NID Courses and Fees: Complete Guide for 2025-26

Last Updated on December 3, 2025 by amay mathur

The National Institute of Design (NID) is one of India’s premier design schools, renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum and world-class design programs. Every year, hundreds of students aspire to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate programs at NID. Understanding the courses offered and their associated fees is crucial for planning your educational journey. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of NID courses, admission process, and fee structure.

Overview of NID

The National Institute of Design was established to provide high-quality design education in India. With multiple campuses across the country, NID focuses on a range of design disciplines, including product design, communication design, textile design, and more. The institute is recognized for its emphasis on creativity, innovation, and practical learning.

NID Campuses

NID has several campuses offering different programs:

Courses Offered at NID

NID offers a variety of programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The courses focus on design thinking, innovation, and practical exposure in different design disciplines.

Undergraduate Programs (B.Des)

The Bachelor of Design (B.Des) program is a four-year undergraduate course available at various NID campuses.

Specializations in B.Des include:

• Textile and Apparel Design

• Industrial Design

• Communication Design

• Graphic Design

• Animation Film Design

• Interior and Furniture Design

• Product Design

Key Highlights of B.Des Programs:

• Duration: 4 years

• Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent

• Admission Process: NID Entrance Exam (NID DAT Prelims and Mains)

B.Des Curriculum Structure:

Postgraduate Programs (M.Des)

The Master of Design (M.Des) program is a two-year postgraduate course for students looking to specialize in design and research.

Specializations in M.Des include:

• Communication Design

• Product Design

• Strategic Design Management

• Animation Film Design

• Interaction Design

• Transportation and Vehicle Design

Key Highlights of M.Des Programs:

• Duration: 2 years

• Eligibility: Graduation in any discipline or B.Des in a relevant field

• Admission Process: NID DAT (Prelims & Mains), followed by a studio test and personal interview

M.Des Curriculum Structure:

Doctoral Programs (Ph.D. in Design)

NID also offers Ph.D. programs for research-focused students.

Key Details:

• Duration: 3-5 years

• Eligibility: Master’s degree in design or relevant field

• Focus Areas: Advanced design research, innovation, sustainable design practices

Short-Term and Continuing Education Programs

NID conducts short-term courses and workshops to help professionals and students upgrade their design skills.

Popular Short-Term Courses:

• Design Thinking and Innovation

• Visual Communication

• User Experience Design (UX)

• Fashion and Textile Design

• Product Prototyping and CAD

Duration: 3 weeks to 6 months (depending on the course)

NID Fee Structure

NID courses are known for their quality, and the fee structure reflects the premium education provided. Fees vary for undergraduate, postgraduate, and international students.

Undergraduate Program Fees (B.Des)

Estimated Fees for Indian Students (per year):

International Students:

• Tuition Fee: $8,000–$10,000 per year

• Hostel & Mess: $3,000 per year

Payment Details:

• Fees are usually paid semester-wise

• Scholarships and financial aid may be available for deserving students

Postgraduate Program Fees (M.Des)

Estimated Fees for Indian Students (per year):

International Students:

• Tuition Fee: $10,000–$12,000 per year

• Hostel & Mess: $3,500 per year

Ph.D. Program Fees

Estimated Fees for Indian Students (per year):

Ph.D. students often receive fellowships and research grants to support their studies.

Additional Costs

Apart from tuition and hostel charges, students should budget for the following:

• Books and Study Materials: INR 20,000–40,000 per year
• Laptop and Software: INR 50,000–1,00,000 (depending on program)
• Field Trips and Workshops: INR 10,000–30,000 per year
• Personal Expenses: INR 20,000–50,000 per year

NID: Scholarships and Financial Assistance

NID provides scholarships and financial aid to deserving students based on merit and need.

