MDes Admission 2025: Registration, Qualification, Selection Process
Akansha BishtSenior Executive
MDes Admission 2025 is based mainly on the entrance exam procedure. MDes full form is Master of Design, a 2-year postgraduate degree program pursued by students with a keen interest in the artistic field and who want to achieve the pinnacle standard in the design field. Similar to BDes programs, MDes courses are also available in various specializations like - Fashion Design, Interior Design, Textile Design, UI/UX Design, Graphic Design, and so on.
Some popular MDes colleges in India, apart from NIFTs, include Amity University, Pearl Academy, Srishti Manipal Institute, World University of Design, MIT-ADT University, etc. The average course fee ranges between INR 2,400 and INR 29.9 Lakh. Interested candidates can continue reading the article for more MDes admission 2025 details.
Latest on MDes Exams 2025:
Sample Questions for NIFT 2026 Business Domain Segment
MDes Course Eligibility Criteria
The M Des eligibility requirements of every college differ depending on the specializations they are offering. However, here are some basic conditions that every candidate must fulfil:
MDes Admission 2025: Top Colleges Eligibility Criteria
Thousands of MDes Colleges in India offer MDes programs in many specializations; hence, the eligibility criteria for all the courses and their specializations may differ. Here are some top MDes specializations, along with their top colleges and their eligibility criteria:
| Mdes Specializations | Top MDes Colleges | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| MDes in Fashion Design | NIFT Bangalore |
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| Amity University Mumbai |
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| Pearl Academy Mumbai |
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| World University of Design |
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| JD Institute of Fashion Technology |
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| MDes in Interior Design | Amity University Noida |
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| Pearl Academy Mumbai |
|
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| World University of Design |
|
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| KIIT School of Architecture and Planning |
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| JECRC University |
|
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| MDes in Textile Design | Amity School of Fashion Technology |
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| INSD Pune |
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| NID Ahmedabad |
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| The Design Village |
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| Central India Institutes of Mass Communication |
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| MDes in Product Design | Pearl Academy New Delhi |
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| World University of Design |
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| Poornima University |
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| MIT Institute of Design |
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| Lovely Professional University |
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| MDes in Communication Design | Symbiosis Institute of Design |
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| NID Ahmedabad |
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| UPES School of Design |
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| MIT WPU |
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| IDC School of Design - IIT Bombay |
|
Source - Official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
MDes Admission 2025: General Eligibility Criteria
The general requirements for MDes are shown below:
- A bachelor's degree in BDes, BSc, BA, or BVoc,
- In a relevant discipline
- With a minimum of 55% aggregate score from a recognized university.
Links relevant to MDes Admission 2025:
NID Courses Fee Structure 2025 (BDes & MDes)
MDes Admission Process 2025
The admission process for the MDes courses may differ depending on the college and specialization, Follow the steps given below to get an idea of how the basic admission procedure works:
Eligibility Criteria
The first step is to qualify the eligibility set by the colleges to let the applicant participate in the admission process.
Registration and Application Form
The next step is registration and filling the application form. Candidates must make sure to fill in all the relevant information and upload all the required documents while filling out the MDes application form.
Choose Entrance Exams
CEED, NIFT Entrance, and CUET-PG are some of the popular MDes entrance exams conducted by the institutions.
Prepare and Appear for Entrance Exams
Prepare and appear for entrance
Await Results
Wait for the results, then check your scores.
Counselling
Attend the counselling session.
Links useful for MDes Admission 2025:
NIFT Entrance Test 2026 General Ability Test (GAT) Preparation Tips
MDes Entrance Exams 2025
Candidates are expected to pass certain entrance exams to be admitted into one of the MDes courses. Candidates must take part in writing, drawing, and interview-based Design Entrance Exams to be admitted to BDesign programmes. The admissions procedure for MDes courses consists of several parts. To be considered for admission to the MDes programme, an applicant must adhere to a set process that involves written entrance exams, group discussions, and other requirements.
