NID DAT Merit List 2026, Weightage of Prelims and Mains Exam

NID DAT Merit List 2026 will be released after the declaration of the final NID DAT result 2026 on the official website. The NID DAT merit list 2026 will be prepared based on the combined scores of the NID DAT Prelims and Mains examinations. The merit list will be released category-wise, including ranks for the General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, and PwD categories. Candidates whose names appear on the merit list are eligible for the subsequent NID DAT admission process. Qualified candidates get admission to the UG and PG design courses like BDes, BFTech, and MDes programs. 

NID DAT Merit List 2026 Overview

NID DAT merit list 2026 ensures fair representation across all categories. Candidates need to qualify both the NID DAT Prelims and Mains entrance exams with merit scores to get shortlisted in the NID DAT merit list 2026. Shortlisted candidates then complete their admission process before the deadline to confirm their seats. For a quick reference, candidates can review the following table for the NID DAT merit list 2026. 

How is NID DAT Merit List Prepared?

NID DAT merit list 2026 will be prepared based on the candidates’ cumulative performance in NID DAT Prelims and Mains exams. Separate weightage is given to Prelims and Mains exams for both BDes and MDes design courses. Candidates must qualify in the Prelims to appear for the Mains exam. 

 Separate NID DAT merit lists are created for different categories, such as General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, and PwD. How the NID DAT merit list is prepared is explained below for your reference. 

How to Download NID DAT Merit List?

Candidates who have appeared in both the NID DAT Prelims and Mains exams will be included in the final NID DAT merit list 2026. To download the NID DAT Merit List 2026, candidates need to visit the official NID admissions website. Here’s how to download the NID DAT merit list using the following steps. 

• Go to the admission portal of the NID at admissions.nid.edu. 
• On the homepage, look for the link titled “NID DAT 2025 Merit List” and click on it.
• Enter your registered email address along with your date of birth or application number to log in. 
• Once you have logged in, the “NID DAT Merit List 2026” will appear as a PDF on the screen. 
• Download the PDF and save it for further admission process. 

Details Mentioned on NID DAT Merit List 2026

NID DAT merit list includes the following essential details, ensuring the ranking and eligibility status of candidates. In case of any discrepancy, candidates must report it to the respective authorities within the given time frame. 

• Candidate’s name and roll number
• Category and sub-category (such as General, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD, and Overseas)
• Sectional scores for DAT Prelims and DAT Mains
• Overall score (combined, as per the prescribed weightage for Prelims and Mains)
• Overall merit rank and category-wise merit rank
• Course or specialization applied for
• Cut-off marks for each category and course

Types of NID DAT Merit List 2026

NID DAT merit list will be published in two stages, namely NID DAT Prelims and Mains, respectively. Based on the aggregate performance in both stages. The NID DAT merit list is prepared. The two types of NID DAT merit list 2026 are explained below. 

• DAT Prelims Merit List: This list is created based on the candidates' scores in the Prelims exam. Shortlisted candidates qualify to appear for the DAT Mains exam. However, the Prelims merit list is not used for counseling or seat allocation.
• DAT Mains Merit List: NID DAT Mains merit list is the final list to shortlist candidates for the seat allotment and counseling process. It is prepared separately for each category and includes only those who have appeared for the NID DAT Mains 2026. Candidates who miss the Mains will not be included in the final merit list, which ultimately decides admission to the B.Des and M.Des programs.

NID DAT 2026 Counselling

NID DAT 2026 counselling is a centralized process for admission to UG and PG design courses across various NID campuses. Candidates whose names appear on the NID DAT merit list are invited for the NID DAT 2026 counselling and seat allotment process. The process requires candidates who have qualified the entrance exam to submit their campus and course preferences, participate in seat allotment based on merit and availability, and complete necessary formalities such as document verification and fee payment.