Top NID Colleges in India 2025: Admission Process and Cutoffs 

 

If design is your passion and creativity fuels your dreams, then the National Institute of Design (NID) might be the perfect place for you. NID is one of India’s most prestigious design schools, and getting in requires dedication, creativity, and a solid game plan. 

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the top NID campuses for 2025, the admission process, and the cutoff trends, so you can gear up for a successful application. Let’s get started! 

  1. Top NID Colleges in India

NID has several campuses, each known for their unique strengths. Here is the top NID Colleges in India you should know about: 

  • NID Ahmedabad (Main Campus) 
  • Courses: B.Des (Bachelor of Design), M.Des (Master of Design) 
  • Known for: Industrial Design, Communication Design, Textile Design 
  • Why It’s Popular: It’s the oldest and most well-known campus, with a legacy of excellence in design education. 
  • NID Bengaluru 
  • Courses: M.Des (Master of Design) 
  • Specializes In: Digital Experience Design, Interaction Design 
  • Why It’s a Top Choice: This campus is known for combining technology with creativity, perfect for students interested in digital design. 
  • NID Gandhinagar 
  • Courses: M.Des, PhD programs 
  • Known for: Lifestyle Accessory Design, Strategic Design Management 
  • Why You Should Consider It: It’s a great campus for students interested in advanced research and niche design fields. 
  • NID Andhra Pradesh 
  • Courses: B.Des 
  • Specialization: Industrial Design, Communication Design 
  • What Stands Out: A relatively new campus that’s quickly growing in reputation and offering fresh perspectives on design. 
  • NID Haryana 
  • Courses: B.Des 
  • Why It’s Exciting: A newer campus with a focus on modern, industry-relevant design courses, gaining attention for its fresh approach. 
  1. Admission Process: What to Expect

The NID admission process is intense, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Here’s how it works: 

  • NID DAT (Design Aptitude Test)
  • Prelims: This is the first step, a written exam where your creativity, design thinking, and problem-solving abilities are tested. 
  • Mains: If you clear the prelims, you move on to the studio test, which is more hands-on and practical. This is where your design skills shine. 
  • Portfolio Review & Interview: For some courses, you’ll also need to showcase your portfolio, which should reflect your best work, and go through an interview process. 

Important Dates: 

  • NID DAT Prelims: January 2025 (Tentative) 
  • NID DAT Mains: May 2025 (Tentative) 
  • Results: June-July 2025 
  1. NID 2025 Cutoff Trends

Cutoffs for NID vary across different campuses and programs, but here’s a general idea of what you might need to score: 

  • NID Ahmedabad (B.Des)
  • General: 65-75 
  • OBC: 55-65 
  • SC/ST: 45-55 
  • NID Bengaluru (M.Des)
  • General: 60-70 
  • OBC: 50-60 
  • SC/ST: 40-50 
  • NID Gandhinagar (M.Des)
  • General: 55-65 
  • OBC: 45-55 
  • SC/ST: 35-45 

Your final cutoff will depend on a combination of your Prelims and Mains scores, plus how well you perform in your interview and portfolio review (if applicable). 

  1. Eligibility Criteria

Before you dive into preparing for the exam, make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements: 

  • For B.Des
  • Age Limit: You should be under 20 years old (general category), with a relaxation of 3 years for SC/ST/OBC candidates. 
  • Education: You must have completed or be in your final year of 10+2 (any stream). 
  • For M.Des
  • Age Limit: The upper age limit is 30 years (general category), with a 3-year relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates. 
  • Education: A bachelor’s degree in any discipline (minimum 4 years) is required. 
  1. NID Entrance Exam Pattern (2025)

The NID exam is divided into two main parts: Prelims and Mains

  • NID DAT Prelims

This is a written test with both objective and subjective questions. You’ll be tested on design thinking, logical reasoning, and creativity through sketching and design challenges. 

  • NID DAT Mains

The Mains include a Studio Test, where you’ll be asked to create models, sketch designs, or solve design-related problems. For some courses, there’s also a Portfolio Review and a Personal Interview

  1. How to Prepare for NID 2025

Getting into NID means not just showcasing your talent, but also being strategic in your preparation. Here are some tips: 

  • Start Sketching Now: Practice sketching every day—it’s a big part of the exam, and the more comfortable you are with it, the better. 
  • Build a Strong Portfolio: Your portfolio is your design story. Include diverse projects that show your range, creativity, and thought process. 
  • Take Mock Tests: Go through previous year’s question papers and take mock tests to get used to the exam format and improve your speed. 
  • Explore Design Trends: Keep an eye on the latest design trends and innovations. It’ll help you stay updated and give you more inspiration. 
  • Stay Curious: Explore different design styles, read books on design, watch documentaries, and absorb as much as you can. Creativity thrives on curiosity! 
  1. Final Thoughts

NID is one of India’s top design schools for a reason—it pushes the boundaries of creativity and innovation. But getting in takes hard work and preparation. Keep refining your design skills, building your portfolio, and stay passionate about the process. 

If you’re serious about making the cut, consider enrolling in CreativeEdges NID online coaching programs. These coaching classes are designed to help you sharpen your creative thinking, master the exam pattern, and improve your sketching techniques—all from the comfort of your home. With expert guidance, structured learning, and access to mock tests, online coaching can give you the extra edge you need to crack the NID entrance exam. 

With the right approach, you can ace the NID 2025 exam and join the ranks of India’s next generation of top designers. Believe in your creativity and let your talent shine. The world of design is waiting for you!