NID DAT registration is a two-step process: the initial application registers you for Prelims, and campus preferences are declared after Mains results. Understanding the timeline and document requirements before you start avoids last-minute errors that cannot be corrected.
Source: All registration data on this page is from the official NID admissions portal at admissions.nid.edu. Dates and fees shift slightly each cycle. Always cross-check the official information bulletin before applying.
Application and exam timeline
NID DAT runs on a September-to-April cycle. The initial application window opens in September or October, approximately 10 to 12 weeks before Prelims. Below is the typical schedule based on historical cycles.
| Event | Typical timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application opens | September to October | Official notification released at admissions.nid.edu |
| Application closes | October to November | Late applications are not accepted after the deadline |
| Application correction window | November | Brief window to fix errors; not all fields are editable |
| Admit card release | November to December | Downloaded from admissions.nid.edu using application credentials |
| Prelims exam | December to January | Written test at designated exam centres across India |
| Prelims result | January to February | Shortlisted candidates receive Studio Test invitation |
| Studio Test (Mains) | March | Held at NID campuses; 2 days of hands-on design tasks |
| Mains result and merit list | April | Final merit list published; counselling begins |
| Counselling and allocation | April to May | Campus and specialisation preferences declared |
Dates shift by 1 to 3 weeks each cycle. Verify exact dates from the official notification at admissions.nid.edu.
Application fee
NID DAT application fees are category-based. The fee is paid online during registration and is non-refundable. Fees shown below are based on the 2026 cycle and may change for 2027.
| Category | Approximate fee (2026 cycle) |
|---|---|
| General / OBC-NCL / EWS | ~Rs 3,540 |
| Female candidates (all categories) | ~Rs 1,770 |
| SC / ST candidates | ~Rs 1,770 |
| PwD candidates | ~Rs 1,770 |
Fee paid via online payment gateway (net banking, debit card, UPI). Verify the exact fee for your cycle in the official information bulletin.
Documents required for registration
Prepare scanned copies of all documents before starting your application. The portal times out, so having everything ready avoids incomplete submissions.
For B.Des applicants
- ✓ Class 10 certificate (date of birth proof)
- ✓ Class 12 marksheet or appearing proof
- ✓ Valid photo ID (Aadhaar / passport / driving licence)
- ✓ Recent passport-size photograph (as per specifications)
- ✓ Scanned signature
- ✓ Category certificate (if SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS / PwD)
For M.Des applicants
- ✓ Class 10 certificate (date of birth proof)
- ✓ Bachelor's degree certificate or appearing proof
- ✓ Valid photo ID (Aadhaar / passport / driving licence)
- ✓ Recent passport-size photograph (as per specifications)
- ✓ Scanned signature
- ✓ Category certificate (if SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS / PwD)
Photograph specifications matter. NID enforces strict photograph requirements (dimensions, background colour, file size). Uploading a non-compliant photograph is one of the most common registration errors. Read the specification in the information bulletin before uploading.
Step-by-step application process
The NID DAT application is entirely online through admissions.nid.edu. Allow 30 to 45 minutes to complete the form without rushing.
- 01Go to admissions.nid.edu and read the information bulletinDownload and read the full information bulletin before starting. It contains the exam syllabus, eligibility criteria, fee details, exam city list, and photograph specifications for your cycle.
- 02Create a new account using your email IDRegister with a valid email address that you check regularly. All correspondence from NID, including admit card and result notifications, goes to this email. Use a personal email, not a school or shared account.
- 03Fill in personal and educational detailsEnter your name exactly as it appears on your Class 10 certificate. Enter your date of birth, contact number, address, and educational qualification details carefully. Errors here are difficult to correct later.
- 04Select your exam city preferenceChoose from the list of available Prelims exam centres. Select a city that is convenient for you to travel to. NID allocates centres based on availability; you may not get your first preference but will get a centre in the same city or region.
- 05Upload photograph and signatureUpload a recent passport-size photograph with a white or light-coloured background, meeting the exact pixel and file size specifications. Upload your scanned signature as specified. Both must be clear and non-blurry.
- 06Upload category certificate if applicableSC, ST, OBC-NCL (Non-Creamy Layer), EWS, and PwD candidates must upload the relevant certificate in the format specified by NID. An invalid or expired certificate will cause eligibility issues at the admission stage.
- 07Pay the application fee onlineComplete fee payment via the online gateway (net banking, debit card, or UPI). Take a screenshot of the payment confirmation. The fee is non-refundable. Your application is not submitted until payment is confirmed.
- 08Download and save your application confirmationAfter payment, download the confirmation page and save your application number. You will need it to download the admit card and check results.
When do you choose your NID campus?
This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of NID DAT. Campus preferences are not selected at registration. The initial application only registers you to appear for Prelims.
After Prelims results are announced, candidates shortlisted for the Studio Test receive an invitation. The Studio Test is conducted at NID campuses. After Mains results are announced, shortlisted candidates appear on a merit list and go through a counselling process where they declare their campus and specialisation preferences. Allocation follows merit order.
NID Ahmedabad is the most competitive campus and fills first on the merit list. Newer autonomous campuses (NID Andhra Pradesh, NID Haryana, NID Madhya Pradesh, NID Assam) have more seats available further down the merit list. See the NID seats and cutoffs guide for a full breakdown.