The National Institute of Design (NID) will conduct its NID DAT 2026 entrance exam tomorrow, December 21, 2025 . This important test is for students who have applied for admission to Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programmes. The examination will take place offline at various NID test centres across India. Students taking the exam must make sure they have their official admit card and a valid photo identification with them to gain entry.
NID DAT 2026 Exam Schedule at a Glance
| Event | Time |
| Reporting Time at Exam Centre | 8:30 AM |
| Gates Close at Exam Centre | 9:30 AM |
| NID DAT 2026 Exam Start Time | 10:00 AM |
| NID DAT 2026 Exam End Time | 1:00 PM |
Important Rules for NID DAT 2026 Admit Card
All candidates must carry their NID DAT Prelims Admit Card to the exam centre. This admit card acts as your official permission to enter the examination hall. Without it, you will not be allowed to take the test. It is crucial to remember to bring a hard copy of your admit card. A digital copy displayed on a mobile phone, tablet, or any other electronic device will not be considered valid for entry. Before leaving for the exam, carefully check all the details printed on your admit card to ensure they are correct and clearly visible. Any discrepancies or unclear information might cause issues at the entry gate, so it is best to confirm everything beforehand.
What Photo ID to Bring for Verification
Along with your admit card, you also need to carry one original and valid photo identification proof . This document is essential for the verification process at the exam centre to confirm your identity. It is vital that you bring the original ID card, not a photocopy, scanned image, or digital version. The ID must be current and clearly show your photograph. The name on your photo ID should match the name on your admit card.
- Here is a list of acceptable valid photo ID proofs:
- Voter ID Card
- PAN Card
- Driving License
- Student ID (This must be a valid ID card issued by your current school or college for the current academic year)
- Passport
- Aadhaar Card
Please select one of these documents and ensure it is readily available in its original form when you arrive at the exam centre. Having your ID ready will speed up the verification process.
Special Instructions if You Lack an Original Photo ID
In some cases, a candidate might not possess any of the original photo identification proofs mentioned above. If this applies to you, there is a specific procedure you must follow before the exam day. You will need to get both Part "A" and Part "B" of your NID DAT Admit Card attested . Attestation means that a recognized official signs and stamps your admit card, thereby verifying your identity and confirming the authenticity of the document.
You can get your admit card attested by one of the following authorities:
- The Principal of the school or college where you are currently studying.
- A Gazetted Officer (a public servant of a certain rank whose signature is officially recognized by the government).
It is important to complete this attestation process well in advance of the exam day to avoid any last-minute problems. This attested admit card, with both parts signed and stamped, will then serve as your valid identification proof for entry into the exam hall.
Key Instructions for Exam Day
The NID DAT 2026 exam will be held from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM , providing candidates with a total of three hours to complete the test. The exam format is offline, meaning you will write your answers on paper using pens and pencils. It is advisable to bring multiple pens and pencils, if allowed, to ensure you are well-prepared.
Candidates must arrive at their assigned exam centre by the reporting time, which is 8:30 AM . This early arrival is necessary to allow ample time for security checks, document verification, and finding your designated seat without rushing. The entry gates to the examination centre will close strictly at 9:30 AM . No candidate, under any circumstances, will be permitted to enter the exam hall after this time. Late entry will result in being barred from taking the exam, so planning your journey and arriving early is very important to avoid any disappointment.
Before you leave your home for the exam, double-check that you have all necessary items: your hard copy of the NID DAT Admit Card , your chosen original photo ID , and any stationery like pens and pencils that are allowed. Read through the instructions on your admit card one last time for any specific guidelines regarding prohibited items or additional rules. During the exam, follow all instructions given by the invigilators and exam staff carefully. Maintaining calmness and focusing on your performance will help you do your best in this important design entrance test.
