NIFT, UCEED, CEED 2027: Apply by Nov 16, Oct 31, Oct 31 respectively

The application processes for several leading design entrance examinations across India for the 2027 academic year are underway, with key dates for registration and examinations now confirmed by the respective authorities. These examinations support admission to undergraduate and postgraduate design programs at institutions such as the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), National Institute of Design (NID), and the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

Most design entrance exams in India are typically conducted between January and February. Candidates seeking admission to these colleges generally need to clear multiple rounds of selection, with quite a few tests being conducted at the college level. The upcoming cycle sees a concentrated period of application deadlines and exam dates from October 2026 through June 2027.

National Level Design Entrance Exams for 2027

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Entrance Exam, usually conducted by the NTA and NIFT, has opened its application window. Candidates can apply from October 16, 2026, until November 16, 2026. A late fee of ₹5,000 will be applicable for applications submitted between November 17, 2026, and November 21, 2026. The written examination is scheduled for January 10, 2027, with tentative results for the written exam expected by March 20, 2027, and final results by June 3, 2027.

IIT Bombay conducts the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) for B.Des programs at six IITs, and the Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) for postgraduate design aspirants. The application period for both UCEED and CEED is from October 1, 2026, to October 31, 2026. Both exams are set for January 17, 2027, with results scheduled for March 4, 2027. UCEED scores are valid for one admission cycle, while CEED scores are valid for one academic year.

The National Institute of Design (NID) Entrance Exam, or NID DAT, is conducted by NID Ahmedabad for B.Des programs across all NID campuses. The application period for NID DAT commenced on September 10, 2026, and will conclude on November 30, 2026. The DAT Prelims exam is scheduled for December 20, 2026. The NID DAT Prelims result is used solely to shortlist candidates for the Mains. DAT Mains for B.Des will be held on May 26, 2027, and for M.Des on April 23, 2027. The final NID DAT result is entirely based on the DAT Mains scores.

Other Key Design Entrance Examinations

Beyond the national-level exams, several university-level design entrance tests are also scheduled. The Symbiosis International (Deemed University) will conduct the SEED Exam for B.Des on March 22, 2027, and for M.Des on May 3. Results for the SEED Exam are expected on May 15, 2027. The Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) AIST exam date is May 10, 2027.

The Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) Entrance Exam is scheduled for May 30, 2027, while the Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID) Aptitude Test will take place on January 11, 2027. Pearl Academy Entrance Exam and AIEED operate on multiple cycles, with ongoing application periods and exam dates to be announced or already in progress.

Further reading

• UCEED 2027: Download your scorecard from March 10 to July 31
• UCEED 2027 Part B cutoff released by IIT Bombay: check category-wise scores
• UCEED exam pattern: sections, marking and duration Next step
• CUET 2027: Register by November 25
• UID 2027: Apply for UG/PG Design Courses Applications open
• UCEED: complete exam guide

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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