NID DAT 2027: Registration Open Till Nov 30, Prelims Dec 20

NID DAT 2027 registration is open at admissions.nid.edu till November 30, 2026. The National Institute of Design conducts this exam every year to select students for B.Des and M.Des programs. The DAT Prelims will be held on December 20, 2026 across multiple cities in India.

What is NID DAT 2027?

NID DAT stands for National Institute of Design Design Aptitude Test. The National Institute of Design is a premier design institution run by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It is among the best design schools in India and Asia.

The NID DAT 2027 is a two-stage national-level exam. It is the gateway for B.Des and M.Des admissions at NID campuses across India. This year, NID has also introduced a new 5.5-year Integrated M.Des program, which is a significant change for 2027-28 admissions.

NID DAT tests your design aptitude, drawing skills, visual thinking, and creative ability. It does not test theoretical subjects. You need strong observation skills, imagination, and an eye for design to do well.

  • Exam Full Form: National Institute of Design Design Aptitude Test
  • Conducting Body: National Institute of Design (NID)
  • Official Website: admissions.nid.edu
  • Exam Level: National
  • Exam Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper)
  • Programs Offered: B.Des (4-year), M.Des (2.5-year), Integrated M.Des (5.5-year, new)
  • Total B.Des Seats: Around 428 seats across 5 campuses
  • Total M.Des Seats: Around 328 seats across 3 campuses
  • DAT Prelims Date: December 20, 2026 (Sunday)
  • Stages: Two stages — DAT Prelims and DAT Mains
NID DAT 2027 Exam Overview and Key Highlights

Image Source: NID Official Admissions Portal

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NID DAT 2027 Registration: Last Date November 30

The NID DAT 2027 registration started on September 10, 2026. You can apply online at the official portal admissions.nid.edu. The last date to submit the form is November 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

The NID DAT 2027 registration deadline is November 30, 2026. Do not miss this date. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

A correction window will open from December 1 to December 3, 2026. You can use this to fix any errors in your submitted form. However, you cannot change your program preference or category during the correction window.

Steps to Fill NID DAT 2027 Application Form

The NID DAT 2027 application is fully online. You should complete all steps before November 30, 2026.

  1. Visit the official website at admissions.nid.edu
  2. Click on "New Registration" and create your account using your email ID
  3. Log in and fill in your personal and contact details
  4. Enter your academic qualification details (Class 10, Class 12, or Graduation)
  5. Upload required documents in the prescribed format (photo, signature, certificates)
  6. Select your preferred exam city for the Prelims
  7. Choose the programs you are applying for (B.Des or M.Des or both)
  8. Pay the application fee through net banking, debit card, or credit card
  9. Submit the form and download the confirmation page for your records

Documents Required for NID DAT 2027 Application

  • Photograph: Recent passport-size photo in JPEG format (white background)
  • Signature: Scanned copy of your signature on white paper
  • Class 10 Certificate: For date of birth verification
  • Class 12 Marksheet or Appearing Certificate: Required for B.Des applicants
  • Graduation Degree or Appearing Certificate: Required for M.Des applicants
  • Category Certificate: For candidates applying under SC, ST, or OBC-NCL
  • EWS Certificate: For Economically Weaker Section candidates
  • PwD Certificate: If applicable

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NID DAT 2027 Important Dates

The NID DAT 2027 important dates cover the full exam lifecycle from registration to counselling. You should save these dates and set reminders for each deadline.

