NID vs NIFT - Key Differences, Participating colleges, Admission Process, Placement
NID DAT and NIFT are the country's two most popular and competitive design entrance exams. In this article, we discuss what are the major differences and similarities between the two exams.
If you plan to enroll in a design course in India, you will likely have to pass an entrance exam. NID DAT and NIFT are the two most popular design entrance exams in the country. The NIFT exam, conducted by the NTA, is for admission to the B.Des, M.Des, B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech, and M.F.M courses. NIFT 2026 exam will be conducted in the second week of February, 2026. The application form for NIFT 2026 is expected to open anytime now. Meanwhile, the National Institute of Design (NID) conducted the NID DAT for B.Des and M.Des admissions. NID Entrance Exam 2026 will be conducted in TWO stages. DAT Prelims will be conducted on December 21, 2026. Candidates who get shortlisted next have to appear in DAT Mains. NID DAT 2026 application is open for B.Des and M.Des programmes till December 01, 2025. Here we bring you important points explaining the exams, how they are different, how to choose between them, and much more. So, keep reading.
- NID vs NIFT 2026 - Important Features
- NID vs NIFT - About the Exam
- NID vs NIFT - Courses Offered
- NID vs NIFT - Application Window
- NID vs NIFT - Admission Process
- NID vs NIFT - Difficulty Level
- NID vs NIFT - Difference in Exam Preparation Strategy
- NID vs NIFT - Career Opportunities
- NID vs NIFT - Placement Report
NID vs NIFT 2026 - Important Features
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The important features of the NID DAT 2026 and NIFT 2026 exams are mentioned in the table below.
| Exam Name |
NID |
NIFT |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body |
National Institute of Design (NID) |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam structure |
Conducted in TWO stages
|
Also, conducted in TWO stages
|
| Exam Level |
National level |
National level |
| Courses offered |
B.Des, M.Des, PhD |
|
| Participating colleges |
|
There are 19 participating NIFTs |
NID vs NIFT - About the Exam
What is the exam?
- NID DAT - The National Institute of Design conducts the NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT). The exam is conducted for admitting candidates to the B.Des and M.Des courses. The B.Des courses are of four years' duration. The DAT will evaluate a candidate's design aptitude, drawing skills, creativity, visual observation, aptitude and reasoning skills, analytical and lateral thinking, etc.
- NIFT - The National Institute of Fashion Technology conducts the NIFT entrance exam. The written exams include the NIFT Creative Ability Test (CAT) and NIFT General Ability Test (GAT). NIFT exam is conducted for admitting candidates to B.Des program (4 years duration), B.F.Tech, and PG courses (M.Des, M.F.Tech, and M.F.M). The CAT test will evaluate the intuitive ability, the power of observation in concept development, and design ability of the candidate. Meanwhile, the GAT will include questions from sections like quantitative ability, communication ability, English comprehension, analytical ability, and GK and current affairs.
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Skills Tested
- NID DAT - The question paper for NID is heavily tilted towards evaluating the design aptitude of the candidate. The aptitude test will evaluate the candidate's critical thinking, innovativeness, and design aptitude. The candidate also needs to have good drawing skills, creativity, and observation skills.
- NIFT - The B.Des course at the NIFTs is designed for the fashion industry. This is the reason why the design entrance exam will not only test the design aptitude but also their understanding of design trends, different design material, critical and innovative thinking, etc. The candidate also need keep track of various design trends.
Situation Test/ Studio Test
- NID - Candidates who qualify in DAT Prelims are invited for DAT Mains, which includes a NID Studio Test. The studio test will be conducted offline at NID campuses. The exam center allocated to the candidate will be mentioned in the NID DAT 2026 admit card. The Studio Test will include two types of questions. One set of questions will test the observation skills of the candidate, while the other set will test the conceptualization. As part of the Studio Test, make a model using the material provided inside the exam venue. Note that there is no fixed pattern for the studio test.
- NIFT - B.Des candidates will be shortlisted for the NIFT 2026 situation test based on the GAT and CAT scores. The test will evaluate the candidate's material handling and creative skills in a given scenario and with a given set of materials. The candidate will have to make a model using the given material and write a write-up explaining the model. The model will be evaluated on the spot. Also, the model will not be preserved for future reference.
