Top Graphic Design Entrance Exams in India: Registration, Exam Dates, Eligibility

Top Graphic Design Entrance Exams in India: Registration, Exam Dates, Eligibility

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Feb 07, 2025 05:40 PM IST | #B.Des

Graphic design is one of the most demanding courses in the design field. To pursue a career in graphic design, candidates must qualify for the design exams in India. The list of popular graphic design entrance exams include NID DAT, UCEED, SEED, and SMEAT. Candidates who want to do a graphic design course after 12th must pass their 10+2 with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks and appear for the entrance exam for graphic design after 12th.

This Story also Contains
  1. List Of Entrance Exams for Graphic Design
  2. Important Dates for Graphic Design Entrance Exams in India
  3. Eligibility Criteria for Graphic Design Entrance Exams in India
  4. Entrance Exam for Graphic Designing After Graduation
  5. Government Exam for graphic Designing
  6. Graphic Design Entrance Exam Syllabus

Graphic designing is an art of creating visual content such as typography, images, colors, and shapes to communicate the message. There are various entrance exam for designing after 12th conducted for admission to graphic design colleges in India. This article focuses on the entrance exam for graphic design after 12th, eligibility, and more.

List Of Entrance Exams for Graphic Design

Aspiring designers can appear for the entrance exam for graphic design after 12th. Top design entrance exams in India for graphic design admissions are conducted at the national, state, and university levels. Top Graphic design entrance exams in India fees vary depending on the institute, duration of the programme, and courses offered. Below is a list of popular graphic designer entrance exams:

Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences B.Des Admissions 2025

NAAC A+ & NBA Accredited | QS I-Gauge Gold rated University | Scholarships available for Meritorious students | Application Deadline : 14th May’25

Anant National University B.Des Admissions 2025

India's First DesignX University | Experienced Faculty

  • CEED- Common Entrance Examination for Design

  • NID DAT- NID Design Aptitude Test

  • MITID DAT- MIT Institute of Design Design Aptitude Test

  • UCEED- Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design

  • AIEED- All India Entrance Examination for Design

  • SEED- Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design

  • UPES DAT- UPES Design Aptitude Test

  • SMEAT-Srishti Manipal Entrance and Aptitude Test

Also Check:

FDDI B.Design Admissions 2025

Govt. Institute | B.Des, M.Des | 12 Campuses PAN India

Apeejay Institute of Design, Delhi B.Design Admissions 2025

100% Placement Assistance. Ranked among top 5 Design Institutions in the Country

Important Dates for Graphic Design Entrance Exams in India

The important dates for the graphic design entrance exam are announced by the respective concerned authorities on their official website. Candidates need to check and meet the top graphic design entrance exams in India eligibility before appearing for the exams. The important dates for the Graphic design entrance exam in India are given below.

Important Dates of the Entrance Exam for Graphic Design

Entrance Exam

Application Date

Exam Date

NID DAT

September 3 to December 3, 2024

Prelims: January 5, 2025

Mains: April 26 to May 4, 2025

UCEED

October 1 to October 31, 2024

January 19, 2025

CEED

October 1 to October 31, 2024

January 19, 2025

AIEED

October 15 to first week of December, 2024

January 5 to 12, 2025

MIT Design Test

August 23, 2024 to February 28, 2025

April 6, 2025

SEED

August 16 to December 25, 2024

January 12, 2025

UPES DAT

September 3, 2024 to January 21, 2025

January 23 to 25, 2025

SMEATDecember 15, 2024 to March 15, 2025April 18 & 19, 2025


Eligibility Criteria for Graphic Design Entrance Exams in India

The top graphic design entrance exams in India eligibility criteria varies depending on the institute, courses offered, and duration of the programme. The minimum eligibility criteria for the candidates who want to pursue BDes in graphic designing is completing 10+2 (any stream) from a recognised board with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. And for the candidates who want to pursue MDes the minimum eligibility is to hold a Bachelor’s degree. The age limit varies depending on the university. Below is a list of graphic design entrance exam eligibility criteria:

Eligibility for Graphic Design Entrance Exams in India

Entrance Exam For Graphic Design

Eligibility Criteria

CEED

  • Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Architecture/Design/Interior Design or equivalent after 12th grade.

  • Candidates must have passed the GD Arts diploma programme (10+5 level).

  • There is no age limit.

NID DAT

  • BDes- Candidates must pass 10+2 final examinations from a recognised state or central board by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU)


  • MDes- Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree of 4 years in any specialisation from a recognized university or college.

