India’s design landscape has grown exponentially in recent years, with careers in graphic design, product design, fashion, interior, animation, and UX/UI gaining immense attention. Aspiring designers are increasingly seeking formal education through top design institutes, which meticulously screen candidates via competitive entrance exams. In 2025, if you are dreaming of launching your creative career, understanding the various design entrance exams is the first crucial step.
This detailed guide introduces you to the top 11 design entrance examinations in India, covering key details such as their eligibility, format, important dates, and tips to help you get started for a successful career in design.
Why Design Entrance Exams Matter
Design is a competitive and evolving domain where institutions seek out the brightest creative problem solvers. Institutes ranging from the National Institute of Design (NID) to the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) offer some of the most prestigious Bachelor of Design (B. Des) and Master of Design (M. Des) degrees. The doors to these programs are opened only after candidates succeed in national-level design entrance tests that rigorously evaluate aptitude, creativity, drawing, and problem-solving skills.
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Top Design Entrance Exams in India
Here’s a comprehensive look at the eleven leading entrance tests in 2025, each offering pathways to the best design colleges in India.
1. UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design)
UCEED is conducted by IIT Bombay for admission to the B. Des (Bachelor of Design) course at IITs. It tests visualization, creativity, observation, and analytical skills. Open to students who have completed Class 12 in any stream.
- Participating Institutes: IIT Bombay, IIT Guwahati, IIT Delhi, IIT Hyderabad, IIITDM Jabalpur.
- Exam Mode: Computer-based.
2. NID Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT)
The NID DAT is the entry gate for Bachelor of Design and Master of Design courses at various National Institutes of Design. The exam has two phases: a Prelims (written) and a Mains (studio test + interview).
- Participating Institutes: NID Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Bengaluru, as well as other campuses.
- Eligibility: For B. Des, candidates must have passed 12th grade; for M. Des, a bachelor’s degree is required.
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3. NIFT Entrance Exam (National Institute of Fashion Technology)
The NIFT entrance exam paves the way for admission to India’s prestigious fashion technology institutes. The test comprises General Ability Test (GAT), Creative Ability Test (CAT), and situation-based Group Discussions/Interviews.
- Courses Offered: B. Des, BF. Tech, M. Des, MFTech, MFM.
- Exam Mode: Pen and paper & Computer-based.
- Eligibility: Class 12 pass for undergraduate courses; graduation for postgraduate courses.
4. CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design)
The CEED entrance exam is the national-level entrance for admission to the Master of Design and PhD programs at IITs and IISc Bangalore. It evaluates design, drawing skills, logical reasoning, and communication.
- Eligibility: Candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree (minimum 4 years) or equivalent.
- Participating Institutes: IIT Bombay, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kanpur, Guwahati, and IISc Bangalore.
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5. All India Entrance Examination for Design (AIEED)
AIEED is conducted by the ARCH Academy of Design for students seeking admission to undergraduate and postgraduate design programs. The all-India entrance examination for design, AIEED, focuses equally on creative aptitude, general awareness, and design sensitivity.
- Eligibility: 10+2 passed/appearing for UG, Graduation for PG.
- Exam Stage: GAT & CAT, followed by interviews and portfolio review.
6. Pearl Academy Entrance Exam
Pearl Academy, one of India’s top private design institutes, conducts its design entrance test multiple times a year. The exam consists of a written test followed by a personal interview, testing creativity, aptitude, and design thinking. Pearl Academy offers courses in fashion, communication design, product design, and interior design.
- Exam Pattern: General Proficiency Test (GPT) and Design Aptitude Test (DAT), followed by a personal interview.
- Eligibility: Class 12 or equivalent for UG, graduation for PG.
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7. MITID DAT (MIT Institute of Design – Design Aptitude Test)
MIT Institute of Design in Pune conducts its entrance exam for admissions into B. Des, M. Des, and postgraduate diploma programs. The test evaluates design aptitude, drawing skills, and innovation ability. MIT is well-regarded for its practical and industry-focused approach to design education.
- Courses: B. Des and M. Des in various domains.