NID vs NIFT - Courses Offered
The NIFT 2026 exam will be conducted for admission to the B.Des, M.Des, B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech, and M.F.M courses are offered by the participating colleges of NIFT 2026.
Candidates appearing for B.Des course need to appear in the written exam followed by a Situation Test. Meanwhile, those seeking admission to M.Des course and other PG courses have to appear in a Personal Interview after qualifying in the written exam.
Meanwhile, the NID DAT 2026 exam is conducted for admission to the B.Des, M.Des, and Ph.D. courses.
Check NID participating colleges.
| NID | NIFT |
|---|---|
| NID B.Des specializations:
|
NIFTs offer the following specializations:
|
| The NIDs have a multidisciplinary approach to teaching, which allows candidates to have a more holistic understanding of design. | The NIFT curriculum is designed to give the candidate proper training in theoretical and practical aspects. The candidate will get to learn in depth various subjects included in the chosen discipline. |
| The teaching methodology may include workshops, hands-on training, projects, and real-world design tasks. | The candidate will get the opportunity to brush shoulders with industry experts, have internship opportunities, etc. |
NID vs NIFT - Application Window
The application form for NIFT 2026 will open soon in November 2025.The application is open online at niftadmissions.in. Eligible candidates can fill out the NIFT application form before the last date.
The application form for NID DAT 2026 are open till December 01, 2025.
When filling out the application form for NIFT 2026, the candidate has to use only genuine and verifiable information.
NID vs NIFT - Admission Process
Candidates seeking admission to B.Des and M.Des courses offered by NID participating institutes must appear in the NID DAT 2026 exam.
The NID DAT exam is conducted in two stages.
- DAT Prelims
- DAT Mains
The scores of DAT Prelims are used to shortlist candidates for DAT Mains. The final merit list of NID DAT 2026 will be prepared by giving weightage to DAT Prelims and DAT Mains.
Weightage carried by DAT Mains and DAT Prelims
| Program |
DAT Prelims |
DAT Mains |
|---|---|---|
| B.Des |
40% |
60% |
| M.Des |
30% |
70% |
Meanwhile, candidates seeking admission to design courses at NIFT 2026 participating colleges need to appear in the NIFT 2026 entrance exam. The exam has the following stages.
Note that B.F.Tech applicants only need to appear in the GAT written exam.
NID vs NIFT - Difficulty Level
There is a common notion that NID DAT is tougher than NIFT, especially for the B.Des program. One of the logic behind the difficulty level is that there are only NIDs that have an intake of 425 seats for the B.Des and 347 seats for the M.Des program.
Candidates may note that the academic curriculum at the NID is primarily focused on design education and research, and offers a wider range of design programs compared to NIFT. The design curriculum of NID emphasizes design thinking, innovation, and problem-solving. It also offers programs in specialized areas.
NID vs NIFT - Difference in Exam Preparation Strategy
| Particular | NID | NIFT |
|---|---|---|
| Exam structure | The NID exam has two Design Aptitude Tests (DATs) - DAT Prelims and DAT Mains The DAT will test the design, aptitude, and behavioral abilities of the candidates along with their drawing and problem-solving skills. The candidate next has to appear in a Studio Test and Portfolio round. |
The NIFT exam includes a Creative Ability Test (CAT) and a General Ability Test (GAT). The CAT exam will evaluate the creative and intuitive ability of the candidate. The written exam will be followed by a Situation Test. The Situation Test will examine the candidate’s skills for material handling and innovative ability. |
| Studio Test and Interview | Candidates who get shortlisted for the DAT Mains will have to appear in a Studio Test. The studio test will evaluate the creativity of the candidate. During the Studio Test, the candidate will have to make a model with material provided in the examination hall. |
The test will evaluate the candidate's material handling and creative skills in a given scenario and with a given set of materials. |
| Design Focus |
It is generally believed that the NIDs have a broader design perspective. For instance, you get a broader set of specializations to pick from. This may mean you need to focus more on concepts like design principles, creative thinking, problem-solving, etc. | Unlike the NIDs, the NIFTs are more inclined towards fashion and fashion-related subjects. So, if you have a keen interest in fashion, NIFT may be more suited to you. |
| Portlio |
The candidate may be asked for a portfolio as part of the DAT Mains interview. The portfolio must include the best works of the candidate and must cover a diverse spectrum of topics. The portfolio mustn't cover a narrow topic. The portfolio will help you to make a first and lasting impression on the jury. |
If you are asked for a portfolio during the interview, it may be limited to fashion-related topics. The portfolio must showcase a strong inclination towards fashion, fashion trends, materials, etc. |
NID vs NIFT - Career Opportunities
The NIDs and NIFTs are regarded among the best design colleges in the country. So, it is no surprise that both sets of institutes offer brilliant career opportunities. The focus of the NIFTs is limited to fashion and related subjects, but the NIDs offer a wide range of specializations like Graphic Design, Exhibition Design, Product Design, and Textile Design. The career opportunities that are available at each of these institutes are discussed in detail below.