Given below are the basic criteria for admission to the MDes course:
|
M Des Exams |
M Des Entrance Exam Dates |
MDes Entrance Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|
|
CEED 2026 |
January 2026 (Tentative) |
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CUET-PG 2026 |
March - April 2026 (Tentative) |
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NIFT Entrance 2026 |
February 2026 (Tentative) |
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NID DAT 2026 |
January 2026 (Tentative) |
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Pearl Academy Entrance Exam 2026 |
May - June 2026 (Tentative) |
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FDDI AIST 2026 |
May 2026 (Tentative) |
Source - Official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Students also liked the following topics on the Master's in Design entrance exam:
MDes Admissions 2025: Top Entrance Exams Syllabus
The M Des entrance exams test general knowledge, current affairs, and basic aptitude, along with the creative skills required for the course. Given below are the various entrance exams for the MDes course along with a generic and brief exam syllabus:
|
MDes Exams |
Exam Syllabus |
|---|---|
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Creative Ability Test (CAT) and the General Ability Test (GAT). |
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Common Design Aptitude Test and Discipline-Specific Test. |
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General Proficiency Test (GPT), Design Aptitude Test (DAT), and Personal Interview. |
Source - Official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Topics related to M.Des entrance exams:
NID Admissions 2025: Colleges accepting NID Entrance Exam Scores for BDes & MDes Courses
MDes Admissions 2025: Quick Preparation Tips
- Official MDes entrance notifications: It is essential to read through the official notification of the entrance exam, which can be downloaded from the website of the exam-conducting body. It is also essential to read the admission brochure and the course prospectus, especially the entrance exam section.
- Syllabus of the entrance exam: The syllabus can guide a candidate on what topics they must prepare for to qualify for an MDes entrance exam.
- Previous year's question papers: Help candidates understand the scope of the exam.
Read more -
10 tips to crack the interview for design courses at NID, NIFT, & IIT
Best MDes Colleges in India: Admission Details
There are more than 200 Design colleges in India offering MDes programs in various specializations and modes. Some popular MDes specializations pursued in India include Fashion Design, Interior Design, Product Design, Graphic Design, etc. Interested candidates can see the tables below for more MDes Admission details.
MDes Admission 2025: NIFTs in India
The National Institute of Fashion Technology is one of the top Design institutes in India. Here are some top NIFT options offering MDes programs in different specializations.
| NIFTs in India | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| NIFT Mumbai MDes Admission | INR 5.58 Lakh |
| NIFT Delhi MDes Admission | INR 5.86 Lakh |
| NIFT Bangalore MDes Admission | INR 5.86 Lakh |
| NIFT Gandhinagar MDes Admission | INR 5.86 Lakh |
| NIFT Kannur MDes Admission | INR 5.86 Lakh |
Source - Official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Read more -
Good Design Colleges Besides NID & NIFT: Admission 2025, Courses & More Updates
MDes Admission: Best Government Colleges
Students can also get admission to government colleges offering MDes programmes. Given below are some government colleges that offer MDes courses:
| MDes Government College Admission Details | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| IIT Roorkee MDes Admission | INR 20,000 |
| IIT Hyderabad MDes Admission | INR 24,000 - 60,000 |
| IIT Guwahati MDes Admission | INR 1.14 Lakh |
| Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University MDes Admission | INR 1.4 Lakh - 3.7 Lakh |
| Jamia Millia Islamia MDes Admission | INR 2 Lakh |
| MSU Baroda MDes Admission | INR 2.94 Lakh |
| IIT Delhi MDes Admission | INR 3 Lakh |
| Gujarat University MDes Admission | INR 3 Lakh |
| Delhi Technological University MDes Admission | INR 3.02 Lakh |
| NID Ahmedabad MDes Admission | INR 12.22 Lakh |
Source - Official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Read more -
List of NIDs in India: Courses, Fee, Eligibility & Admission Process 2025
List of NIFTs in India 2025: Ranking, Admission Process, Courses, and Fees
MDes Admissions Best Private Colleges
More than 140 private Design colleges in India offer MDes programs in various specializations. Here are some of the top options among them:
| MDes Private College Admission Details | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Poornima University MDes Admission | INR 1.35 Lakh |
| JECRC University MDes Admission | INR 1.96 Lakh - 2.43 Lakh |
| HITS MDes Admission | INR 2.17 Lakh |
| Parul University MDes Admission | INR 2.66 Lakh - 3.7 Lakh |
| Amity Noida MDes Admission | INR 2.88 Lakh |
| JD Institute of Fashion Technology MDes Admission | INR 3.6 Lakh |
| Symbiosis Institute of Design MDes Admission | INR 7.5 Lakh |
| World University of Design MDes Admission | INR 8.05 Lakh |
| Pearl Academy MDes Admission | INR 11.85 Lakh |
| UPES School of Design MDes Admission | INR 13.15 Lakh |
Source - Official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Read more -
Colleges Accepting NIFT Scores 2025
Best MDes Colleges for Placements (in India)
Placement sessions are conducted for final-year MDes students and recent graduates. Many reputed companies participate in the placement sessions and hire candidates for various positions in their companies. The placement scenario is an important factor that is considered by candidates who wish to pursue an MDes course. One can compare the fee structure and the salaries offered during placements to calculate the return on investment.
