NMIMS DAT 2026: Phase 3 Merit List Expected June 23, Eligibility, Exam Pattern and B.Des Admission

NMIMS DAT 2026 (NMIMS Design Aptitude Test) is the official entrance exam conducted by SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies for admission to its 4-year B.Des Humanising Technology programme at NMIMS School of Design, Mumbai. The exam runs across three phases, and as of June 23, 2026, the Phase 3 merit list is scheduled to be declared today.

Source: ndat.nmims.edu

Latest Updates — June 23, 2026:

• Phase 3 Merit List: The NMIMS DAT 2026 Phase 3 result is scheduled to be declared on June 23, 2026 (today) on the official portal ndat.nmims.edu. Phase 1 result was declared on March 20, 2026 and Phase 2 on May 15, 2026.
• Document Upload & Fee Payment: Candidates shortlisted in Phase 3 must upload required documents and pay the admission fee between June 24–28, 2026. This 5-day window is non-extendable — failing to act means forfeiting the allotted seat.
• Programme Commencement: The NMIMS B.Des 2026–27 batch is scheduled to begin on July 3, 2026. The AICTE-approved 4-year programme carries a total fee of approximately Rs. 20 lakhs (around Rs. 5 lakhs per year).
• Final Admission Deadline: All admission formalities for NMIMS DAT 2026 must be completed by July 19, 2026. Seats not confirmed by this date will not be offered to any candidate.

What is NMIMS DAT 2026?

NMIMS DAT stands for NMIMS Design Aptitude Test. It is a university-level entrance exam conducted by SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), a deemed-to-be university recognised under the UGC Act. NMIMS DAT is the sole admission pathway to the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) Humanising Technology programme at NMIMS School of Design (NMIMS SOD), Mumbai. The programme is AICTE-approved and the only undergraduate design course at NMIMS.

The B.Des Humanising Technology is a 4-year degree that places human experience at the centre of technology-driven product design. Students learn to apply design thinking to emerging technologies including Virtual Reality (VR), Internet of Things (IoT), and cognitive science-based product design — making NMIMS SOD one of the few design schools in India that sits directly at the intersection of design and cutting-edge technology.

NMIMS DAT 2026 is held in three phases — Phase 1 in March, Phase 2 in May, and Phase 3 in June — giving design aspirants multiple attempts to qualify within a single admission cycle. Each phase runs its own registration, admit card, exam, and merit list. Selection is merit-based: candidates are ranked on cumulative performance across all components, and seats are allotted phase by phase until all 30 seats are filled.

NMIMS DAT 2026: Key Highlights

Source: ndat.nmims.edu — NMIMS DAT Official Portal

NMIMS DAT 2026 Important Dates (All Phases)

NMIMS DAT 2026 runs in three independent phases, each with its own timeline. All three phases have now concluded their exams. Today — June 23, 2026 — is the Phase 3 result day, followed by a 5-day window for document upload and fee payment. The table below shows all events with upcoming milestones first and completed events below.

All three phases share the same programme commencement date (July 3, 2026) and admission closure date (July 19, 2026). Registrations for 2026–27 are fully closed.

NMIMS DAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

NMIMS DAT 2026 is open to students from all academic streams — Science, Commerce, Arts, and Vocational. Before applying for any future phase or batch, make sure you meet all conditions below. NMIMS verifies eligibility during document submission, and any mismatch can lead to cancellation of admission even after the merit list is published.

Academic and Age Requirements

• Qualifying Exam: You must have passed Class 10+2 or an equivalent examination from any recognised board in any stream. There is no subject-specific restriction.
• Minimum Marks: You must have secured a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in Class 12. Students currently appearing for boards can also apply; they must meet the 50% condition before admission confirmation.
• Age Limit: Your age must not exceed 25 years at the time of application.

Eligibility for IB Diploma and UCEED Candidates

• IB Diploma holders are eligible if they have completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme with a minimum of 24 credits, including at least 3 Higher Level (HL) and 3 Standard Level (SL) subjects cleared.
• Candidates with a valid UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design) score are also accepted as an alternative admission pathway to the B.Des programme.

How to Apply for NMIMS DAT 2026

The NMIMS DAT application process is fully online through the official portal ndat.nmims.edu. The exam runs in three phases, each requiring a separate registration and fee payment. All three phases for the 2026–27 batch have now closed. The following steps will remain the same for future admission cycles.

