Top Design Entrance Tests in India

Introduction

Aspiring Indian designers, have you ever gazed at the majestic halls of NID or NIFT, dreaming of unleashing your creative genius within their walls? Well, the first step on that journey lies in conquering a formidable challenge: the design entrance test. Don't let the term intimidate you! Think of it as a thrilling puzzle, a gateway where your artistic aptitude and problem-solving prowess unlock a world of design possibilities.

We'll delve into the big five – UCEED, NIFT, CEED, NID DAT, AIDAT, AIEED, IDAT – Exam dates, Result dates, and links to each site/college.

Now, what is a Design Entrance Test?

A design entrance test is an assessment used by universities and colleges to evaluate the potential of aspiring designers for admission into undergraduate or postgraduate design programs. These tests aim to gauge a candidate's aptitude for design thinking, creativity, problem-solving skills, visual communication, and basic knowledge of design principles. They typically consist of a combination of:

Written Tests: These assess general aptitude, analytical thinking, observation skills, and understanding of design concepts. They often involve sections on mental ability, drawing interpretation, pattern recognition, and design vocabulary.

Studio Tests: These assess practical skills and hands-on ability in areas like drawing, sketching, model making, and digital design tools. Candidates may be given creative problems to solve with specific prompts or materials.

Personal Interviews: This stage allows the selection committee to assess a candidate's personality, motivation, communication skills, and overall fit for the program.

Why is it important?

Unlocks prestigious design programs: Gain access to top schools and boost your future career prospects.

Hones design skills: Develop your foundation through exam prep and portfolio presentation.

Builds confidence: Validate your talent and fuel your motivation to succeed.

Opens diverse career paths: Explore different design fields and find your true passion.

Let's take a look at top design entrance exams and related information-

1. UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design)

Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design, known as UCEED, is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay for providing admissions to the Bachelor’s of Design (B.Design) program.

The 4 IITs for which the UCEED Entrance Exam is conducted are the:

• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jabalpur
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad

The exam comprises two parts: Part A (computer-based screening test) and Part B (Offline exam). The admission will be provided by considering the marks obtained in both part A and part B.

Start of Application Process- October 3, 2023

End of Application Process- November 13, 2023 and November 20, 2023(with late fee)

Admit card release date- January 5, 2024

Exam date- January 21, 2024

Result Announcement- March 6, 2024

Mode of Exam- Offline & Online

Reference Link:

UCEED website: UCEED 2024 (iitb.ac.in)

2. NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology)

The NIFT entrance exam is a national level exam conducted by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) which comes under the MINISTRY OF TEXTILE as an autonomous institute for providing admission into the Bachelor of Design (B.Des), Master of Design (M.Des), Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.F.Tech), Master of Fashion Technology (M.F.Tech), and Master of Fashion Management (MFM) courses.

NIFT is considered one of the prestigious institutes for fashion and design-related courses in India. The institute has a total seat intake of 3547 for both UG and PG programs.

If you wish to apply for the NIFT Entrance Exam, you must have completed your 10+2 from a recognized university, and your age should not exceed 24 years as of 01 August of the year of the exam.

The final selection will be based on the written exam marks, a situation test, and a personal interview ( for Masters only ).

Reference Link:

NIFT website: https://www.iiad.edu.in/

Start of Application Process End of Application Process Admit Card Release date Exam Date Mode of Exam Result declaration December 5, 2023 January 3, 2024 3rd Week of January 2024 February 5, 2024 Online(CBT) March 2024 3. NID's Design Aptitude Test

NID's Design Aptitude Test is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Institute of Design to provide admission to UG and PG programs in the Design category.

The exam is conducted in two stages, i.e., DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. Both the stages are required to be cleared by the candidate for admission into the college.

To apply for the NID Entrance Exam, you must have completed your 10+2 or equivalent exam from a recognized board (AISSE/ICSE/CBSE).

Also, you must have been born on or after 01 July 2002 to be eligible for the exam.

Reference Link:

NID Website- NID Admission: 2024-25

Start of Application Process End of Application Process Admit Card Release date Exam Date Mode of Exam Result declaration September 8, 2023 December 5, 2023 and December 7, 2023 (with late fee) December 12, 2023 Prelims: December 24, 2023 Offline and Online B.Des- March 8, 2024, M.Des- February 16, 2024 4. All-India Design Aptitude Test (AIDAT)

The All-India Design Aptitude Test (AIDAT) opens the doors to an extraordinary world of innovation, imagination, and endless possibilities with design education. AIDAT is a platform where you can apply to get ready to join DESIGN academics at universities and institutions of national repute and also receive reading material, design news and industry awareness, counselling and career guidance.

For UG Diploma & Degree Programs:

The candidates should have cleared the 10+2 examinations and should have passed out from the recognized institution or board.

For PG Diploma & Degree Programs:

The candidates should have a bachelor's degree and should have passed out from recognized institutions/ colleges.

Reference Link:

AIDAT Website- AIDAT (aidatexam.com)

Start of Application Process End of Application Process Admit Card Release date Exam Date Mode of Exam Result declaration September 10, 2023 January 26, 2024 NA January 27, 2024 Online February 2, 2024 5. AIEED ( All India Entrance Exam for Design)

Arch College of Design & Business conducts the AIEED entrance exam annually for providing admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate courses in design.

Those who have cleared class 12 from any recognized university are eligible to apply for the exam.

The entrance exam consists of GAT (general aptitude test) and CAT (creative ability test). Both are qualifying in nature.

Reference Link:

AIEED Website- AIEED - All India Entrance Examination for Design

Start of Application Process End of Application Process Admit Card Release date Exam Date Mode of Exam Result declaration December 19, 2023 January 15, 2024 NA January 5-25, 2024 (Phasewise) Online Within 7 days of exam 6. SEED **(**Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design)

The SEED Exam, or Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design, is a national-level design aptitude test conducted by Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) to offer admissions to students in B.Des programmes offered at its campuses in Pune, Noida, and Bangalore.

Eligibility:

• Class 12 pass from any recognized board with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
• Appearing for Class 12 exams in the same year are also eligible.

Start of Application Process End of Application Process Admit Card Release date Exam Date Mode of Exam Result declaration August 26, 2023 December 25, 2023 December 29, 2023- January 14, 2024 January 14, 2024 (Phasewise) Online January 24, 2024 Reference Link:

Symbiosis Institute of Design website: https://www.sid.edu.in/

7. IIAD Design Aptitude Test (IDAT):

The Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD), located in New Delhi, is a prominent design school renowned for its undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The institute provides programmes in Fashion Design, Communication Design, Interior Architecture & Design, Fashion Business Management and Fashion Communication. IIAD's dedication to delivering relevant design education positions students for success in our rapidly evolving, technology-integrated world.

Eligibility

Undergraduate Programme

• For Undergraduate Programme, Candidates with 10+2 or equivalent in any stream (Science, Commerce, Humanities/Arts) with an aggregate of minimum 50% are eligible to apply. Candidates appearing for Class XII examination in the current academic year or awaiting results may also apply. Candidates are accepted from CBSE/ISC/State/IB or any other equivalent Indian or International Higher Secondary Board.

Postgraduate Programme

• For Postgraduate Programme, Graduates in any stream or discipline from a recognised institute/university are eligible to apply. Final year graduate students or students awaiting results may also apply.

Start of Application Process End of Application Process Admit Card Release date Exam Date Mode of Exam Result declaration NA NA NA January 27-28, 2024 Offline and online Few days after exam Reference Link:

Indian Institute of Art & Design website: https://www.iiad.edu.in/