Given below are some government and private colleges offering MDes courses along with their total tuition fee and average salary offered in placements:
|
Best MDes Colleges for Placements |
Average Package Offered |
|---|---|
| IIT Bombay Placements | INR 17.92 LPA |
| IIT Delhi Placements | INR 17 LPA |
| IIT Hyderabad Placements | INR 14 LPA |
| IIT Guwahati Placements | INR 13.76 LPA |
| Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design And Technology Placements | INR 11.75 LPA |
| Manipal School of Architecture and Planning Placements | INR 11.74 LPA |
| Universal AI University Placements | INR 10.42 LPA |
| Jamia Millia Islamia Placements | INR 9.25 LPA |
| DAIICT Gandhinagar Placement | INR 8.8 LPA |
| Gujarat University Placements | INR 8.75 LPA |
Source - Official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Read more -
NID Placement 2025: Highest/Average Salary, Participating Companies, & Job Roles
Top 10 Fashion Design Colleges with the Best Placement Record
MDes Admission 2025 FAQs
Q. What is the admission process for Master of Design (M.Des) courses 2025?
A. Students can see the below steps to know the admission process for M.Des course:
- Find colleges or institutions that offer M.Des programmes that fit your interests and professional objectives by doing some research.
- Examine the particular requirements for each program's eligibility, which may include passing language proficiency tests, submitting a portfolio, and meeting academic requirements.
- Prepare your application materials, including your resume and cover letter, statement of purpose, portfolio of your design work, recommendation letters, transcripts, and, if necessary, the results of any language proficiency tests.
- Before the deadline, fill out the online application completely and make sure all necessary supporting documentation is included.
- To determine whether you are a good fit for the programme, several admissions processes include interviews in the application process.
- Wait for the admissions decision, which will usually come in the form of an email or letter.
Q. How to prepare for Master of Design (M.Des) entrance exams 2025?
A. The following are some helpful pointers that the applicant may review in order to get ready for the design entrance exam:
Develop your drawing abilities: A designer cannot function without the ability to sketch. Therefore, you should put a lot of effort into improving your drawing abilities if they are lacking.
Refer updated syllabus: Entrance exam syllabuses are dynamic. Therefore, check the official website for the most recent information on the exam syllabus before beginning to prepare for it.
Solve past year's exam papers: This will provide the applicant with a better understanding of the questions, weighting, marking system, and trends.
Solve sample papers: To hone problem-solving techniques, identify areas of weakness, and determine whether a topic has been covered completely.
Make timely edits: It's crucial to make timely revisions after finishing a chapter or topic.
Q. How can I prepare for a M.Des. at NIFT?
A. To help you get ready for NIFT's (National Institute of Fashion Technology) Master of Design (M.Des) programme, consider the following:
Recognize the Curriculum: Learn about the basic courses, electives, and any available specializations in the NIFT M.Des programme.
Research Specialisations: Examine the many specializations offered by NIFT's M.Des programme to see which best suits your interests and professional objectives.
Develop Your Design Skills: Focus on honing your design abilities in CAD (Computer-Aided Design), illustration, sketching, and prototyping.
