UPES B.Des Admissions 2026
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Aspirants who are enthusiastic and have creative skills with innovative ideas, and are passionate to pursue design course are the perfect fit. The Bachelor of Design (BDes) is a professional undergraduate course with a duration of 4 years with various specialisations like Product Design, Fashion Design, Industrial Design, Textile Design, and Fashion Communication, etc. The admission to the BDes Course is done on the basis of design entrance examinations. These exams are very crucial and play an important role as they open the doors to some of the most prestigious design schools globally. Go through the complete article that discusses about the key facts of BDes entrance exams 2025.
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BDes entrance exam is the major step and is very important for the design journey. These entrance exams help institutions find the best students. It’s not just about what you know from books, but also how you solve problems, how creative you are, and how you can bring new ideas. These exams are conducted to make sure that only the skilled and creative people get to study design courses. The BDes course fees varies significantly based on the institution and the design specialisation chosen by the student. It’s important for prospective students to consider this factor when planning their educational journey. Provided here in the article, is the list of BDes entrance exams conducted throughout India to offer design admission into various colleges.
Bachelor of Design (B.Des) is a professional undergraduate degree with various specialisations offered. To get admitted to this course in top institutions, candidates need to appear for the entrance exam. B.Des entrance exam is conducted in National, State and University level exams. Here are some popular B.Des entrance exams in India.
The B.Des National Entrance Exams in India are the highly competitive tests for aspiring designers. These exams provide access to the top design institutes and assess creativity, problem-solving methods, and innovation skills. Success in BDes entrance exams can lead to admission in to various design disciplines. Candidates can check the list of BDes National Entrance exam from the table below:
S.No | Entrance Exams | Eligibility |
1 | Candidates should pass 10+2 from any recognised board Candidates should pass 10+2 from any discipline from recognised board | |
2 | ||
3 | ||
4 | ||
5 | Candidates who completed Higher Secondary (10+2) from State Board/ CBSE/ ISCE/ IB or equivalent with minimum of 50% marks | |
6 | Candidates should have cleared the 10+2 examinations and should have passed out from the recognized institution or board. | |
7 | Candidates who have passed the 10+2 with minimum of 50% from any recognised board |
Individual states in India conduct state-level entrance exams for admission to Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs in state-run institutions. B.Des state level entrance exams in India are designed for students who wish to pursue their studies in design institutions within a particular state. These exams have different BDes eligibility criteria, exam formats, and key dates, that are specific to each state. Therefore, it’s essential for applicants to be well-informed about the unique requirements of the state they are interested in applying to.
The BDes entrance exam selection process involves not only acing these entrance exams but also excelling in subsequent stages like group discussion and personal interviews. Here is the list of BDes state level entrance examination in the table below:
S.No | Entrance Exam | Eligibility |
1. | Candidate need to pass the 10+2 from any discipline and from recognised board with minimum aggregate marks of 45% (40% for reserved category) | |
2. | Candidates need to pass 10+2 from any discipline and from recognised board. |
B.Des entrance exams at the University level are specific to each university or design school. BDes University level entrance exams generally consist of written tests, portfolio evaluations, interviews, and practical tasks to measure the candidate's design aptitude, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and general knowledge. As the BDes eligibility criteria for the entrance exams differ from one institution to the other, candidates are advised to thoroughly research and check the official website of the institution for the complete information.
S.No | Entrance Exam | Eligibility |
1. | Minimum 50% marks at Higher and Senior Secondary level (10 and 12) (Any Stream) | |
2. | Candidates need to pass the 10+2 from any discipline and from a recognised board. | |
3 | LPU NEST B.Des Entrance Exam | Candidates need to pass with 50% aggregate marks in 10+2 (with English) or equivalent, subject to qualifying LPUNEST* or UCEED or Under Graduate NID DAT (Prelims) or Undergraduate NIFT or NIFT B. F.Tech. |
4 | IICD Entrance Exam | Candidates need to pass the 10+2 from any discipline and from a recognised board. |
5 | SOFT CET Entrance exam | |
6 | Pearl Academy Entrance Exam | Candidate must have completed the 10+2 standard from a recognized board in any discipline |
7 | UID Entrance Exam | Candidates must have completed the 10+2 standard from a recognized board with 50% aggregate marks. |
The Bachelor of Design (B.Des) course has evolved significantly over time, incorporating additional subjects such as material design, graphic design, and product branding into its curriculum. The eligibility criteria for the B.Des course are generally consistent across colleges, with most institutions granting admission based on entrance examination scores. However, some colleges may offer direct admission.
Candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognised education board in any discipline.
Candidates must meet the B.Des cut-off score set by the institute.
There is a certain degree of relaxation in the B.Des cut-off for candidates belonging to reserved categories.
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Admission to Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs in both private and government universities across India typically relies on various entrance exams such as UPES DAT, AIEED, and DAT. Minimum age requirements are generally set at 20 years, although NID and NIFT have higher age limits at 23 years. Scoring well in these entrance exams is crucial for securing a seat in a reputable college. BDes 2025 entrance exam registration depends upon the notification released by the university and institutes who conduct the entrance examination for B.Des courses. Applicants need to pay BDes entrance exam fees 2025 to complete the registration process.
Government colleges offer limited BDes seats, making higher scores imperative for admission into esteemed institutions like NIFT, NID, IIT-IDC, MITID, and others. Eligible candidates need to register for appearing to the entrance exam through BDes application form 2025 to obtain admission in these government reputed colleges.
To apply, candidates have two options:
Direct Application at the Institution: Applicants can visit the college in person, complete the admission form, attach the required documents, and submit them.
Online Application: Alternatively, candidates can register for BDes entrance exam 2025 from the official website of the college. They must fill out the online BDes application form 2025 and upload the necessary documents as per the specified guidelines. Payment of the registration fee is usually required during the application process.
While merit-based admissions are common, some universities and colleges may conduct their own entrance exams for B.Des admissions. It's essential for candidates to review the specific admission requirements and procedures of the institutions they are interested in.
Aspirants who want to pursue a B.Des course in a reputed institution need to take the entrance exam. B.Des 2025 entrance exam dates are a crucial part of your preparation strategy and helps to plan effectively. Remember, BDes entrance exam date 2025 varies as per each exam and the institute notification. However, these dates are subject to change, so always cross-check with the official website for the most recent updates. Covering exams from top institutes like NID, IIT Bombay (UCEED), NIFT, etc. check the table below for all important dates.
Entrance Exams | Application dates | Exam Dates |
November 22, 2024 to January 6, 2025 | February 9, 2025 | |
September 3 to December 6, 2024 | Prelims: January 5, 2025 Mains - BDes: April 26 to May 4, 2025 | |
October 01 to 31, 2024 | January 19, 2025 | |
November 15, 2024 to April 20, 2025 | May 11, 2025 | |
August 24, 2024 to January 16, 2025 | January 18 and 19, 2025 | |
January 4 to February 25, 2025 | March 29, 2025 | |
September 3, 2024 to April 4, 2025 | Phase 1 - January 23 to 25, 2025 Phase 2 - April 5 to 6, 2025 | |
Phase 1 - January 1 to 28, 2025 Phase 2 - March 30, 2025 | Phase 1 - January 5 to 30, 2025 Phase 2 - February 10 to April 15, 2025 | |
| LPU NEST B.Des Entrance Exam | Phase 1 - October 15, 2024 to January 25, 2025 | Phase 1 - January 10 to February 5, 2025 |
| IICD Entrance Exam | October 7, 2024 to January 13, 2025 | January 25, 2025 |
| SOFT CET Entrance exam | October 4 to December 31, 2024 | January 17 to 18, 2025 |
| Pearl Academy Entrance Exam | January cycle: September 16, 2024 to January 13, 2025 April cycle : ongoing-till April 15, 2025 | January cycle: January 17 to 19, 2025 April cycle: April 19 & 20, 2025 |
Several top BDes entrance exams in India are highly regarded for admission to prestigious design institutes. Here are some of the most prominent B.Des entrance exam names:
AIEED: The All India Entrance Examination for Design, also known as AIEED, is an entrance exam at the national level. It’s organised by the ARCH Academy of Design. This exam is for students who want to join Undergraduate and Postgraduate design programs. The whole exam is conducted online.
UCEED: The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design, also known as UCEED, is an entrance test conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay at national level. This test is for the students who are willing to obtain BDes admission.