NID DAT 2027 Official Notification and Important Dates

Image Source: NID Official Admissions Portal

Event Date
NID DAT 2027 Registration Start Date September 10, 2026
NID DAT 2027 Registration Last Date November 30, 2026 (11:59 PM)
Application Form Correction Window December 1 to December 3, 2026
NID DAT 2027 Admit Card Release (Prelims) December 10, 2026 (4:00 PM onwards)
NID DAT Prelims 2027 Exam Date December 20, 2026 (Sunday)
NID DAT Prelims Result 2027 (M.Des) February 16, 2027
NID DAT Prelims Result 2027 (B.Des) March 16, 2027
NID DAT Mains 2027 (M.Des) March to April 2027 (Tentative)
NID DAT Mains 2027 (B.Des) April to May 2027 (Tentative)
Final Merit List and Seat Allotment To be announced

Source: NID Official Admissions Portal, 2026

NID DAT Mains 2027 dates are tentative. Check admissions.nid.edu for confirmed Mains dates once the Prelims results are out.

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NID DAT 2027 Eligibility Criteria

You must meet the NID DAT 2027 eligibility criteria before you fill the application form. There are separate rules for B.Des and M.Des. Read both carefully to make sure you qualify.

NID DAT 2027 B.Des Eligibility

  • Educational Qualification: You must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in any stream, or be appearing in Class 12 in 2027
  • Minimum Percentage: No minimum percentage is required in Class 12
  • Streams Accepted: Science, Commerce, Arts, or any other stream
  • Age Limit (General/EWS): You must be born on or after July 1, 2006
  • Age Relaxation (OBC-NCL): 3 years relaxation — born on or after July 1, 2003
  • Age Relaxation (SC/ST): 3 years relaxation — born on or after July 1, 2003
  • Age Relaxation (PwD): 5 years relaxation — born on or after July 1, 2001
  • Nationality: Indian nationals, NRI, OCI, and PIO candidates can apply

NID DAT 2027 M.Des Eligibility

  • Educational Qualification: You must hold a graduation degree in any discipline (minimum 3-year program)
  • Design Background: A B.Des or equivalent design degree is preferred, but it is not mandatory
  • Final Year Students: You can apply if you are in your final year of graduation and will complete the degree by June 2027
  • Age Limit: Check the official NID DAT 2027 Information Bulletin for the current M.Des age limits, as they may differ from B.Des

NID DAT 2027 Integrated M.Des (5.5-Year) Eligibility

  • Educational Qualification: You must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) from any stream
  • Age Limit: Same as B.Des — born on or after July 1, 2006 for General and EWS categories
  • Note: This is a brand-new program by NID, introduced for the first time in 2027-28
  • Campuses: NID Ahmedabad, NID Bengaluru, and NID Gandhinagar

Always verify your eligibility against the official NID DAT 2027 Information Bulletin before applying. The bulletin is available at admissions.nid.edu.

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NID DAT 2027 Application Fee

The NID DAT 2027 application fee must be paid online at the time of registration. The fee is non-refundable. Reduced fees apply for reserved category candidates.

Category Approximate Application Fee
General / EWS Rs 3,000
OBC-NCL Rs 2,500
SC / ST Rs 1,500
PwD Rs 1,500

The fee amounts above are indicative based on previous years. Check the official NID DAT 2027 notification at admissions.nid.edu for the exact and confirmed fee.

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NID DAT 2027 Exam Pattern

The NID DAT 2027 exam pattern has two stages: DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. You must clear the Prelims to be called for the Mains. Your Prelims marks do not count in the final merit. Only the Mains score decides your rank.

NID DAT Prelims 2027 Pattern

The DAT Prelims is a pen-and-paper test held at multiple exam centres across India. It tests your design aptitude and creative thinking through drawing and visual tasks.

Parameter Details
Exam Mode Offline (Pen and Paper)
Total Marks 100 Marks
Duration 3 Hours
Question Type Descriptive, drawing tasks, and visual problems
Negative Marking No Negative Marking
Medium English and Hindi
Purpose Qualifying for Mains — marks do not count in final merit
Exam Date December 20, 2026

NID DAT Mains 2027 Pattern

If you clear the Prelims, NID will invite you for the DAT Mains. The Mains is held in person at NID campuses. You will need to travel to the campus for this. The Mains decides your final rank and determines which discipline and campus you get.

