NID DAT 2025 Reservation Criteria: Category-wise Reservation, Program-wise Seat Intake

National Institute of Design Entrance Exam 2025 ( NID Entrance Exam )

Sayeba
Sayeba Naushad
Assistant Manager
Updated on May 16, 2025 16:52 IST

Candidates belonging to reserved categories like SC, ST, and OBC will be considered for admission in open category as well as in their respective categories. The candidate has to select their category when filling out the application. Check you all key details you need to know about NID admission process.

NID DAT 2025 Reservation - The National Institute of Design (NID) offers B.Des and M.Des courses. Admission to these courses is based on NID DAT merit rank. The NID DAT exam is conducted in two parts. The candidate appears 1st in DAT Prelims. Shortlisted candidates will next appear in the DAT Mains. The NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) exam was held on January 5, 2025. The NID DAT 2025 application form is closed. On the day of the exam, the candidate needs to bring their NID DAT 2025 admit card and ID proof. Also, make sure that you follow NID DAT 2025 exam-day guidelinesThe NIDs currently have an intake of 425 seats for the B.Des program and 347 seats for the M.Des program. NID will prepare category-wise NID DAT 2025 merit lists for seat allotment. For instance, the merit lists will be prepared for various categories like OBC, SC, ST, PwD, and EWS. In this article, the candidate can check the NID DAT 2025 reservation available for various categories. Also, the seat category and eligibility clause have been explained in simple terms for the candidate's benefit. 

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NID DAT 2025 Entrance Exam

As discussed above, the NID DAT exam is conducted in two stages. The candidate first appears in DAT Prelims, and if shortlisted, has to next appear in DAT Mains.

The final NID DAT 2025 merit list will be calculated by giving weightage to DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. In the case of the B.Des program, DAT Prelims will carry 40% weightage, while DAT Mains will be worth 60%. Meanwhile, for the M.Des program, the DAT Prelims will carry 30% weightage, whereas the DAT Mains will contribute 70%. 

Q:   When will the NID DAT 2025 Prelims exam be conducted?
A:

The National Institute of Design (NID) will conduct the DAT Prelims exam on January 5, 2025.

The B.Des exam will be held from 10 am - 1 pm; meanwhile, the M.Des exam will be held from 10 am - 12.30 am.

The DAT Prelims for the B.Des programme will be conducted in a paper-and-pencil/pen mode. The question paper may  incude both textual and visual questions. Other details like duration of the exam, marking scheme, etc. will be published in the DAT Prelims admit card.

The candidate needs to report for the exam at 8 am. Gates closing time is 9.30 am. 

The DAT Prelims exam for the M.Des programme will be conducted offline and include a mix of objective and subjective questions. The paper will have a total of 100 questions.

Q:   When will the application forms for NID 2025 be released?
A:

NID application form 2025 opened on September 3, 2024. The application form is open online at the NID admission portal -admissions.nid.edu. Candidates who meet the program-specific eligibility criteria may apply before the last date.

The NID application form is for admission to the B. Des and M.Des courses offered by participating colleges. 

The last date to apply for NID DAT 2025 is December 6, 2024 (extended from December 3). The candidate can also edit the submitted application from December 4-9, 2024.

The NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) exam will be conducted on January 5, 2025.

Q:   What is the application fee for NID DAT?
A:

The application fee of NID DAT 2025 for the B. Des for General, General-EWS, OBC-NCL candidates is INR 3,000. SC, ST, PwD candidates only ned to pay INR 1,500. However note that the application fees for overseas candidates seeking admission to supernumerary seats is INR 5000. In case of the M.Des programme, the application fees for General, General-EWS, OBC-NCL candidates applying for one discipline is INR 3,000. If two disciplines are chosen, the application fee is INR 6000. Meanwhile, SC, ST, PwD candidate need to pay INR 1,500 for one discipline, and INR 3000 for two disciplines.

The NID DAT 2025 application form is now open.

NID DAT 2025 Reservation - Categories and Eligibility

The NID DAT 2025 Seat categories are as follows:

Seat Category

Category of Eligible Candidates

Open

GEN, GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL,SC, ST, GEN-PwD, OBC-NCL-PwD, SC-PwD, ST-PwD, GEN-EWS-PwD

General- Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS)

GEN- EWS, GEN-EWS-PwD

Other Backward Class-Non Creamy Layer (OBCNCL)

OBC-NCL and OBC-NCL-PwD

Schedule Caste (SC)

SC and SC –PwD

Schedule Tribe (ST)

ST and ST –PwD

Open—Persons with Disability (PwD)

GEN-PwD, GEN-EWS-PwD, OBC-NCL-PwD, SC-PwD, ST-PwD

Other Backward Class-Non Creamy Layer— Persons with Disability (OBC-NCL-PwD)