FDDI AIST : Footwear Design and Development Institute All India Selection Test is a National level entrance examination conducted by the Footwear Design and Development Institute for admissions to undergraduate programs in the field of footwear design and technology.
NID DAT: The NID Design Aptitude Test, also known as NID DAT, is an entrance exam conducted at the national level. It’s organised by the National Institute of Design only. This exam is for students who are interested in joining a variety of Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses offered by the institute.
NIFT Entrance Exam: NIFT Entrance Examination or National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Examination is a national entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency.
For a successful career in BDes journey, it’s beneficial to aim for institutions that are recognised for their superior programs and have a track record of nurturing design leaders. Here are some of the world-renowned design institutes:
For a successful start in your BDes journey, it’s beneficial to aim for institutions that are recognised for their superior programs and have a track record of nurturing design leaders. Here are some of the world-renowned design institutes:
IIT Guwahati
IIT Hyderabad
IIT Hyderabad
Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT)
National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad
MIT Institute of Design Pune
Symbiosis Institute of Design
Delhi Technological University
CEPT, Karnavati
JD Institute
Pearl Academy
Fashion Design
Interior Design
Textile Design
Ceramic Design
Accessory Design
Game Design
Leather Design
Multimedia Design
Jewelry & Metalsmithing
Graphic Design
Industrial Design
See Also: Top BDes Colleges in India
The BDes 2025 entrance exam syllabus varies from one institution to another. In the following table, we’ve outlined the BDes entrance exam syllabus as provided by NIFT. The written exams include the General Ability Test (GAT) and the Creative Ability Test (CAT). It’s important to note that candidates are required to take both the CAT and GAT exams for the B.Des programme.
Aspirants who are interested in joining the program need to familiarise themselves with the NIFT syllabus 2025 for the GAT. Here’s what the NIFT GAT syllabus looks like.
General knowledge and current affairs
Case Study
Effective Communication
Communication ability and English comprehension
Quantitative
Problem-solving approach
Analytical and logical ability
Section | Objective | Topics |
Quantitative Ability | To test the quantitative ability of candidates | Addition, Multiplication, Division, Fractions, Percentage, Rate of Interest, Work, and Task, Ratio and Proportion, Distance, etc. |
Communication Ability and English Comprehension | To test the English language ability of candidates in day-to-day communication | Synonyms, Antonyms, Words with corresponding meanings, Singular, Plural, One-word Substitutes, Idioms and phrases, Correct spellings, Comprehending a situation from a given passage, etc. |
Analytical Ability and Logical Ability | To test a candidate’s capacity for inference and logic from the given information | - |
To evaluate a candidate’s ability to identify the given problem and apply reasoning in solving the core issues of the problem | ||
General Knowledge and Current Affairs | To test the general awareness and current affairs of candidates | - |
Case Study | To evaluate the candidate’s managerial ability. | - |
Aspirants aiming for admission in B.Des need to take both the CAT and GAT written exams. The CAT, or Creative Ability Test, assesses the candidates’ ability to observe, discern, design, and develop creative thoughts. The syllabus for the NIFT CAT for B.Des admission includes:
Ability to Observe
Ability to Discern
Ability to Design
Ability to Develop Creative Thoughts
Following is the list of the topics in which candidates can expect questions in NIFT CAT:
Design Theory | Colour Terminology | Inspiration & Design Development |
Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions | Elements & Principles Of Design | Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship |
Natural & Geometrical Form | Innovation in Design | Principles of Composition |
Creative thinking & writing | Optical Illusion | Understanding Light & Shade |
Visual Logic | Form & Function | Colour, Pattern & Texture |
Theme Development | Drawing Fundamentals | Picture Analysis |
Memory Drawing | Inspiration & Creativity | Ornaments & motifs |
Use of Measurements, Scale & proportions | Optical Illusion | Foreshortening & Perspective |
Developing Themes & Colour Associations | Usage of Colour in Compositions | Imagination & Doodling |
3D Visualisation | Presentation Techniques | Expression & Emotion |
Exercises on imagination | Lateral Thinking | Story Pictures |
Graphics & Pictograms | Innovation & Creation | Design Awareness |
Preparation for BDes entrance exams should be both comprehensive and creative. Here are some strategies to consider:
Work on your sketching skills: It’s essential for candidates to refine their basic drawing and sketching abilities.
