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Top Design Entrance Exams in India: Check here

Top Design Entrance Exams in India: Check here

Edited By Isha Jain | Updated on Feb 23, 2024 12:31 PM IST | #NIFT Entrance Exam

Top Design Entrance Exams in India 2024: With a large number of students applying for designing entrance exam 2024, competition among students have increased. As more aspirants are keen to opt for designing courses, it becomes significant for the design institutes to select the pertinent candidates for admission. Every year multiple design entrance exams are held as one of the major shortlisting criteria. Some of the top design entrance exams in India 2024 include NIFT, UCEED, CEED, NID DAT and much more. Here in this article, candidates are provided with the details on designing entrance exam 2024. Along with the list of entrance exams for designing after 12th, candidates can also check the top design entrance exam in India eligibility. Read the complete article to know more about top design entrance exams in India 2024.

Top Design Entrance Exams in India

Though many colleges offer multiple design courses, due to the limited seat intake, not every aspirant can make it to the top design institute. Multiple design entrance exams are conducted at the national level and university level for the students seeking admission to design courses. Careers360 is here listing the top fashion designing exams in India. Candidates can check the table below on entrance exam for designing after 12th.

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List of design entrance exam 2024

Top Design Entrance Exam

Registration dates

Design entrance exam date 2024

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)

To be notified

To be notified

NID Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT)

Without late fee - September 8 to December 1 (upto 4 PM)


With late fee - December 1 (From 6 PM) to 3, 2023

Prelims - December 24, 2024


Mains - April 27 and 28, 2024

Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED)

Without late fee - October 3 to 31, 2023


With late fee - November 1 to 8, 2023

January 21, 2024

Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED)

  • Without late fee - October 3 to 31, 2023


  • With late fee - November 1 to 8, 2023

January 21, 2024

Pearl Academy Entrance Exam

October 16 to January 23, 2024

January 27 and January 28, 2024

MIT Institute of Design DAT (Design Aptitude Test)

October to February 29, 2024

April 7, 2024

Indian Institute Of Crafts & Design (IICD)

October 10 to December 28, 2023

January 7, 2024

FDDI Entrance Test (FDDI AIST)

Without late fee - October 25 to April 20, 2024


With late fee - April 21 to 30, 2024

May 12 , 2024

All India Entrance Examination for Design (AIEED)

Ongoing

December 15 to 25, 2023

Army Institute of Fashion & Design Written Admission Test (AIFD WAT)

To be notified

To be notified

Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED)

August 26 to November 30, 2023

January 14, 2024

Srishti Manipal Entrance and Aptitude Test

To be notified

To be notified

Which is the top entrance exam in India?

There are a number of design entrance exams 2024 based on which admission is conducted to design courses. Below candidates can check the information on some of the top design entrance exams in India 2024. Note that candidates have to select designing entrance exam 2024 depending on their institute preference.

NIFT Entrance Exam

The NIFT Entrance Exam is one of the most prominent exams for fashion designing in India conducted by the National Institute of Fashion Technology. The NIFT entrance exam is conducted once a year to offer admission to the aspirants in various design programmes. Aspirants wanting to secure admission to NIFT campuses are required to qualify for the NIFT entrance exam.

Know more about the NIFT entrance exam

NID DAT

NID Design Aptitude Test is another significant exam for fashion designing, conducted by the National Institute of Design at the national level for the students seeking admission in BDes and MDes programmes. NID DAT is a two-tier entrance exam consisting of prelims and mains exams. NID admission is wholly based on the candidate's performance in the NID DAT.

Check details of NID DAT

UCEED

Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design commonly known as UCEED is a centre-based exam conducted by IIT Bombay. UCEED is conducted nationally for admissions to the Bachelor of Design admissions. UCEED is one of the designing exams after 12th available to the students. The qualified candidates can secure admission in UCEED participating institutes and other result-sharing institutes. The UCEED is a notable fashion designing exam that offers entry to the Bachelor of Design programs at IITs.

More details of UCEED

CEED

Common Entrance Examination for Design commonly known as CEED is a national-level exam conducted by IIT Bombay for students seeking admission to M.Des (Master of Design). CEED exam-qualified students are eligible to apply for admission in MDes and PhD programmes to the participating institutes and other result-sharing institutes. CEED score is valid for one year from the date of the result declaration.

More details of CEED

Top Design Entrance Exam in India Eligibility

In order to appear for the entrance exam for designing after 12th, candidates are required to meet certain conditions as laid down by the authorities. Top design entrance exam in India eligibility varies institute and course wise. However, candidates can below check general design entrance exam eligibility criteria below.

BDes entrance exam eligibility criteria

  • Candidates who wish to pursue a B Design course need to complete 10+2 in any stream or its equivalent exam from any recognised board of education.

  • Candidates should meet the B Des cut-off set by the institute.

  • There is some relaxation on the B Des cut-off for the reserved category candidates.

