Design
Mar 24, 2026
NID DAT 2026 Mains: Admit Cards Released for B.Des and M.Des Studio Tests
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Ananya Roy
Mar 24, 2026
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The National Institute of Design (NID) has officially released the admit cards for the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Mains 2026. Candidates who successfully cleared the DAT Prelims held earlier this year are eligible to appear for the Mains, which consists of Studio Tests and, for M.Des candidates, Personal Interviews. The admit cards are available for download on the official NID admissions website (admissions.nid.edu) using the candidate's email ID and date of birth.
The B.Des Mains Studio Test is scheduled to be held in late April at various NID campuses, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Gandhinagar, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam. The Studio Test is a hands-on examination designed to test the candidate's creative skills, material handling, and perspective. It typically involves model making, sketching, and sensory observation tests. The weightage for the Mains exam has been maintained at 60% for the final merit list, making it a critical component for securing a seat.
For M.Des aspirants, the Mains process is two-fold. In addition to the Studio Test, candidates must appear for a Personal Interview where they are expected to present their portfolio. The interview panel evaluates the candidate's design thinking, technical knowledge in their chosen specialization, and overall personality. NID has advised M.Des candidates to carry their physical portfolios as well as a digital backup on a USB drive. The specific dates and venues for each specialization have been mentioned on the individual admit cards.
In a statement, the NID Admissions Cell reminded candidates to carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID proof to the exam center. "The Studio Test requires candidates to bring their own basic stationery like pencils, pens, and erasers. However, specialized materials for model making will be provided by the institute at the venue," the statement read. Candidates are strictly prohibited from carrying any electronic gadgets, including smartwatches and mobile phones, into the testing area.
Final results for NID 2026 admissions are expected to be announced in the third week of May. The counseling and seat allotment process will follow shortly after. With NIDs being the premier institutes for design education in India, the competition is fierce, with only a few hundred seats available across various disciplines. Aspirants are encouraged to practice their three-dimensional visualization and time management skills to excel in the upcoming Studio Tests.
The B.Des Mains Studio Test is scheduled to be held in late April at various NID campuses, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Gandhinagar, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam. The Studio Test is a hands-on examination designed to test the candidate's creative skills, material handling, and perspective. It typically involves model making, sketching, and sensory observation tests. The weightage for the Mains exam has been maintained at 60% for the final merit list, making it a critical component for securing a seat.
For M.Des aspirants, the Mains process is two-fold. In addition to the Studio Test, candidates must appear for a Personal Interview where they are expected to present their portfolio. The interview panel evaluates the candidate's design thinking, technical knowledge in their chosen specialization, and overall personality. NID has advised M.Des candidates to carry their physical portfolios as well as a digital backup on a USB drive. The specific dates and venues for each specialization have been mentioned on the individual admit cards.
In a statement, the NID Admissions Cell reminded candidates to carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID proof to the exam center. "The Studio Test requires candidates to bring their own basic stationery like pencils, pens, and erasers. However, specialized materials for model making will be provided by the institute at the venue," the statement read. Candidates are strictly prohibited from carrying any electronic gadgets, including smartwatches and mobile phones, into the testing area.
Final results for NID 2026 admissions are expected to be announced in the third week of May. The counseling and seat allotment process will follow shortly after. With NIDs being the premier institutes for design education in India, the competition is fierce, with only a few hundred seats available across various disciplines. Aspirants are encouraged to practice their three-dimensional visualization and time management skills to excel in the upcoming Studio Tests.