Component Weightage What It Tests
Studio Sensitivity Test 60% Material handling, model making, creative problem solving, and design sensitivity tasks
Portfolio Review and Interview 40% Your design thinking process, originality of portfolio, and verbal communication

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NID DAT 2027 Syllabus

The NID DAT 2027 syllabus is not published as a fixed list by NID. But based on the exam pattern and past papers, the key topic areas are well known. NID tests your design thinking and creative ability, not rote knowledge.

NID DAT Prelims 2027 Syllabus

The Prelims paper covers the following areas:

  • Drawing and Visualisation: Hand drawing of objects, interiors, landscapes, and scenes from imagination or observation; perspective drawing
  • Visual and Spatial Thinking: Identifying patterns, spatial reasoning, understanding 2D and 3D forms, rotation and reflection of shapes
  • Design Awareness: Knowledge of design history, famous designers, everyday products, design elements (line, form, colour, texture), and aesthetics
  • Creative Problem Solving: Using visual means to suggest innovative and unconventional solutions to real-world problems
  • General Awareness: Current events related to design, architecture, art, culture, and social issues
  • Analytical Ability: Logical reasoning and problem-solving through design-based scenarios
  • Colour and Composition: Understanding colour theory and visual composition principles

NID DAT Mains 2027 Syllabus

The Mains tests your readiness for a design education through hands-on studio tasks and personal interaction:

  • Studio Sensitivity Test: Working with clay, cardboard, foam, wire, and other basic materials; model making; 3D prototyping; spatial arrangement exercises
  • Design Portfolio Review: Your collection of earlier creative and design work — drawings, sketches, photographs, digital designs, craft projects
  • Personal Interview: Your design thinking, aesthetic sensibility, influences, and ability to explain your work
  • Contextual Design Thinking: Understanding user needs and applying design solutions to everyday problems

"The NID DAT Prelims tests both imagination and observation. A candidate should be able to draw from memory, think in three dimensions, and show sensitivity to the world around them." — NID Admissions Reference Guide

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NID Campuses and Seats 2027

NID has multiple campuses across India. B.Des is offered at 5 campuses and M.Des at 3 campuses. The NID DAT 2027 counselling process allows you to fill campus and discipline preferences based on your rank.

NID B.Des Campuses and Seats 2027

Campus Location Approx Seats
NID Ahmedabad Gujarat 128
NID Andhra Pradesh Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh 75
NID Haryana Kurukshetra, Haryana 75
NID Madhya Pradesh Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 75
NID Assam Jorhat, Assam 75
Total B.Des ~428 seats (+ overseas supernumerary)

NID M.Des Campuses and Seats 2027

Campus Location Programs Total Seats
NID Ahmedabad Gujarat B.Des and M.Des both Multiple disciplines
NID Bengaluru Karnataka M.Des and Integrated M.Des Multiple disciplines
NID Gandhinagar Gujarat M.Des and Integrated M.Des Multiple disciplines
Total M.Des Seats 18 disciplines across 3 campuses Around 328 seats

Source: NID Official Admissions Website

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NID DAT 2027 B.Des Courses and Disciplines

The NID B.Des program is a 4-year undergraduate design course. NID Ahmedabad offers the widest range of disciplines. Other campuses offer a selected set of disciplines. Here is what you can study:

NID Ahmedabad B.Des Disciplines

  • Communication Design: Graphic design, typography, visual communication, advertising
  • Industrial Design: Product design, furniture design, transportation and automobile design
  • Textile Design: Apparel design, fabric design, surface textile design
  • Ceramic and Glass Design
  • Film and Video Communication
  • Animation Film Design
  • Digital Game Design
  • Interaction Design
  • Photography Design

NID Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam campuses offer a smaller set of B.Des disciplines. Check the official NID DAT 2027 information bulletin for the exact disciplines at each campus for the current cycle.

The NID Ahmedabad B.Des seat is the most competitive because of the campus’s reputation, faculty, and industry connections. If you want a seat at Ahmedabad, you should aim for the top ranks in the Mains.

