The National Institute of Design (NID) released the NID DAT 2026 Preliminary exam admit cards on December 11, 2025 . Candidates registered for the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) can now download their hall tickets from the official NID admissions portal at admissions.nid.edu .
The NID DAT 2026 Preliminary exam is scheduled for December 21, 2025 . Downloading and printing the admit card is mandatory for all candidates appearing for the examination.
About NID DAT
The National Institute of Design conducts the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) annually. This national-level entrance examination is a gateway for admission to NID’s Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs. NID campuses are located across India, including Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, Vijayawada, and Kurukshetra.
The DAT assesses candidates’ aptitude for design, including creativity, observation skills, and problem-solving abilities. The examination is conducted in two stages: Preliminary (Prelims) and Mains. The Prelims exam evaluates general design aptitude. Candidates who clear the Prelims will be eligible to appear for the Mains exam, which includes a Studio Test and Interview. Scores from both stages determine final admissions.
How to Download NID DAT 2026 Prelim Admit Card
Candidates must log in to the official website using their registered credentials to access the admit card. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official NID admissions portal: admissions.nid.edu .
- Locate and click on the link for “NID DAT 2026 Prelim Admit Card.”
- Enter your registered email ID and password in the login fields.
- The NID DAT Prelim admit card will appear on the screen.
- Download the admit card. Print a hard copy for future reference and exam day use.
Candidates must ensure they download the admit card well before the exam date. Issues with internet connectivity or website traffic may occur closer to the deadline.
Details on NID DAT 2026 Admit Card
The admit card contains essential information about the candidate and the examination. Candidates must verify all details immediately after downloading. Report any discrepancies to the NID admission authorities without delay.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Candidate Name | Full name of the applicant. |
| Roll Number | Unique identification number for the candidate. |
| Name of Exam | NID DAT 2026 Preliminary Exam. |
| Exam Centre Name and Address | Location where the candidate will appear for the exam. |
| Candidate Photograph and Signature | Images provided during application. |
| Subjects | Sections covered in the preliminary exam. |
| Duration of Exam | Total time allotted for the test. |
| Reporting Time to Centre | Mandatory arrival time at the exam venue. |
| Instructions for Candidates | Important rules and guidelines for exam day. |
Exam Day Instructions
Candidates must carry a printed copy of the NID DAT 2026 Prelim Admit Card to the exam centre. Along with the admit card, a valid government-issued photo identification proof, such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or Driver’s License, is required. Candidates must arrive at the examination centre by the specified reporting time. Latecomers may not receive entry. Follow all instructions provided by the invigilators and adhere to examination guidelines.
The NID DAT 2026 Preliminary exam will take place on December 21, 2025 . Candidates should check their admit cards for specific reporting times and venue details. Early download and verification prevent last-minute complications.