NID DAT 2026 Reservation Criteria: Category-wise Reservation and Program-wise Seat Intake
National Institute of Design Entrance Exam 2026 ( NID Entrance Exam )
Admit Card - 24 Feb '26
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 your key details and know about the NID admission process.
NID DAT Reservation
NID DAT 2026 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 entrance exam is conducted in two parts. The candidate appears 1st in DAT Prelims. Shortlisted candidates will next appear in the DAT Mains.
The NID is expected to have an intake of 425 seats for the B.Des program and 347 seats for the M.Des program in the NID Institutes. NID will prepare category-wise NID DAT 2026 merit lists for seat allotment. For instance, the merit lists will be prepared for various categories like OBC, SC, ST, PwD, and EWS.
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In this article, the candidate can check the NID DAT 2026 reservation available for various categories. Also, the seat category and eligibility clause have been explained in simple terms for the candidate's benefit.
The National Institute of Design has released the dates for NID DAT Mains for M.Des. The Studio Test will be conducted on March 08, 2026. The NID Interview will be conducted from March 21, 2026, to April 01, 2026. NID Mains Admit card will be released on February 24, 2026.
NID DAT 2026 Exam was conducted on December 21, 2025 for B.Des and M.Des.
Latest Update:
NID application form 2026 opened on September 11, 2025. 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 2026 was December 01, 2025.
The application fee of NID DAT 2026 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 2026 application form is now open.
- NID DAT 2026 Mains Dates for M.Des
- NID DAT 2026 Entrance Exam
- NID DAT 2026 Reservation - Categories and Eligibility
- NID DAT 2026 Reservation and Seat Intake - B.Des Program
- NID DAT 2026 Seat Intake - M.Des Program
- NID DAT 2026 Reservation - M.Des Program
- NID DAT 2025 Reservation - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
NID DAT 2026 Mains Dates for M.Des
Check out the dates for NID DAT Mains.
| NID DAT Mains Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| NID Studio Test | March 08, 2026. |
| NID Interview | March 21, 2026 to April 01, 2026 |
| Objection with Dates of Interview | Inform NID before February 23, 2026 |
| NID DAT Mains Admit card for M.Des | February 24, 2026 |
NID DAT 2026 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 2026 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%.
NID DAT 2026 Reservation - Categories and Eligibility
The NID DAT 2026 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 |
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NID DAT 2026 Reservation and Seat Intake - B.Des Program
The NID DAT Reservation and Seat Intake (expected) 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 |
NID B.Des Seat Intake
Latest Updates:
NID DAT 2026 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:
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.
It is not mandatory to take coaching to get a good rank in NID DAT. 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 learn these skills yourself. Also, a major thrust of the design aptitude 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 lines, 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.
The NIDs have a combined intake of 425 seats for the B. Des programme. Of these, 45 seats are earmarked for the Industrial Design programme. The candidate can select from specializations like Ceramic and Glass Design, Furniture & Interior Design, and Product Design. The candidate will be able to select the programme of specialisation at the time of counselling.
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 |
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 M.Des Seat Intake
NID DAT 2026 Reservation - M.Des Program
The Category-wise reservation of seats for M.Des program (Expected) is:
| 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.
Sayeba Naushad is a commerce postgraduate from Banaras Hindu University. She has over five years of experience in content writing and editing. She has a nose for current events in design field. At Shiksha.com, she s
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 20 hours ago
NID Mains Exam will consist of Studio Test and Interview. NID 2026 Mains exam will be conducted at Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Gandhinagar.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 21 hours ago
NID Centre can be changed only at the time of NID Application edit Window. After this, no centre can be changed.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 21 hours ago
NID Studio Test is said to be the hardest. Here, students are asked to prepare a model using the material given. It checks creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 21 hours ago
The B.Des DAT Mains Studio Test will be conducted in the last week of April 2026.
The details pertaining to the exam center reporting time, registration time, and exam timings, etc. will be mentioned on the admit card.
M.Des DAT Mains 2026 exam will be conducted on March 08, 2026.
DAT Prelims compri
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 21 hours ago
Candidate must not under any circumstances wait for the dying hours to download admit card for NID DAT 2026. It is because in the last few hours, there may be a server crash or website slowdown issues due to heavy traffic.
If that happens, you may face difficulty in downloading the hall ticket.
Also,
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 21 hours ago
Yes, you may be disqualified from the NID Admission Process if you do not follow the NID DAT guidelines during the exam.
The guidelines include
Candidate must not indulge in cheating
Canddiates must not disturb other candidates
Carry barred items
Do not leave the exam hall until the exam is over
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 22 hours ago
NID Studio Test and Interview will be conducted on different days. NID will conduct Studio Test on March 08, 2026 for M.Des and Interview from March 21, 2026 to April 01, 2026 for M.Des. The Admit card will be the same for both.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 22 hours ago
NID will conduct the 2026 Studio test and Interview for NID DAT Mains exam in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Gandhinagar. Details of the centre will be mentioned in the NID Admit card.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 22 hours ago
NID Mains Admit card for M.Des will be out on February 24, 2026. This admit card will be for NID Studio Test and Interview.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
NID DAT Entrance Exam 2026 Prelims exam was conducted offline in pen and paper mode. It was conducted at the NID test centres.
NID DAT Mains exam: Studio Test and Interview, will be conducted offline at the test centres in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Gandhinagar.
S
Contributor-Level 10
The National Institute of Design (NID) conducted the DAT Prelims exam on December 21, 2025.
The B.Des exam was held around 10 am - 1 pm; meanwhile, the M.Des exam was 10 am - 12.30 am. The candidates were required to report for the exam at 8 am. Gates' closing time was 9.30 am.
DAT Prelims for the B.Des programme was conducted in a paper-and-pencil/pen mode.