NID DAT 2026 Exam Centres - List of State-wise Test Centers and Exam Day Instructions Here

NID DAT 2026 Exam Centres

The National Institute of Design (NID) scheduled the NID DAT 2026 (Prelims) exam in January 2026. This exam will be held in 22 different cities across India for both B.Des and M.Des programs. Detailed information about the NID DAT 2026 exam centres is available in the NID DAT 2026 Admission Handbooks. When you fill out the NID DAT 2026 application form, you will have the option to choose your preferred exam centre.

Once your exam city is confirmed, the name and address will appear on your NID DAT 2026 admit card. Candidates were supposed to take this admit card along with a valid photo ID to the exam centre on the day of the test. It will also carry the reporting time and important instructions to be followed on the day of the examination. Note that there will be separate admit cards issued for NID DAT Mains. For more details about the NID DAT 2026 exam centres, continue reading the full article.

NID DAT 2026 Exam Centres: What is New?

The NID exam centres for the NID DAT 2026 exam will be officially released in the Admission Handbooks for both the B.Des and M.Des programs. For the NID DAT Prelims 2026, there are no updates or modifications to the exam centre list. Similar to the previous year, the exam will be conducted across 22 cities. No new cities have been added, nor have any been removed compared to last year's list. 

However, it is important to note the changes made for the NID DAT exam. During that exam, Goa and Shimla were removed as exam centres, while Kochi was added. This adjustment brought the total number of cities down from 23 to 22.

Also Read:

NID DAT 2026 Exam Dates

Please see the table below for the whole schedule of the NID DAT 2026 for B.Des and M.Des:

NID DAT Exam Centres 2026 for Prelims

You must select your chosen exam centres when completing the NID DAT 2026 application form. It is necessary to select exam centres that are easily accessible and convenient for you. To prevent any last-minute rush, come to your exam centre at least one hour early. The following is a list of NID DAT exam centres 2026:

NID DAT Exam Centres 2026 for Mains

The exam centres for the NID DAT Mains exam are different from the exam centres for the Prelims exam. You must qualify for the Prelims exam to take the Mains exam. The NID DAT Mains 2026 exam will be held at one of the following NID campuses:

NID DAT 2026 Exam Centre – Reporting & Gate Closing Times

The NID DAT 2026 Prelims exam will take place in January 2026. On the day of the exam, candidates are required to arrive at their designated exam centre by 8:00 AM. Here is a tentative timeline for the NID DAT 2026 Prelims.

Will the NID DAT Exam Centres be the Same for Prelims and Mains?

No, the exam centres for DAT Prelims and DAT Mains are not the same. The DAT Prelims exam is conducted in 22 cities across India, while the DAT Mains exam is conducted in only six cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Gandhinagar, Kolkata, and Kurukshetra.

Here is a table summarizing the exam centres for DAT Prelims and DAT Mains:

Will Requests for a Change in the NID DAT 2025 Exam Centres be Entertained?

No, requests to change the NID DAT exam centre will not be considered. However, the exam authorities may add or remove test centres and assign a centre that might not be the aspirant's preference. Candidates should be aware that a city can have more than one NID DAT exam centre. 

Points to Remember for NID DAT Exam Centres 2026

The NID DAT 2026 application form is now available, and candidates have the option to select their preferred exam centre. However, it is crucial to be aware of some essential details before making your choice.

• Once you have selected your preferred NID DAT exam centre during the application process, the concerned authority will not entertain any changes.
• The examination authority reserves the right to remove or add exam centres in different cities.
• Allocation of exam centres is based on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Candidates must report to the allocated exam centre, as mentioned on their admit card, at least one hour before the exam begins.
• When selecting an exam centre, consider factors such as proximity to your residence, transportation options, and familiarity with the location. Remember, your choice of exam centre should not hinder your ability to perform well on the NID DAT.
• Keep yourself updated on any changes or updates regarding NID DAT exam centres. Ensure you have all the necessary documents and arrive at the exam centre well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.

How to Select NID DAT 2026 Exam Centres 2026?

Selecting NID DAT 2026 exam centres for the B.Des. Prelims involves a straightforward process:

• Application Form: During the NID DAT 2026 application form submission, candidates must choose their preferred exam centres for the B.Des. Prelims.
• Seat Availability: NID DAT 2026 exam centre allocation depends on the number of applications and available seats in selected cities.
• Admit Card: The assigned exam centre's name and address will be specified in the NID DAT 2026 admit card.

This uncomplicated procedure ensures clarity and convenience in the selection of B.Des. Prelims exam centres for NID DAT 2026.

Steps to Select NID DAT 2026 Exam Centers

To apply for NID DAT 2026 in a few easy steps:

• Visit NID DAT Website: Go to the official NID website (https://admissions.nid.edu/) and find the NID DAT 2026 section.
• Create Account: New users can sign up by providing their email, password, and other necessary details.
• Login: Use your registered email and password to log in to your account.
• Application Form: Access the application form by clicking "Apply Now."
• Exam Centre Selection: In the form, choose your preferred exam centre from the available city options.
• Submit Application: Once you have selected your preferred NID DAT exam centre, complete the remaining sections of the application form, review your details, and submit the form.
• Admit Card: Stay updated on your email and the NID website for admit card details, including your allocated exam centre.

Important Documents to Carry on NID DAT 2026 Exam Day

No stationery will be provided to test-takers, so they must bring their supplies for the NID DAT exam. Here's a list of documents that aspirants should have with them when taking the NID DAT 2026.

• Admit Card: Download your NID admit card from the official website and carry a clear printout to the assigned test centre. Without a valid admit card, entry to the NID exam is not permitted.
• Photo ID Proof: Alongside the admit card, bring a valid photo ID. Options include a student ID card, passport, driving license, Aadhar card, voter's ID card, or PAN card.
• Stationery: Carry your stationery, including a black ballpoint pen (for marking OMR sheets), lead pencils of different grades, dry colours (like oil pastels, colour pencils, or sketch pens), an eraser, a sharpener, and a ruler.

NID DAT Admit Card 2026

The National Institute of Design releases the NID DAT 2026 admit card solely in online mode. Candidates can access and download their admit cards by entering their registered login credentials. Once downloaded, carefully review the details of the allotted NID DAT exam centre, including the complete address, examination venue, reporting time, and other relevant information. 

Carrying your admit card is mandatory for entry into the examination venue. Failure to present the admit card will result in denial of entry. Additionally, any form of writing or scribbling on the NID DAT admit card 2026 is strictly prohibited as per the authority's instructions. Retain your admit card securely until the entire admission process is complete. This document serves as important proof of your eligibility during the exam and subsequent admission procedures.

Also Read: 

Important Guidelines for NID DAT Exam Centres 2026

Captured below are a few essential guidelines related to the NID DAT exam centres 2026.

• The exam authorities have all the rights to remove or add exam centres in different cities as per the requirements.
• The decision to choose the exam centres must be made carefully, as once the same has been made, no alterations will be entertained.
• The exam centres are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. It is not asserted that applicants will be allocated the centres as per their preferences.
• It is advisable to report to the exam centres at least 1 hour before the exam time as it will help in managing the time and avoiding unnecessary chaos.
• Calculators, Handbags, Water bottles, Notes, Papers, Markers, Smart devices etc. are prohibited in the exam centre. Anyone found in the possession of the aforementioned things will be disqualified from the exam. 

Also Read: