Top 5 Design Entrance Exams in India 2025-26: Dates, Eligibility & Application Updates
For students who want to make their career in design, entrance exams like UCEED, NID DAT, NIFT are the first big step to get into institutes like NID, IITs, NIFT, Symbiosis, and MITID etc
For students who want to make their career in design, entrance exams like UCEED, NID DAT, NIFT are the first big step to get into institutes like NID, IITs, NIFT, Symbiosis, and MITID etc. These tests help to spot the ideal candidates who can combine creativity with clear thinking, drawing ability, and problem-solving skills. Considering the importance of those exams, we have prepared a list of Top 5 Design Entrance Exams in India, to help candidates to make an informed decision regarding their career.
For the 2025-26 admission cycle, application processes of some top design exams have already begun. NID DAT 2026 registrations started on 11 September 2025, while UCEED and CEED 2026 notifications will be released on 1 October 2025. Aspirants aiming for premier design colleges must stay updated on registration windows, eligibility, and exam patterns. To get more detailed information on Top 5 Design Entrance Exams in India, candidates should refer to this article below:
1. NID DAT (National Institute of Design – Design Aptitude Test)
NID is regarded as the IIT of design, offering the most popular B.Des and M.Des programs in India. NID conducts the exam in two phases: i) Prelims ii) Mains. Some important facts on NID DAT 2026 exam has been shared below:
| Detail | Information |
| Conducting Body | National Institute of Design (NID) |
| Programs Offered | B.Des, M.Des |
| Eligibility | B.Des: 10+2 M.Des: Graduation in any stream |
| Exam Pattern | Prelims (objective + subjective) Mains (Studio Test + Interview) |
| Latest Update | Registration for NID DAT 2026 started 11 Sept 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 1 Dec 2025 |
| Prelims Exam Date | 21 Dec 2025 |
| Official Website | admissions.nid.edu |
2. UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design)
UCEED serves as a gateway to B.Des programs at IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, and IIITDM Jabalpur. The application process for UCEED 2026 is going to start around October, 2025.
| Detail | Information |
| Conducting Body | IIT Bombay |
| Programs Offered | B.Des |
| Eligibility | 10+2 in any stream |
| Exam Pattern | Part A: Computer-based (MCQ, MSQ, NAT) Part B: Sketching test |
| Latest Update | UCEED 2026 exam date is 18 Jan 2026 |
| Application Window | Expected from 1 Oct 2025 |
| Official Website | uceed.iitb.ac.in |
3. CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design)
CEED is the entrance exam for M.Des aspirants, accepted by IITs and IISc. IIT Bombay will initiate the application process soon for CEED 2026.
| Detail | Information |
| Conducting Body | IIT Bombay |
| Programs Offered | M.Des, PhD |
| Eligibility | Graduation (min. 4 years) |
| Exam Pattern | Part A: Computer-based (screening) Part B: Design & Drawing |
| Latest Update | CEED 2026 exam date is 18 Jan 2026 |
| Application Window | Expected from 1 Oct 2025 |
4. NIFT Entrance Exam
NIFT is India’s top fashion institute with 18 campuses, offering programs across design, fashion technology, and management. The application process for NIFT 2026 will take place in November 2025.
| Detail | Information |
| Conducting Body | National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) |
| Programs Offered | B.Des, B.FTech, M.Des, M.FTech, MFM |
| Eligibility | UG: 10+2 PG: Graduation |
| Exam Pattern | GAT (General Ability Test), CAT (Creative Ability Test), Situation Test/GD/PI |
| Latest Update | NIFT 2025 exam was held in Feb 2025 |
Read More: Are Internships the New Exploitation in India?
5. AIEED (All India Entrance Examination for Design)
AIEED is conducted by ARCH Academy of Design and is known for its flexible admission cycles and global exposure opportunities.
| Detail | Information |
| Conducting Body | ARCH Academy of Design |
| Programs Offered | B.Des, M.Des |
| Eligibility | UG: 10+2 PG: Graduation |
| Exam Pattern | GAT + CAT + Portfolio + Interview |
| Latest Update | TBA |
| Official Website | aieed.com |
Other Design Entrance Exams in India
Along with the top 5, several private universities conduct their own design entrance exams.
| Exam | Institute | Programs Offered | Pattern |
| Pearl Academy Entrance | Pearl Academy | B.Des, M.Des | GPT + DAT + Interview |
| MITID DAT | MIT Institute of Design, Pune | B.Des, M.Des | Written + Studio Test + Interview |
| SEED | Symbiosis Institute of Design | B.Des | Online Test + Portfolio + Studio Test |
| UID DAT | United World Institute of Design | B.Des, M.Des | Written Test + Studio Test |
| ISDI Challenge | Indian School of Design & Innovation | B.Des, M.Des | Studio Test + Interview |
| SMEAT | Srishti Manipal | B.Des, M.Des | Test + Studio Task + Interview |
Top 5 Design Entrance Exam in India 2025-26: Exam Calendar 2025-26
Candidates who want to appear in entrance exams like NID DAT, UCEED, must start their preparation early. The conducting authorities of those respective exams have already been announced. To get more information on the exam dates candidates should refer to the table below:
| Exam | Application Start | Last Date | Exam Date |
| NID DAT 2026 | 11 Sept 2025 | 1 Dec 2025 | 21 Dec 2025 |
| UCEED 2026 | 1 Oct 2025 (expected) | Oct–Nov 2025 | 18 Jan 2026 |
| CEED 2026 | 1 Oct 2025 (expected) | Oct–Nov 2025 | 18 Jan 2026 |
| NIFT 2026 | Nov 2025 (expected) | Dec 2025 | Feb 2026 |
Final Word
For design aspirants, September to December 2025 is considered as most important as the application window for many entrance exams open during this time. NID DAT 2026 registration is already live, while UCEED and CEED will open on 1 October 2025. NIFT 2026 notification is expected in November. With tight timelines and tough competition, students should focus on portfolios, sketching, and design aptitude to secure a seat in India’s most prestigious design programs.
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