Last Updated on December 4, 2025 by Simran
The NID DAT Prelims Result 2026 is one of the most anticipated milestones for design aspirants aiming to join the prestigious National Institute of Design. This result determines whether candidates qualify for the next stage — the DAT Mains — which plays a crucial role in the final selection process.
Understanding how to check the result, interpreting the score, knowing the cut-off trends, and preparing for the subsequent rounds is essential for every applicant.
This comprehensive guide explains the result process, important dates, score details, and next steps to help candidates confidently move forward in their NID admission journey.
NID DAT Prelims Exam: Overview
The NID DAT Prelims is the first stage of the entrance exam for design aspirants. It evaluates candidates on visualization skills, creativity, drawing abilities, and design thinking.
Purpose of NID DAT Prelims
- To shortlist candidates for the mains exam.
- To assess fundamental design aptitude.
- To evaluate creativity, problem-solving, and observation skills.
- To ensure that only eligible candidates proceed to the next stage.
NID BAT Prelims Exam Pattern Overview
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online/Offline (depending on category) |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Sections | Quantitative Ability, Visual & Spatial Ability, Analytical & Logical Reasoning, General Knowledge, Communication Skills |
| Type of Questions | Objective + Subjective (drawing & design exercises) |
| Total Marks | 100-150 (varies for UG and PG) |
The prelims exam is designed to gauge an aspirant’s overall design aptitude and foundational skills, which are crucial for success in the NID Mains exam.
NID DAT Prelims Result 2026: Key Details
The NID DAT Prelims result provides crucial information to candidates regarding their performance and eligibility for the mains round.
Result Announcement Date
The NID DAT Prelims Result 2026is expected to be released in May 2026, typically three to four weeks after the examination is conducted. NID usually follows a consistent timeline every year, ensuring candidates have adequate time to prepare for the Mains once the results are out.
The exact date will be announced on the official NID admissions portal, and candidates must regularly check for updates to avoid missing important notifications.
As soon as the result is declared, students can log in using their credentials to access their scorecard and qualification status for the next stage.
How to Check NID DAT Prelims Result?
Candidates can check their result online by following these steps:
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Visit the official NID website.
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Navigate to the DAT Prelims Result 2026 link.
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Enter your Application Number / Roll Number and Date of Birth.
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Click on Submit.
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Download and take a printout of the result for future reference.
Details Mentioned in the Result
The NID DAT Prelims result contains the following information:
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Candidate Name | Full name as registered |
| Roll Number | Unique exam roll number |
| Prelims Score | Marks obtained in each section |
| Total Score | Aggregate marks obtained |
| Qualification Status | Whether shortlisted for mains |
| Instructions | Next steps and important dates |
Understanding NID DAT Prelims Score
The NID DAT Prelims score is critical for determining eligibility for the mains examination. Here’s how candidates can interpret their results.
Section-wise Score Interpretation
| Section | Maximum Marks | Weightage in Result |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative & Analytical Ability | 30 | 20% |
| Visual & Spatial Ability | 40 | 30% |
| General Knowledge & Current Affairs | 20 | 15% |
| Communication & Language Skills | 10 | 10% |
| Creative & Drawing Section | 50 | 25% |
Note: The weightage may vary for undergraduate (B.Des) and postgraduate (M.Des) programs.
Cut-off Criteria
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The cut-off is different for each category and program.
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Typically, candidates scoring above 50% in prelims are considered for mains.
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NID releases category-wise and program-wise cut-off marks along with the result.
| Category | Expected Cut-off (%) |
|---|---|
| General | 50-55 |
| OBC | 45-50 |
| SC/ST | 40-45 |
| EWS | 45-50 |
Shortlisting for Mains
Candidates who meet or exceed the cut-off are shortlisted for the NID DAT Mains. The number of shortlisted candidates depends on:
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Total number of applications
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Performance in prelims
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Available seats in each program
Steps After NID DAT Prelims Result
Once the prelims result is declared, candidates must prepare for the mains exam and complete any necessary formalities.
Download Call Letter for Mains
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Shortlisted candidates receive a call letter or admit card for NID DAT Mains.
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The admit card includes exam date, venue, reporting time, and instructions.
Preparation for NID DAT Mains
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Focus on sketching and creative exercises.
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Practice problem-solving and visualization tasks.
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Review design principles and current design trends.
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Solve previous years’ mains questions.
Important Dates for Mains
| Event | Tentative Date 2026 |
|---|---|
| Mains Exam Date | May 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | May 2026 |
| Result Declaration | May 2026 |
How to Verify NID DAT Prelims Result?
In case of discrepancies or errors in the result, candidates can take the following steps:
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Check Roll Number & Details: Ensure that the entered roll number and personal details are correct.
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Contact NID Support: Reach out to the NID admissions office via email or phone.
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Submit Grievance: Provide necessary proof in case of errors in scoring or candidate information.
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Keep Communication Proof: Maintain emails and receipts for reference.
Tips for Improving Prelims Score (For Future Aspirants)
Even after the prelims are over, aspirants can learn from their performance for future attempts.
Time Management
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Allocate specific time to each section.
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Practice mock tests under timed conditions.
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Avoid spending too much time on a single question.
Strengthen Core Skills
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Visualization & Drawing: Practice daily sketching and perspective exercises.
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Analytical Ability: Solve logical puzzles and case-based questions.
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General Knowledge: Stay updated with design-related current affairs.
Use Previous Year Question Papers
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Analyze question patterns and difficulty levels.
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Identify frequent topics and question types.
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Focus on weak areas for better preparation.
FAQs
When will the NID DAT Prelims 2026 result be declared?
The NID DAT Prelims 2026 result is expected in May 2026, usually released three to four weeks after the examination concludes.
How can I check my NID DAT Prelims result online?
Visit NID’s official website, open the DAT Prelims Result link, enter your roll number and date of birth, then download your scorecard easily.
What details are mentioned in the NID DAT prelims result?
The result displays your name, roll number, section-wise marks, total score, qualifying status, and important instructions for the next admission stage.
What is the cut-off for NID DAT Prelims?
Cut-offs differ across categories and programs, usually around 50–55% for General candidates and slightly lower for OBC, SC, ST categories.
Can I challenge my NID DAT prelims score?
Yes, candidates can report scoring discrepancies to NID’s admission authority by submitting valid documents and following the official grievance redressal guidelines.
How many candidates are shortlisted for mains?
Shortlisted numbers vary yearly, depending on total applicants, prelims performance, and available seats across different NID programs for each category.
Is the prelims result final?
Yes, the prelims result is final and solely determines eligibility for the mains examination, without any provision for re-evaluation requests.
What is the next step after prelims?
Qualified candidates should download their mains admit card and begin focused preparation for creative tasks, studio tests, and interview components.
Will the prelims score be added to the final selection?
No, only mains performance determines final merit, though clearing prelims is essential for progressing into the final evaluation stages.
Where can I find previous years’ prelims question papers?
Previous years’ papers are available on NID’s official portals and several design preparation platforms offering downloadable practice resources for aspirants.
Conclusion
The NID DAT Prelims Result 2026 is a critical milestone for design aspirants. It determines whether a candidate progresses to the Mains stage, which plays a major role in final selection. Understanding the score, cut-offs, and next steps ensures that candidates are well-prepared for the upcoming stages. By carefully analyzing performance and preparing strategically, aspirants can maximize their chances of securing a seat at one of India’s top design institutes.