- Eligibility: 10+2 for UG, bachelor’s degree for PG.
8. Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED)
Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) conducts SEED for B. Des admissions. The test includes sections on design aptitude, logic, and general awareness, followed by a studio test and portfolio review. Symbiosis is known for its multidisciplinary design programs and strong industry connections.
- Exam Pattern: Online test focusing on design, drawing, and creative aptitude.
- Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent.
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9. UID Design Aptitude Test (United World Institute of Design)
The UID Design Aptitude Test is for admission into B. Des and M. Des at the United World Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.
- Pattern: Written exam emphasizing creative aptitude and logical reasoning.
- Eligibility: 10+2 for UG courses, graduation for PG.
10. ISDI Challenge (Indian School of Design and Innovation)
The ISDI (Indian School of Design and Innovation) Challenge is a unique entrance process for design courses in collaboration with Parsons School of Design, New York. The exam emphasizes creativity and problem-solving, often including personal interviews and portfolio evaluations alongside written assessments.
- Process: Studio test and personal interview are equally weighted.
11. Srishti Manipal Entrance and Aptitude Test (SMEAT)
Srishti Manipal conducts its own entrance test for B. Des and M. Des programs. The exam assesses creativity, observation, lateral thinking, and communication skills. With its strong academic framework and collaborations, Srishti Manipal is highly regarded in the design education landscape.
- Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent for undergraduate, a relevant bachelor’s degree for PG.
- Pattern: Test focusing on creativity, analytical, and general aptitude.
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List of Top Design Entrance Exams in India
| Exam Name | Courses Offered | Key Institutes | Exam Level | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCEED | B. Des | IITs | UG | 10+2 |
| NID DAT | B. Des, M. Des | NID Campuses | UG & PG | 10+2 / Graduation |
| NIFT Entrance | B. Des, BFTech, M. Des | NIFTs | UG & PG | 10+2 / Graduation |
| CEED | M. Des, PhD | IITs, IISc | PG | Graduation |
| AIEED | B. Des, M. Des | ARCH Academy | UG & PG | 10+2 / Graduation |
| Pearl Academy | B. Des, M. Des | Pearl Academy | UG & PG | 10+2 / Graduation |
| MITID DAT | B. Des, M. Des | MITID, Pune | UG & PG | 10+2 / Graduation |
| SEED | B. Des | Symbiosis | UG | 10+2 |
| UID DAT | B. Des, M. Des | UID Ahmedabad | UG & PG | 10+2 / Graduation |
| ISDI Challenge | B. Des, M. Des | ISDI Mumbai | UG & PG | 10+2 / Graduation |
| SMEAT | B. Des, M. Des | Srishti Manipal | UG & PG | 10+2 / Graduation |
Why These Exams Matter
Clearing one of these design entrance tests allows aspirants to secure a place in highly reputed institutions, which not only provide a strong academic foundation but also open doors to global career opportunities. From fashion to product design, animation to UX, the scope is vast and ever-growing.
If your dream is to pursue a Bachelor of Design Course or further specialize in fields like industrial or communication design, preparing for the right entrance exam is the key first step.
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Tips for Cracking Design Entrance Exams
- Early Preparation:Start building creative and observational skills, and practice sketching daily.
- Portfolio Building:For many exams, a portfolio can be decisive. Include your best creative works, from sketches to photographs and digital art.
- Practice Mock Tests:Solve previous years’ papers and take mock tests for time management and pattern familiarization.
- Stay Updated:Regularly check the official websites for notifications, sample papers, and admit cards.
Why Pursue B. Des in Design?
A BDes in design or a Bachelor of Design Course from a reputed institute provides access to world-class training, industry exposure, and a promising career path in domains like product design, communication design, fashion, and more.
In Conclusion, Design is more than just aesthetics—it’s about solving problems, innovating, and shaping how people interact with the world. By preparing for these design entrance exams, students can embark on a career path filled with creativity, opportunities, and global recognition. Whether your choice is NID DAT, UCEED, CEED, or AIEED, each test represents a gateway to some of the best design programs in India. With the right preparation, a successful career in design is well within reach.
