Design
Mar 15, 2026
NID DAT 2026: Prelims Results Expected Next Week; Studio Test Dates Announced
K
Kavita Rao
Mar 15, 2026
0
0
The National Institute of Design (NID) is in the final stages of evaluating the answer scripts for the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Prelims 2026, which was held in January. According to sources close to the admission committee, the results for both Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs are expected to be uploaded on the official admissions portal by March 22, 2026. This year saw a record number of applicants vying for the limited seats at NID Ahmedabad and its sister campuses in Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, Kurukshetra, Vijayawada, Bhopal, and Jorhat.
Once the Prelims results are out, the shortlisted candidates will be required to appear for the NID DAT Mains, which consists of a Studio Test and, for M.Des candidates, a Personal Interview. The Studio Test for B.Des is tentatively scheduled to begin in the third week of April. This stage is crucial as it tests the candidate's hands-on skills, creativity, and ability to work with different materials under time constraints. Unlike the Prelims, which focuses on drawing and analytical skills, the Mains stage is highly practical and carries a significant weightage in the final merit list.
NID has also released a set of guidelines for the Studio Test to help students prepare. Candidates are advised to practice 3D modeling using materials like clay, wire, and paper, and to work on their observation skills. 'The Studio Test is where we see the real designer in a student. It’s not just about making something beautiful; it’s about solving a problem through design,' said a faculty member from NID Ahmedabad. The institute will not be providing any specific themes in advance, maintaining the element of surprise that characterizes NID admissions.
The final merit list will be prepared by combining the scores of the Prelims and the Mains. For the B.Des program, the weightage is usually split 40-60 between Prelims and Mains, respectively. For M.Des, the interview also plays a pivotal role. Candidates are encouraged to keep their portfolios updated, as they may be asked to present their work during the interview rounds.
As the result date approaches, design aspirants are flocking to online forums and social media groups to discuss expected cut-offs. Experts suggest that the cut-offs for the general category might see a slight increase this year due to the improved quality of portfolios seen in recent years. Students are advised to keep their admit cards and registration numbers handy to check their results on admissions.nid.edu as soon as the link is activated.
Once the Prelims results are out, the shortlisted candidates will be required to appear for the NID DAT Mains, which consists of a Studio Test and, for M.Des candidates, a Personal Interview. The Studio Test for B.Des is tentatively scheduled to begin in the third week of April. This stage is crucial as it tests the candidate's hands-on skills, creativity, and ability to work with different materials under time constraints. Unlike the Prelims, which focuses on drawing and analytical skills, the Mains stage is highly practical and carries a significant weightage in the final merit list.
NID has also released a set of guidelines for the Studio Test to help students prepare. Candidates are advised to practice 3D modeling using materials like clay, wire, and paper, and to work on their observation skills. 'The Studio Test is where we see the real designer in a student. It’s not just about making something beautiful; it’s about solving a problem through design,' said a faculty member from NID Ahmedabad. The institute will not be providing any specific themes in advance, maintaining the element of surprise that characterizes NID admissions.
The final merit list will be prepared by combining the scores of the Prelims and the Mains. For the B.Des program, the weightage is usually split 40-60 between Prelims and Mains, respectively. For M.Des, the interview also plays a pivotal role. Candidates are encouraged to keep their portfolios updated, as they may be asked to present their work during the interview rounds.
As the result date approaches, design aspirants are flocking to online forums and social media groups to discuss expected cut-offs. Experts suggest that the cut-offs for the general category might see a slight increase this year due to the improved quality of portfolios seen in recent years. Students are advised to keep their admit cards and registration numbers handy to check their results on admissions.nid.edu as soon as the link is activated.