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Step 1 – New Registration: Visit ndat.nmims.edu and click "New Registration." Create your account with your name, email address, and mobile number. You will receive login credentials on your registered email.
• Step 2 – Fill the Application Form: Log in and complete the application form with personal details, academic information, and preferred exam phase.
• Step 3 – Upload Documents: Upload a recent scanned photograph, signature, and academic documents (Class 10 and 12 marksheets) in the format and size specified by the portal.
• Step 4 – Pay the Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable application fee of Rs. 2,000 via net banking, debit card, or credit card. Each phase you apply to requires a separate Rs. 2,000 payment.
• Step 5 – Submit and Download Confirmation: Submit the completed form and download the application confirmation slip. Keep it saved for future reference.

NMIMS DAT 2026 Application Fee

The NMIMS DAT application fee of Rs. 2,000 is non-refundable. Do not register unless you are sure you meet the eligibility criteria and can appear for the exam in the chosen phase.

NMIMS DAT 2026 Syllabus

There is no single prescribed textbook for NMIMS DAT. The syllabus covers two areas: aptitude-based MCQs in Part A and sketching-based design challenges in Part B. Understanding the specific topic areas tested in each component helps you direct your preparation efficiently.

Studio Test Part A — MCQ Topics (40 marks):

• Visual and Spatial Ability: Shape recognition, proportions, 2D and 3D transformations, figure rotations, mirror images, paper folding, and 3D views.
• Environmental and Social Awareness: Design problems in everyday life, social context of design, sustainability, and how design shapes communities and environments.
• Logical Reasoning: Sequences, series completion, pattern recognition, analogy-based questions, and odd-one-out identification.
• Observation and Memory: Memory-based visual recall questions, spot-the-difference tasks, and questions testing attention to visual detail.

Studio Test Part B — Design Challenge Topics (60 marks):

• Design Thinking and Ideation: Generate three distinct solutions for an open-ended design problem. Evaluators look for diversity of ideas and lateral thinking.
• Freehand Sketching and Annotation: Develop your best idea into a clear annotated sketch. Annotations explaining materials, user benefit, and functionality are equally important as the drawing itself.
• Problem-solving under Time Pressure: 40 minutes for two complete challenges — speed, clarity, and confident linework under pressure are core skills tested.

NMIMS DAT 2026 Portfolio Requirements

The portfolio is submitted physically on exam day and evaluated as part of the overall selection. Key requirements are:

• Minimum 5 pages (A3 size or a standard art portfolio format)
• Pages 1, 2, and 3: Candidate’s choice — drawings, paintings, photography, digital art, collage, craft, or design projects that best represent your creative ability and visual thinking
• Page 4: Must show Product Sketching — a detailed hand-drawn sketch of a real product showing form, proportion, and detail (for example, a chair, gadget, or vehicle)
• Page 5: Must show Rapid Sketching — quick gestural sketches demonstrating your ability to communicate design ideas fast and clearly

Handmade drawings, watercolour paintings, and pencil sketches are all accepted. Organise your portfolio in a simple spiral-bound or clip-bound format that is easy for the panel to flip through quickly. Avoid bulky plastic folders or laminated covers.

NMIMS DAT 2026 Admit Card

The NMIMS DAT admit card is officially called the Call Letter. A separate Call Letter is issued for each phase on the official portal about 7–10 days before the exam. All three phases of NMIMS DAT 2026 have completed their exams; the Call Letters for all phases have already been issued and used.

Call Letter release and exam dates for NMIMS DAT 2026 were:

• Phase 1: Call Letter issued March 3, 2026 | Exam March 13, 2026 (Completed)
• Phase 2: Call Letter issued April 27, 2026 | Exam May 5, 2026 (Completed)
• Phase 3: Call Letter issued June 10, 2026 | Exam June 19, 2026 (Completed)

For future NMIMS DAT cycles, to download the Call Letter:

• Visit ndat.nmims.edu and log in with your registered email ID and password.
• Go to your candidate dashboard and click "Download Call Letter."
• Download and take a printout — the Call Letter is mandatory for entry into the exam hall.

