The National Institute of Design (NID) is one of the most prestigious design institutions in India, offering undergraduate and postgraduate design programs. Every year, thousands of aspiring designers apply for admission to NID through its entrance exam known as the Design Aptitude Test (DAT), which consists of two stages – NID Prelims and NID Mains. Understanding the NID Prelims fee structure is crucial for applicants planning to appear for the exam, especially those applying from Delhi or nearby regions. Below is a detailed explanation of the fee structure, payment process, and other essential details for the NID Prelims Delhi.
Before exploring the fee details, it is important to understand that NID Prelims is the first stage of the NID DAT exam. It is conducted for admission to the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs across NID campuses. The Prelims test evaluates a candidate’s creativity, observation, visualization, and problem-solving skills. Only those who qualify in the Prelims are shortlisted for the NID Mains, which involves studio tests and personal interviews.
The NID Prelims exam for Delhi applicants is the same as for candidates across India. The application and fee payment processes are conducted online through the NID admissions portal. The fee structure varies depending on the category of the candidate, program applied for, and whether the candidate belongs to India or an international category.
The application fee for NID Prelims (B.Des) differs according to the category:
General Category: ₹3,000
General EWS (Economically Weaker Section): ₹3,000
OBC-NCL (Other Backward Class – Non-Creamy Layer): ₹3,000
SC/ST Category: ₹1,500
PwD (Persons with Disabilities): ₹1,500
Foreign Nationals / Overseas Category: ₹5,000
These fees include charges for appearing in the NID Prelims. Candidates who qualify for the next stage will need to pay separately for the NID Mains.
Candidates applying for the M.Des program can apply for a maximum of two disciplines. The NID Prelims fee for M.Des varies depending on the number of disciplines chosen:
General / General EWS / OBC-NCL: ₹3,000 (for one discipline) | ₹6,000 (for two disciplines)
SC / ST / PwD: ₹1,500 (for one discipline) | ₹3,000 (for two disciplines)
Overseas Category: ₹5,000 (for one discipline) | ₹10,000 (for two disciplines)
This structure ensures that candidates pay proportionally based on the number of programs they wish to apply for.
Candidates can pay the NID Prelims fee online through the official admission portal using:
Debit card
Credit card
Net banking
Offline payments such as Demand Draft are usually not accepted. The online payment gateway ensures quick and secure transactions, which are immediately reflected in the candidate’s application status.
Once the payment is made successfully, candidates must download the payment receipt and check their application status on the official website. Only applications with completed payment and uploaded documents are considered valid. Incomplete forms or failed payments lead to rejection without refund.
If a candidate wishes to make corrections in the application after submission, NID generally opens a correction window for a limited period. During this phase, certain fields can be edited without any extra fee. However, changes in category or program might affect the total payable fee, and the candidate may need to pay the difference accordingly.
The NID Prelims fee is non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances. Even if a candidate withdraws their application or fails to appear for the exam, the paid fee will not be refunded.
Applicants must ensure they select the correct category while applying. Providing false information about category (for example, applying under SC/ST without a valid certificate) may result in disqualification and forfeiture of the fee.
It is important to note that the NID Prelims fee covers only the first stage of the exam. Once a candidate qualifies for the Mains, an additional NID Mains fee has to be paid to complete the next step of the selection process.
As per NID’s guidelines, reserved categories such as SC, ST, and PwD enjoy a 50% concession on the application fee. This makes the exam more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
For foreign nationals or overseas category students, the fee is comparatively higher. This fee difference is due to the additional administrative and verification processes involved in handling international applications.
Typically, the NID Prelims application process begins around September or October, and the exam is held in December or January. Candidates are advised to complete the payment process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues. The admit cards for NID Prelims are released approximately two to three weeks before the exam date.
Understanding the fee structure in advance helps candidates:
Plan their application budget efficiently.
Avoid last-minute payment errors.
Ensure they pay the correct amount for their respective category and program.
Be prepared for the Mains stage financially.
It also reflects a professional approach toward the design entrance process, which is highly competitive and requires both preparation and timely submission.
To summarize, the NID Prelims fee in Delhi is the same as that across India since NID follows a centralized application system. The fee ranges from ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 for Indian candidates, depending on their category, and up to ₹5,000 for overseas applicants. For M.Des aspirants applying for two disciplines, the total fee doubles accordingly. Candidates must ensure timely payment, correct category selection, and completion of the online form to secure their eligibility for the exam. Being informed about the NID Prelims fee structure helps aspirants manage their application smoothly and stay focused on preparing for one of the most respected design entrance tests in the country.
