Entrance Exams for M.Des

Published by Shikha Kumari on Sep 05, 2025

Admissions to M.Des takes place through national level M.Des entrance exams like CEED, NID DAT, and the NIFT entrance exam. Other exams include SEED (Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design) and university level entrance exams for specific universities. Each exam has a unique syllabus and structure. Most exams take an aptitude test followed by an interview round. Candidates should know how Let’s learn about each of these exams in detail.

CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design)

• To be eligible for CEED, you must have completed or be appearing for the final year of a 3-year degree/diploma/postgraduate program after the 10+2 level.
• The CEED (Common Entrance Exam for Design) exam pattern consists of two parts, A and B, administered in a 3-hour online format. Part A is a computer-based aptitude test with Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. Part B is a paper-based section with drawing and design questions, evaluated only for candidates who meet the Part A cutoff. The overall score is a combination of marks from both parts, with Part B carrying a higher weight.
• The syllabus includes Part A (Aptitude) covering visualization, spatial reasoning, practical knowledge, observation, environment and society, analytical and logical reasoning, language, creativity, art and design knowledge, and design methods. Part B (Drawing) assesses freehand sketching, drawing, creativity, communication, and design aptitude, requiring candidates to draw with good line quality, composition, perspective, and shading.

NID DAT

• To be eligible for NID DAT, candidates must have completed or be appearing for a bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.Des, B.Tech, B.Arch, BA Fine Arts) or a 3/4-year diploma after 10+2 from a recognized institution.
• DAT Prelims includes multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), subjective drawing/design questions, and problem-solving tasks. 
• DAT Mains includes studio Test (drawing, model-making, material handling) and Personal Interview (portfolio review, design discussion)

NIFT

• To be eligible for NIFT, candidates must have completed or be appearing for a bachelor’s degree (any discipline, e.g., B.Des, B.Tech, BA) or a 3/4-year diploma after 10+2 from a recognized institution.
• The structure includes Structure three stages—Written Tests (CAT + GAT), Situation Test, and Personal Interview.
• The syllabus includes advanced sketching, design conceptualization, visual communication, creativity, color theory, storytelling, innovation in design solutions, English (comprehension, vocabulary), quantitative aptitude (Class 12 level), logical reasoning, general knowledge (design, fashion, culture), current affairs.

SEED

• To be eligible for, candidates must have completed or be appearing for a bachelor’s degree ( B.Des, BFA, B.Tech) or equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
• The pattern of the exam includes two stages—SEED (written test) and Portfolio Review + Personal Interaction (PRPI).
• The syllabus includes Visualization, spatial reasoning, observation skills, color theory, design principles, creative problem-solving, Art, design, culture, societal issues, environmental awareness, and current trends in design.

Conclusion

The CEED, NID DAT, NIFT, and SEED exams are exams required to pursue M.Des programs in India, each offering a unique pathway to advanced design education. CEED emphasizes a balanced aptitude and drawing-based assessment, ideal for candidates aiming for prestigious institutes like IITs and IISc. NID DAT focuses on discipline-specific creativity and hands-on studio skills, catering to specialized roles across 19 design fields. NIFT’s multi-stage process prioritizes creative and practical design application, perfect for fashion and design innovation. SEED, with its streamlined online test and portfolio focus, suits candidates with strong visual and creative portfolios seeking admission to Symbiosis Institute of Design. Aspiring M.Des students should align their preparation with the specific syllabus and structure of their chosen exam, leveraging their bachelor’s degree expertise to excel in aptitude, creativity, and strategic thinking for a successful design career in 2025.