Design Entrance Exam

The NID DAT translates to the National Institute of Design - Design Aptitude Test. The Design Aptitude Test has two parts - DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. The candidate has to first appear in DAT Prelims. If shortlisted, the candidate has to appear in DAT Mains.

Note that NID DAT scores are accepted for admission to the B.Des and M.Des programs offered by participating colleges. This means, the NIDs will not accept scores of no other entrance exams for admission purposes.

The DAT Prelims exam is typically conducted in January.

NID DAT Prelims is the 1st step of the two-step NID admissions process. DAT Prelims comprises a written exam that candidates need to clear in order to be eligible for DAT Mains. The National Institute of Design will conduct DAT Prelims exam around the 2nd week of January 2024. The DAT Mains for the B. Des programme will include a Studio Test, whereas the DAT Mains for the M.Des programme will comprise a Studio Test and Interview. The Studio Test and Interiew for the M.Des programme will be conducted in March 2024. The DAT Mains for the B.Des programme will be conducted in April 2024.

The results of DAT Prelims for the M.Des programme will be declared on February 16, 2024, while results for the B. Des programme will be announced on March 28, 2024.

The results will be declared online at the NID admission portal. To check their results, the candidate needs to log-in to the portal using their email id and date of birth. Candidates who qualify in the DAT Prelims exam will be eligible to appear in that DAT Mains. The DAT Mains for B.Des will be conducted on April 27-28, 2024. Meanwhile, Mains exam for M.Des will be held from March 3 - April 6, 2024. 

Yes, the candidate was given an opportunity to edit the submitted application form. The NID application form 2024 correction window was open from December 8 (12 noon) to December 10 (4 pm), 2023.

Using the edit option, the candidate could edit all information except the following:

• Name of the Candidate

• Date of Birth

• Registered Mobile Number 

• Registered Email ID

Also note that if the candidate changed his or her applied category, then any applicable additional application form fees had to be paid by the candidate. Further, no refund of excess fees was made in the case of any category change.

The seat intake for the B. Des course through NID Entrance Exam is 425. For M.Des course, 347 seats are available for admission at NID campuses. Apart from this number, some seats are also reserved for overseas (supernumerary) candidates. Admission to the B. Des programme at the NIDs will be on the basis of NID that 2023 merit rank and college option opted by the candidate. Meanwhile, M.Des candidates aren't required to select colleges.