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NID DAT 2027 M.Des Courses and New Integrated Program

The NID M.Des program is a 2.5-year postgraduate course in design. It is offered at three campuses: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Gandhinagar. There are 18 M.Des disciplines in total across these campuses.

  • Design for Retail Experience
  • Information Design
  • Interaction Design
  • Product Design
  • Strategic Design Management
  • Lifestyle Accessory Design
  • New Media Design
  • Service Design
  • Transportation and Automobile Design
  • Toy and Game Design
  • Design for Sustainability
  • And more disciplines at Bengaluru and Gandhinagar

New: Integrated M.Des (5.5-Year) Program 2027

NID has announced a new 5.5-year Integrated M.Des program starting 2027-28. This is a major development. It combines the B.Des and M.Des into one seamless program. You do not need to appear for a separate entrance exam for M.Des after completing your B.Des if you are in the Integrated pathway.

The Integrated M.Des is available at NID Ahmedabad, NID Bengaluru, and NID Gandhinagar. The program spans 15 disciplines across five design streams as of the latest announcement. Each discipline has a small intake of around 9 seats per campus.

This program is a good choice if you are clear about wanting a postgraduate level design qualification and want to commit to NID for the full 5.5 years. The eligibility is the same as B.Des (Class 12 pass).

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NID DAT 2027 Admit Card

The NID DAT 2027 Prelims Admit Card will be released on December 10, 2026 at 4:00 PM. You can only get it online from the official portal. NID will not send the admit card by post or email. You must download and print it yourself.

NID DAT 2027 Admit Card Sample and Download Instructions

Image Source: NID Official Admissions Portal

How to Download NID DAT 2027 Admit Card

  1. Go to admissions.nid.edu after December 10, 2026 at 4:00 PM
  2. Log in with your registered email ID and password
  3. Look for the "Admit Card" link in your dashboard
  4. Click on it to view your admit card on screen
  5. Download the PDF and take a print on A4 paper
  6. Keep the printout safely until the end of the admission process

Details Printed on NID DAT 2027 Admit Card

  • Candidate’s name and photograph
  • Application number and roll number
  • Exam date and reporting time
  • Exam centre name and complete address
  • City of exam centre
  • Important instructions for the exam day

You must carry the NID DAT 2027 Admit Card on the exam day. Entry without an admit card will not be allowed. Carry a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, PAN card) along with the admit card.

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NID DAT 2027 Result

The NID DAT 2027 Prelims result will come out in early 2027. NID will declare two separate results — one for M.Des candidates and one for B.Des candidates. The M.Des result is expected by February 16, 2027 and the B.Des result by March 16, 2027.

How to Check NID DAT 2027 Result

  1. Visit admissions.nid.edu on the result date
  2. Log in with your credentials (email ID and password)
  3. Look for "Prelims Result" or "Scorecard" in your dashboard
  4. Check your qualifying status
  5. Download and save your scorecard

If you qualify the Prelims, NID will send you an invitation for the DAT Mains along with the schedule and campus details. The final NID DAT merit list will be released after the Mains is done.

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NID DAT 2027 Cutoff

The NID DAT 2027 cutoff is not published as a fixed score. NID does not announce a minimum qualifying score for the Prelims. The final selection is based entirely on your Mains rank. The number of candidates who appear, the difficulty of the Mains, and the number of available seats all affect the effective cutoff rank each year.

NID DAT Previous Year Cutoff Trends (B.Des)

Year Competition Level Approx Final Rank Range for Seat Seats Available
2026 High Top 400-500 (NID Ahmedabad: Top 100-130) ~428
2025 High Top 400-500 (NID Ahmedabad: Top 100-130) ~428
2024 High Top 350-450 (NID Ahmedabad: Top 100) ~428

NID Ahmedabad is always the most competitive campus. The cutoff rank for Ahmedabad B.Des is much tighter than for other campuses. If you are targeting a specific discipline at Ahmedabad, you should try to get into the top 100-130 ranks overall.

