NID Ahmedabad: Courses Offered, Fee Structure, Placements, Campus, Culture & More

The National Institute of Design (NID) is India’s premier design school. The Government of India established it in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in 1961. Since 2003, NID has been accredited  by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA). NID Ahmedabad is a public institution administered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry—it’s a hub of creativity, innovation, and cultural expression. The institute offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral design programs across disciplines like Industrial Design, Communication Design, Textile & Apparel Design, and more. NID Ahmedabad attracts some of the brightest creative minds across India and abroad. However, life at NID Ahmedabad goes far beyond academics—it’s a blend of cultural richness, peer collaboration, and endless opportunities to grow as a designer and an individual. NID Ahmedabad boasts top recruiters like IBM, Microsoft, TCS, Infosys, Cognizant, Samsung, and others with an average package ranging from Rs. 8 to 18 LPA depending on the course and portfolio strength. 

NID Ahmedabad Campus Overview

The NID Ahmedabad campus is located in the vibrant city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Spread over 37 acres, the campus is a blend of modern architecture and natural beauty, offering an inspiring environment for creativity and learning. The campus houses state-of-the-art facilities, including design studios, workshops, libraries, and computer labs, ensuring that students have access to all the resources they need to excel.

Key Features of the NID Ahmedabad Campus

1.    Design Studios: Equipped with the latest tools and technology, the design studios provide students with hands-on experience in various design disciplines.

2.    Workshops: Specialized workshops for different materials like wood, metal, and textiles allow students to experiment and bring their ideas to life.

3.    Library: The NID library is a treasure trove of design books, journals, and digital resources, supporting students in their research and projects.

4.    Student Hostels: On-campus accommodation is available for students, fostering a vibrant community life.

5.    Recreational Facilities: The campus also offers sports facilities, a gym, and spaces for cultural activities, ensuring overall development.

NID Ahmedabad Courses Offered

National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad courses are offered at the UG and PG levels. These include B.Des, M.Des and Ph.D. Admission to these courses is subject to the fulfilment of the preset eligibility and selection criteria, which vary depending on the choice of course.

NID Ahmedabad B.Des Course

NID Ahmedabad admission to B.Des is subject to a valid score in the entrance exam along with the fulfillment of the minimum eligibility criteria set by the Institute. Candidates with valid eligibility criteria can register and fill out the online application form available on the NID’s official website www.nid.edu. 

Eligibility Criteria: To apply for the B.Des course, candidates must pass the class 12th in any stream.

Selection Criteria: NID DAT exam – DAT Prelims (40% weightage) + DAT Mains (60% weightage)

B.Des Specialization with Seat Intake: 

Specialization	Seat Intake
Graphic Design	19
Furniture & Interior Design	13
Product Design	19
Film & Video Communication	13
Exhibition Design	13
Textile Design	19
Animation Film Design	19
Ceramic & Glass Design	13

NID Ahmedabad M.Des Course

NID Ahmedabad MDes programme is a postgraduate level programme that lasts for two and a half years. Admission to this course is based on NID entrance exam. Candidates with valid eligibility criteria can register and fill out the online application form available on the NID’s official website www.nid.edu.

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must pass in bachelor’s degree of a minimum of four-year duration in any stream or a full-time diploma of four-year duration in Design, Fine Arts, Applied Arts, and Architecture or a three-year bachelor’s degree is required to apply for an MDes course. Additionally, candidates must be born on or after July 1, 1992 (July 1, 1989 for SC/ ST).

Selection Criteria: NID DAT Prelims (30% weightage) + NID DAT Mains (70% weightage, including studio test- 40% and interview- 30%)

M.Des Specialization with Seat Intake

Specialization	Seat Intake
Ceramic & Glass Design	12
Furniture & Interior Design	19
Product Design	19
Textile Design	19
Animation Film Design	19
Film & Video Communication	19
Graphic Design	19

NID Ahmedabad Ph.D Course

PhD is offered for a minimum of three-year and maximum of five-year duration in full-time and parttime mode. Admission to the course is based on Design Research Test (DRT). Candidates with valid eligibility criteria can register and fill out the online application form available on the NID’s official website www.nid.edu.

Eligibility Criteria: A pass in master’s degree in Design or PG Diploma in Design or Master’s degree in Architecture or Fine Arts or Applied Arts with at least 55% aggregate or it equivalent grade ‘B’ or bachelor’s degree in Design from NID is required to apply for PhD course. 

Selection Criteria: Proposal screening and interview (80%) + DRT (20%)

Ph.D Seat Intake: Part-time 8, Full-time 5

NID Ahmedabad Fee Structure

Aspiring students wishing to join NID Ahmedabad are required to pay a certain amount as fees. NID Ahmedabad fee structure for all courses consists of various components, namely tuition, security deposit, and hostel fee, etc. Among these components, some are to be paid only once during NID Ahmedabad admission, while the remaining are charged according to the fee guidelines. NID Ahmedabad fee ranges between INR 12,22,500 – 16,84,000.

