NID DAT 2026 Notification & Application Live Update: Exam Dates, Eligibility, Fees & How to Apply

The National Institute of Design (NID) will soon open the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) 2026 application form on its official portal. If you dream of studying at India’s premier design institute, this is your first big step.

Based on the 2025–26 schedule, the NID DAT 2026 registration is expected to start in early September 2025, with the Prelims exam likely to be held on the first Sunday of January 2026. The notification will provide detailed information on eligibility criteria, application procedures, important dates, and other essential details for both the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs.

NID DAT 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)

Note: Official dates will be confirmed once NID releases the 2026–27 admission handbook at admissions.nid.edu.

Who Can Apply: NID DAT 2026 Eligibility

• B.Des: 10+2 passed or appearing in 2024–25 from a recognised board. Age limit: Born on or after 1 July 2004 (GEN/EWS) with relaxations for reserved categories.

   

• M.Des: Recognised bachelor’s degree (4 years) or equivalent. Age limit: Born on or after 1 July 1993 (GEN/EWS) with relaxations for reserved categories.
  

Note: Check the official brochure once it’s live for detailed rules and seat distribution.

How to Apply for NID DAT 2026

Once the application form is released:

1. Visit admissions.nid.edu and click on “NID DAT 2026 Registration.”
2. Register with your name, email, and mobile number to create login credentials.
3. Fill in personal, academic and programme details in the online form.
4. Upload required documents – photograph, signature, and category certificates.
5. Pay the application fee online. Based on last year: ₹3,000 for General/OBC/EWS, ₹1,500 for SC/ST/PwD, ₹5,000 for Overseas (to be confirmed in the official notice).
6. Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.

NID DAT Exam Pattern at a Glance

• NID DAT Prelims: Written test with objective and subjective questions to assess design aptitude.
• NID DAT Mains: NID Studio test and personal interview for shortlisted candidates.

* Admission Tip: Performance in both stages determines admission to NID’s B.Des and M.Des programmes.

Tips for SILICA Students

• Stay ready: Keep scanned copies of documents before September.
• Check details: Review your application carefully before submitting; the correction window is short.
• Prepare early: Start design-thinking exercises, sketching, and mock tests now.
• Use expert guidance: SILICA Institute’s updated NID study material , NID Past year Papers, and NID mock tests can help you ace both Prelims and Mains.

The NID DAT 2026 application form is just around the corner. Applying early and preparing strategically can make all the difference. Join SILICA Institute today – get expert coaching, updated mock tests, and personalised application guidance to boost your chances of success.