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NID DAT 2027 Counselling Process

After the Mains results are out, NID conducts a counselling and seat allotment process. You need to register for counselling online and then physically report to the allotted campus with your original documents.

NID DAT 2027 Counselling Steps

  1. Check your Mains rank on the official NID merit list
  2. Log in to the NID admissions portal
  3. Register for the counselling process and pay the counselling fee if applicable
  4. Fill in your campus and discipline preferences in order of priority
  5. Seat allotment is done based on your rank and available seats
  6. Accept the allotted seat and pay the seat confirmation fee online
  7. Report to the allotted NID campus with original documents on the reporting date
  8. Complete the document verification and pay the remaining admission fee

Documents Needed for NID DAT 2027 Counselling

  • NID DAT 2027 Mains Scorecard and Merit List printout
  • Class 10 mark sheet and certificate (original + photocopy)
  • Class 12 mark sheet and passing certificate (original + photocopy)
  • Graduation degree certificate (for M.Des candidates, original + photocopy)
  • Category certificate (SC, ST, OBC-NCL) issued by competent authority
  • EWS certificate issued within the last year
  • PwD certificate from designated medical authority (if applicable)
  • Photo identity proof — Aadhaar, Passport, PAN Card, or Voter ID
  • Passport-size photographs (at least 10 copies)

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NID DAT 2027 Preparation Tips

The NID DAT Prelims is on December 20, 2026. With just a few weeks left for the NID DAT Prelims 2027, you need a focused strategy. Here is what works best for cracking both the Prelims and the Mains.

NID DAT 2027 Preparation Tips and Study Strategy

Tips for NID DAT Prelims 2027

  • Draw every day: Sketch everyday objects, interiors, and outdoor scenes from memory. Aim for at least 1 hour of daily drawing practice
  • Solve previous year papers: Work through NID DAT papers from 2015 to 2026 under timed conditions. These are available from platforms like Silica, CreativEdge, and Toprankers
  • Build visual memory: Look carefully at products, spaces, and environments and then try to redraw them from memory. This trains your observation and recall
  • Improve design awareness: Read about famous designers and design movements. Follow design news, architecture magazines, and product design blogs
  • Practice time management: The Prelims is 3 hours long. Practice finishing all tasks comfortably within this time using mock tests
  • Take full-length mock tests: Do at least one complete mock paper per week in the last month before December 20
  • Brush up on colour theory: Know the basics — primary, secondary, complementary, warm and cool colours

Tips for NID DAT Mains 2027

  • Build a strong portfolio: Collect your best design and creative work. Your portfolio should show your thinking process and range of media — not just finished pieces
  • Practice hands-on studio work: Work with clay, cardboard, foam, wire, and other basic materials. The studio test at Mains requires quick and confident material handling
  • Prepare your interview pitch: Be ready to explain every piece in your portfolio — what problem it solved, what your process was, and what you would do differently now
  • Keep sketches minimal but expressive: NID Mains values idea clarity and sensitivity over technical perfection in drawing
  • Research NID’s design philosophy: Learn about the work done at NID and understand the kind of design thinking the institute values

Best Books for NID DAT 2027 Preparation

Book Title Author / Publisher Best For
Basic Rendering Robert W. Gill Drawing and product rendering skills
NID (B.Des) Entrance Book and Test Series AFAINDIA Exam practice and question types
Past Years Solved Papers CreativEdge Real exam-style practice
The Design of Everyday Things Don Norman Design thinking and awareness
How to Think Like a Great Graphic Designer Debbie Millman Design sensibility and creative thinking

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NID DAT 2027 vs Other Design Entrance Exams

If you are preparing for design entrance exams, you should know how NID DAT 2027 compares with other major exams. This will help you plan your preparation and decide where to apply.

