NID Entrance Exam Date — What You Should Know (2025–26 Season)

Last Updated on December 8, 2025 by Simran

The NID Entrance Exam Date for the 2025–26 admission season is one of the most anticipated announcements for design aspirants across India. Knowing the exact schedule helps candidates plan their preparation, manage time effectively, and stay aligned with important deadlines such as application submission, admit card release, prelims, mains, and final result declaration.

Since the NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is conducted in two stages—Prelims and Mains—understanding the timeline becomes crucial for both B.Des and M.Des applicants.

This guide provides a clear overview of the expected exam dates, key events, and essential tips to stay prepared and updated.

What is NID / NID DAT?

• The “NID Entrance Exam” usually refers to the NID Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT) — a national‑level entrance for admission into undergraduate (B.Des) and postgraduate (M.Des) design programmes at various NID campuses.

• The exam assesses creativity, visual thinking, general aptitude and design sensibility, and is conducted in two stages:

  1. Prelims — pen‑and‑paper test (objective + subjective questions)

  2. Mains — studio test (for B.Des), and studio test + interview/portfolio review (for M.Des) for those shortlisted after Prelims.

NID 2025–26 Exam Calendar (Key Dates)

Here is the full timeline for the 2026 entrance exam (for academic session 2026–27):

What This Means for Applicants

• If you’re applying for the 2026–27 admissions, your last chance to submit the application is 1 December 2025.

• Once registered, download your admit card as soon as it’s out (around 11 Dec 2025) so you know your exam center and reporting time.

• Prelims is on 21 December 2025 — treat it as your first major checkpoint. Only those who clear Prelims will go to Mains.

• Mains (for those shortlisted) will happen in early to mid‑2026. Because this is tentative, regularly check the NID portal for updates.

• Results and seat allocation will follow soon after — so you must stay alert for notifications until at least May 2026.

Why the Two‑Stage System?

The two-stage exam structure has a clear purpose:

• Prelims: assesses general aptitude — creativity, reasoning, observation, design sensitivity. A level playing field for all aspirants.

• Mains: focuses on actual design skills — drawing, visualization, studio work, and for PG aspirants, portfolio review/interview to judge deeper design understanding.

This ensures that students admitted to NID are not only intelligently inclined but also practically capable in design — essential for a career in design.

What You Must Do (Checklist for Aspiring Applicants)?

• ✔ Check eligibility: Make sure you meet the criteria (qualifications, age, etc.) before applying. NID accepts Plus Two (or equivalent) for UG aspirants.

• ✔ Apply before 1 Dec 2025: Submit online application, upload required documents (photo, signature, category certificate if applicable, etc.), pay the fee.

• ✔ Download admit card (when released): Admit card for Prelims is expected around 11 December 2025.

• ✔ Prepare thoroughly: DAT Prelims involves objective + subjective questions; topics can include colour theory, composition, design theory, picture analysis, creative drawing/sketching, theme-based design — so build a strong foundation.

• ✔ If shortlisted, prepare for Mains: Studio test (and interview/portfolio if M.Des) — need to showcase creativity, design sense, clarity — often more intense than Prelims.

Understanding the NID Exam Cycle — Why Dates Matter

Getting the dates right is not just for form-filling — it affects your entire preparation plan:

• Application → Admit Card → Prelims → Mains → Final Result — it’s a long cycle, often spanning 6–8 months.

• If you miss any date (application deadline, form correction window, admit card download, exam date), you may lose your chance for the entire year.

• Since mains are tentative, you have to stay flexible and prepared from December onwards till around May.

So treat the dates as your master calendar: plan application, mocks, preparation, revision, and backup — all around them.

Typical Timeline for an Aspirant (Example)

Here’s how a “standard” applicant’s timeline might look:

• September 2025 — Decide to apply, collect documents, register on NID website.

• October – November 2025 — Fill application, upload documents/photos, pay fee, submit.

• Early December 2025 — Download & print Admit Card once released.

• 21 December 2025 — Attend DAT Prelims (offline exam).

• January – March 2026 — Wait for prelims result; in mean time, practice design skills in case you’re shortlisted.

• April – May 2026 — Appear for DAT Mains (studio test, interview/portfolio if M.Des) if shortlisted; then await final result & seat allotment.

• May – June 2026 — Final merit list & counselling/seat allotment.

Final Thoughts — Be Prepared, Be Proactive

The official exam date for NID DAT Prelims (21 December 2025) is set — and that is your most important milestone. But don’t treat that as the only date that matters. The entire admissions cycle — from application to final result — stretches over many months.

To maximize your chances:

• Mark all key dates on a calendar.

• Prepare consistently, not just for Prelims, but also in a way that helps in Mains (studio test / drawing / portfolio / interview).

• Keep checking the official NID portal for any updates — especially for Mains schedule.

• Stay focused, practice sketching/design thinking, and manage time well.

FAQs

1. When will the NID Entrance Exam 2025 be conducted?

The NID Entrance Exam 2025 is expected in December for Prelims and April for Mains, following the institute’s annual admission schedule.

2. What is the exam date for NID DAT Prelims 2025?

NID DAT Prelims 2025 is tentatively scheduled for late December, allowing applicants sufficient time to prepare for design aptitude and creative problem-solving.

3. When is the NID DAT Mains 2025 scheduled?

The Mains exam usually takes place in April, focusing on studio tests, material handling tasks, interviews, and discipline-specific design problem assessments.

4. Does NID release exam dates on the official website only?

Yes, NID releases all official exam dates exclusively on its website and admission portal, ensuring reliable, updated information for all applicants.

5. Are NID Entrance Exam dates different for B.Des and M.Des?

Prelims dates are same for both programs, but M.Des Mains may differ slightly due to discipline-wise studio test scheduling variations.

6. How early should students check NID exam date notifications?

Students should begin monitoring notifications from October onwards, as NID typically updates important exam schedules, deadlines, and application details around this period.

7. Does NID ever change announced exam dates?

NID may revise dates based on administrative requirements or national-level factors, so applicants must track updates frequently to avoid missing changes.

8. When are NID exam admit cards released?

Admit cards are usually released 10–12 days before the exam, giving candidates adequate time to check details and plan exam-day preparations.

9. How can students stay updated about NID entrance exam dates?

Students should regularly check the official NID website, subscribe to notifications, follow design education portals, and join online student communities for updates.

10. Are NID entrance exam dates same across all campuses?

Yes, Prelims and Mains dates remain uniform across all NID campuses, ensuring synchronized assessment for candidates nationwide across design disciplines.