Top NID Colleges in India 2026, Check Seats, Courses

NID Colleges in India: The National Institute of Design (NID) was founded in 1961 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry's Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). It got the status of an 'Institution of National Importance' as per the National Institute of Design Act of 2014. For those who are aspiring to pursue design education, NID colleges in India have great significance. Aspirants are advised to explore further details on the official website at @nid.edu/home.

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NID Colleges in India

The National Institute of Design is driven under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It has got international recognition as a premier institute for industrial, communication, textile, and IT Integrated (experiential) Design education and research. Along with this, NID holds membership in the International Council of Design (ICD) and is recognised as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India.

It is an option for students who are aspiring to pursue careers in design and provides efficient opportunities for placements. The National Institute of Design offers a wide range of educational opportunities with seven campuses located in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam. Here is a list of colleges across India that accept NID scores:

Top NID Colleges in India

The National Institute of Design (NID) has different campuses in India. Each one of them is known for providing credible education in design and education. These institutes offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various design disciplines. Below is a list of the top NID colleges in India along with their year of establishment:

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NID 2026 Seat Intake

The National Institute of Design (NID) is expected to provide a specific number of seats for undergraduate (B.Des) and postgraduate (M.Des) programs across its seven campuses for the academic year 2026. The total seat intake differs based on the course and the specific campus. The final seat matrix for NID 2026 admissions will be officially released along with the admission notification. The numbers are expected to be consistent with previous years. However, candidates are suggested to follow the official NID 2026 admission brochure for the exact distribution of seats based on subjects and colleges.

Courses Offered at NID Colleges in India 

NID offers an extensive array of undergraduate and postgraduate design programs. The Bachelor of Design (BDes) courses span four years, while the Master of Design (MDes) programs typically run for two years. Additionally, NID provides a PhD program in design.

NID Colleges in India B.Des Courses Offered

The Bachelor of Design (B.Des) is a comprehensive four-year undergraduate program that emphasizes design thinking, creative problem-solving, and technical expertise. Students delve deeply into design principles, explore diverse mediums, and gain practical experience through industry partnerships and internships. At the Ahmedabad Campus, NID provides B.Des programs in various fields, including:

B.Des. at NID Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Assam

These NID campuses offer Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs focused on creativity, innovation, and practical application of designs. Each institute provides specialized courses from different disciplines with a fixed seat intake per branch. The details of seat distribution are provided below:

B.Des Programs and Seat Intake Across Various Disciplines at NID

The NID Ahmedabad campus offers B.Des programs across multiple design faculties. Each specialization focuses on building technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills. The following table outlines the faculty-wise disciplines and corresponding seat intake for the B.Des programs at NID:

M.Des Courses Offered at NID Colleges in India

The Master of Design (M.Des) is a program spanning two and a half years, dedicated to specialization and advanced design concepts. Students need to get deep knowledge and understanding of their chosen field to get comprehensive insights through continuous study, conceptualization, and prototyping. This program aims to create future leaders in the design industry. The purpose is to equip them with a combination of creative prowess and strategic acumen. NID provides a multiple array of specializations, including:

PhD Courses at NID Colleges in India

In 2017, the National Institute of Design launched a doctoral program in Design as part of its ongoing commitment to Design Research. This program seeks to transcend the practical application of Design, which is extensively covered in its undergraduate and graduate programs, and delve into a more profound and comprehensive research exploration of previously unexplored aspects of Design. The PhD in Design at NID strives to foster profound reflection, inquiry, and rigor in the development and dissemination of novel ideas, expressions, and skills within Design and related disciplines. It aims to contribute fresh theories and insights to the realms of Design, Design Education, and Design practice.

Top NID colleges in India Fees Structure

The NID is recognised amongst the leading design institutions in India. The institute has maintained the standard of education and an efficient track record of placement. The fee structure for NID courses differs based on different parameters. These parameters include the nationality of the applicants, candidates from SAARC and African nations, and those from other different parts of the world.

NID College in India Fee for B.Des Programs

NID College in India provides Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs with different fees for different semesters. The fee structure includes tuition fees, other charges, hostel charges, and a deposit that is refundable. 