OBC-NCL-PwD

Schedule Caste —Persons with Disability (SC-PwD)

SC-PwD

Schedule Tribe—Persons with Disability (ST-PwD)

SC-PwD

NID DAT 2025 Reservation and Seat Intake - B.Des Program

The NID DAT Reservation and Seat Intake are as follows:

Institute

Total seats

GEN-EWS

(10%

OBC-NCL

(27%)

Scheduled Caste

(15%)

Scheduled Tribe

(7.5%)

NID Ahmedabad

125

13

34

19

9

NID Andhra Pradesh

75

8

20

11

6

NID Haryana

75

8

20

11

6

NID Madhya Pradesh

75

8

20

11

6

NID Assam

75

8

20

11

6

Total

525

45

114

63

33

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NID DAT 2025 Seat Intake - M.Des Program

The National Institute of Design offers a two-and-a-half-year Master of Design (M.Des.) program at its Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Gandhinagar campuses. Candidates may apply in any of the following disciplines: 

Faculty of Communication Design

Discipline

NID Campus

Seat Intake

Animation Film Design

Ahmedabad

19

Film & Video Communication

Ahmedabad

19

Graphic Design

Ahmedabad

19

Photography Design

Gandhinagar

19

Faculty of Industrial Design 

Discipline

NID Campus

Seat Intake

Ceramic & Glass Design

Ahmedabad

12

Furniture & Interior Design 

Ahmedabad

19

Product Design

Ahmedabad

19

Toy & Game Design

Gandhinagar

12

Transportation & Automobile Design 

Gandhinagar

19

Universal Design

Bengaluru

19

Faculty of Information Technology-Integrated Programmes

Discipline

NID Campus

Seat Intake

Digital Game Design

Bengaluru

19

Information Design

Bengaluru

19

Interaction Design

Bengaluru

19

New Media Design

Gandhinagar

19

Q:   Is the NID DAT exam very difficult to crack?
A:
NID DAT, along with NIFT and UCEED are among the most competitive national-level entrance exams in the country. The fact that there are only 425 seats for the B. Des and 347 seats for the M.Des programme makes it very competitive. But that being said, if the candidate prepares well and with the correct strategy, then the NID DAT exam can be cracked. Among the first things the candidate needs to do is prepare a efficient study timetable, get familiar with the syllabus and pattern, and use good books as reference material.
Q:   Is it possible to crack NID DAT 2025 without coaching?
A:

It is not mandatory to take coaching to get a good rank in NID DAT 2025. It is because, the entrance exam will test the creative, drawing, and innovative skills of the candidate. Now, a coaching institute cannot exactly teach you to be creative or become innovative. Instead, with a little effort these skills can yourself learn these skills yourself. Also, a major thrust of the design aptitide test is to evaluate the drawing skills of the candidate. So, make it a point to work on your design skills, including learning how to draw line, shadow, figure, gesture, cartoon drawing, etc. When practicing drawing, also keep a tab on the drawing speed, as it will help you complete the paper in the allotted time.

Q:   How many seats are there for NID admissions?
A:

Total seats offered in B. Des courses at all the NID campuses is 425 seats. For M.Des course, NID seats on offer for admission are 347. The B. Des programme is offered at five institutes - NID Ahmedabad, NID Andhra Pradesh, NID Haryana, NID Madhya Pradesh, and NID Assam. The various faculty members under which the programme is available include Faculty of Communication Design, Faculty of Industrial Design, and Faculty of Textile, Apparel, Lifestyle, and Accessory Design. Meanwhile, the M.Des course is available at NID Ahmedabad, NID Bengaluru, and NID Gandhinagar. Admission to both the B. Des and M.Des courses will be through the NID DAT entrance exam.

Q:   How many seats are available for admission through NID DAT 2025 counseling?
A:

The participating institutes of NID DAT 2025 offers B. Des and M.Des courses. The B. Des programme is available at five participating NIDs and has an intake capacity of 425 seats. Meanwhile, the M.Des programme is three NIDs and has a combined intake of 347 seats. Admission to both B. Des and M.Des courses will be through the NID DAT 2024 entrance exam. The seat allotment to the above courses wlll be based on respective merit lists which will be prepared considering weighted scores of DAT Prelims and DAT Mains.

The Natioanl Institute of Design (NID) will release the counseling schedule for NID DAT 2025 after DAT Mains results are declared.

Q:   Can Diploma candidates apply for admission to the M.Des programme through NID DAT 2025?
A:

Diploma candidates need to meet the following conditions for admission:

Done full-time Diploma of 4-year duration after 10+2

Diploma in the following subjects is accepted - Design/ Fine Arts/ Applied Arts/ Architecture.

The Diploma must be done from a university or institute recognised by law in India.

