New Delhi, India – Seven students mentored by Creative Edge by Toprankers have secured a place in the Mains round of the National Institute of Design (NID) Postgraduate (PG) 2026 entrance examination, marking a significant achievement for the coaching institute and its students. The results, announced earlier this week, underscore the growing competitiveness of India’s design education landscape and the increasing demand for specialized design skills.
The students – Vikash, Apurba, Mouly, Radhika, Ayush, Anjali, and Tamanna – will now proceed to the next stage of the NID PG admissions process, which includes a studio test, portfolio review, and interview. Their specializations span a diverse range of design disciplines, including Animation Film Design, Textile Design, Universal Design, and New Media Design, reflecting the breadth of NID’s postgraduate programs.
Creative Edge attributes its success to a holistic preparation methodology that extends beyond traditional syllabus coverage. The institute emphasizes strengthening design fundamentals, building a compelling portfolio narrative tailored to each student’s chosen specialization, and providing intensive studio simulations designed to replicate the pressures of the NID entrance exam.
“This result is not just about clearing a stage,” a spokesperson for Creative Edge stated. “It reflects months of disciplined studio practice, portfolio refinement, design thinking exercises, and one-on-one mentorship that define our preparation ecosystem for NID PG aspirants.”
The NID, established in 1961, is widely regarded as one of India’s premier design institutions. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a variety of design disciplines, and its graduates are highly sought after by leading companies in India and abroad. The institute currently operates campuses in Ahmedabad, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam.
The NID entrance exam, known as the Design Aptitude Test (DAT), is a notoriously competitive examination, attracting over 20,000 applicants annually for a limited number of seats. The 2026 Prelims exam, held on , saw a significant shift in format, removing the General Aptitude Test (GAT) section and focusing solely on the Creative Aptitude Test (CAT). This change, according to sources familiar with the exam, aims to place greater emphasis on a candidate’s inherent creative abilities and design thinking skills.
The DAT Mains round, which these seven students have now qualified for, is a more rigorous assessment of a candidate’s practical skills and design sensibility. The studio test requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to solve design problems under time constraints, while the portfolio review assesses the quality and originality of their previous work. The final interview provides an opportunity for candidates to articulate their design philosophy and demonstrate their passion for the field.
Creative Edge’s success comes amidst a growing trend of specialized coaching centers catering to the increasing demand for design education in India. The institute offers both online and offline coaching programs for NID, NIFT, UCEED, CEED, JEE BArch, and NATA exams, providing students with a comprehensive range of resources and support.
The institute’s approach focuses on fostering a “designer mindset” – cultivating critical thinking, visual storytelling, and problem-solving abilities that are essential for success in the evolving design industry. Mentorship plays a crucial role, with experienced faculty providing personalized guidance and feedback to each student.
The NID PG 2026 admissions process is expected to conclude with the announcement of final results and counseling sessions in the coming months. The successful candidates will join a vibrant community of designers and innovators at the National Institute of Design, contributing to India’s growing design ecosystem.
As the seven students from Creative Edge prepare for the Mains round, the institute remains committed to supporting their journey, refining their portfolios, and strengthening their design narratives. The ultimate goal, according to Creative Edge, is not simply to prepare students for an exam, but to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a dynamic and competitive design landscape.