Time management: Effective time management is a crucial skill to develop.
Maintain a calm temperament: It’s common to feel stressed before exams, but maintaining a calm environment can help prevent poor performance.
Make a brief note for revision: Create concise notes for last-minute revisions, as it’s challenging to review all topics in a short time.
Practice drawing, sketching, and problem-solving: Utilise the official website for practising drawing, sketching, and problem-solving using past papers and familiarising yourself with the exam format.
Participate in mock exams: Engage in online practice exams specifically designed for the design entrance test.
Solve questions from previous years: Gather and solve bdes entrance exam question paper.
Study from the latest updated books: Always use the most recent and updated books for your study.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Bachelor of Design (B.Des) is a professional undergraduate course of 4 years offering many specialisations like Product Design, Fashion Design, Industrial Design, Textile Design, Fashion Communication etc.
The minimum eligibility criteria for the BDes course is that the candidates are required to pass their 12th or equivalent examination from a recognized university with a minimum percentage of 50%.
The admission to the BDes Course is done on the basis of entrance examinations such as UCEED, NIFT entrance examination, NID DAT, etc.
The B.Des course fees can vary greatly depending on the educational institution and the particular design specialisation selected by the student. This is a crucial aspect for future students to take into account when mapping out their academic path.The average fees of the BDes course depends on the Job position
Job Position | Average Salary |
Fashion designer | Rs. 4.3 LPA |
Graphic designer | Rs. 3.5 LPA |
Fashion stylist | Rs. 3.5 LPA |
Art/Set director | Rs. 7.7 LPA |
Design manager | Rs. 11.8 LPA |
Some top colleges that offer the BDes course are NIFT Kolkata, IIT Bombay, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, Delhi Technological University.
Some popular specialisations in B.Des are Fashion Design, Interior Design, Textile Design, Ceramic Design, Accessory Design, Game Design, Leather Design, Multimedia Design, Jewelry & Metalsmithing, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, and Knitwear Design.
After finishing a B.Des degree, you can have many job options. You could become a Design or Fashion Director, work on creating textiles and surfaces, design clothes, start your own business, become a stylist, check the quality of fabric and clothes, become an Art Director or Set Director, take photos of fashion, manage a brand, or work as a Graphic Designer. These are just some jobs you can do after B.Des.
The bdes full form is Bachelor of Design, which is a professional undergraduate course of four years duration.
BDes subjects are the topics and courses that are taught in the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programme, which is a four-year undergraduate degree in design. Bdes subjects cover various aspects of design, such as theory, history, practise, and application, in different fields, such as fashion, product, graphic, textile, etc. Bdes subjects are important because they help the students develop their creative, technical, and problem-solving skills, as well as their knowledge and understanding of design.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
Getting admission in IITs or NID for BDes depends on a few things: your entrance exam score, portfolio, and sometimes your interview performance.
IITs (for BDes) : Admission is mainly through UCEED . You need a good rank in UCEED to get in.
NID : Admission is through NID DAT (Design Aptitude Test) . Your portfolio and DAT score matter a lot.
If your preparation and scores are strong, you have a chance. You can check previous years’ cut-offs to see where you stand.
Hope it helps !
Here are top BDes (Fashion Design) colleges in Bangalore:
National Institute of Fashion Technology , Bangalore – Top choice
JD Institute of Fashion Technology
Vogue Institute of Art and Design
IIFA Multimedia
Army Institute of Fashion and Design
Taking a second drop is not an issue if you clear the required entrance exams or meet the eligibility criteria.
FLAME University Pune is a good option for B.Des if you’re looking for a creative and interdisciplinary learning environment . The university offers a well-structured design program combined with liberal arts, allowing students to explore multiple interests It has a beautiful and modern campus with strong academic support and personalized attention due to smaller batch sizes. However, it is more know liberal arts and business programs, so if you want a purely design-focused education, you might also consider institutes like MIT-WPU or Shiv Nadar University. Overall, FLAME is suitable for students who want a broad, flexible design education and can afford the higher fees.
CUET qualifies BDes Fashion Designing students.
The basis for admission is the CUET score.
yes, Indeed, CUET qualifies BDes Fashion Designing students.
Admission CUET score is very important.
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