NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) 2026 for admissions to B.Des and M.Des programmes is scheduled for December 21, 2025.
NID DAT 2026 exam is scheduled to be conducted shortly by National Institute of Design (NID) for candidates seeking admission to B.Des and M.Des programmes. With exam date approaching, applicants are advised to review NID DAT exam day instructions carefully so that there are no issues during entry at NID test centre.
According to official NID DAT 2026 admission handbooks, candidates must meet prescribed requirements to be allowed inside exam hall.
NID DAT 2026 Things to Carry on Exam Day
Candidates appearing for NID DAT 2026 must carry following items:
NID DAT 2026 admit card (printed copy)
One original photo identity proof, such as Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, driving licence or PAN card.
Identity proof must be valid and match details provided during NID DAT registration 2026. Digital IDs or photocopies will not be accepted at exam centre.
Stationery Allowed for NID DAT 2026
As mentioned in NID DAT handbook 2026, candidates are required to bring their own basic stationery for the exam. This includes:
- Pencils
- Erasers
- Sharpeners
All answer sheets and drawing sheets required for NID DAT exam 2026 will be provided at centre. Sharing stationery with other candidates is not allowed.
Items Not Allowed in NID DAT Exam Centre
Candidates should note that the following items are not permitted inside the NID DAT exam centre:
- Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, or any electronic devices.
- Bags, wallets, books, notes, or loose papers.
- Food items, except in cases of medical necessity.
- NID has clarified that it will not be responsible for safekeeping of personal belongings brought to the centre.
NID DAT 2026 Exam Day Instructions
Candidates must report at exam centre before time mentioned on NID DAT admit card 2026
- Entry will be closed after reporting time.
- Instructions given by invigilators during the NID DAT 2026 exam must be followed.
- Any violation of exam rules may lead to disqualification.
NID DAT 2026 exam will be held in offline mode on December 21 it will test candidates on design aptitude, creativity and visual thinking.
The NID DAT 2026 counseling process for the B.Des process will START in the third week of May 2026. Candidates who are allotted seats have to pay the seat-confirmation fees and upload documents.
Seats that are left vacant after completion of the 1st round of allotment will be allocated in Round 2. Allotments will be made to the candidate next in the order of merit.
Also, the candidate will be notified about seat allotted in a Round via their registered email IDs. So, it is recommended that the candidate keeps checking their mail IDs frequently.
The studio test and personal interview for M.Des DAT Mains are conducted on the same and in some cases different days. Therefore the candidate has to consult their DAT Mains admit to confirm their studio test and interview schedule.
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Abhay Anand is an experienced education journalist with over 15 years in print and digital media. Currently serving as Manager- Editorial at Shiksha.com, he specializes in higher education policy, student mobility,
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The details of NID DAT 2026 Exam centre, including name, address, and reporting time will be notified to the candidate through NID DAT 2026 Admit card. DAT Prelims admit card will be available for download from December 11, 2025.