NID Result: Complete Guide to NID DAT Prelims & Mains Results

Last Updated on December 4, 2025 by Simran

The National Institute of Design (NID) entrance exam is one of India’s most competitive design admission tests. Every year, thousands of aspirants attempt the NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) with the aim of securing admission into prestigious B.Des and M.Des programmes across NID campuses. The NID result plays a crucial role in determining whether a candidate qualifies for the next stage or secures admission.

This detailed guide covers everything about NID Result—its release process, how to check it, score calculation, category-wise cutoffs, portfolio weightage, tie-breaking rules, rechecking process, seat allotment, and FAQs.

NID Result Overview

NID releases results separately for:

• DAT Prelims

• DAT Mains

• Final merit list

Each stage has a specific evaluation method and weightage. Candidates must qualify in each round to progress to the next.

NID Result Release Stages

The NID admission process includes the following major result stages:

NID DAT Prelims Result

• First stage of selection.

• Released online on the admissions portal.

• Displays scores, sectional analysis, and qualification status.

NID DAT Mains Result

• Contains performance in studio test, interview, and portfolio.

• Determines final shortlist for admission.

NID Final Merit List

• Prepared using the weightage of Prelims + Mains.

• Separate lists for B.Des and M.Des specialisations.

• Includes category-wise rankings and seat allotment.

How to Check NID Result Online?

Candidates can download their NID results using the official result portal.

Steps to Check:

1. Visit the official NID admissions website.

2. Click on the DAT Result link.

3. Select Prelims or Mains.

4. Log in using:

   • Email ID

   • Date of Birth

   • Password

5. View your scorecard.

6. Download and save it for future reference.

Details Mentioned in NID Result

Your scorecard will contain key information essential for admission evaluation.

Scorecard Includes:

• Candidate Name

• Roll Number

• Application Number

• Programme Applied (B.Des/M.Des)

• Category

• Marks in Each Section

• Total Score

• Qualifying Status

• Instructions for Next Stage

NID Result Dates & Schedule

Below is a sample timeline for NID result events.

NID Score Calculation Method

The NID result is calculated using different evaluation components and weightage.

B.Des Score Weightage

M.Des Score Weightage

NID DAT Prelims Evaluation Pattern

The Prelims exam tests creativity, analytical thinking, design aptitude, and visualization skills.

Evaluation Includes:

• Objective Section

• Subjective Section

• Sketching

• Problem-solving

• Visual interpretation

No re-evaluation is allowed for Prelims due to subjective components.

NID DAT Mains Evaluation Pattern

The Mains round includes:

Studio Test

• Material handling tasks
• Model-making
• 3D construction
• Hands-on problem-solving

Interview

• Portfolio assessment
• Communication skills
• Design thinking

Portfolio Review

• Creativity
• Conceptual clarity
• Versatility
• Visualisation skill

Each component contributes significantly to the Mains score.

NID Cutoff Marks

Cutoffs are crucial for determining qualification status. They vary by:

• Course
• Category
• Specialisation
• Difficulty level
• Number of applicants

Sample Cutoff Table for B.Des (Illustrative)

Sample Cutoff Table for M.Des (Illustrative)

How NID Final Merit List is Prepared?

The final merit list is created using weighted scores from both stages.

B.Des Final Merit List Calculation

• Prelims: 30%

• Mains: 70%

Formula:

Final Score = (Prelims Score × 0.30) + (Mains Score × 0.70)

M.Des Final Merit List Calculation

Breakdown:

NID Result Tie-Breaking Rules

If two candidates secure equal scores, NID applies the following tie-breaking criteria:

For B.Des:

1. Higher score in DAT Mains

2. Higher score in DAT Prelims

3. Higher marks in specific sections

4. Age (older candidate preferred)

For M.Des:

1. Higher Studio Test Marks

2. Higher Interview Marks

3. Higher Prelims Marks

4. Age preference

NID Seat Allotment Process After Result

Candidates who make it to the merit list are invited for counselling.