Fee Structure for Academic Years 2025-26 to 2028-29

Here is the description of the fee structure for B.Des programs at NID College in India.

Candidates are required to pay the NID tuition fee on a semester basis. However, the remaining components of the NID application fee should be paid annually.

NID College in India Fee for M.Des Programs

NID College in India offers Master of Design (M.Des) programs with a structured fee format for each semester. The fee includes tuition fees, other charges, hostel charges (if applicable), and a security deposit. Here is the fee structure for M.Des programs at NID College in India.

NID Colleges in India Admission Process

Admission to all NID programs depends upon the performance of the aspirants in the NID Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT). The NID admissions process happens in two stages, NID DAT Prelims and NID DAT Mains. NID DAT Prelims serve as the written entrance examination for admissions to BDes, GDPD, and MDes courses. Successful candidates from this phase proceed to NID DAT Mains, with a studio test and a personal interview.

The final NID DAT result combines 40% of the candidate's NID DAT Prelims score and 60% of the NID DAT Mains score. However, the percentage weightage may vary annually. Candidates can apply for the NID DAT through the official website at www.admissions.nid.edu. It is advisable for aspirants to have their documents readily available with them to streamline the application process and avoid hassles. 

The steps to apply to the NID DAT exam are as follows:

• Complete the registration process by filling application form, upload documents, and make the necessary payment.

• Fill the NID DAT Application Form: Provide essential details such as name, date of birth, address, contact information, academic qualifications, etc.

• Upload Documents: Upload a recent photograph, signature, passport, and caste certificate (if applicable).

• Pay the NID DAT Application Fee.

• Download and print the NID DAT application form for future reference.

NID Colleges in India Eligibility Criteria

To gain admission to NID colleges in India, aspiring designers should fulfill the eligibility criteria of the Institute. The eligibility criteria of institutes may vary based on different programmes.

Here are the general eligibility requirements:

• BDes Course: Candidates should have either completed or be in the process of completing their higher secondary (10+2) qualification from a recognised board such as CBSE, ISC, or State Boards. The maximum age limit for the general category is 20 years with a possible three-year extension for reserved categories.

• For M.Des: Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree with a minimum duration of four years in any specialisation. Candidates with a three-year Bachelor’s degree may also apply. 

• For PhD in Design: Candidates must hold a master's degree in design or a related field from a recognized university. Additionally, they should have at least three years of relevant professional or teaching experience.

Placements at NID Colleges in India

NID graduates are in high demand among employers due to their exceptional design proficiency and creativity. The institute boasts excellent placement opportunities. The NID placement session for 2024 concluded in March, with an average salary package of INR 21.30 LPA. A total of 124 companies, including industry giants like Google, Microsoft, Wipro, VIP Industries, and Trident Group, participated in the placement drive, resulting in a placement rate of 90% for students. Product design, graphic design, and interior design emerged as the most sought-after sectors among NID graduates.

NID colleges in India stand as leading establishments, nurturing a cadre of design visionaries. Their commitment to excellence across different fields of design, solution-oriented approach, and partnerships with industries help aspirants to seek a positive future in the industry.

Top Recruiters at NID Colleges in India 2025

Top recruiters at NID (National Institute of Design) colleges in India in 2025 will include leading companies from various sectors such as design, fashion, technology, and manufacturing. These companies search for NID graduates for their innovative skills and design expertise.

Recruiters include renowned design firms, multinational corporations, and startups that are looking for creative talent. Strong industry connections and the reputation of NID ensure that its graduates are highly sought after in the job market. The NID faculties train and prepare students for interviews and group discussions.

The list of top companies who are expected to participate in 2025 NID placements is given below:

NID students are adaptive and able to tackle the design challenges in both India and the global arena whether it is about shaping the trajectory of products, graphic elements, or user interactions.  Explore our online design courses available on Design Crash Course 2026 Batch to unlock your creativity and master skills. Our courses provide flexible learning with instructions, empowering you to pursue your passion and advance your career in design.