How do I prepare for the first test of NID?

The NID DAT Prelims is a two-part test with both a creative section and an aptitude section. The best way to prepare is to practice drawing and sketching every day. At the same time, work on your observation skills. This can be as simple as analyzing everyday objects. Many students also find a good NID Entrance Exam Coaching Program really helps.

How do I get into NID for an M.Des?

To get into the M.Des program, you must have a bachelor's degree of at least three years, or a four-year diploma in a related field. You also have to go through both the NID DAT Prelims and DAT Mains exams. For the NID Mains Test Online, a strong portfolio is a must. It should show off your best work and your ability to think critically. For specific help with this, many students choose Live Coaching NID sessions.

What kind of preparations do I have to do?

Your preparations should focus on developing both your creative and analytical skills. The NID DAT exam pattern is designed to test your design thinking. You'll need to master drawing, understand perspective, and get good at visualizing solutions. Many students use NID Entrance Exam Coaching to get structured practice and expert guidance.

Is it that difficult to crack the NID entrance?

Cracking the NID entrance is challenging, but it's very achievable with the right preparation. The competition is tough, so you need to be dedicated and smart about your study plan. Focusing on the fundamentals and practicing with past papers will give you a big advantage. Getting into a solid NID 2026 Entrance Coaching program can also give you the competitive edge you need.

What should my criteria and preparation be for the NID entrance?

First, you need to meet the eligibility criteria for the B.Des or M.Des program. For preparation, you should start early. Understand the NID DAT syllabus and NID DAT exam pattern completely. Build a strong foundation in drawing, observation, and creative problem-solving. Joining an NID Coaching Online program can provide a structured approach with expert feedback, mock tests, and practice.

Home > Blog > NID DAT 2026 registration begins: Here’s how to apply

NID DAT 2026 registration begins: Here’s how to apply

The National Institute of Design (NID) is a top design school in India. The NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is your gateway to a design career. Here’s a simple guide to help you apply for the B.Des and M.Des programs for the 2026-27 school year.

What is the NID DAT Exam?

The National Institute of Design (NID) is a top design school in India. Its NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is the gateway to a career in design. It’s an NID entrance exam for both Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs. The admission process has two stages: the NID DAT Prelims and the DAT Mains.

Important Dates

You’ll want to mark these dates for the 2026-27 admission cycle:

Application Submission Opens: September 11, 2025
NID application form 2026-27 last date: December 1, 2025
NID DAT Prelims exam date 2026-27: December 21, 2025
NID DAT M.Des Prelims result 2026-27: February 17, 2026
NID DAT B.Des Prelims result 2026-27: April 7, 2026
NID mains exam date 2026-27 for M.Des is tentatively in March to April 2026, and for B.Des, it’s in May 2026.

How to Apply

The application process is all online. You’ll need these things ready before you start:

A recent passport-size photo (between 50 KB and 200 KB in JPG/JPEG).
Your signature (between 50 KB and 200 KB in JPG/JPEG).
Caste/Category certificates (if applicable, in PDF, up to 1 MB).
For overseas candidates, a scanned copy of your passport (in JPG/JPEG, up to 1 MB).

Common Application Steps

Sign up and log in: Register on the official admissions website with your personal details.
Fill the form: Enter your personal and academic info.
Upload documents: Upload your photo, signature, and other needed certificates.
Pay the fee: Pay the application fee online.
Submit and print: Submit the form and print the confirmation page for your records.

How to Prepare for the Exam

1. Understand the Exam

Syllabus and Pattern: Start by thoroughly understanding the NID DAT syllabus 2026 and NID DAT exam pattern. Knowing what to expect will help you focus.
Exam Components: Be aware of the two-stage process (Prelims and Mains). Your Prelims score only gets you to the next stage; it doesn’t count toward your final score.

