
NID Answer Key 2026 - The National Institute of Design (NID) usually does not release any answer key or question booklet for the NID DAT exam. As per instructions given in the Admission Handbooks, the answer keys will not be shared with the candidate even upon request. The NID will have a Rechecking window, which will open today at 6 PM. The NID DAT Prelims M.Des Result is released at admission.nid.edu.
The reason for the non-release is that the question booklets are highly subjective. So, once the DAT Prelims exam is over, candidates will not be able to lay their hands on an answer key and compare their answers. However, one option you have is to go through the DAT Prelims Exam ANALYSIS and Student REACTIONS that we will bring to you.
- Steps to Download NID Entrance Exam Answer Key 2026
- NID Entrance Exam 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
- How to Calculate Probable Score using NID Answer Key?
- Steps to Raise Objections against NID Answer Key 2026
- NID DAT 2026 Answer Sheet
- What is NID Rechecking Window?
- How to obtain the NID DAT 2026 Answer sheet
- NID DAT Answer Key 2026 - FAQs
Steps to Download NID Entrance Exam Answer Key 2026
As stated earlier, the National Institute of Design (NID) does not publish any official question booklet or answer key for the NID DAT examination.
However, in the event that NID revises its policy and chooses to release the NID DAT answer key, it will be made available on this page. A download link for the answer key will also be provided here. The steps to access and download the answer key will be clarified once it is officially released.
To download the Answer Key
- Go to the NID admission portal
- Click on the answer key link
- You may or may not need to log in. If there is a log-in option, log in using candidate credentials
- Once you are logged in, you can download the NID 2026 answer key in PDF format.
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
NID Entrance Exam 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of NID Entrance Exam 2026 exam
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| Mar ' 26 | NID DAT 2026 (Mains) Studio Test and Interview TENTATIVE |
| 07 Apr ' 26 | NID DAT 2026 (Prelims) - Results for B.Des |
| 07 Apr ' 26 - 08 Apr ' 26 | NID DAT 2026 (Prelims) - Results Recheck for B.Des |
| May ' 26 | NID DAT 2026 (Mains) Exam Result for M.Des TENTATIVE |
| May ' 26 | Round 1 M.Des: Deadline for Fee Payment & Document Upload TENTATIVE |
| May ' 26 | Round 1 M Des: Seat Allotment Starts TENTATIVE |
| May ' 26 | NID DAT 2026 (Mains) Exam Result for B.Des TENTATIVE |
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 12 Feb ' 26 | NID DAT 2026 (Prelims) - Results for M.Des |
| 12 Feb ' 26 - 14 Feb ' 26 | NID DAT 2026 (Prelims) - Results Recheck for M.Des |
How to Calculate Probable Score using NID Answer Key?
The candidate can use the provisional answer key to calculate probable scores in the NID DAT 2026 Prelims exam. This, in turn, will help them assess their chances of qualifying for the Prelims exam. Remember, only those candidates who qualify in the prelims exam are eligible to sit in the Mains exam.
- First, calculate the number of correct answers
- Then allocate marks for each correct answer as per the NID DAT 2026 exam pattern
- Tally the numbers to arrive at the total score for Prelims.
NID Marking Scheme for NID DAT Prelims 2026
The maximum mark that aspirants can secure in the NID DAT B.Des. paper is 100. The test paper of the NID Entrance Exam is such that it comprises 70 objective-type questions and 30 subjective, short-answer-type questions. There is no negative marking in the NID Entrance Exam 2026.
| Type of Question | No. of Questions | Marks for Each Question (expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Objective type questions | Questions 1 to 14 | 1 mark |
| Questions 15 to 22 | 2 marks | |
| Subjective type questions | Question No. 23 | 15 marks |
| Question No. 24 | 20 marks | |
| Question No. 25 | 15 marks | |
| Question No. 26 | 20 marks | |
| Total Marks | 100 marks | |
National Institute of Design does not specify any marking scheme for M. Des courses. However, the objective questions in the NID DAT M.Des. paper hold a weightage of 30 marks, and the subjective questions hold a weightage of 70 marks.
Commonly asked questions
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.
As per inputs given by candidates, difficulty level of Part A was moderate and Part B was moderate. Overall, the paper was easy compared to the previous edition. Part A of the question paper includes a number of questions from GK. As for some students, the paper was lengthy. The question paper included one question on perspective drawing, one question on the storyboard, and one question on problem-solving. Considering that the paper was easy compared to the previous year, the cut-off could go higher. Note that if the cut-off goes higher, the candidates will get need better marks to have a good chance of admission.