MITID DAT

  • B.Des- 10+2 from any stream

  • M.Des- Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline

UCEED

  • The candidate should have passed all subjects in the qualifying examination in 12th grade or equivalent

AIEED

  • UG- Students who have passed class 10+2 (CBSE/ICSE/IB/State Board/NIOS or equivalent as per UGC Guidelines)


  • PG- Graduates or students pursuing graduation in any discipline from a recognised university

SEED

  • 10+2 from any stream or equivalent

  • 10+3 diploma with minimum 50% marks

UPES DAT

  • BDes- Minimum 50% marks at Higher and Senior Secondary level (class 10 & 12) (Any Stream)


  • MDes- Minimum 50% marks at Higher and Senior Secondary Level (Class 10 & 12).

Minimum 50% marks in bachelor’s degree in any stream: 10+2+3 years (B.Des./B.Arch./ B.Tech./ BFA graduates will be preferred)

SMEAT

  • 10+2 from any of the Indian boards or the international boards.

  • The applicant's age should be between 18 to 25 for the undergraduate program.

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Entrance Exam for Graphic Designing After Graduation

For the aspirants to pursue graphic design after graduation, there are various entrance exams offered by the institutes to get admission into the post graduation courses. Provided below are some of the institutes that conduct the entrance exam for graphic designing after graduation.

Graphic Designing Exam After Graduation

Entrance Exam Name

Conducting Body

NID DAT

National Institute of Design

MIT DATMIT Institute of Design

CEED

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

UPES DAT

University of Petroleum and Energy Studies


Government Exam for graphic Designing

Aspirants can also check the graphic design courses offered by appearing for the government exams. Provided below is the list of government design exams in India for graphic designing.

Entrance Exam Name

Conducting Body

NID DAT

National Institute of Design

UCEED

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

CEED

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

CUET

National Testing Agency

Graphic Design Entrance Exam Syllabus

The graphic design entrance exam syllabus will help the candidates to provide a clear idea of what to study, manage their time, and help them focus their preparation effectively. The graphic design entrance exam syllabus will cover the common topics and areas relevant to the graphic design field. The syllabus will vary depending on the exam but the core topics are usually similar such as,

  • Problem-solving skills

  • Colour balancing

  • Fundamentals of drawing

  • Typography

  • Visual thinking

  • Colour composition

  • Creative writing, etc

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the graphic design entrance exam fees?

Graphic design entrance exam fees vary depending on the institute, duration of the programme, and courses offered.

2. What are the entrance exam for graphic design?

Some of the entrance exam for graphic design are as follows:

  • CEED- Common Entrance Examination for Design 

  • NID DAT- NID Design Aptitude Test

  • MITID DAT- MIT Institute of Design Design Aptitude Test 

  • UCEED- Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design

  • AIEED- All India Entrance Examination for Design

  • SEED- Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design

  • UPES DAT- UPES Design Aptitude Test 

  • SMEAT-Srishti Manipal Entrance and Aptitude Test

3. Can candidates appear entrance exam for graphic design after 12th?

Yes, candidates can apply for the entrance exam for graphic design after 12th.

4. Can I do graphic design in NIFT?

Yes, NIFT offers Graphic Design course for a period of 1 year under Continuing Education (CE)/Diploma programmes.

Articles

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

University of Essex, Colchester
 Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ
University College London, London
 Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT
The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
 Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Post Code EH8 9YL
University of Bristol, Bristol
 Beacon House, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1QU
University of Nottingham, Nottingham
 University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD

Questions related to B.Des

Have a question related to B.Des ?

1. MIT Institute of Design, Pune

2. Pearl Academy (Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Bengaluru)

3. Unitedworld Institute of Design, Gandhinagar

4. Srishti Manipal Institute, Bengaluru

5. ISDI School of Design, Mumbai

6. Lovely Professional University, Punjab

7. Chandigarh University

8. Arch College of Design and Business, Jaipur

9. Amity School of Fashion Technology, Noida

10. RV University, Bengaluru

Currently, NSUT does not offer a B.Des. program. However, other institutes like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and IIITDM Jabalpur offer B.Des. through UCEED.

Expected UCEED Cutoffs (General Category):

IIT Bombay: Around Rank 14

IIT Delhi: Around Rank 35

IIITDM Jabalpur: Around Rank 165

To pursue B.Tech or B.Des through JEECUP 2025, you need to prepare according to the specific group’s syllabus relevant to your chosen course.

Syllabus for B.Tech via JEECUP (Group A & K)

  • Group A (Diploma in Engineering & Technology)

    • Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

    • Level: Based on Class 10 syllabus (UP Board or equivalent)

    • Key Topics:

      • Mathematics: Real numbers, polynomials, linear equations, quadratic equations, arithmetic progressions, triangles, circles, statistics, etc.