NID Ahemedabad B.Des Fees

The NID Ahmedabad B.Des course is offered at a total tuition fee of INR 16,84,000. Candidates who are shortlisted after the NID Ahmedabad admission process are eligible to pay the course fee and secure a seat in the B.Des for the latest admission session. Below is the fee breakup for B.Des course at NID Ahmedabad:

Fee Component	Amount (For 4 years)
Tuition Fees	Rs. 16.84 L
Hostel Fees	Rs. 1.05 L
One-time Payment	Rs. 10 K
Other Fees	Rs. 4.8 K
Total B.Des Fees	Rs. 18.04 L

NID Ahmedabad M.Des Fees

M.Des course offered by the NID Ahmedabad is a 2.5 years course. Candidates seeking admission to this course need to adhere to the steps of NID Ahmedabad admission process. Here, M.Des is offered to candidates for a tuition fee of INR 12,22,500. Below is the fee breakup for NID Ahmedabad M.Des course:

Fee Component	Amount (For 2.5 years)
Tuition Fees	Rs. 12.22 L
Hostel Fees	Rs. 87.5 K
One-time Payment	Rs. 10 K
Other Fees	Rs. 2.4 K
Total M.Des Fees	Rs. 13.22 L

NID Ahmedabad Admission Process

Admission to National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad is extremely challenging and is based on a tough selection process. The NID Entrance Test is a national-level entrance exam determining NID admission. The NID DAT is conducted by NID every year in June.  

To get admission into India’s top premier design college, NID Ahmedabad, applicants must complete the following steps: 

1. NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT): All candidates must appear for the DAT, which evaluates their aptitude for design, creativity, visualization skills, and problem-solving abilities. The DAT consists of both written and practical tests. .

2. NID Studio Test and Interview: Shortlisted candidates from the DAT are invited to appear for the NID Studio Test and Interview round. This stage assesses the candidate’s hands-on design skills, conceptual thinking, and ability to articulate their ideas. 

3. Portfolio Review: Applicants must submit their portfolio, demonstrating their best work and creative abilities. The portfolio reflects the applicant’s design sensibilities and helps the selection committee evaluate their potential. 

4. Final Merit List: Based on the performance in the DAT, studio Test, personal interview, and portfolio review, a final merit list is prepared. Passed applicants are offered admission to their preferred program based on their rank in the merit list. 

NID Ahmedabad Admission Criteria

To apply for the desired course in online mode, follow the step-wise NID Ahmedabad application process given below: 

• Step 1: Visit the official website using www.nid.edu. 
• Step 2: Click on the NID registration link available on the home page. 
• Step 3: Register with the basic details to generate login credentials. 
• Step 4: Log in to complete the NID application form and upload the documents. 
• Step 5: Pay the NID application fee and submit the form. 

Documents required for filling NID application form

• Scanned passport-size photograph and signature. 
• Caste certificate issued by a competent authority (if required). 
• Category certificate (if required). 
• Disability certificate issued by a competent authority (if required). 

NID Ahmedabad Placement

The NID Ahmedabad average package for BDes and MDes courses has not been disclosed for the recent placement drives. However, the highest and lowest packages for 2024 placements have been released. 

As per the NID placement report for 2024, a total of 620 job offers were made during the placement season. The highest package offered was INR 30 LPA, average package was INR 21.3 LPA and the lowest package stood at INR 4 LPA. Notable companies that participated in the placements included Adobe, Deloitte, Cognizant, Hindustan Unilever, and Microsoft. 

During the National Institute of Design Ahmedabad 2024 placement drive, Microsoft offered jobs to around 30 students. Recruitment has occurred in experimental design, universal design, social communication, service industries, enhanced learning, craft design, green design, etc.  

Student Culture at NID Ahmedabad

Life at NID Ahemdabad is as vibrant and diverse as the students who makes it. Students came from all the corners of the Indiaand bring their unique cultural experiences and diversity, which reflects in their designing abilities and everyday interactions. A typical day at NID Ahemdabad involves classes, field visits, group discussions, hands-on projects, and late night brainstorming sessions. 

Events and festivals form an essential part of NID Ahmedabad campus life, some are mentioned below:

1. “Dhoom Macha De”: The annual cultural fest at NID Ahmedabad campus featuring music, drama, dance, fashion shows, and more.
2. Design Day: A platform was provided to students where they exhibit their designing projects.
3. Workshops by International Designers, Alumni interactions, and theme-based exhibitions.
4. Clubs & Committees: Students are actively involved in clubs focusing on photography, music, film, fine arts, sports, and entrepreneurship.

The academic intensity at NID Ahmedabad is well-balanced with these cultural activities that helps students to stay inspired, consistent, and keep them motivated throughout.

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