Here’s a detailed look at the prominent design entrance exams, their schedules, and patterns. Keep in mind that while some dates are confirmed, others are tentative and subject to change. Always refer to the official exam websites for the latest announcements.

1. National Institute of Design Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT)

Conducted by: National Institute of Design (NID) for admission to B.Des and M.Des programs. Known for: Being one of the most prestigious design entrance exams in India, leading to admission to NID’s highly regarded campuses.

Exam Pattern: NID DAT is conducted in two stages:

• DAT Prelims (Preliminary Design Aptitude Test): A pen-and-paper-based exam for screening candidates. It evaluates creative ability, general knowledge, logical reasoning, and observation skills. It consists of both objective and subjective questions.
• DAT Mains (Main Design Aptitude Test): For shortlisted candidates from Prelims.
  • B.Des: Studio Test (hands-on design tasks).
  • M.Des: Studio Test and Interview.

Syllabus Highlights:

• DAT Prelims: Creative ability (drawing, sketching, observation, design sensitivity), analytical and logical reasoning, general knowledge & current affairs.
• DAT Mains: Material manipulation, model making, design problem-solving, visual communication, and personal interview skills.

Latest Updates: NID DAT 2025 Prelims was held on January 5, 2025. Results for M.Des Prelims were out on Feb 17, 2025, and for B.Des Prelims on April 1, 2025. DAT Mains are ongoing for B.Des and M.Des.

2. Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED)

Conducted by: IIT Bombay for admission to B.Des programs at IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, and IIITDM Jabalpur. Known for: Being the gateway to prestigious IITs for design education, emphasizing analytical and problem-solving skills.

Exam Pattern: UCEED is a 3-hour computer-based test (CBT) divided into two parts:

• Part A (200 marks, 2 hours): Computer-based, consisting of:
  • Numerical Answer Type (NAT): Numerical answers to questions.
  • Multiple Select Questions (MSQ): One or more correct options.
  • Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): Single correct option.
  • This section evaluates visualization, observation, analytical reasoning, language, and creativity.
• Part B (100 marks, 1 hour): Offline, consisting of two questions:
  • Sketching: Drawing based on a given prompt.
  • Design Aptitude: Problem-solving through visual communication.

Syllabus Highlights:

• Part A: Visualization and spatial ability, observation and design sensitivity, environmental and social awareness, analytical and logical reasoning, language and creativity.
• Part B: Drawing, sketching, creativity, problem identification, and solution.

Latest Updates: UCEED 2025 exam was successfully conducted on January 19, 2025. Results were declared on March 7, 2025. Scorecards are available for download until July 31, 2025.

3. Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED)

Conducted by: IIT Bombay for admission to M.Des, Ph.D. in Design programs at IITs and IISc Bangalore. Known for: Being the premier postgraduate design entrance exam in India, requiring a strong foundation in design thinking and research aptitude.

Exam Pattern: CEED is a 3-hour computer-based test (CBT) divided into two parts:

• Part A (100 marks, 1 hour): Computer-based, consisting of:
  • Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
  • Multiple Select Questions (MSQ)
  • Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
  • This part acts as a screening test.
• Part B (100 marks, 2 hours): Offline, subjective questions focusing on drawing and design aptitude.

Syllabus Highlights:

• Part A: Visualization and spatial ability, observation and design sensitivity, environmental and social awareness, analytical and logical reasoning, language and creativity, design thinking and problem-solving.
• Part B: Drawing and sketching, creativity, problem identification and solving, visual communication.

Latest Updates: CEED 2025 exam was successfully conducted on January 19, 2025. Results were declared on March 5, 2025. Scorecards are available for download until July 31, 2025.

4. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Entrance Exam

Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of NIFT for admission to B.Des, B.FTech, M.Des, M.FTech, and MFM programs across 18 NIFT campuses. Known for: Being the leading entrance exam for fashion, textile, and accessory design courses in India.

