDes) programs at the National Institute of Design. NID is recognized for its leadership in design education across disciplines.
The admission process is structured into two distinct stages: the Prelims exam and the Mains exam. Successful qualification in the Prelims stage is a prerequisite for advancing to the Mains examination. This structured approach ensures comprehensive evaluation of an applicant’s design potential.
NID DAT 2026 Prelims Exam Structure
The NID DAT 2026 Prelims exam is scheduled for December 21 . This initial assessment evaluates a candidate’s aptitude for design. It focuses on observation, creative problem-solving, and communication skills. The exam paper divides into two distinct parts to cover these competencies.
Part A of the Prelims paper contains 19 questions , worth 25 marks . Part B has 5 questions , carrying 75 marks . Performance across both sections determines eligibility for the Mains examination stage.
NID DAT 2026 Mains Exam
Candidates who successfully clear the Prelims examination will proceed to the NID DAT 2026 Mains exam. This second stage will be conducted offline. The Mains exam takes place at various National Institute of Design campuses. Locations include NID Ahmedabad, NID Gandhinagar, and NID Bengaluru.
Selection Weightage for BDes and MDes Programs
Final selection for both Bachelor of Design and Master of Design programs uses a weighted evaluation of various assessment components. These weightages reflect the importance of practical design skills, analytical capabilities, and personal attributes for design studies.
Bachelor of Design (BDes) Selection Weightage
| Assessment Component | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Studio Sensitivity Test | 60% |
| In-person Sensitivity Test | 40% |
Master of Design (MDes) Selection Weightage
| Assessment Component | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Studio Test | 40% |
| Interviews | 60% |