Additionally, the candidate must have appeared in all the subjects and backlogs (if any) by June 30, 2025.

Faculty of Interdisciplinary Design Studies 

Discipline

NID Campus

Seat Intake

Design for Retail Experience

Bengaluru

19

Strategic Design Management

Gandhinagar

19

Faculty of Textile, Apparel and Lifestyle Accessory Design 

Discipline

NID Campus

Seat Intake

Apparel Design

Gandhinagar

19

Lifestyle Accessory Design

Gandhinagar

19

Textile Design

Ahmedabad

19

NID DAT 2025 Reservation - M.Des Program

Category-wise reservation of seats for M.Des program

 

GEN-EWS

(10%

OBC-NCL

(27%)

Scheduled Caste

(15%)

Scheduled Tribe

(7.5%)

Disciplines with 19 seats each

2

5

3

1

Disciplines with 12 seats each

1

3

2

1

NID DAT 2025 Reservation - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. I belong to the OBC category. Can I apply for admission to the National Institute of Design (NID) in my category?

A. If the candidate belongs to reserved categories like SC, ST, and OBC, then they may apply under respective categories.

Q. If I select a category like SC, ST or OBS, will I not be considered for admission under the open category?

A. No, if you select a category like SC, ST, or OBC, in addition to that specific category, you will also be considered for admission under the open category.

Q. How many seats are reserved for SC candidates in the B.Des program at NIDs?

A. The NIDs have a combined intake of 425 seats for the B.Des program. Of these, 114 seats are available for OBC-NCL candidates.

Q. What is the NID DAT 2025 reservation of seats for SC category for the B.Des program?

A. There are 63 seats earmarked for SC candidates.

Q. Can I select my category at the time of filling the NID DAT application form?

A. Yes, the candidate has to select his or her category at the time of filling the application form.

Q. Do I need to submit any proof about my category at the time of admission?

A. Yes, the candidate will be required to submit caste certificates at the time of NID DAT counseling and seat allotment. Those failing to prove their reserved category credentials will be considered under open category.

About the Author
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Sayeba Naushad
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Sayeba is an editorial professional with over 5 years of experience in content creation, editing and proofreading. She holds a master's degree in commerce, which has helped her develop a strong attention to detail a... Read Full Bio

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Answered a month ago

National Institute of Design will start its B.Des Round 2 Seat Allotment after B.Des Seat Allotment Round 1. The remaining seats will be opened for Seat Allotment Round 2. The information regarding the same will be communicated to next qualifying candidate through their registered Email ID.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

NID B.Des Round-01 Seat Allotment, Confirmation of Seat, Payment of Non-Refundable Fees & Uploading of Documents for B.Des will start on May 27, 2025. The last date to pay the fee and upload the necessary documents is May 30, 2025. Candidates can change their campus selection multiple times betwee

...Read more

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

Upon verification of the documents uploaded by the candidate, if the documents are found to be incomplete/incorrect/invalid, the candidature of such candidates will be cancelled, and that seat will be allotted to the next qualifying candidate in the order of merit in their respective category

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

After the declaration of the NID DAT B.Des Mains/ Final result,  the following process will take place:

  1. Declaration of the NID B Des Final Result 
  2. Submission of Institute Selection preference
  3. Seat Alottment Round 1
  4. Payment of the fee (Non-refundable Token Fee) for Seat Confirmation
  5. Uploading the necessar

...Read more

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

The shortlisted candidates for NID SEAT Allotment Round for B. Des. will have to confirm their seat by the following process: 

  1. Paying the NON-REFUNDABLE Token Fees
  2. Uploading the required documents

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

Yes, candidates can review, change or modify the uploaded documents for NID B.Des until 5 pm, Friday, 30 May 2025. In case the candidate wishes to modify the uploaded documents, s/he can re-upload the documents until 5 pm, Friday, 30 May 2025.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

The NID B.Des Seat Allotment Round 1 will start on May 27, 2025 and will end on May 30, 2025. At the time of seat allocation, candiates will have to submit the fees and uplaod the necessary documents. 

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

The NID B.Des Provisional Letter for B.Des programme will be released on June 10, 2025. Provisional Offer Letters for B.Des Admissions 2025 will be issued to candidates who have paid the non-refundable token fee and whose uploaded documents have been successfully verified and found to be in order.

 

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

Yes, a candiate can change his/her college preference multiple times before the deadline (May 19, 2025, 5 PM). After the deadline, the last college selected will be considered final.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

The last date to submit the NID B.Des 2025 Campus/Institute Prefrence is May 19, 2025, 5 PM. The Submission window opened on May 16, 2025, 4 PM and will close on May 19, 2025, 5 PM. Window was activated with the declaration of NID B.Des Final Result. 

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 8