Exam Pattern: The NIFT entrance exam generally consists of two stages:

• Stage 1: Written Exams (CAT & GAT)
  • Creative Ability Test (CAT): (For B.Des & M.Des) A 3-hour subjective test evaluating drawing, creative thinking, and observation. Weightage: 50% for B.Des, 40% for M.Des.
  • General Ability Test (GAT): (For all programs) A 2-hour objective test (CBT) covering Quantitative Ability, Communication Ability & English Comprehension, Analytical & Logical Ability, and General Knowledge & Current Affairs. Weightage: 30% for B.Des/M.Des, 100% for B.FTech, 70% for M.FTech/MFM.
• Stage 2: Situation Test/GD-PI
  • Situation Test: (For B.Des) A 2-hour hands-on practical test where candidates create a 3D model using provided materials, accompanied by a concept note. Weightage: 20%.
  • Group Discussion (GD) & Personal Interview (PI): (For M.Des, M.FTech, MFM) Evaluates communication, general awareness, aptitude, and problem-solving. Weightage: 30%.

Syllabus Highlights:

• CAT: Design elements & principles, color theory, 3D visualization, perspective, observation, story illustration, theme development.
• GAT: Mathematics, English grammar & comprehension, logical reasoning, data interpretation, current affairs, general knowledge.
• Situation Test: Material handling, innovative use of materials, construction skills, concept articulation.

Latest Updates: NIFT 2025 written exams were conducted on February 9, 2025. Results were out in March 2025. Situation Test and GD/PI rounds are ongoing/completed.

5. Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED)

Conducted by: Symbiosis International (Deemed University) for admission to B.Des programs at Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) and Symbiosis School of Planning, Architecture and Design (SSPAD). Known for: Its focus on evaluating design aptitude, creativity, and problem-solving skills for various design specializations.

Exam Pattern: SEED is an objective-type online test.

• It assesses design aptitude, creativity, problem-solving, and general awareness related to design.
• Followed by Portfolio Review and Personal Interaction (PRPI) for shortlisted candidates. This stage is crucial and evaluates a candidate’s creative potential, communication skills, and design aptitude beyond the written test.

Syllabus Highlights:

• Visualisation, observation, general design awareness, basic mathematics, logical reasoning, and current affairs related to art and design.

Latest Updates: SEED 2025 B.Des exam was held on January 12, 2025. M.Des exam on May 4, 2025. Results are out for both. PRPI rounds are ongoing/completed.

6. MIT Design Aptitude Test (MIT DAT)

Conducted by: MIT Institute of Design, MIT Art, Design and Technology University, Pune. Known for: Offering diverse design programs and a comprehensive evaluation process that includes written tests, studio tests, and personal interviews.

Exam Pattern: MIT DAT usually involves three stages:

• Design Aptitude Test (DAT): An online exam evaluating:
  • Design inclination (visual clues & general awareness).
  • Analytical skills (scientific understanding).
  • Logical thinking.
  • Communication skills (verbal & non-verbal).
  • Personality trends.
• Studio Test: A practical, hands-on test to assess material handling and creative problem-solving.
• Personal Interview: To evaluate a candidate’s personality, interests, and motivation.

Syllabus Highlights:

• Drawing & sketching, observation, visual problem-solving, general design knowledge, logical reasoning.

Latest Updates: MIT DAT 2025 exam was conducted on April 6, 2025. Results were released on April 25, 2025. Studio Test and Interviews are completed.

7. Srishti Manipal Entrance and Aptitude Test (SMEAT)

Conducted by: Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design & Technology, Bengaluru. Known for: Its unique and experimental approach to design education, attracting students interested in diverse and interdisciplinary fields.

Exam Pattern: SMEAT is generally conducted in multiple rounds (usually three). It’s an online exam with two tests:

• Test 1 (T1): Often an aptitude-based test covering logical reasoning, general knowledge, and basic creative aptitude. (Some candidates might be exempt based on portfolio/prior scores).
• Test 2 (T2): A studio-based activity test, which involves a practical design task based on a given theme. This is a crucial component.
• Followed by Interview-Counselling for shortlisted candidates.

Syllabus Highlights:

• Creative problem-solving, drawing/sketching, visual communication, critical thinking, general awareness of design and contemporary issues.

Latest Updates: SMEAT 2025 has conducted all three rounds of exams for both B.Des and M.Des. Results are out for all rounds, and counselling/interviews are completed.

Eligibility & Application Overview