NID Unveils Comprehensive DAT Mains 2026 Schedule for Master of Design Aspirants
The National Institute of Design (NID) has formally announced the complete schedule for the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Mains 2026, marking a crucial milestone for candidates shortlisted for admission to the prestigious Master of Design (M.Des) programme for the academic year 2026-27. This announcement provides detailed dates and essential guidelines for the upcoming Studio Test and Interview rounds, which are pivotal in the selection process.
NID DAT Mains 2026: Studio Test Date and Designated Centers
The M.Des DAT Mains Studio Test is scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 8, 2026. This rigorous assessment will be conducted across multiple cities, with the location determined by the specific discipline chosen by each candidate. NID has categorically stated that requests to alter or reschedule the Studio Test date will not be entertained under any circumstances, emphasizing the importance of adherence to the published timeline.
The distribution of centers based on disciplines is as follows:
- Ahmedabad: This center will host candidates from Industrial Design streams, including Ceramic and Glass Design, Furniture and Interior Design, Product Design, Toy and Game Design, Transportation and Automobile Design, and Universal Design. Additionally, Communication Design disciplines such as Animation Film Design, Film and Video Communication, Graphic Design, and Photography Design will also be assessed here.
- Bengaluru: Aspirants in Interdisciplinary Design Studies, covering Design for Retail Experience and Strategic Design Management, will appear in Bengaluru. Furthermore, IT-Integrated Design streams like Digital Game Design, Information Design, Interaction Design, and New Media Design are allocated to this center.
- Gandhinagar: Candidates specializing in Textile, Apparel and Lifestyle Accessory Design, which encompasses Apparel Design, Lifestyle Accessory Design, and Textile Design, will undertake their Studio Test in Gandhinagar.
NID DAT Mains 2026: Detailed Interview Schedule and Protocols
The M.Des interviews are slated to be conducted over a period from March 21 to April 1, 2026, with specific dates varying according to the discipline. These interviews will be held in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Gandhinagar, aligning with the Studio Test centers for consistency and convenience.
Prospective students are strongly advised to meticulously verify the interview dates corresponding to their particular discipline, as the schedule differs across various programmes. In instances where a candidate's university examination dates conflict with the interview schedule, they must notify NID by sending an email to admissions@nid.edu on or before February 23, 2026. This communication must include all necessary supporting documents to validate the clash. It is imperative to note that requests submitted after this deadline will not be considered, underscoring the need for prompt action.
Admit Card Availability and Critical Instructions for Candidates
The NID DAT Mains 2026 admit card will be accessible for download starting from 4 pm on February 24, 2026. This document will contain vital information, including the exact test center address and the designated reporting time, which candidates must adhere to strictly.
To maintain eligibility for the final admission stage, candidates are required to participate in both the Studio Test and the Interview. Failure to appear for either component will result in disqualification from the admission process.
Essential guidelines for the examination day include:
- Candidates must bring a printed copy of their admit card along with an original photo identity proof to both the test and interview venues. Digital copies or photocopies will not be accepted.
- Parents or guardians will not be permitted inside the examination center premises, ensuring a focused and secure environment for all participants.
- Regular monitoring of the official NID admissions website is highly recommended for any updates, announcements, or changes related to the DAT Mains 2026 process. Staying informed is key to navigating this critical phase successfully.
This comprehensive schedule release by NID aims to streamline the admission process for M.Des aspirants, providing clarity and structure as they prepare for the next steps in their design education journey. Candidates are encouraged to plan accordingly and ensure compliance with all stipulated requirements to secure their place in one of India's premier design institutions.