Why are the NID and NIFTs hot destinations for placements?
- The NIDs and NIFTs have some of the best faculty, meaning the students learn from the best.
- Students from these institutes have both strong practical and theoretical knowledge.
- The students also get practical exposure as there are industry collaborations, internship opportunities, etc.
- The NIDs and NIFTs have some of the most robust alumni networks. So, fresh passouts are never left alone and are always looked after.
Career Opportunities - Difference between NID and NIFT
| Area | NID | NIFT |
|---|---|---|
| Focus of the academic discipline | If you study a design course at the NIDs, you have a wide spectrum to choose from - Textile Design, Industrial Design, Ceramic & Glass Design, Exhibition Design, etc. | On the other hand, the academic discipline of the NIFTs are more fashion-focused. For instance, you can select from disciplines like accessory design, textile design, fashion design, etc. |
| Industry connect | The NIDs are not very deeply connected to the fashion industry. Instead, it is linked every bit to other industries like footwear, industry, etc. | The NIFTs are more closely linked to the fashion industry. So, if you want to get into the fashion industry, the NIFTs can be a good starting place. |
| Design specializations | Some of the popular B.Des specializations offered by the NIDs include Animation Film Design, Exhibition Design, Film & Video Communication, Graphic Design, and Ceramic & Glass Design. | The NIFTs offer specializations like Fashion Design, Leather Design, Accessory Design, and Textile Design. |
| Approach to design | The NID has a wide academic scope and offers a problem-solving approach to design, focusing on innovation, user experience, and functionality. | The NIFTs, on the other hand, offer specialized fashion-related knowledge and practical training. |
| Career Trajectory | The graduates from the NIDs have a more wider job portfolio - fashion industry, healthcare, automobile, consumer electronics, etc. | Passouts from the NIFTs are employed by the fashion industry, retail outlets, textile industries, and other fashion-related business entities. |
NID vs NIFT - Placement Report
Candidates may also consult the placement report of NID and the placement report of NIFT before making a decision as to which exam they intend to take.
NID graduates in the field of Graphic Design, Textile Design, Film and Video Communication, Exhibition Design, Furniture, and Interior Design, Ceramic, and Glass Design, may earn anything between 17 and 18 lakhs.
NID Placement Report
| NID Package level 2023 | Salary 2023 |
|---|---|
| Highest |
INR 18 LPA |
| Average |
INR 4.91 LPA |
| Lowest |
INR 1.5 LPA |
NIFT Placements: Highest/Average salary packages offered
| Name of the NIFT |
Highest Salary Offered |
Average salary offered |
|---|---|---|
| Rs. 5 LPA* |
Rs. 3 LPA* |
|
| NA |
NA |
|
| NA |
NA |
|
| NA |
NA |
|
| Rs. 6 LPA* |
NA |
|
| NA |
NA |
|
| NA |
Rs. 5.7 LPA** |
|
| NA |
NA |
|
| Rs. 11 LPA** |
Rs. 5.5 LPA** |
|
| NA |
NA |
|
| NA |
NA |
|
| NA |
NA |
|
| NA |
NA |
|
| NA |
NA |
|
| NA |
NA |
|
| NA |
NA |
|
| NA |
NA |
*The salary figures are for the 2021 placement season. **The salary figures are for the 2019 placement season.
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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