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 Entrance exam was conducted on February 08, 2026. Meanwhile, the National Institute of Design (NID) conducted the NID DAT for B.Des and M.Des.

Latest Update: 

•  NID DAT 2026 Result LIVE Updates: M.Des Prelims Result Link, Download Scorecard @admissions.nid.edu, Rechecking Window
• NID DAT Prelims 2026 M.Des result to be announced Tomorrow; Check Updated Dates now

NID M.Des Prelims result will be released on February 12, 2026, around 4 PM. The rechecking window will open from February 12, 2026,  at 6 PM. It will close on February 14, 2026.

The focus area of NIFT is Fashion and Apparel. It is best suited for candidates who want to make a career in the fashion industry. The courses focus on fashion design, textile design, fashion communication and fashion technology.

The focus area of NID is Design Thinking in the field of fashion and other industries. It offers design courses beyond fashion, like animation, UI/UX, Films, etc.

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

The important features of the NID DAT 2026 and NIFT 2026 exams are mentioned in the table below.

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. 

Skills Tested

1. 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.
2. 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 vs NIFT - Application Window

The application form for NIFT opens in November and December every year. The application opens online at niftadmissions.in. Eligible candidates can fill out the NIFT application form before the last date.

The application form for NID DAT opens in November every year.

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. 

1. DAT Prelims 
2. 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

Weightage carried NIFT Stage 1 and Stage 2

Check out the NIFT Stage 1 and Stage 2 weighatge.

Exam Weightage for NIFT PG Programs

Check out the Weightage for NIFT PG.

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.

1. NIFT Written exam
2. NIFT 2026 Situation Test (B.Des)/ Personal Interview (PG courses).

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

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?

1. The NIDs and NIFTs have some of the best faculty, meaning the students learn from the best.
2. Students from these institutes have both strong practical and theoretical knowledge.
3. The students also get practical exposure as there are industry collaborations, internship opportunities, etc. 
4. 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

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

NIFT Placements: Highest/Average salary packages offered

*The salary figures are for the 2021 placement season. **The salary figures are for the 2019 placement season.