Types of Scholarships:

• Merit-Based Scholarships

• Government of India Scholarships

• State-Sponsored Scholarships

• Special Scholarships for International Students

Eligibility Criteria:

• Excellent academic performance

• Portfolio assessment and interview for merit-based aid

• Family income-based eligibility for need-based scholarships

Benefits:

• Full or partial waiver of tuition fees

• Accommodation support

• Research and project funding

NID Admission Process

Admission to NID programs is highly competitive and is based on the NID Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT).

NID DAT Exam Stages

B.Des Admission:

• Stage 1: DAT Prelims – Objective and design aptitude test

• Stage 2: DAT Mains – Studio test and personal interview

M.Des Admission:

• Stage 1: DAT Prelims – Evaluation of design fundamentals and problem-solving

• Stage 2: DAT Mains – Studio test, personal interview, and portfolio review

Ph.D. Admission:

• Research proposal submission

• Interview with the panel

• Evaluation of academic and professional background

NID Admission Important Dates

Why Choose NID?

Choosing NID ensures a blend of academic excellence and industry readiness. Here are some key reasons:

• World-Class Faculty: Experts from India and abroad

• State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Studios, labs, and workshops

• Industry Collaboration: Internships and live projects

• Global Recognition: Alumni work with top design firms worldwide

• Holistic Learning: Emphasis on innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship

Career Opportunities After NID

Graduates of NID have diverse career opportunities in multiple sectors:

Design Careers:

• Industrial Designer

• Fashion and Textile Designer

• Communication Designer

• UX/UI Designer

• Product Designer

Other Opportunities:

• Entrepreneurship in design startups

• Research and teaching

• Freelancing and consultancy

Top Employers:

• Tata, Infosys, Godrej, Mahindra & Mahindra

• Design agencies: Elephant Design, DY Works, Lopez Design

• International design firms

FAQs

1. What are the main courses offered at NID for 2025–26?

NID offers B.Des, M.Des, and PhD programs across multiple design disciplines, providing comprehensive training in creativity, research, design thinking, and industry applications.

2. What is the B.Des fee structure at NID for 2025–26?

The B.Des fee structure includes tuition, studio charges, deposits, and semester expenses, totalling approximately ₹3–3.5 lakhs annually depending on campus policies.

3. What is the M.Des fee structure at NID for 2025–26?

M.Des fees typically range around ₹3–3.8 lakhs per year, covering academic tuition, studio materials, workshop access, and essential design resource charges.

4. Are hostel facilities included in NID fees?

Hostel fees are charged separately and include accommodation, mess charges, maintenance, and utilities, ranging annually based on campus location and selected room type.

5. Does NID offer scholarships for design students?

Yes, NID provides merit-based and need-based scholarships supporting students with financial assistance, covering partial tuition, hostel fees, or academic material expenses.

6. What additional expenses should students expect besides tuition fees?

Students should expect costs for materials, tools, software, field visits, project printing, portfolio development, and optional workshops depending on design specialization.

7. Are NID fees the same across all campuses?

No, fee structures differ slightly across NID Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Gandhinagar campuses based on facilities, program type, and annual institutional guidelines.

8. How can students pay NID fees for 2025–26?

Students can pay fees through online banking, UPI, demand drafts, or semester-wise instalments, following the payment instructions provided by each NID campus.

9. Does NID refund fees if a student withdraws admission?

Refunds follow NID’s official withdrawal policy, offering partial reimbursements depending on withdrawal date, administrative charges, and government-mandated refund guidelines.

10. Are international students charged different fees at NID?

Yes, international students generally pay higher tuition and registration fees, determined annually by NID’s policy for foreign nationals, NRI, and OCI categories.

Conclusion

The National Institute of Design provides world-class education in design, making it one of the most sought-after institutes in India. With diverse programs, innovative teaching methods, and excellent infrastructure, NID equips students for a successful career in the design industry. Understanding the courses, fees, and admission process is crucial for aspiring designers to make informed decisions.

NID is not just an institute; it is a platform where creativity meets practical innovation, preparing students to shape the future of design in India and globally.