NID DAT Cut-Off 2026 (B.Des & M.Des): Colleges/Category-wise Cut-Off, Opening & Closing Ranks

The minimum qualifying criteria for NID DAT are the minimum marks the candidate needs to secure for admission. The category-wise cut-off would be released at the time of counseling and seat allotment. The cut-off would be prepared by considering factors like the total number of applicants, the merit ranks of applicants in NID DAT, seat intake for the applied programme, etc. Note that if the seat allotment for NID is conducted in multiple rounds, then a separate cut-off would be prepared for each round. And candidates who meet the cut-off criteria for that round will get admission.

The cut-off for NID DAT will be prepared based on multiple factors like the total number of applications, the seat intake for the applied programme, the category under which admission is sought, and merit rank of the applicant in NID DAT 2026. Note that each of these factors are the variables. For instance, the number of applications may vary from one category to another. Consequently, the cut-off would also vary. The cut-off represents the minimum marks a candidate needs to secure in his or her category to get admission to the B. Des or M.Des programme.

The National Institute of Design (NID) is expected to conduct the DAT Prelims exam in the first week of January 2026.

The B.Des exam will be held around 10 am - 1 pm; meanwhile, the M.Des exam will be held around 10 am - 12.30 am. The candidate needs to report for the exam at 8 am. Gates' closing time is 9.30 am. 

The DAT Prelims for the B.Des programme will be conducted in a paper-and-pencil/pen mode. The question paper may include 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, 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.

NID application form 2025 opened on September 3, 2024. 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 2025 is December 6, 2024 (extended from December 3). The candidate can also edit the submitted application from December 4-9, 2024.

The NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) exam will be conducted on January 5, 2025.

To give oneself a higher chance of securing a good rank in NID DAT, it is important to use good quality books a reference material. Here are some of the best books recommended by experts and previous rank holders to prepare for the NID that exam: NID (B. Des. ). Entrance Books and Test Series by AFAINDIA Basic Rendering by Robert W. Gill Design drawing by Francis D. K. Ching NIFT/NID/IIFT Entrance Exam Guide by RPH Editorial Board In addition to these books, the candidate must also make it a habit to solve sample papers and take mock tests. Mock tests can be taken closer to the exam.

Joining a coaching for NIFT preparation is not really needed. Coaching is for those who want to learn how to draw things. But, if someone has this talent, which most students passionate about sketching and painting do possess, there is no need for coaching. One can prepare through self-study. For your understanding, I would like to give an example. In coaching, students are made to learn how to draw the 3D image by various techniques using measuring instruments but one who is natural at art can imagine what 3D image would look like if it has to be drawn on a paper and would draw the same. In both cases, the outcome is the same. Regarding theory, that is, GAT, if you are confident to solve Maths, History, Geography, General science up till class 10th level, then there is definitely no need for coaching. Though the level of English is a bit high you can improve it yourself.

NID cutoff is the minimum score that candidates need to obtain in order to be considered for admissions to a design course. The participating institutes of NIDs offer B. Des and M.Des courses. The cut-off would be released category-wise for each of these programs. Also, the cut-off would be released separately for all the coaching institutes. Only such candidates who meet the cut-off criteria would be considered for admission.

No, NID Entrance Exam cutoff is released separately for the various categories. For instance, the cut-off is available for categories like Open, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, and PH categories. Note that open category candidates will not be considered for admission under reserved category seats. However, candidates belonging to reserved category will be considered for admission under both open and the reserved category they belong to. To be considered for admission under reserved category, the candidate must furnish the required category certificates. However, any candidate who is found using counterfeit documents can be disqualified at any stage of the admission process.

Admission to the B.Des and M.Des programs at the NIDs is conducted through the NID DAT entrance exam.

The exam has two sub-exams - The candidate 1st appears in DAT Prelims, and if shortlisted has to appear in DAT Mains. 

The final merit list for NID DAT 2025 will be prepared by giving weightage to DAT Prelims and DAT Mains.

Also, if a candidate doen't appear in DAT Mains, he or she will not be considered for admission. 

The DAT Mains exam for the B. Des programme will include a Studio Test. Meanwhile, the DAT Mains for the M.Des programme includes a Studio Test and Interview.

The NID DAT 2025 results (Mains) for the B. Des program will announced on May 16, 2025.

The final result will be prepared by giving weightage to DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. The direct link to check the results will be provided here.

Note that the candidate was also given the opportunity to apply for re-check of their results.

Candidates who are included in the final merit list of NID DAT 2025 will be considered for admission to B. Des/ M.Des courses. The allotment of seats will be as per the merit rank of the candidate in NID DAT 2025.

The NID DAT 2025 (Mains) exam for the B. Des programme will be held from April 26 - May 4, 2024. The timings for the dat Mains exam will be mentioned in the NID DAT 2025 admit card, along with the reporting time. The candidate needs to reach the DAT Mains exam centre as per the timings given in the admit card. Note that you may not be allowed entry inside the exam venue once the exam commences. So, it is advisable to reach the exam venue with time in hand.