Design today goes beyond aesthetics. Modern design integrates artistic expressions with technical precision, usability and storytelling. It plays a pivotal role in shaping experiences across industries like fashion, product design, and digital communication. However, to gain admission in premier schools such as the National Institute of Design (NID), National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), and IITs for B.Des and M. Des programmes, students are required to crack design entrance exams such as NID DAT, NIFT Entrance Exam, UCEED, and CEED.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the list of the best design entrance exams in India. Further, you can also learn how to prepare for the design entrance exams. 

Top Design Entrance Exams in India

Every year, thousands of students appear in the entrance exams for design admission. India has a range of national, state and university-level design entrance exams, depending on the course and college:

National-Level Design Entrance Exams:

Some of the popular entrance exams for design admissions at National level are as follows: 

NID DAT 

The Design Aptitude Test, which is conducted by the National Institute of Design, is conducted once a year for admission to NID Ahmedabad and its campuses. The NID entrance exam has two phases – Prelims (written test) and Mains (studio test + interview). NID exam syllabus focuses on creativity, visualisation, narration, and design problem-solving.

UCEED 

The Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design, administered by IIT Bombay, is a popular BDes entrance exam in India. The purpose of the UCEED exam is to offer undergraduate design courses at IITs and other top design colleges in India.  The UCEED entrance exam tests spatial ability, logical reasoning, design aptitude, and basic drawing skill. It is open to students from all streams who have passed Class 12.

CEED Common Entrance Test for Design, conducted by IIT Bombay, is for aspirants willing to get MDes admission at IITs. As per the CEED exam pattern, the question paper consists of   two-part test: Part A (screening) and Part B (creative evaluation), CEED tests visual perception, communication, creativity, and problem-solving ability – all suitable for candidates having different academic backgrounds.

NIFT Entrance Exam 

The National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Exam, is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission into undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in design, fashion technology, and management at NIFT campuses across India. The selection process includes the General Ability Test (GAT), Creative Ability Test (CAT), and a Situation Test or Interview, depending on the course. 

University-Level Design Entrance Exams in India 

Although the majority of design colleges in India consider national-level entrance exams for admission, some universities conduct their own entrance exam. Below are some of the popular design entrance exams at the university level. 

MITID DAT

Conducted by MIT Institute of Design, this exam is for admission to BDes and MDes programmes across its campuses in Pune, Indore and Shillong. The selection process includes a Design Aptitude Test, followed by a Studio Test and Personal Interview. It evaluates creativity, sketching, logical reasoning, and design awareness.

Pearl Academy Entrance Test

This academy conducts its own entrance exam multiple times a year for UG and PG design, fashion, and business programmes. The process includes a General Proficiency Test (GPT), Design Aptitude Test (DAT) and a Personal Interview with optional portfolio review. It emphasises creative thinking, communication skills, and industry readiness.

ISDI Challenge

The ISDI Challenge is the entrance process for the India School of Design and Innovation (ISDI), Mumbai. It includes a portfolio or design project submission, a Design aptitude Test (DAT), and a personal interview. The exam assesses storytelling, analytical thinking, and a candidate’s passion for design and innovation.

Popular Design Entrance Exams: Eligibility & Paper Pattern

In India, the majority of design entrance exams assess students through imagination, sketching, logical thinking and visual communication. Nevertheless, each entrance test has its own format according to the institute and level of course, here’s a short comparison for some of the eligibility criteria and exam pattern for some of the more popularly known design entrance tests:

Design Entrance Exams Eligibility

Design Entrance Exam Pattern

How to Prepare for Design Entrance Exams in India?

Design entrance exams need more than skills—more practice, observation, and ideation. Here’s how to prepare smartly:

• Refine Drawing & Sketching Skills: Practice regularly—note proportions, perspective, shading, and rapid ideation.
• Develop a Portfolio (if necessary): Demonstrate versatility—contain product sketches, digital work, photography, or Do-It-Yourself projects.
• Work on Previous Year Papers: Practice time management and familiarise yourself with types of questions.
• Practice for General Aptitude: All the tests include basic mathematics, English reading comprehension, and logical reasoning.
• Look Around the World: Design is derived from your environment – note patterns, materials, and usage patterns.

Studio Tests & Personal Interviews: What to Expect

After you pass the written test, studio tests and interviews evaluate your actual time creative thinking, handling of materials and communications.

• Studio Test Tasks: 3D model-making, storyboarding, creative writing, or ideation on a product.
• Portfolio Review: For M.Des candidates—demonstrate how you reason, where you draw your inspiration from, and how you use design thinking.
• Interviews: Panel interview format, talking about area of interest, design business experience, your vision for your career.

Confidence, creativity, and knowledge of design trends can be your game-changer.

Top Design Colleges in India

India’s best design schools offer a wide spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate courses integrating innovation, technology, and industry orientation. These colleges are renowned for possessing unconventional curriculum, global exposure, and excellent placement opportunities. Here is a brief overview: 

Conclusion

Design careers are bold, visionary, and unlimited—but cracking the code at top schools takes more than creative fire. You will need vision, planning and intention. These entrance exams are not tests – they are the first demonstration of who you are as a designer. Then just draw, think, and have some confidence that you will create something unique.

Your canvas is awaiting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Which design entrance exams are there in India? 

The entrance exams that are the most in demand are NID DAT, UCEED, CEED and NIFT Entrance Exam. These exams are accepted by the best institutes like NID IITs and NIFT for undergraduate and master degree courses in design.

Q2. Can I apply for a design course at the university if I have no art or design experience during school?

Of course! Usually, design entrance exams do not require a formal training background in design. Instead, a design entrance exam measures creativity, problem-solving ability, and aptitude; all of which can be developed by practice.

Q3. Do I have to submit a portfolio for all design entrance exams? 

No. Portfolios are mostly expected in the interview stage of postgraduate courses such as CEED and certain private institutes, whereas exams such as NID DAT and UCEED do not call for a portfolio in the first stage.

Q4. On what subjects are these tests based?

Design entrance tests visual thinking, sketching talent, design thought, reasoning ability, and all-around knowledge. Quantitative reasoning and English comprehension parts are also there in some of them. 

Q5. How do I prepare for these exams?

Start with the exam pattern knowledge, regular practice of drawing, practice from old question papers, and knowledge of design trends. You may also choose short-term coaching or online preparation modules to guide you.