The National Institute of Design (NID) has officially released the NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) MDes Mains 2026 exam dates for candidates who qualified in the MDes Prelims. As per the official notification, the NID DAT MDes 2026 Studio Test will be conducted on March 8, 2026, while the interviews are scheduled from March 21 to April 1, 2026. Candidates must appear for both the studio test and interview to be eligible for final admission.
The NID DAT 2026 MDes admit card will be available for download from February 24, 2026, at 4 PM onwards on the official website nid.edu.
NID DAT MDes 2026 Mains – Important Dates
- Admit Card Release: February 24, 2026 (4 PM onwards)
- Studio Test Date: March 8, 2026
- Interview Dates: March 21 – April 1, 2026
- Prelims Exam Date: December 21, 2025
- Prelims Result Date: February 12, 2026
Mandatory Participation
Candidates shortlisted for MDes Mains must appear for:
- Studio Test
- Personal Interview
Failure to attend either component will result in disqualification from the admission process.
NID DAT MDes 2026 Interview Schedule (Stream-Wise)
| Faculty Stream | Interview Dates |
| Industrial Design | March 21–23, 2026 / March 21–25, 2026 |
| Interdisciplinary Design Studies | March 21–25, 2026 |
| Textile, Apparel and Lifestyle Accessory Design (TALAD) | March 21–24, 2026 / March 21–25, 2026 |
| Communication Design (CD) | March 27–30, 2026 / March 27–31, 2026 / March 27–April 1, 2026 |
| IT-Integrated Design (ITID) | March 27–31, 2026 / March 27–April 1, 2026 |
Candidates must check their individual interview call letter for exact allotted dates and timings.
Admit Card Download Process
- Visit the official website: nid.edu
- Click on the NID DAT 2026 MDes Admit Card link
- Log in using your registered credentials
- Download and print the admit card
- Verify personal details, exam date, and reporting time
Interview Date Clash – What to Do?
If a candidate’s University exam dates clash with the NID interview schedule, they must inform NID via email at admissions@nid.edu on or before February 23, 2026, attaching:
- A copy of the university exam timetable, duly attested by the principal
- A letter from the principal confirming the clash
Rescheduling will be permitted only within the available interview dates.
Exam Pattern Overview
The NID DAT MDes Mains consists of:
- Studio Test: Evaluates practical design skills, creativity, and problem-solving ability
- Interview: Assesses design aptitude, portfolio quality, communication skills, and academic background
Quick Reference Summary
| Event | Details |
| Exam Conducting Body | National Institute of Design (NID) |
| Course | Master of Design (MDes) |
| Studio Test Date | March 8, 2026 |
| Interview Period | March 21 – April 1, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | February 24, 2026 (4 PM) |
| Official Website | nid.edu |
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Carry your admit card and valid ID proof to the studio test and interview.
- Keep your portfolio and required materials ready for the interview round.
- Monitor official email communication regularly.
- Requests for rescheduling will not be entertained after the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| When will the NID DAT MDes 2026 Studio Test be conducted? |
| The studio test will be held on March 8, 2026. |
| What are the NID DAT MDes interview dates? |
| Interviews will be conducted from March 21 to April 1, 2026. |
| When can candidates download the admit card? |
| From February 24, 2026, at 4 PM onwards. |
| Is it mandatory to attend both studio and interview rounds? |
| Yes, candidates must attend both to be eligible for admission. |
| What if my university exam clashes with the interview? |
| Inform NID by February 23 with attested documents via admissions@nid.edu. |
| Where can I download the NID DAT admit card? |
| From the official website, nid.edu. |
| Can interview dates be rescheduled freely? |
| No, rescheduling is allowed only within available dates and subject to approval. |
| When were the NID DAT 2026 Prelims results announced? |
| On February 12, 2026. |
The release of the NID DAT MDes Mains 2026 schedule marks a crucial stage in the admission process for aspiring designers. Candidates should download their admit cards from February 24 and prepare thoroughly for both the studio test on March 8 and interviews through April 1. For official updates and detailed instructions, visit nid.edu and bookmark this page for the latest information, for more details CLICK HERE
