NID DAT 2026 Dress Code For Male & Female Candidates

Candidates appearing in NID DAT 2026 exam must follow a proper dress code and exam day instructions. An indecent dressing may invite unwanted attention. So, here we bring you NID DAT 2026 dress code you may follow to stay out of trouble and have a smooth exam day experience.

The National Institute of Design (NID) is to conduct the NID DAT 2026 exam on December 21, 2025. On exam day, you would ideally like to wear something comfortable and decent. But what if you wear something fancy or indecent? Will NID invigilators stop you from appearing in the entrance exam? Are there any downsides to not dressing inappropriately for the exam? What exactly is appropriate dressing inside the NID DAT 2026 exam center?

These are some of the questions that could go through your mind when you consider picking a dress for the NID DAT 2026 exam.

So, here we discuss the NID DAT 2026 dress code in detail, explaining what a proper dress code is, why some dressing should be avoided and why too much jewelry is a big no.

Does NID prescribe a dress code for the NID DAT exam?

The National Institute of Design has not prescribed any dress code for NID DAT 2026 exam. But this doesn’t mean that you can wear anything you like. The assumption is that the candidate will have the good sense to dress appropriately for the exam, keeping in mind traditional and community norms. Candidate is not expected to dress in a way that may disturb the exam environment.

Recommended dress code for NID DAT 2026   

Here is how the candidate must dress for the NID DAT 2026 exam.

Clothing

1. Dress comfortably - NID DAT is a very competitive exam, and you don’t want to be distracted. If you are dressed comfortably, you will be calm.
2. Try formal attire - Both male and female candidates can wear formal attire, like a shirt, trousers, and salwar kameez.
3. Don’t wear a dress with lots of pockets or flaps - This will unnecessarily raise suspicion, and you may be subject to a lot of frisking.
4. Head covering - Unless it is for a religious purpose, don’t wear items like scarves, stoles or other accessories that cover your head.
5. Shoe type - Closed-toe shoes can be an option. However, if you instead wear shoes with heavy heels or thick soles, you may face extra frisking.
6. Slippers and sandals are perfectly ok. 
7. Jewelry, belts, hats, and other accessories may be avoided. It is recommended that you don’t wear jewelry to the exam hall, as exam invigilators will not take responsibility for any items damaged or lost.
8. Personal belongings - Don’t bring electronic items like mobile phones, smart watches, calculators, etc., inside the exam hall. Candidates found to have these items can be disqualified. 
9. Printed/Embroidered Clothing - There is no restriction on wearing printed or embroidered clothing. But do ensure that it is nothing obscene, racial, or controversial.

Religious Attire

The candidate can wear religious attire like hijabs and turbans. However, exam invigilators may demand that the attire doesn’t obstruct security checks and verification of the candidate’s identity.

Also Read:

• NID DAT 2026 exam-day guidelines - Reporting time, Attempting the Paper
• Subject-wise Books to prepare for NID DAT 2026

NID DAT 2026 Code of Conduct

While there is no code of conduct for the NID DAT 2026 exam, here are some general guidelines.

• Follow the exam schedule - The exam timings, including the reporting time, will be mentioned on the NID DAT 2026 admit card. If you arrive late at the exam center, you may not be allowed entry into the NID DAT 2026 exam hall/ center.
• Identity verification - The candidate must carry with them the admit card and a valid photo ID proof. Without these documents, the candidate will not be allowed to sit in the exam.
• Exam center etiquette - Maintain discipline and respectful behavior at the exam center. You are not allowed to communicate with others during the exam, either verbally or non-verbally. 
• Unfair practices - Any candidate found indulging in unfair means will be disqualified.
• Prohibited Items - The candidate is not allowed to bring items included in the prohibited list. For instance, written text, electronic gadgets, bags, etc., are not allowed inside the exam hall.
• Conduct Inside the NID DAT 2026 exam hall - The candidate must take his or her seat immediately after entering the exam hall. Also, once the exam commences, listen carefully to and follow what the invigilator says. No candidate is allowed to leave the exam hall until the exam ends.
• Use of a scribe - The services of a scribe are available to candidates with a disability for the Objective NID DAT 2026 question paper. However, scribe service is not available for the Subjective part of DAT Prelims.

NID DAT 2026 - Barred and Allowed Items

The following items are barred inside the NID DAT 2026 exam center.

Mobile phones, any type of watch, bag, handbag, papers, notes, books, calculator, electronic gadgets, correction marker/white fluid, etc.

Candidate is allowed to carry the following items.

• Lead pencils of various grades
• Sharpener
• Scissor 
• Ruler
• Dry colors
• Two black ball point pens to mark the OMR answer sheet

NID DAT 2026 - Document Cheklist

The candidate needs to bring the following documents with them.

• NID DAT 2026 Admit Card
• Photo ID proof

Any of the following documents will be accepted as valid photo ID proof.

• Aadhaar card
• Voter card
• Passport
• PAN card
• Driving license

Note that the IDs should be in the original. Photocopies will not be accepted.

NID DAT 2026 Important Dos and Don’ts

Candidate can quickly go through NID DAT 2026 exam dos and don’ts given below.