On exam day, carry your printed Call Letter, an original government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, or passport), your physical portfolio (minimum 5 pages), and all required drawing materials (A3 cartridge paper, pencils, erasers, coloured pencils, sketch pens). Reach the centre at least 30 minutes before the reporting time printed on your Call Letter.

NMIMS School of Design: Courses and Placement Record

NMIMS School of Design (NMIMS SOD) is part of SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, located at the NMIMS main campus in Vile Parle West, Mumbai. It is AICTE-approved and one of the few design schools in India that integrates design education directly with emerging technology. NMIMS SOD has been ranked 4th among the best design schools in India by Career360.

Programme Offered Through NMIMS DAT

The B.Des Humanising Technology trains students to design products, interfaces, and systems where technology serves human needs intuitively. The programme’s three specialisation tracks are:

• Virtual Reality (VR) Design: Designing immersive experiences and interactive VR environments for gaming, education, and healthcare.
• Internet of Things (IoT) Product Design: Designing smart, connected physical products with a focus on usability and human-technology interaction.
• Cognitive Science-Based Product Design: Using insights from psychology and human cognition to design more intuitive products and interfaces.

The programme includes a mandatory 5-month paid internship, and with only 30 students per batch, each student receives close faculty mentorship in a studio-intensive learning environment.

NMIMS School of Design Placement Record

NMIMS SOD has achieved 100% placement for three consecutive graduating batches. The B.Des Humanising Technology programme’s alignment with India’s fast-growing tech sector means demand for its graduates consistently outpaces the batch size.

Top hiring sectors: EdTech, Gaming, Digital Media, IT Services, and Design Consulting. Career roles include UX/UI Designer, Interaction Designer, Product Designer, HCI Researcher, and User Experience Professional.

NMIMS School of Design Contact Information

NMIMS DAT 2026 Preparation Tips

Preparing for NMIMS DAT requires a combination of creative and analytical readiness. You need to be strong in visual aptitude MCQs, creative sketching under time pressure, portfolio curation, and confident interview communication. The following preparation strategy applies to the NMIMS DAT exam for this cycle and future attempts.

1. Build and Refine Your Portfolio Early

The portfolio is one of the most visible and differentiating components of the NMIMS DAT evaluation. Start collecting and organising your best work — drawings, paintings, photographs, digital designs, and craft projects — at least 2–3 months before the exam date. For pages 4 and 5, specifically practise product sketching and rapid gestural sketching since these are mandatory. A portfolio that shows range, originality, and real thinking scores far better than polished-but-generic work.

2. Sketch Every Day Without Exception

Studio Test Part B is time-constrained — 40 minutes for two complete design challenges. Without daily sketching practice, even strong thinkers run out of time on exam day. Set a daily sketching routine of 30–45 minutes. Draw household objects, public spaces, vehicles, and imaginary product concepts from multiple angles. The goal is developing both speed and visual clarity at the same time.

3. Strengthen Visual and Spatial Reasoning for Part A

Part A covers mirror images, 3D shape recognition, pattern completion, and figure rotation. Practise MCQs from NID DAT and NIFT GAT study materials — these exams test similar visual reasoning skills and the practice problems are widely available. Aim for at least 20–30 such questions daily until the concepts become automatic.

4. Build Design Awareness and General Knowledge

General Knowledge about design appears in Part A. Read about iconic designs and products, famous designers (Charles Eames, Dieter Rams, Jony Ive), influential design movements (Bauhaus, Art Deco, Scandinavian Design), and current trends in UX and sustainable design. This knowledge also strengthens your Personal Interview, where faculty may ask about your design influences or opinions on real-world design challenges.

5. Prepare for the Personal Interview Thoughtfully

The PI is a genuine design conversation, not a test of how much you have memorised. Be ready to walk the faculty panel through each piece in your portfolio — explain why you made it, what design problem it solves, and what you would change now. Also be prepared to discuss why you want to study the B.Des Humanising Technology programme specifically and what draws you to NMIMS SOD. Practice mock interviews with mentors or peers before exam day.

6. Practise with Your Actual Exam Materials

You must carry your own drawing materials — A3 cartridge paper, HB/2B and 4B/6B pencils, erasers, sketch pens, and coloured pencils. Scales are not allowed. Practise all your design challenge sketches using these exact materials so you are fully comfortable with how they perform under pressure. Do not wait until exam day to discover how HB versus 4B looks on cartridge paper.