WUD | Design Admissions 2024

International tie-ups | Project based learnings | Attractive Scholarships | State of the art infrastructure | Last Date to Apply: 23rd May'24

Pearl Academy B.Des Admissions 2024

No. 1 Design & Fashion Institute by ASSOCHAM, India Today, Outlook and The Week rankings | Last Date to Apply: 5th June

MDes entrance exam eligibility criteria

  • Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree/diploma in designing with at least 50 percent aggregate marks.

  • Candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in Architecture/Engineering can also apply for the course.

NIFT Past 5 Years Cutoff (2019-23)
Candidates can download NIFT past 5 years cutoff to get an idea on the opening and closing ranks for admission to NIFT campuses.
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Browse Top Fashion Design Colleges by Location

How to Crack the Design Entrance Exam

Every year the maximum number of candidates appear in the top design entrance exams in India. Cracking the entrance exam for designing after 12th is not easy with many candidates competing for it. Acing design entrance exam requires to have a clear-cut exam strategy and a thorough understanding of the design entrance exam syllabus. Aspiring students thinking of taking a design entrance exam in the future must start preparation in the early months to avoid last-minute hiccups. Consistent preparation and dedication are required to tackle the design entrance exam. Here are some of the preparation tips for the design entrance exam.

  • Enhance your creative skills. Curiosity in learning and exploring new ideas will enhance your creative skills.

  • Read comic strips or watch cartoons. Reading comic strips will help you to develop the ability to present your creative ideas in a storytelling format.

  • Time Management. Make a timetable. Prioritize the important things and devote your time to them.

  • Improve visualization and observation skills. Try to observe things around you and come up with new-flagged ideas.

  • Work on your sketching skills. They used the right equipment for sketching such as 2 grades of pencil: H-grade for rough work, light drawings, and B for rapid work and shading.

  • Give a mock test. Participating in the mock test regularly helps to gain confidence and get rid of the exam stress. Analyzing the performance of mock tests is the next step to implementing the exam strategy.

UPES B.Des Admissions 2024

Ranked #52 amongst Universities in India by NIRF | Ranked #9 in India by QS University Rankings 2023 | Last Date to Apply: 31st May

Unitedworld Institute of Design B.Des Admissions 2024

100% Placement Assistance | Global approach | Industry visits | International visits | Live projects

Design Entrance Exam Sample Papers

One of the most effective ways to prepare for the design entrance exams in India is to practice sample papers or previous year papers. Design entrance exam sample papers are designed in the format similar to that of the actual entrance exam. Below are links of sample papers of some of the top design entrance exams in India 2024.

Design Entrance Exam Sample Papers

Best Books for Designing Entrance Exam 2024

With the right study material, candidates can prepare for the top design entrance exams 2024 effectively. The best books for the design entrance exam in India 2024 will help students get a detailed explanation of all topics.

Top Design Entrance Exams in India 2024: Most Recommended Books

Best Books for Design Entrance Exams

Author name

NID DAT Books (Aptitude Section)

R.S. Aggarwal

Design drawing

Francis D.K.Ching

Basic Rendering

Robert W.Gill

UCEED (B.Des) Entrance Books and Test Series

AFA India

Analytical Reasoning, Mental Aptitude, Verbal Aptitude (UCEED Guide)

Institute Of Creative Sciences

Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning

RS Aggarwal

Quantitative Aptitude

RS Aggarwal

Comprehensive English for NID, NIFT, UCEED, CEED, NATA, B.Arch & Other Design Entrance Exams

Designologue

Perspective Drawing Handbook

Joseph D'Amelio

Cracking CEED & UCEED (with Previous Years' Papers and Mock Tests)

Ashok Goel and Arjun Kamal

UCEED (B.Des) Entrance Books and Test Series

AFAINDIA

Cracking CEED & UCEED (with Previous Years' Papers and Mock Tests)

Ashok Goel and Arjun Kamal

Art perception

David Cycleback

CEED + NID

AFAINDIA

NIFT, NID, and IIFT Entrance Exam Guidelines 01

Dharmendra Mittal

NIFT/NID

Mittal D

Design Drawing

Francis Ching

Rendering in Pen and Ink

Robert Gill

Which Entrance Exam is Best for Designing?

There are several designing exams in India, which are considered to be best for designing. Each exam has a unique focus and is recognized by top design institutes in India. The choice depends on the student’s design interest. Understanding the format and requirements of each exam is crucial for effective preparation. These exams test not only academic knowledge but also creative and innovative thinking abilities. Some of the best designing exams in India are NIFT, NID DAT, UCEED, CEED, AIEED, and many more.

Which is the toughest exam for design?

The National Institute of Design Design Aptitude Test( NID DAT) is considered the toughest exam in design compared to other design exams in India. The high level of competition, due to the large number of applicants and the limited number of seats available, contributes to its reputation as a tough exam. NID DAT exam assesses the candidates through a rigorous selection process. NID DAT consists of two stages: Prelims and mains. Candidates who qualify for the prelims exam will be eligible for the mains exam. After completion of the Mains exam candidates need to go through the next selection process consisting of a situation test and personal interview. Candidates who qualify for the exams are eligible to participate in the counselling process. This multi staged selection process contributes NID DAT as a challenging designing exam in India.