      • Physics: Motion, heat, electricity, magnetism, solar system, etc.

      • Chemistry: Classification of matter, fuels, chemical reactions, acids, bases, salts, etc. (https://www.pw.live/state-prep/exams/jeecup-syllabus) (https://www.careerpower.in/jeecup-syllabus.html) (https://www.collegebatch.com/exams/jeecup-syllabus) (https://collegedunia.com/exams/jeecup) (https://www.pasteurinstituteindia.com/up-polytechnic-jeecup-syllabus/)

  • Group K (Lateral Entry to 2nd Year of Engineering Diploma)

    • Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Engineering subjects

    • Level: Based on Class 10 & 12 syllabus. (https://collegedunia.com/exams/jeecup)

Syllabus for B.Des via JEECUP (Likely Group C or Related Group)

  • Group C (Fashion Designing, Garment Technology, Home Science, Textile Design)

    • Subjects: English & Hindi Comprehension, Reasoning & Intelligence, General Awareness

    • Level: Based on Class 10 syllabus

    • Key Topics:

      • Comprehension (English and Hindi)

      • Logical reasoning and intelligence

      • General awareness (current events, basic knowledge) (https://www.collegebatch.com/exams/jeecup-syllabus) (https://collegedunia.com/exams/jeecup) (https://www.pasteurinstituteindia.com/up-polytechnic-jeecup-syllabus/)

Note: If B.Des is offered, it will likely fall under Group C or a similar group. Always confirm the exact group and syllabus from the official JEECUP brochure for your target year and course.

General Preparation Tips

  • The JEECUP syllabus is based on UP Board Class 10 and 12 curricula for most engineering and design-related courses (https://www.pw.live/state-prep/exams/jeecup-syllabus) (https://collegedunia.com/exams/jeecup) .

  • Download the official syllabus PDF from the JEECUP website for detailed topics.

  • Focus on the core subjects relevant to your chosen group.

  • Practice previous years’ question papers for better understanding of the pattern and difficulty level. (https://collegedunia.com/exams/jeecup)

Summary Table

Course Group Subjects to Study Syllabus Level
B.Tech A/K Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (+Engineering for K) Class 10/12
B.Des C English & Hindi Comprehension, Reasoning, Awareness Class 10

Check the official JEECUP 2025 brochure for the most accurate and updated syllabus for your specific course and group before starting your preparation.

You can visit above links for further details.

(https://www.pw.live/state-prep/exams/jeecup-syllabus) (https://www.collegebatch.com/exams/jeecup-syllabus) (https://collegedunia.com/exams/jeecup)

Hello Saumya,

As of now, Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT) has not officially released the specific opening and closing UCEED ranks for B.Des admissions for candidates from outside the Delhi region. The available information primarily focuses on the selection process and seat allocation.

Selection Priorities for B.Des at NSUT:

  1. First Priority: Candidates who have cleared the UCEED exam conducted by IIT Bombay.

  2. Second Priority: Candidates with a rank in a national-level design entrance examination (or allied fields) for a four-year course at any centrally funded institute/university.

  3. Third Priority: Candidates with a rank in a state-level design entrance examination (or allied fields) for a four-year course at any state government-funded institute/university.

For Outside Delhi Region Candidates , 15% of the seats are allocated.

Given the limited availability of seats and the prioritization criteria, securing admission as an outside Delhi candidate is competitive. It's advisable to aim for a high UCEED rank to enhance your chances.

Recommendations:

  • Regularly Check Official Sources: Keep an eye on NSUT's official website and the UCEED portal for any updates on cutoff ranks and admission criteria.

  • Prepare Thoroughly for UCEED: Achieving a high score will significantly improve your prospects, especially given the competitive nature of the program.

  • Consider Backup Options: Explore other reputable design institutes that accept UCEED scores to broaden your opportunities.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to ask. We will be happy to assist you.

Thank You and wishing you a bright future ahead.


No, IPU (Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University) does not accept NID DAT Prelims score for admission to the B.Des (Bachelor of Design) program.

Instead, IPU conducts its own entrance test or may consider CUET (UG) scores for B.Des admissions, depending on the latest admission guidelines. Always refer to the university's official prospectus for the year you're applying to for the final admission criteria.

NIT DAT (https://www.shiksha.com/design/articles/nid-admissions-2025-colleges-accepting-nid-entrance-exam-scores-for-bdes-mdes-courses-blogId-13097)

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