Steps to Raise Objections against NID Answer Key 2026
The Rechecking window for the NID DAT (Prelims) B.Des is to open on April 07, 2026 at 4 PM. The fee for rechecking the DAT Prelims Paper will be INR 1,000. For the M.Des DAT Prelim result, the rechecking window will open on February 17, 2026 at 6 PM.
NID B.Des Final Result will be out tentatively in the second week of May 2026 on the official website. The B.Des rechecking window is expected to open on the result day.
If the NID DAT answer key is released and there is an objection filing window, you may need to proceed as follows:
- Visit the official website of NID
- Click on the answer key tab/link
- Log in to the registered account
- Click on the link available for raising objections against the NID Prelims/ Mains Answer key.
- Select the question(s) against which the objection needs to be raised
- Select the right answer
- Upload supporting document(s)
- Pay the challenge fee via online mode
- Submit the challenge
Commonly asked questions
The National Institute of Design (NID) will release the answer booklets for both the DAT Mains and DAT Prelims. The answer booklets will be released after the completion of the admission process. Also, the answer booklets will be available upon request. The answer booklets will not be issued to the candidate during the admission process under any circumstances. To make a request for the that answer booklets, the candidate will have to pay INR 1000 for each exam. The answer sheet will be provided to the candidate within 15-20 days after receiving the payment, on their registered email ID.
NID DAT 2026 Answer Sheet
The National Institute of Design will not release any answer keys and question booklets for the NID DAT 2026 exam. It will, however, issue the individual NID DAT 2026 answer sheets to candidates. The answer sheets will be available after the declaration of NID DAT 2026 results. NID 2026 Answer sheets will be retained for one year after the final result is announced. Candidates can request their answer sheets only after the completion of the admission process — no requests will be entertained during the ongoing admission process.
For the admission cycle 2026–27, candidates wishing to obtain their answer sheets must make an online payment of around Rs 1000 per exam and submit their admit card, duly attested by the invigilator, with the seal of the test center. Once the payment and required documents are received, the answer sheet will be provided within 15–20 days.
NID DAT Exam Analysis
- The exam analysis, among other things, will include information on the questions asked, probable answers (or keys), and expected cut-off. The National Institute of Design is to conduct the NID DAT 2026 (Prelims) exam on December 21, 2025.
- The scores of DAT Prelims will be used to shortlist candidates for NID DAT Mains.
- NID DAT (Prelims) B.Des result 2026 will be announced on April 07, 2026, with the rechecking window opening the same day and closing the next day. For NID M.Des, the result will be out on February 17, 2026. The result for DAT Mains M.Des will be declared in the first week of May 2026, and the rechecking window will remain open from the same day till the next day, most probably till 4 PM.
Commonly asked questions
The candidate needs to report for the exam at 8 am. Gates closing time is 9.30 am.
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 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.
NID DAT Prelims results for the M.Des program were announced on February 12, 2026. The result can be checked online at admissions.nid.edu.
Note that DAT Prelims result was released for all candidates who appeared in the exam.
The candidate can check DAT Prelims result by logging into the result portal using their email ID and date of birth.
The scores of the DAT Prelims exam will be used to shortlist candidates for DAT Mains.
The National Institute of Design will release the M.Des DAT Mains exam after the prelims results are declared.
What is NID Rechecking Window?
NID Rechecking window is an opportunity given to the students who appeared for the NID DAT Exam to apply for rechecking their scores. This window is open for a specific time period after the declaration of the result. NID DAT B.Des rechecking window will open on April 07, 2026 and will close on April 08, 2026. NID M.Des rechecking window will open from February 12, 2026 to February 14, 2026.
Key Points of NID DAT Rechecking Window
The main points that candidates must know about the NID DAT Rechecking window are
- Rechecking is usually limited to verifying calculation errors or unmarked answers, not a re-evaluation of subjective content.
- It is available for a limited time after the declaration of NID DAT results.
- Candidates must submit a request online via their login portal during the window.
- A nominal fee is usually charged per paper.
Purpose of the NID DAT Rechecking Window
NID DAT Rechecking window helps to make the process transparent and accurate.
Commonly asked questions
The National Institute of Design (NID) in its admission handbook for M.Des and B. Des has clearly specified that it will not release any question booklet cum answer key for those exams. Candidates may note that the question booklets are highly subjective, and as such don't have any model answers.
How to obtain the NID DAT 2026 Answer sheet
To obtain the NID Answer sheet
- Answer sheet will be available only upon request.
