NID DAT 2026 Prelims will be conducted on December 21, Sunday and it is important as it is qualifying stage for DAT Mains. Candidates need to review all instructions provided in official BDes and MDes admission handbooks.
NID DAT 2026 prelims is scheduled for Sunday, December 21, 2025. Aspirants appearing for Design Aptitude Test (DAT Prelims) for BDes and MDes admissions at National Institute of Design (NID) must be fully prepared and aware of essential exam-day practices, last-minute tips and strict do’s and don’ts for the exam.
Here’s what candidates should know before going to NID DAT test centre:
Last-Minute Preparation Tips
- Revise Core Skills
Focus on visual perception, creativity, design thinking and observational skills, important areas in DAT Prelims syllabus.
- Practice Sample Papers
NID provides sample test papers for BDes and MDes aspirants on official admissions site. Going through them will help familiarise with the question format.
- Check the Admit Card Carefully
Ensure your admit card details- name, test centre and reporting time are correct. Print it in advance. Digital copies won’t be accepted.
- Prepare Your Stationery
Bring your own pencils, erasers and sharpeners, these are needed for drawing and sketching parts of exam.
- Rest Well Night Before
A fresh mind helps with problem-solving and creativity which are important on exam day.
Do’s on NID DAT 2026 Exam Day
- Arrive Early: Reach your exam centre well before reporting time mentioned on NID DAT 2026 admit card.
- Carry Mandatory Documents:
- Printed NID DAT 2026 admit card
- Original valid photo ID such as Aadhaar, passport, voter ID, driving licence or PAN card.
- Follow Invigilator Instructions: Listen carefully to all directions inside the exam hall.
- Keep Necessary Tools Ready: Only approved stationery should be used.
Don’ts: Items & Behaviours to Avoid
- Don’t Carry Electronic Devices: Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators or any electronics are strictly banned.
- No Bags or Notes: Bags, books, wallets, notebooks and loose papers will not be allowed inside.
- Avoid Unnecessary Items: Do not bring food items unless medically required and permitted.
- Do Not Enter Late: Once the reporting time ends, entry to the exam centre will be closed.
- No Cheating or Misconduct: Violation of exam rules can lead to disqualification.
Final Reminder for NID DAT Prelims 2026 Candidates
DAT Prelims will be conducted on Sunday and it is important as it is qualifying stage for DAT Mains. Candidates need to review all instructions provided in official BDes and MDes admission handbooks 2026–27 before entering examination hall. Stay updated for any last-minute notices on the official NID admissions website and be at your reporting venue on time with all required documents.
Read more:
NID DAT 2026 Exam on December 21: Check Exam Pattern and Weightage
NID DAT 2026 Exam Soon: Check Things to Carry on Exam Day
NID DAT 2026 Prelims Admit Card Released for B.Des and M.Des
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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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.