The National Institute of Design (NID) conducted its Design Aptitude Test (DAT) 2026 Prelims today, December 21 . This examination determines eligibility for admission to NID’s undergraduate (BDes) and postgraduate (MDes) design programs. The BDes exam ran from 10 AM to 1 PM, while the MDes exam took place from 10 AM to 12:30 PM.
The NID DAT 2026 Prelims exam occurred in a single shift. It was administered in pen-and-paper format across approximately 22 cities in India. Candidates who successfully qualify the Prelims exam will become eligible to appear for the subsequent NID DAT 2026 Mains.
Exam Schedule
| Program | Exam Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| BDes | 10 AM – 1 PM | 3 hours |
| MDes | 10 AM – 12:30 PM | 2.5 hours |
Required Documents
Candidates were required to bring their NID DAT 2026 Prelims admit card to the examination centre. A valid original photo identification proof was also mandatory. Acceptable IDs include an Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving licence, voter ID card, or passport. Admit cards were available for download from admissions.nid.edu.
BDes Question Paper Structure
The NID DAT Prelims 2026 question paper for BDes admissions consisted of two distinct sections: Part I and Part II. The paper included a total of 24 to 35 questions.
Mains Exam Weightage
Final results for NID admissions are based on performance in the DAT Mains. Specific weightages apply to different components for BDes and MDes programs.
| Program | Component | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| BDes | Studio Sensitivity Test | 60% |
| In-Person Sensitivity Test | 40% | |
| MDes | Studio Test | 40% |
| Interview | 60% |
Exam Day Guidelines
- Candidates affixed a recent passport-sized colour photograph to their NID admit card.
- Applicants carried their NID DAT 2026 Prelims admit card and an original photo ID.
- Late arrivals were not permitted entry after examination centre gates closed.
- Candidates remained in their assigned seats until the examination concluded. Re-entry into the exam room after submitting the answer sheet was prohibited.
- Any instance of impersonation or attempted malpractice resulted in immediate disqualification. Legal action may also follow.
Prohibited Items
The examination hall had strict rules against certain items. Candidates could not carry mobile phones, calculators, watch calculators, alarm clocks, or digital watches with built-in calculators. Memory devices or any other electronic or smart devices were also forbidden inside the examination venue.