NID Entrance Exam

It is not at all necessary 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 can't teach you to be creative or become innovative; instead, with a little effort these skills can learn these skills.

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 practical study timetable, get familiar with the syllabus and pattern, and get the book combination right.

When studying, make it a habit to take notes and also solve all the problems given at the end of the chapter or book. Next, solve sample papers and question papers. Finally, closer to the exam, take mock tests to put the final touches on your preparation.

No, it is generally not mandatory to have prior work experience to apply for an M.Des in UI/UX or Communication Design at IITs or NIDs

Yes, candidates who have passed their H.S.C. vocational examination may apply for admission to the B.Des program.

Applications for NID DAT 2026 will open in September 2025 (tentatively). Candidates who have passed or will appear for higher secondary (10+2) qualifying examinations in the academic year 2025–26 in any stream (Science, Arts, Commerce, Humanities etc.) from any recognised board of education such as CBSE, IB, ICSE or equivalent could apply.

Candidates seekling admission to the M.Des programme must have complete their 3-year or 4-year Bachelor Degree programme in any discipline.

Candidates who have done full-time Diploma of minimum 4-year duration in Design/Fine Arts/Applied Arts/ Architecture, after 12th standard or equivalent to 12th standard, from any university or institute recognised by law in India, may also apply. 

The National Institute of Design (NID) will release the eligibility criteria for the NID DAT for the B.Des and M.Des courses through the respective admission handbooks. The eligibility criteria outlines requirements like academic qualification, minimum marks, age limit, number of attempts, etc.  

If you missed appearing for the NID National Institute of Design entrance exam you can appear for it again next year as the exam is typically held once a year there is no limit to the number of times you can attempt the NID DAT as long as you meet eligbility criteria each time