The NID M.Des 2026 admission cycle is currently in its mid-stage. Since the Prelims were conducted in late 2025, the focus has now shifted to the results and the upcoming Mains examination.
If you are looking to challenge your Prelims result, the window is extremely short:
Rechecking Window Opens: 6:00 PM, 12 February 2026
Rechecking Window Closes: 11:59 PM, 14 February 2026 (Tonight!)
Admission is a two-stage hurdle. Note that Prelims scores are only for shortlisting and do not carry forward to your final rank.
Purpose: Shortlisting candidates for the next round based on merit.
Status: Results are out; rechecking is currently active.
The final merit list is calculated 100% from your performance in the Mains.
Components: * Studio Test (40%): A hands-on test common to all disciplines within a faculty stream.
Interview (60%): Conducted separately for each specific discipline.
Language: Strictly English.
Mode: Hybrid, Online, or Offline (to be announced by NID).
Shortlisting for the DAT Mains will be based on merit in the DAT Prelims. The Prelims score will not be carried forward to the Mains stage. Admit cards for shortlisted candidates will be available only on the official admissions website of the National Institute of Design ( https://admissions.nid.edu) The DAT Mains will be conducted strictly in English.
The M.Des. DAT Mains comprises two components: Studio Test and Interview. A common Studio Test will be held for all disciplines within a specific faculty stream, while interviews will be conducted separately for each discipline. For instance, applicants under the Communication Design faculty stream will take a shared Studio Test but will be interviewed according to their chosen discipline within that stream. The Studio Test may include tasks in various formats.
Further details about the DAT Mains (Studio Test and Interview) will be announced in due course. The Institute will not arrange accommodation for candidates appearing for the DAT Mains. Candidates are responsible for making their own travel and stay arrangements.
In case of unforeseen circumstances, the schedule, format, and structure of the examination may be modified. The tests may be conducted fully online, fully offline, or in a hybrid mode, at the discretion of the Institute.
For the M.Des. programme at the National Institute of Design, the final score will be calculated based solely on performance in the DAT Mains, with the following weightage:
Note: Only candidates who have appeared for both the Studio Test and the Interview will be considered for inclusion in the Final Merit List.
You can apply to a maximum of two disciplines, but they must be within the same faculty stream.
| Faculty Stream | Disciplines & Campus | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Communication (CD) | Animation, Film & Video, Graphic (AMD) ; Photography (GNR) | 19 per dept |
| Industrial (ID) | Ceramic, Furniture, Product (AMD) ; Toy, Transportation (GNR) ; Universal (BLR) | 12–19 |
| IT-Integrated (ITID) | Digital Game, Information, Interaction (BLR) ; New Media (GNR) | 19 per dept |
| Interdisciplinary (IDDS) | Retail Experience (BLR) ; Strategic Design Mgmt (GNR) | 19 per dept |
| Textile & Apparel (TAAD) | Textile (AMD) ; Apparel, Lifestyle Accessory (GNR) | 19 per dept |
For NID Studio test visit : https://pahaldesign.com/nid-studio-test-2025-26/