Seat Allotment Steps:

1. Online registration

2. Choice filling for campus and course

3. Document verification

4. Payment of admission fees

5. Final confirmation

Available Seats at NID (Illustrative)

B.Des Seats

M.Des Seats

NID Result Rechecking Process

Rechecking is allowed ONLY for Prelims.
It includes:

Rechecking Includes:

• Verifying if all answers were evaluated

• Ensuring no calculation error exists

• Confirming no question was unchecked

Rechecking Does NOT Include:

• Re-evaluation

• Re-marking

• Review of subjective answers

A small fee is applicable per paper.

What to Do After NID Result?

For Prelims Qualified Candidates

• Prepare for DAT Mains

• Build a strong portfolio

• Practice model-making tasks

• Work on drawing & visualization

For Mains Qualified Candidates

• Wait for merit list

• Complete counselling formalities

• Keep documents ready

If Not Qualified

• Analyze your score

• Identify weak areas

• Start preparing for next attempt

• Take mock tests

• Build sketching & observation skills

Tips to Improve Performance for NID Results

To perform well and stand out in the NID entrance exam, candidates must follow a focused, creative, and strategic preparation approach. Below are key tips to improve your performance and boost your chances of achieving strong NID results:

• Practice sketching daily to improve visualization, proportion, and detailing.
• Solve previous years’ NID DAT papers to understand question patterns and difficulty levels.
• Enhance observation skills by studying real-life objects, textures, and perspectives.
• Build a habit of brainstorming ideas quickly to boost creativity and originality.
• Manage your time effectively during mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
• Develop a strong portfolio by experimenting with different art styles and mediums.
• Read design blogs, books, and case studies to strengthen conceptual thinking.
• Focus on clean presentation and neat sketches during the exam.
• Analyze mock test results to identify weak areas and refine your strategies.
• Stay calm, confident, and positive to perform your best on exam day.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Checking NID Result

While checking NID results, many students make small but critical mistakes that can cause confusion or unnecessary stress. Avoid the following errors to ensure a smooth and accurate result-checking experience:

• Not keeping the login details like email ID, password, and application number handy.
• Using multiple tabs or devices simultaneously, causing login errors.
• Forgetting to refresh or clear cache when the result page doesn’t load properly.
• Checking unofficial websites instead of the official NID admissions portal.
• Misinterpreting scores, ranks, or category-wise cutoffs.
• Ignoring important notifications related to further admission steps.
• Panicking due to heavy website traffic instead of waiting patiently.
• Not downloading or saving the result PDF for future reference.
• Overlooking details like spelling errors or mismatched personal information.
• Forgetting to check updates regarding the next round, such as studio tests or counselling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I check my NID result online?
Log in to the official NID admissions portal using your registered email ID and password to view and download your result.

2. What details are required to download the NID result?
You need your registered email ID, password, application number, and sometimes date of birth for accessing and downloading the NID result.

3. When is the NID DAT result usually released?
The NID DAT result is generally announced a few weeks after the exam, based on the official admission schedule published online.

4. Where can I find the official link for NID results?
You can access the official NID result link only on the NID admissions website under the results or login section.

5. Can I check my NID result on my mobile phone?
Yes, you can easily check your NID result on any mobile device with proper internet connectivity and browser support.

6. Will I receive my NID scorecard by email?
No, you must manually log in to the NID portal and download your scorecard, as it isn’t emailed automatically.

7. What should I do if the NID result page isn’t loading?
Clear your browser cache, refresh the page, try another device, or wait a few minutes for reduced server traffic.

8. Can I request re-evaluation of my NID DAT result?
Re-evaluation policies change yearly, so candidates must refer to the official NID admission brochure for updated rechecking or review procedures.

9. Does the NID DAT result include category-wise cutoffs?
Yes, NID usually publishes category-wise cutoffs along with the result or through separate official notifications on its admission portal.

10. What happens after the NID DAT result is declared?
Selected candidates must prepare for further rounds such as studio test, portfolio review, and personal interview based on NID guidelines.

Conclusion

The NID result is a crucial milestone for every design aspirant. Understanding the evaluation process, score calculation, cutoff trends, and merit list preparation can help candidates prepare effectively and analyse their performance. Whether preparing for Mains or planning for a reattempt, the key lies in consistent practice, creativity, and a strong understanding of design fundamentals. With the right strategy, securing admission to NID becomes an achievable goal.