What is the name of design entrance exam?

There are many national and university-level design entrance exam conducted in India. Some of the names of popular design exams in India are

  • UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design)
  • CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design)
  • NID DAT (National Institute of Design Design Aptitude Test)
  • NIFT Entrance Exam (National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Examination)
  • Pearl Academy Entrance exam
  • AIEED (All India Entrance Examination

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1. How can I choose the right design courses?

Some of the aspects which must be considered while choosing the right design courses are given below.

  • Know your interest

  • Research before choosing your specialization

  • Analyse career scope

  • Know eligibility criteria

2. What are the top design entrance exams?

The top design entrance exams are as given in the table below.

Design Entrance Exam

  • NIFT
  • NID DAT
  • UCEED
  • CEED
  • Pearl Academy Entrance Exam
3. How can I crack the top design entrance exam?

Preparation tips for top design entrance exam are as follows. 

  • Practice sample papers 

  • Work on your sketching skill

  • Give mock test

  • Practice puzzle question

  • Polish your general knowledge

4. What are the top design specializations in India?

The top design specializations are given below.

  • Fashion design

  • Graphic design 

  • Product design

  • User experience design

  • Industrial design

  • Graphic design

  • Animation design

  • Interior design

  • Web design

5. What is the national exam for design?

The NID DAT exam is a national exam for Design is administered by the National Institute of Design.

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Questions related to NIFT Entrance Exam

Have a question related to NIFT Entrance Exam ?

Hello aspirant,

The nationwide Institute of Fashion Technology offers a nationwide entrance exam called NIFT for admission to its fashion design programmes.

Every course has specific requirements that must be met in order to apply. For NIFT, there is no minimum age requirement, however it is evident that passing the 10+2 exam is a requirement in order to be admitted to any undergraduate programme in fashion design.


You cannot be admitted because you are in class eleven. However, you can apply to NIFT for experience and practice, and if your application is accepted, you can take the entrance exam. If you pass, however, be aware that you will not be able to retain your results for admission.

Thank you

Hope this information helps you.

Dear Aspirant,


Yes! If you want to pursue your under graduation from nift after 12th or even if you are appearing for12th exam then you are eligible to apply for the exam. There are several courses offered by nift which includes undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes.


Age (Undergraduate degree programmes) -

  • General - the maximum age should be less than 24 years as on 1st august in the year of examination
  • Reserved category - 5 years relaxation


Hope this information helps :)

Dear aspirant

NIFT 2023 ELIGIBILITY - B.DES admission

1. Aspiring students must have completed a 10+2 board exam from any recognized Central/State Board of Secondary Examination, such as Central Board of Secondary Education/State Board New Delhi, and Council for Indian School of Certificate Examination, New Delhi or,

2. Any Board/Public School/University Examination conducted in India or abroad which is equivalent to the 10+2 system and is accorded by the Association of Indian Universities or,

3. If candidates complete the General Certificate Education (GCE) Examination (London/Sri Lanka/ Cambridge/) at the Advanced (A) level/International Baccalaureate (IB) then, they are eligible to apply or,

4. Students will also be eligible if they have passed the 10+2 examination conducted by the National Open School with at least five subjects or,

5. Diploma of 3 or 4 years which is recognized by AICTE or State Board of Technical Education.

Age limit - Candidates must be of 23 years of age as of August 1, 2022. However, candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST)/Person With Disability (PHP) get a relaxation of 5 years

Eligibility for B.F.Tech admission

1. Students must pass the Class 12 exam in the 10+2 pattern of examination with Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects from any recognized Central/ State Board of Secondary Examination, such as Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi, and Council for Indian School of Certificate Examination, New Delhi or,

2. Any Public School/Board/University Exam in India or in foreign countries which is equivalent to a 10+2 system with Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics as a mandatory subjects. It must be recognized by the Association of Indian Universities or,

3. General Certificate Education (GCE) Examination(London/ Cambridge/ Sri Lanka) at the advanced (A) level with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics/International Baccalaureate (IB) or,

4. Diploma of 3 or 4 years in any programme of engineering which is recognized by AICTE or a State Board of Technical Education or,

5. A passing grade in the Higher Secondary Education Examination held by the National Open School with at least five subjects - Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics

Age limit is same as B.des

You can check other details about eligibility criteria for NIFT from link below

https://www.google.com/amp/s/design.careers360.com/articles/nift-eligibility-criteria/amp

Hope this was informative for you

Best regards!!

Hello,

For BVoc courses in interior design, separate entrance exams are conducted by the concerned colleges. By giving NIFT you can only get admission in BDes and MDes courses in NIFTs and some other participating institutes.

Hello,

In 2022 NIFT Entrance Examination was conducted in 32 cities. The candidates have to select the preference of the examination cities while filling the application form. Based on the availability, preferences of the examination cities you will be allotted an examination center. You have to appear for NIFT Entrance Examination in the allotted examination center as per the given schedule. You can select any city where examination is conducted while filling your preferences, make sure that you select the cities such that you can commute on the day of examination easily. Next year the list of examination cities may increase or decrease, the cities may vary.

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