2. Develop Core Design Skills

Observation: Train yourself to be observant. Pay close attention to details, and analyze the function and form of everyday objects and environments.
Sketching and Drawing: Practice daily to improve your speed and accuracy. Sketch from life, focusing on still life, people, and scenes.
Perspective and Proportion: Master the principles of perspective and proportion to create realistic drawings.
Visualization and Creativity: Work on your ability to visualize and solve creative problems. These are critical skills for a successful design career.

3. Practice and Assess

You’ll definitely want to practice and test yourself. A great way to do this is by regularly solving old NID DAT question papers. This helps you get used to the format and the kinds of questions they ask.
You should even go back a few years—for example, the NID DAT Prelims 2022 question paper and the NID DAT Prelims 2021 question paper are a great place to start. Taking mock tests is also a smart move. It helps you with time management and shows you where you need to improve.
Mock Tests: Take mock tests to simulate the real exam. It’ll help you manage your time and find your strengths and weaknesses.

4. Stay Updated and Confident

Follow Design Trends: Keep up with current trends by reading design magazines and blogs.
Review and Stay Calm: In the final weeks before the exam, focus on reviewing what you’ve learned. Most importantly, stay confident and positive. Your mental and physical well-being are just as important as your preparation.

Vantage Design School: Gaining Your Competitive Edge

To stand out from the crowd, think about joining Vantage Design School.

Capstone Project: Our unique program includes a capstone project, giving you a hands-on opportunity to use your skills in a real-world design challenge.
Expert Faculty: We’re India’s first institute backed by a professional design studio. Our courses are taught by practicing designers and architects with tons of industry experience.
Comprehensive Learning: Our curriculum is built on a strong foundation of assignments, mock tests, and quizzes. We give you personalized feedback and have interactive online classes to make sure you understand everything.
Collaborative Community: Joining a preparation community lets you learn from and work with other aspiring designers, creating a positive environment for growth.
Create a Strong Portfolio (M.Des): If you’re an M.Des applicant, a great portfolio showing your best work is key for the DAT Mains.
Develop Critical Thinking: The DAT is designed to test your ability to think critically and creatively. Practice thinking outside the box.
Be Authentic: Your work and answers should show off your unique personality and perspective.

Important Links

Official NID Admissions Website: NID Admission 2026-27
Online Registration Page: NID Registration

FAQs

How do I prepare for the first test of NID?
The NID DAT Prelims is a two-part test with both a creative section and an aptitude section. The best way to prepare is to practice drawing and sketching every day. At the same time, work on your observation skills. This can be as simple as analyzing everyday objects. Many students also find a good NID Entrance Exam Coaching Program really helps.
How do I get into NID for an M.Des?
To get into the M.Des program, you must have a bachelor's degree of at least three years, or a four-year diploma in a related field. You also have to go through both the NID DAT Prelims and DAT Mains exams. For the NID Mains Test Online, a strong portfolio is a must. It should show off your best work and your ability to think critically. For specific help with this, many students choose Live Coaching NID sessions.
What kind of preparations do I have to do?
Your preparations should focus on developing both your creative and analytical skills. The NID DAT exam pattern is designed to test your design thinking. You'll need to master drawing, understand perspective, and get good at visualizing solutions. Many students use NID Entrance Exam Coaching to get structured practice and expert guidance.
Is it that difficult to crack the NID entrance?
Cracking the NID entrance is challenging, but it's very achievable with the right preparation. The competition is tough, so you need to be dedicated and smart about your study plan. Focusing on the fundamentals and practicing with past papers will give you a big advantage. Getting into a solid NID 2026 Entrance Coaching program can also give you the competitive edge you need.
What should my criteria and preparation be for the NID entrance?
First, you need to meet the eligibility criteria for the B.Des or M.Des program. For preparation, you should start early. Understand the NID DAT syllabus and NID DAT exam pattern completely. Build a strong foundation in drawing, observation, and creative problem-solving. Joining an NID Coaching Online program can provide a structured approach with expert feedback, mock tests, and practice.