Exam Conducting Body Program Approx Seats Difficulty
NID DAT 2027 NID B.Des / M.Des 428 (B.Des), 328 (M.Des) High
UCEED 2027 IIT Bombay B.Des Around 200 High
CEED 2027 IIT Bombay M.Des Around 250 High
NIFT Entrance Test 2027 NIFT B.Des / M.Des Around 3,500 Moderate to High

NID DAT is considered one of the toughest design entrance exams in India. This is because the seats are very limited compared to the number of aspirants, and the Mains is a highly subjective studio-based test that not everyone can prepare for through rote practice alone.

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NID DAT 2027 FAQs

When is the NID DAT 2027 registration last date?

The NID DAT 2027 registration last date is November 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM. You can fill the form at admissions.nid.edu. A form correction window opens from December 1 to 3, 2026. Check the NID DAT 2027 page for the latest updates.

What is the NID DAT Prelims 2027 date?

The NID DAT Prelims 2027 exam date is December 20, 2026 (Sunday). The exam is held in offline mode across multiple cities in India. It is 3 hours long, carries 100 marks, and has no negative marking. The admit card will be available from December 10, 2026.

What is the eligibility for NID DAT 2027 B.Des?

For NID DAT 2027 B.Des, you must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in any stream, or be appearing in Class 12 in 2027. For General and EWS categories, you must be born on or after July 1, 2006. Reserved category candidates get age relaxation of 3 to 5 years. Check the full NID DAT 2027 eligibility criteria.

How many seats are there in NID DAT 2027?

NID DAT 2027 has around 428 B.Des seats across 5 campuses and around 328 M.Des seats across 3 campuses. NID Ahmedabad has 128 B.Des seats. The other four campuses (Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Assam) have 75 seats each.

Is NID DAT 2027 a two-stage exam?

Yes. NID DAT 2027 is a two-stage exam: DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. The Prelims is only a qualifying test — your Prelims marks do not count in the final merit. The Mains is a studio test held at NID campuses, and the entire final merit list is based on your Mains score alone.

What is the NID DAT 2027 syllabus?

NID does not publish an official fixed syllabus. But the Prelims covers drawing and visualisation, visual and spatial thinking, design awareness, creative problem solving, and general awareness related to design and culture. Check the detailed NID DAT 2027 syllabus guide for topic-wise information.

When will the NID DAT 2027 admit card be available?

The NID DAT 2027 Admit Card for Prelims will be released on December 10, 2026 at 4:00 PM. You can download it by logging into admissions.nid.edu. Carry both the printed admit card and a valid photo ID on the exam day.

What is the NID DAT Mains pattern and weightage?

The NID DAT Mains has two components. The Studio Sensitivity Test carries 60% weightage and involves hands-on tasks with materials. The Portfolio Review and Interview carries 40% weightage. The Mains is held in person at NID campuses and you must travel there to appear.

What is the new 5.5-year Integrated M.Des at NID?

NID has introduced a new 5.5-year Integrated M.Des program for 2027-28 admissions. It combines B.Des and M.Des into one single program. You apply with Class 12 qualification (same as B.Des). It is offered at NID Ahmedabad, NID Bengaluru, and NID Gandhinagar across 15 disciplines. This is a new option for students who want to commit to a longer design education at NID from the start.

What is the application fee for NID DAT 2027?

The exact fee is in the official NID DAT 2027 notification. For previous years, the General/EWS category fee was around Rs 3,000 and the SC/ST/PwD fee was around Rs 1,500. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online at the time of registration. Always check admissions.nid.edu for the confirmed fee.

How is the NID DAT 2027 final merit list prepared?

The final merit list for NID DAT 2027 is based on your DAT Mains score only. The Prelims marks are not counted. The Mains consists of a Studio Test (60%) and a Portfolio Review with Interview (40%). Seats are allotted based on your all-India rank in the Mains merit list.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on publicly available sources as of October 2026. Dates, fee structures, and other details may be updated by NID. Always refer to the official NID admissions website at admissions.nid.edu for the latest and most accurate information before making any decisions.