B.Des Admission 2026: Everything Students Need to Know

Published by Shikha Kumari on Dec 01, 2025

B.Des (Bachelor of Design) admission for 2026 requires UCEED 2026 scores above 100 for top institutes like IIT Bombay (120 seats). Candidates must have passed Class 10+2 with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) from any recognized board. The average fee across top design colleges is INR 2.5–4 LPA, and 70% of seats are filled through UCEED, while the remaining 30% are based on Class 12 merit and portfolio assessment, as per the IIT Bombay brochure.

B.Des Eligibility Criteria 2026

For admission to B.Des programs in 2026, candidates must have:

• Passed or appeared for Class 10+2 (any stream) with at least 50% aggregate marks for General/OBC-NCL/EWS categories and 45% for SC/ST/PwD categories.
  
• No upper age limit for applicants.
  
• English language proficiency is required.
  
• Foreign nationals can apply through DASA with equivalent qualifications.
  

Eligibility Marks Summary

B.Des Syllabus 2026

The B.Des syllabus focuses on design fundamentals, visualization, creativity, and specialization electives. The program spans 4 years (8 semesters) and includes 160 credits, of which 40% are dedicated to studio-based projects.

Year-wise Syllabus Breakdown

Key areas include:

• Visualization & 3D sketching (20%)
  
• Design methods and scenario-based problem solving (15%)
  
• Art appreciation and creativity (25%)
  

B.Des Fees Structure 2026

The average B.Des fee across top colleges in India ranges between INR 2.5 to 4 LPA, depending on the institute and category. Scholarships are available for merit-based and reserved category students.

College-wise Fees Overview

Top B.Des Colleges Accepting UCEED 2026

The Bachelor of Design course is offered by 7 IITs and IIITDM Jabalpur through UCEED. These institutes collectively offer 310 seats for 2026 admission.

UCEED 2026 College List

B.Des Entrance Exam 2026: UCEED Details

The UCEED 2026 exam is scheduled for January 18, 2026 (9:00 AM–12:00 Noon). Registration opens August 25, 2025 and closes October 5, 2025.

• Exam Fee: INR 3,000 (General/OBC-NCL/EWS)
  
• Paper Pattern:
  
  • Part A: 80 MCQs (240 marks, -1 for wrong answers)
    
  • Part B: 1 drawing question (60 marks, no negative marking)
    
• Total Marks: 300
  

B.Des Course Duration and Structure

The B.Des program is a 4-year undergraduate course divided into 8 semesters. It carries a total of 160 credits and focuses on both theoretical and studio-based learning.

Course Duration Structure

B.Des Job Prospects (2026 and Beyond)

B.Des graduates enjoy strong career prospects, with 85% average placement across top institutes. Roles include UI/UX Designer, Product Designer, and Visual Communication Specialist.

Top recruiters include Persistent Systems, Mtoag, and Cognitive Stars.

Placement Overview

Freelance design opportunities also offer an additional income of INR 500/hour.

B.Des Salary Trends 2026

The average starting salary after B.Des is INR 4.02 LPA, which can rise to INR 6–8 LPA after two years of experience, and up to INR 10–15 LPA for senior designers.

Salary Progression

B.Des vs BFA: Key Differences

While both are creative fields, B.Des emphasizes practical design applications (80% studio work), whereas BFA focuses more on theoretical fine arts (60% theory).

B.Des Admission Process 2026

The admission process for B.Des 2026 involves several key stages:

1. UCEED Registration: August 25 – October 5, 2025
   
2. Exam Date: January 18, 2026
   
3. Results Declaration: March 6, 2026
   
4. Counseling & Seat Allotment: March 14 – April 10, 2026
   
5. Document Verification: 10+2 marksheet, UCEED scorecard, and ID proof
   

Pearl Academy and private universities additionally require a portfolio submission and interview round.

Admission Timeline

Conclusion

The B.Des Admission 2026 pathway revolves around UCEED 2026 as the key entrance test, supported by a well-structured curriculum, high placement rates, and wide institutional choices across IITs and top private universities.

With eligibility at 10+2 50%, an average fee of INR 3 LPA, and entry-level salaries of INR 4–5 LPA, B.Des remains one of the most promising professional degrees for creative aspirants in India.
 

FAQs

Q1. What is the last date for UCEED registration 2026?
A: The last date for UCEED 2026 registration is October 5, 2025, as per the official IIT Bombay schedule. Candidates can apply online at uceed.iitb.ac.in by submitting required documents and paying the registration fee of INR 3,000 (General/OBC/EWS) or INR 1,800 (SC/ST/PwD). A late fee window remains open until October 10, 2025, with an additional INR 500 charge. Applicants must have passed or be appearing for Class 10+2 (2025–2027) and meet the eligibility criteria before submitting the form.

Q2. What is the entrance exam for BDes 2026?
A: The entrance exam for BDes 2026 is the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED), conducted by IIT Bombay. UCEED 2026 is scheduled for January 18, 2026 (9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon), and serves as the gateway for BDes admissions at IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Roorkee, IIT Indore, and IIITDM Jabalpur. The exam assesses design aptitude, visualization, creativity, and analytical reasoning through Part A (MCQs) and Part B (drawing) components, totalling 300 marks.

Q3. Does BDes need an entrance exam?
A: Yes, BDes requires an entrance exam for most top design colleges in India. Institutes like the IITs and IIITDM Jabalpur admit students through UCEED, while others such as NID use DAT (Design Aptitude Test). Private universities like Srishti Manipal, UPES Dehradun, and Pearl Academy also conduct their own design entrance tests or accept UCEED scores. These exams test creativity, visualization, reasoning, and sketching skills, which are essential for success in design education and professional practice.

Q4. What is BDes’ salary?
A: The average starting salary after a BDes degree in India ranges from INR 4–6 LPA depending on specialization and institute. Graduates from IITs and top design schools often secure placements as UI/UX Designers, Product Designers, or Visual Communication Specialists. Mid-level professionals earn INR 8–12 LPA, and experienced designers or leads can make up to INR 15–20 LPA in top firms. Factors influencing salary include portfolio quality, internship experience, software proficiency, and the city of employment (with Bengaluru and Mumbai offering higher packages).

Q5. Which is India’s No. 1 design college?
A: According to the latest national rankings and academic reputation, IIT Bombay’s IDC School of Design is regarded as India’s No. 1 design college for BDes and MDes programs. It leads due to its strong UCEED performance cutoffs, industry-linked curriculum, and placements with global firms like Microsoft, Google, and Tata Design. Following IIT Bombay are NID Ahmedabad, IIT Delhi, and IIT Guwahati. These institutes consistently set the benchmark for design education, innovation, and research in India’s creative and product design ecosystem.