- Candidate can make requests online on payment of INR 1,000
- Candidates will also have to furnish their NID DAT 2026 admit cards, duly attested by the invigilator, with the seal of the exam center.
- NID DAT 2026 answer sheet will be dispatched to the registered email ID of the candidate within 15-20 days after receipt of the payment.
Commonly asked questions
The candidate needs to report for the exam at 8 am. Gates closing time is 9.30 am.
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 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.
The DAT Prelims results for the B.Des program will be open on April 07, 2026. Rechecking window will open from April 07, 2026 to April 08, 2026.
The application for re-check has to be submitted online.
The re-check will be limited to:
Whether all answers have been marked
Whether there has been any mistakes in totalling the marks in Part II and transferring the marks to the 1st cover page of the answer booklet.
NID DAT Answer Key 2026 - FAQs
Go through the frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the NID answer key below.
Commonly asked questions
The National Institute of Design (NID) will conduct the Studio Test for the B. Des program in April 2026. The Studio Test will be conducted offline. Note that B. Des candidates are not required to appear in any interview, unlike the M.Des applicants. Admit cards for the Studio Test will be released a few days in advance.
On the day of the Studio Test, the candidate had to report at the exam center with the admit card and a valid photo id proof. The Studio Test (or that Mains) is the 2nd stage of the two-stage NID that admission process. The final results of NID DAT 2026 is prepared by considering the performance of the candidate in DAT Mains and DAT Prelims.
NID DAT Prelims results for the M.Des program were announced on February 12, 2026. The result can be checked online at admissions.nid.edu.
Note that DAT Prelims result was released for all candidates who appeared in the exam.
The candidate can check DAT Prelims result by logging into the result portal using their email ID and date of birth.
The scores of the DAT Prelims exam will be used to shortlist candidates for DAT Mains.
The National Institute of Design will release the M.Des DAT Mains exam after the prelims results are declared.
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.
NID Entrance Exam Exam
Student Forum
Answered 3 weeks ago
If there were any clashes of the interview dates with the college/ university exam, then candidates could inform the NID before February 23, 2026. Candidates needed to attach a copy of the timetable attested by the principal and a letter from the principal confirming that the examination dates clash
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
NID will not release any Answer Key for B.Des or M.Des programme. It opens a rechecking window with the result.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, NID has a rechecking Window for the NID Result. This window will check whether all answers are checked or not, and whether the total is correct.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
NID will release the result for B.Des on April 07, 2026. The result be released on the website of NID.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
NID Studio Test for M.Des carries 40% of wieghtage and Interview carries 60% wieghtage. More emphasis is given on the interview by NID.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
No, there is no negative marking in the NID Studio Test. Candidates will be evaluated based on their thinking and creative skills. Studio Test will carry 40% of the total Marks for the NID Mains Exam.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, NID Studio Exam is a bit tough because it will check your creativity and imagination. You can learn some formulas here and apply them to get the answer. The main objective is to evaluate technical skills and critical thinking skills. So, it is said to be a bit tough.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
It is not at all necessary to take coaching to get a good rank in NID Entrance Exam. It is because the entrance exam will test creative, drawing, and innovative skills of the candidate. Now, a coaching institute can't teach you to be creative or become innovative. But you can take coaching classes f
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
National Institute of Design (NID) will release the NID DAT 2026 admission cut-off for the B.Des and M.Des programmes at the time of seat allotment, around May-June 2026. The cut-off will be released as the rank and score of the last candidate admitted to the M.Des program.
NID DAT cut-off for B.Des
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
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 corr
S
Contributor-Level 10
36 Institutes accepting NID Entrance Exam
Vijay Patil School of Management
Navi Mumbai
- UCEED, NID Entrance Exam, AIEED, DAT
- 4 years
- |
- Full Time
Ambattur OT, Chennai • Private
- DOT-DAT, UCEED, NIFT Entrance Exam, NID Entrance Exam
- ₹ 18.00 Lakh
- 4 years
- |
- Full Time
National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad
Paldi, Ahmedabad • Public
- ₹ 18.04 Lakh
- 4 years
- |
- Full Time
Hyderabad • Private
- Woxsen Design Test (WDT), NIFT Entrance Exam, NID Entrance Exam, UCEED, SAT India, CUET
- ₹ 13.45 Lakh
- 4 years
- |
- Full Time
Exam On - 21 Mar '26 - 1 Apr '26
I have my college exams on the day of NID Interview 2026, what should I do?