NID Admissions 2026 Complete Step-by-Step Guide (B.Des & M.Des)

Are you planning to apply for NID B.Des or M.Des 2026? This guide explains everything – eligibility, important dates, application process, exam pattern, seats, and tips. It’s designed for students and parents who want a clear, simplified guide without reading the bulky handbook.

Eligibility Criteria

• B.Des 2026

• Education: Class 12 (10+2) passed or appearing in 2025–26 from a recognized board.
• Age Limit: Born on/after 1st July 2005.
• Relaxations: OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD candidates get extra age relaxation.

• M.Des 2026

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Design, Engineering, Architecture, Fine Arts, Applied Arts, Performing Arts, or equivalent. Final-year students can also apply.
• Age Limit: Born on/after 1st July 1996.
• Relaxations: OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD candidates get relaxation as per NID rules.

NID Campuses & Seats

• B.Des (~428 seats)

• NID Ahmedabad
• NID Andhra Pradesh
• NID Assam
• NID Haryana
• NID Madhya Pradesh

• M.Des (~347 seats, across 19 disciplines)

• NID Ahmedabad
• NID Bengaluru
• NID Gandhinagar

Popular disciplines: Animation, Textile, Apparel, Communication Design, Lifestyle Accessory, Digital Game Design, Universal Design, and more.

Application Process (B.Des & M.Des)

Follow these steps carefully:

1. Register on admissions.nid.edu. And then click on Signup
   • Enter name, Select Programme, DOB, email, mobile, category, nationality.
   • Verify via OTP.
2. Login with your registered email & password.
3. Fill the Application Form
   • Enter personal and academic details.
   • Select program and campus/discipline preference.
4. Upload Documents
   • Recent passport-size photo.
   • Signature (scanned, on plain white paper).
   • Category/EWS/PwD certificates (if applicable).
   • Passport (for Overseas candidates).
   • Graduation proof (for M.Des).
5. Pay Application Fee
   • General/OBC: ₹3000
   • Female (except SC/ST/PwD): ₹2000
   • SC/ST: ₹1500
   • PwD & Third Gender: ₹500
   • Overseas: USD 125
6. Final Submission
   • Download & save the PDF copy of your application.
7. Correction Window (2–4 Dec 2025)
   • Only certain fields can be edited.
   • Name, DOB, Programme, Email, and Mobile cannot be changed.

Exam Pattern

• B.Des 2026

• DAT Prelims: Written test (drawing, visual, aptitude).
• DAT Mains: Studio Sensitivity Test + In-Person Test.
• Final Selection: Based only on DAT Mains.

• M.Des 2026

• DAT Prelims: Discipline-specific test (objective + subjective).
• DAT Mains: Studio Test + Interview at campus.
• Final Selection: Based on weighted score of Prelims + Mains.

Tips for Applicants

• Apply early to avoid last-day issues.
• Keep scanned documents ready (size & format as per handbook).
• Ensure name, DOB, parents’ names match your certificates.
• For M.Des, choose discipline carefully — cannot be changed later.
• Practice mock tests to get familiar with DAT style.
• Choose exam city wisely.
• Save login credentials securely.