Top Design Entrance Exams 2026: Notification, Dates & Updates

The design industry in India is on a boom, with product design, fashion, UI/UX, and animation; the need to hire creative professionals is greater than it has been before. In the run-up to 2026, design aspirants throughout the country are preparing for one of the most competitive academic seasons to date. With institutions such as NID, NIFT, and IIT continuing to raise the bar, it becomes important to keep track of exam schedules and updates.

This guide will help you learn all about the top design entrance exams of 2026, including official details like exam dates, recent developments, eligibility, and how to approach the exams to get a place in a top design institute.

Why Design Entrance Exams Matter

Design entrance exams are not merely tests; they are considered to evaluate your level of creative thinking, visualisation capacity, and problem-solving in design. These tests narrow down candidates who possess the talent to innovate and adapt to the fast-changing design industries. Passing the right design entrance exam can open the gates to the top design institutes in India, such as NID, NIFT, and IITs, which offer specialised courses in communication, industrial, and fashion design.

Key Criteria for Evaluating Design Entrance Exams

Before deciding on the design exam to specialise in, it is important to know what is unique about each one of them:

• Scope & Recognition: There are some exams, such as UCEED and CEED, that are nationally recognised and accepted by various design institutes. 
• Difficulty & Pattern: Tests are generally divided into multiple stages, with a preliminary aptitude and general ability test.
• Frequency & Notification Timing: The notification is usually issued between September and December, and exams are normally scheduled from January to May.
• Support & Preparation: Availability of past papers, study guides, and institutes offering focused coaching, like NID coaching in Mumbai, can significantly impact your readiness and confidence.

Top Design Entrance Exams 2026

Below is the comprehensive overview of the most important design entrance exams for 2026.

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

One of India’s most prestigious entrance exams for B.Des and M.Des programmes at the National Institute of Design.

• Conducting Body: National Institute of Design
• Official Notification Status: Announced in September 2025
• Expected Exam Date: Prelims on December 21, 2025; Mains in April 2026
• Key Features: Two-stage exam assessing design thinking, creativity, and portfolio presentation.

2. UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design)

Gateway exam for B.Des admissions to IIT Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, and IIITDM Jabalpur.

• Conducting Body: IIT Bombay
• Official Notification: Announced
• Exam Date: January 18, 2026
• Structure: Computer-based test focusing on visualisation, creativity, and analytical reasoning.

3. CEED (Common Entrance Exam for Design)

National-level exam for admission to postgraduate design programmes (M.Des/Ph.D.) offered by IITs and top design institutes.

• Conducting Body: IIT Bombay
• Notification: Registration opens in October 2025.
• Exam Date: January 18, 2026
• Highlights: Emphasises design research, creativity, and advanced problem-solving skills.

4. NIFT Entrance Exam

Entrance exam for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in fashion and design offered by NIFT campuses across India.

• Conducting Body: National Institute of Fashion Technology
• Notification: Expected in November 2025
• Exam Date: Tentatively in February 2026
• Selection Stages: General Ability Test (GAT) + Creative Ability Test (CAT) + Situation Test.

5. AIEED (All India Entrance Exam for Design)

Comprehensive test assessing innovation, awareness, and creative intelligence for design aspirants.

• Conducting Body: ARCH College of Design & Business
• Exam Window: December 2025 to February 2026
• Mode: Online & Offline
• Key Features: Evaluates innovation, creativity, and general awareness.

6. UID Aptitude Test

Entrance test for admission to design programmes at Unitedworld Institute of Design.

• Conducting Body: Unitedworld Institute of Design
• Notification: Registration open now
• Exam Date: January 11, 2026 (Tier I)
• Details: Focus on drawing, observation, and creative visualisation.

7. FDDI AIST (Footwear Design and Development Institute)

National entrance exam for programmes in footwear, fashion, and retail design.

• Exam Month: May 2026 (tentative)
• Programmes: Footwear, retail, and fashion design.
• Highlights: Objective test with sections on quantitative aptitude, English, and design awareness.

8. SEED Exam (Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design)

A national-level entrance test for admission to the Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), Pune.

• Conducting Body: Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), Pune.
• Exam Date: January 11, 2026
• Pattern: Online test assessing design aptitude and creativity.

9. IIAD Entrance Exam (Indian Institute of Art and Design)

Conducted in partnership with Kingston University, London, for admission to design degree programmes.

• Exam Window: December 13, 2025 (Online) and December 14, 2025 (Offline).
• Key Feature: Studio-based test focusing on design thinking.

10. Pearl Academy Entrance Test

An admission test for various design, fashion, and media programmes is conducted multiple times annually.

• Exam Cycle: Held in January, April, and July 2026
• Notification: Expected by November 2025
• Unique Aspect: Includes personal interviews and portfolio evaluations.

Official Notifications & Latest Updates

The official notifications on design entrance exams are usually put on the websites of the respective institutions between September and December. Portals such as NID, NIFT, and IIT Bombay are frequently visited by aspirants.

For the 2026 cycle, early indications suggest no significant alterations to the syllabus or exam format, though NID and CEED could feature a slightly different distribution of questions. Private institutions like Pearl Academy and IIAD are expected to hold multiple examination cycles to offer flexibility in admissions.

Exam Timeline & Important Dates

Here’s an overview of the design entrance exam dates and their expected timelines for 2026:

If any delay occurs due to unforeseen circumstances, institutes usually extend application deadlines or reschedule tests, with updates posted promptly on official sites.

How to Prepare for Design Entrance Exams 2026

Preparation for design exams goes beyond books; it’s about observation, creativity, and practice. Here’s how to get started:

• Analyse previous papers to know question types and difficulty levels.
• Create a study plan balancing drawing, general aptitude, and reasoning practice.
• Practise freehand drawing and visualisation daily to boost your artistic confidence.
• Simulate real exam conditions to build speed and accuracy.
• Focus on showcasing originality and your creative thought process, as many institutions value these over perfection.
• Keep track of the dates of design entrance exams through official notifications and reliable portals.

If you’re serious about cracking the top exams, explore design courses in Mumbai that offer structured learning and expert mentorship for aspiring designers.

What to Do After Exam Results

When the results are out, the second step is counselling and seat allotment. The process at each institution is independent; however, NID and NIFT release merit lists, while UCEED and CEED are conducted centrally by the IITs.

Some of the factors to consider when selecting your design colleges include specialisation, location, faculty, and placement.  For instance, if you’re interested in game design, you can explore our detailed guide on the Top Game Design Colleges in India to find institutes that offer industry-relevant programmes. After the allotment, full admission procedures, including verification of documents, payment of fees, and registration for orientation, follow.

Conclusion

The new door to creativity, innovation, and opportunity is opened with each exam. Commitment and preparation will determine whether you secure a place at NID, NIFT, or other emerging institutes. Be vigilant, be innovative, and make 2026 the year that your design career commences.

To explore more resources, start your design journey or contact us for guidance, visit Urmi’s Art Forum, your hub for art and design classes in India.

Komal Ullal

Ms. Komal Ullal, a recipient of the prestigious President’s Award and Co-founder of UAF, is an expert in student profiling, enhancing artistic skills, mentoring in design thinking and an inspiring women entrepreneur. With an impressive collection of 577 awards—including 196 trophies and 109 medals—earned in drawing and painting at both national and international levels, she was featured in the Limca Book of Records in 2007 as the youngest achiever of such accolades. Her passion and dedication continue to inspire budding artists and designers worldwide.