NID DAT 2026 Mains Preparation Phase Active Ahead of March Studio Tests
As of February 7, 2026, the National Institute of Design (NID) has transitioned into the preparation phase for the DAT Mains. Following the Prelims held in December, M.Des candidates are awaiting results on February 17 to qualify for the March studio tests. This update covers the specialized evaluation of hands-on skills, the weightage shift toward the Mains for final selection, and the B.Des timeline for May. Aspirants are focusing on material handling and model-making as they prepare for the rigorous creative assessment at NID campuses. The National Institute of Design (NID) has initiated the intensive preparatory phase for the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Mains 2026. Following the nationwide conduct of the DAT Prelims on December 21, 2025, the focus of the 2026-27 admission cycle has shifted toward the subjective and practical evaluation of India’s most promising creative minds. As of today, February 7, candidates for the Master of Design (M.Des) programs are in the final stretch of waiting, with their prelims results scheduled for release on February 17, 2026, via the official NID admissions portal.
