The National Institute of Design (NID) has released the admit card for the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) 2026 prelims examination. Candidates who have registered for the exam can now download their hall ticket from the official NID admissions portal. The DAT 2026 prelims are scheduled to take place on December 21, making this release an important update for design aspirants across the country.
The NID DAT is one of India’s most competitive entrance examinations for design education, and students often feel a great deal of pressure leading up to the test. Many candidates depend on official updates to organise their travel, gather required documents and finalise exam-day preparation. Having clear information on how to download the admit card, what to check, and what to expect on exam day can make a big difference in reducing last-minute stress. This article brings all the essential details together so that students feel more confident and prepared as they get ready for the December 21 prelims exam.
About NID DAT 2026 Prelims
The Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is conducted annually by the National Institute of Design for admission to its Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programmes. The exam is held in two stages:
- DAT Prelims – a written test
- DAT Mains – studio tests, interviews and hands-on assessments
The prelims act as the qualifying round for candidates seeking entry to the mains.
How to Download the NID DAT 2026 Prelims Admit Card
Candidates can now download their admit card from the official admissions portal.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official NID admissions website
- Click on the link for NID DAT 2026 Prelims Admit Card
- Enter your registered email ID and password
- Log in to your dashboard
- Download the admit card in PDF format
- Take a clear printout to carry to the exam centre
Download Admit Card: Click Here
Applicants should double-check that their login credentials are entered correctly to avoid errors.
