Top Design Entrance Exams 2025-26: Top Design Entrance Exams are highly competitive exams that evaluate candidates aspiring for a career in design, architecture, and fashion. Some of the prominent exams include the NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) , NID (National Institute of Design) , UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design) , and NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) . These exams test skills in areas like creativity, design thinking, drawing, logical reasoning, and general knowledge. Aspiring designers must prepare thoroughly to meet the rigorous selection criteria of these prestigious institutions.
Best Design Entrance Exams After 12th | |
Top Design Entrance Exams | Exam Dates 2025 |
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) | 9th February 2025 |
NID Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT) |
Prelims: 5th January 2025 Mains: 26th April 2025 – 4th May 2025 |
Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) | 19th January 2025 (Date Out) |
Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) | 19th January 2025 |
Pearl Academy Entrance Exam |
January 17, 18 & 19,2025 (Cycle-1) April 19 & 20, 2025 (Cycle-2) |
MIT Institute of Design DAT | April 6, 2025 |
Indian Institute of Crafts & Design (IICD) | January 25, 2025 |
FDDI Entrance Test (FDDI AIST) | May 11, 2025 |
Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED) | January 12, 2025 |
Design Entrance Exams in India are essential for candidates seeking admission to prestigious design institutes like NIFT, NID, UCEED, and NATA. These exams assess a candidate's creativity, problem-solving abilities, and technical skills in areas such as drawing, design aptitude, and logical reasoning.Candidates are selected for admission based on performance in written tests, drawing assessments, and interviews or portfolios.
The most prominent Design Entrance Exams in India are discussed below. Candidates can get an overview of the most popular design entrance exams conducted in India.The NIFT Entrance Exam 2025 (GAT and CAT) was held on 9 February 2025. Results were announced on 24 April 2025 to 25 April 2025. Qualifying candidates are now being called for the second stage, which includes the Situation Test and Personal Interview scheduled for 08 June 2025.
The NID DAT Prelims for both courses was held on 5 January 2025. The application window opened from 3 September to 6 December 2024. Results for the DAT Prelims were announced on 17 February 2025, for M.Des and 1 April 2025, for B.Des. Final results and seat allotment rounds will be completed by late May 2025, with provisional offer letters issued in June.
Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) is a center-based entrance exam and is conducted by the IIT Bombay. The exam is scheduled for 19th January 2024. Candidates who qualify the UCEED entrance exam with valid marks secure admission to design courses in UCEED participating institutes and other result-sharing colleges. It is a notable entrance exam that provides entry into the Bachelor of Design programs at IITs.
The UCEED Entrance Exam 2025 was held on 19 January 2025, and the results were declared on 7 March 2025. Candidates could download their official scorecards from 10 March 10 to 11 June 2025, via the candidate portal. The seat allotment process began in April and continues through multiple rounds until July 2025, with ongoing opportunities for withdrawal and seat acceptance. The UCEED scorecard remains valid for one year and is essential for the subsequent admission and counselling process.
The Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED) is a national-level design aptitude test conducted annually by the Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) for admission to its Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs. The exam assesses candidates' creative thinking, visual observation, geometry, general design awareness, and knowledge of Indian culture, craft, and traditions. SEED 2025 was held on January 12, 2025, as an online proctored test lasting 60 minutes. Qualified candidates proceed to the Portfolio Review and Personal Interaction (PRPI) round for final selection. The exam is an essential gateway for aspiring designers to join SID’s prestigious programs.
The test is conducted by the United Institute of Design (UID) for admission to B.Des and M.Des courses at the university. The exam is usually held in January and involves a two-tier admission process. Candidates have to clear the UID Design Aptitude Test and then proceed with the Situation Test and Portfolio Evaluation Round to secure admission to the university.
The entrance test is conducted by GD Goenka University to select candidates for admission to various design courses offered at the School of Fashion & Design (SOFD). The exam pattern is similar to NIFT and NID entrance exams and is of three hours duration.
Conducted by the Indian Institute of Art and Design, the exam offers admission to BA (Hons) courses (in Fashion Design, Communication Design, Interior Architecture & Design, and Fashion Business Management) and Master's courses (in Fashion Design and Fashion Business Management). The exam is held annually in around four to five admission cycles.