Ahmedabad, India – The National Institute of Design (NID) has officially announced the examination dates for the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) 2026 Mains, a crucial stage for admission to its Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs. The announcement, released on December 4, 2024, provides a detailed schedule for the second phase of the entrance examination process, following the successful completion of the DAT Prelims.

The NID DAT is a two-stage examination designed to assess the aptitude of candidates aspiring to pursue design education at one of India's premier design institutions. The DAT Prelims, a written examination, serves as the initial screening stage, with only shortlisted candidates proceeding to the DAT Mains. This second stage typically involves studio tests, interviews, and portfolio reviews, varying by program and campus. The release of the Mains schedule allows eligible candidates to prepare for these practical assessments and plan their next steps in the competitive admission cycle.

The NID DAT 2026 Mains examination will be conducted across various designated centers. Candidates are advised to refer to the official NID admissions portal, admissions.nid.edu, for precise venue details and any further updates. The DAT Mains is instrumental in the final selection process, contributing significantly to the overall merit score for admission to NID's seven campuses, including Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, and the new campuses in Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam.

Key dates and details related to the NID DAT 2026 Mains examination are as follows:

  • Release of DAT Mains Admit Cards: Admit cards for shortlisted candidates are provisionally scheduled to be available for download from the official NID admissions portal in the first week of April 2026. Candidates must download and print their admit cards, as no physical copies will be dispatched.
  • NID DAT 2026 Mains Examination Dates:
    • B.Des Mains Exam: Sunday, April 13, 2026 (Expected to include studio test and potentially portfolio review).
    • M.Des Mains Exam: Saturday, April 20, 2026, and Sunday, April 21, 2026 (Likely to involve detailed studio tests, interviews, and portfolio presentations over two days, depending on the chosen discipline).
  • Declaration of Final Results: The final results for NID DAT 2026 for both B.Des and M.Des programs are anticipated to be declared in the last week of May 2026 or the first week of June 2026. These results will be published on the official NID admissions website.
  • Counseling and Admission Process: Following the result declaration, a centralized counseling process will commence, based on the candidates' DAT Mains scores and program preferences.

Aspiring designers who have successfully cleared the DAT Prelims are strongly encouraged to review the specific requirements for their chosen B.Des or M.Des disciplines, as the Mains examination format can vary. Detailed instructions regarding the portfolio, interview preparation, and studio test components will be provided by NID on its official website. Candidates are advised to regularly monitor the admissions portal for any supplementary information or procedural changes. Adherence to the stipulated deadlines and guidelines is crucial for successful progression in the NID DAT 2026 admission cycle.