The National Institute of Design (NID) will conduct the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) 2026 on December 21, 2025 . This important exam is for students who wish to get admission into NID's popular Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programmes. NID has released clear guidelines and essential instructions for all candidates appearing for the test. Following these rules carefully is crucial for a smooth and trouble-free exam experience.
Key Details for NID DAT 2026
| Exam Name | NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) 2026 |
| Exam Date | December 21, 2025 |
| Courses Offered | B.Des (Bachelor of Design), M.Des (Master of Design) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen-and-Paper) |
| Organizing Body | National Institute of Design (NID) |
What to Carry to the Exam Centre
Candidates must bring specific items to the NID DAT 2026 exam centre. Entry to the exam hall will be strictly denied if you do not have these required documents and items. Make sure you prepare these in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.
Essential Documents
- Your NID DAT 2026 Admit Card . This is the most important document. You must bring a clear, printed copy of your admit card. Digital copies shown on a phone or any other electronic device will not be accepted by the exam authorities.
- One original government-issued photo identity proof. You can choose to bring your Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, driving licence , or PAN card .
It is very important that your identity proof is valid and current. The name and all other personal details on your ID must exactly match the information you provided during your NID DAT 2026 online registration. Please remember that photocopies or scanned images of your ID on a mobile phone or any other device will not be considered valid proof at the exam centre.
Allowed Stationery for the Test
For the NID DAT 2026 exam, candidates are required to bring their own basic stationery items. These tools are essential for the drawing and aptitude sections of the test. The permitted items include:
- Pencils (for drawing, sketching, and marking answers)
- Erasers (to correct any mistakes during drawing or answering)
- Sharpeners (to keep your pencils sharp and ready for use)
Please note that NID will provide all the necessary answer sheets and drawing sheets at the exam centre. You do not need to bring your own paper for the test. Also, sharing any stationery items with other candidates during the examination is strictly against the rules and will not be allowed.
Items Not Allowed in the Exam Centre
NID has a clear and strict policy regarding items that are not permitted inside the exam hall. Bringing any of these prohibited items can lead to serious consequences, including immediate disqualification from the exam.
Prohibited Items
- Electronic devices: This list includes mobile phones, smartphones, smartwatches, calculators, digital cameras, digital diaries, headphones, or any other electronic gadgets.
- Study material: You are not allowed to bring bags, wallets, books, notes, loose papers, chits, or any other study-related materials.
- Food and drinks: Candidates cannot bring any food items into the exam hall. If you have a specific medical condition that requires you to carry food or medicine, you must obtain special written permission from NID in advance.
NID has clearly stated that it will not be responsible for the safety or safekeeping of any personal belongings that candidates bring to the centre. It is highly advisable to avoid bringing any valuable items or unnecessary belongings to the exam location.
Key Rules for Exam Day
Following these rules on the day of the exam is extremely important for a fair and disciplined test environment. Please read them carefully to ensure you follow all procedures:
- Reporting Time: Candidates must report at the exam centre well before the reporting time mentioned on their NID DAT Admit Card 2026 . This early arrival allows for essential security checks and entry procedures.
- Entry Closure: The entry gates to the exam centre will close strictly after the specified reporting time. Candidates who arrive late, even by a few minutes, will not be allowed to enter the exam hall under any circumstances and will miss the exam.
- Invigilator Instructions: During the NID DAT 2026 exam, you must listen to and follow all instructions given by the invigilators (the staff supervising the exam). Their guidance and directions are final and must be obeyed.
- Rule Violation: Any candidate found violating the exam rules, attempting to cheat, or disturbing other candidates may face strict action. Such actions could lead to immediate disqualification from the examination, and your candidature may be cancelled.
The NID DAT 2026 will be conducted in an offline, pen-and-paper format. The test is designed to evaluate your design aptitude, creative problem-solving skills, and visual thinking abilities. Ensure you are prepared for this specific format of the examination.
