NID DAT Prelims Qualifying Marks 2026: Expected Cutoff Score for Mains Exam

Aarushi Jain

Updated On: December 20, 2025 02:04 PM

The NID DAT 2026 qualifying marks for the general & EWS categories are likely to be 50%, OBC-NCL is likely to be 45% marks, while the SC category students may be 40 per cent, etc.
NID DAT Prelims Qualifying Marks 2026

The NID DAT 2026 qualifying marks for the general & EWS categories may be 50%, OBC-NCL is likely to be 45% marks, while the SC category students may be 40 per cent, etc. The DAT Prelims exam is the initial test, deciding if you are eligible for the Mains exam. To know your prospects, it is important to know the qualifying marks and likely cutoffs. This information helps you analyse your performance and streamline your strategy. Students eager to know more about the NID DAT qualifying marks 2026 can go through the expected cutoff scores, qualifying marks for B.Bes & M.Des, etc.

Also Read:

Expected Cutoff Score for NID DAT 2026

Predicting the exact cutoff score for NID DAT 2026 is challenging, as it relies on various factors, such as:

  • Total number of applicants: More applicants could result in higher cutoffs.
  • Difficulty level of the exam: If the exam is tough, the cutoff might be lower to accommodate deserving candidates.
  • Seat availability: Limited seats in a popular program may raise the cutoff.
  • Performance of the test-takers: Exceptional performance can also push the cutoff higher.

However, based on reliable data and past trends, here's an approximate estimate of the expected NID DAT 2026 cutoff scores for different categories:

Category

NID DAT Expected Cutoff Score (Open Rank)

Scores for a Good Chance of Admission

OPEN

48-53

90+

OBC - NCL

43-48

70+

EWS

50-55

60+

ST

40-45

65+

SC

40-45

50+

PwD

40-45

50+

Note: Remember, these are just estimates, and the real cutoff scores could be different. The scores mentioned as a good chance for admission are based on previous year trends and do not ensure selection. Cutoff scores can also differ between various campuses and programs.

Also Read: NID DAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

NID DAT Qualifying Marks 2026 for B.Des

NID has seats available in various disciplines, and these seats are allocated among different categories of candidates. Students can go through the NID DAT 2026 qualifying B.Des marks given below.

Category

NID DAT Qualifying/Cutoff Marks

OPEN

50

OBC - NCL

45

EWS

50

ST

40

SC

40

PwD

40

NID DAT Qualifying Marks 2026 for M.Des

The rank and score of the last admitted candidate will be determined based on the final merit list of NID DAT 2026, which will be compiled after both the Prelims and Mains exams. Below mentioned is the NID DAT qualifying marks 2026 for M.Des given below.

Institute

Open

OBC - NCL

SC

ST

NID Ahmedabad

96.84

79.41

65.27

63.49

NID Andhra Pradesh

94.17

71.72

53.33

50.51

NID Haryana

91.15

65.82

46.12

47.91

NID Madhya Pradesh

88.16

60.95

50.17

46.19

NID Assam

87.10

57.17

45.98

NE

NID DAT Qualifying Marks 2026: Relaxation for Reserved Candidates

Candidates from reserved categories like ST, SC, OBC-NCL, and PwD will be considered qualified under the relaxed criteria outlined below:

Category

Relaxation to Reserved Candidates

OBC - NCL

10% lower than the Open category cut-off score.

ST

20% lower than the Open category cut-off score.

SC

20% lower than the Open category cut-off score.

PwD

30% lower than the Open category cut-off score.

So, NID DAT qualifying marks and cutoffs vary based on your chosen design field and whether you fall into a reserved category. This is because NID allocates a limited number of seats for each discipline and category, ensuring a fair opportunity for everyone. Furthermore, any queries regarding NID DAT Prelims Qualifying Marks 2026, log on to our CollegeDekho Q&A Zone or contact our toll-free helpline number 18005729877.

FAQs

What factors influence the NID DAT qualifying marks?

NID DAT qualifying marks depend on various factors:
- Exam difficulty: A harder test results in higher cut-offs.
- Applicant pool: More candidates may lead to stricter marks.
- Seat availability: Limited seats can raise the qualifying bar.
- Reservation Policies: Lower marks may apply for reserved categories.
- Previous year trends: Examining past patterns provides insights.

Do the qualifying marks vary based on reservation categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD)?

Yes, NID DAT qualifying marks differ according to reservation categories. Here's a simple breakdown:

- General category: Requires the highest qualifying marks, usually around 50%.
- SC/ST/OBC/PwD categories: Have lower qualifying marks compared to General, often around 45%.

Will the NID DAT 2026 qualifying marks differ for different design disciplines?

The NID DAT 2026 qualifying marks will remain consistent across various design disciplines. These marks are established based on categories, meaning they are uniform for all applicants within a specific category, regardless of their chosen design discipline. Qualification involves scoring above the minimum marks set for your category. However, admission chances are determined by your merit rank, which is influenced by your total score in both NID DAT Prelims and Mains. Merit ranks differ for each design discipline, taking into account seat availability and competition levels within each discipline.

What are the expected NID DAT 2026 Prelims qualifying marks for B.Des?

Qualifying marks for the NID DAT 2026 are based on categories, not disciplines. This implies that the minimum score needed to advance to the Mains exam is uniform for all B.Des applicants, regardless of their specific design discipline. Currently, the anticipated NID DAT qualifying marks for the Open category stand at 50, while for reserved categories like SC/ST, OBC-NCL, and PwD, it is expected to be in the 40s. These figures may stay the same but are subject to change as decided by NID.

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