The Basics of Design Entrance Exams

Getting into a design college is easy. Getting into the design college of your dreams is not. And the path to achieving your dreams begins with getting your basics right.

So here’s basic but important information about the top Design Entrance Exams held in India. The path to achieving your design dream begins now.

Design Aptitude Test (DAT)

Conducted by the National Institute of Design, the Design Aptitude Test (read DAT) is for entrance into the B.Des. programmes offered by the institute. There are 2 stages to the exam – prelims (written exam) & mains (Studio round & 1-on-1 interviews). The written test is further broken into Objective Questions (70 marks) & Subjective Questions (30 marks).
Skills such as knowledge, comprehension, analysis, creativity & visualisation are tested throughout the process.

Duration – 3 Hrs.

Course – Bachelor of Design

Institute – National Institute of Design (NID)

Eligibility –  10 + 2 in any stream from recognised board

NIFT Entrance Test

Considered to be one of the revered Design exams of India, the NIFT General Aptitude Test (GAT) & Creative Ability Test (CAT) are given by more than 20000 students across India. It’s an annual, national-level exam held in more than 32 cities. It focuses on quantitative & communicative abilities, english comprehension, analytical ability & general knowledge / current affairs. It collectively comprises of written exams, group discussions & personal interviews.

Duration – 2 Hrs. (NIFT GAT), 3 Hrs. (NIFT CAT)

Course – Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fashion Technology

Institute – National Institute of Fashion Technology

Eligibility –  10+2 from recognised board  OR Pass Grade in GCE Exam OR Pass Grade in Senior Sec. School Examination with 5 Subjects OR AICTE recognised Three/Four year diploma

Symbiosis Entrance Exams for Design (SEED)

Previously called SET for Design, SEED is conducted by Symbiosis International University for entrance into the Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID). The exam aims to evaluate students based on a myriad of creative abilities such as colour association, geometrical understanding, visual observation, everyday design, creativity, culture awareness etc. SEED is conducted in three stages. First, a written multiple choice questionnaire. Second, an in-campus studio test. Third, a personal interaction round.

Duration – 2.5 Hrs. (Written Exam)

Course – Bachelor of Design

Institute – Symbiosis Institute of Design

Eligibility –  10 + 2 from any stream, 10 + 3 diploma approved by SBTE with min. 50% aggregate

Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED)

UCEED is conducted by IIT Bombay to get entry into B.Des. courses offered by IITs. It’s a computer-based test conducted in three stages. First, the Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questionnaire. Second, the Multiple Select Questionnaire (MSQ). Third, the Multiple Choice Questionnaire. The test aims to judge the visual & spatial skills, design sensibilities, environment awareness & logical reasoning.

Duration – 3 Hrs.

Course – Bachelor of Design

Institute – IIT Bombay, IIT Guwahati, IITDM Jabalpur

Eligibility- 10+2

Comment below to clear all doubts about exams held in India.