Build a Portfolio: Put together a compelling portfolio that highlights your finest achievements, creative ideas, and design work. Your portfolio need to highlight your abilities, originality, and design potential.
Q. Which is the best study material for M.Des NID preparation?
A. Students can see the below points to know how they can get admission to M.Des programme at National Institute of Design (NID).
- NID Entrance Exam Guidebooks: Look for comprehensive guidebooks tailored for NID entrance exam preparation.
- Studio Test and Interview Preparation Books: Find resources focusing on studio test and interview rounds preparation.
- Design Fundamentals Books: Brush up on design basics like color theory, typography, and composition.
- Sketching and Drawing Books: Improve your sketching and drawing skills with dedicated books.
- Design Thinking Books: Explore design thinking methodologies and approaches.
- Online Resources: Utilize platforms like YouTube, Coursera, and Skillshare for tutorials and courses.
- Previous Years' Question Papers: Practice with past exam papers to understand the exam pattern and types of questions.
Relevant Link: List of NIDs in India
Q. Which is better between a MDes from NID and a MDes from IIT Bombay?
A. Students can see the below table to learn the differences between MDes from NID and MDes from IIT Bombay:
| Points of Difference | MDes from NID | MDes from IIT Bombay |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum | Emphasizes creativity and innovation, with a focus on design thinking and hands-on studio projects. | Offers a rigorous academic curriculum with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. |
| Faculty | Boasts experienced faculty members with diverse backgrounds in design and art. | Features renowned faculty members known for their expertise in design, engineering, and technology. |
| Facilities | Provides state-of-the-art facilities, workshops, and design studios conducive to creative exploration. | Offers excellent infrastructure, research labs, and access to advanced technology and resources. |
| Industry Connections | Offers strong industry partnerships and collaborations, providing opportunities for internships, projects, and placements. | Benefits from close ties with industry partners, fostering opportunities for research projects, internships, and job placements. |
| Alumni Network | Boasts a strong alumni network comprising successful designers and innovators across various industries. | Features an extensive alumni network with graduates excelling in diverse fields, offering valuable connections and mentorship. |
| Reputation | Known for its reputation as a premier institute for design education, recognized nationally and internationally. | Renowned for its excellence in engineering and technology education, with growing recognition in design fields. |
| Specializations | Offers a wide range of specializations across design disciplines, catering to diverse interests and career goals. | Provides specialized tracks or concentrations within the MDes program, allowing students to focus on specific areas of interest. |
Q. What is the seat intake for M.Des at NID?
A. The National Institute of Design (NID) offers a two-and-a-half years’ Master of Design (M.Des.) programme at the following campuses:
- NID Ahmedabad
- NID Bengaluru
- NID Gandhinagar
NID DAT 2024 - Institute-wise seat intake for M.Des
|
S.No |
NID Campus |
Seat Intake |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
NID Ahmedabad |
126 |
|
2 |
NID Gandhinagar |
126 |
|
3 |
NID Bengaluru |
95 |
|
Total Intake |
347 |
Q. Can one pursue MDes after BTech?
A. Yes, BTech graduates are eligible to apply for the MDes programme. They should have at least 50% marks or more than 5.3 CGPA and should have completed the qualification from a recognised institute.
An important factor to be considered by candidates before pursuing the course is that an MDes programme is an advanced degree and the students are expected to possess fundamental knowledge, aptitude and skills related to the design field.
Q. Which is the best MDes specialization to get admission for?
A. Master of Design program is one of the most sought-after courses in the Design field. The Design realm is so vast it involves all the technical and creative fields. Some popular specializations in the Design field include Fashion Design, Interior Design, Product Design, Graphic Design, Automotive Design, Jewellery Design, etc.
Choosing a specific field of study completely depends on your interests, expertise, and career goals.
Q. Which is the most popular Masters in Design entrance exam in India?
A. MDes is a popular program in the Design stream, and more than 200 colleges offer MDes courses in various specializations. These colleges are a mix of private, government, and government-aided entities. Hence, the entrance exams for admission to these colleges also vary depending on them. While NIFTs conduct their university-level exams, some colleges accept national-level exam scores such as CUET-PG and CEED. The popularity of an entrance exam is based on the conducting body.
Q. Are there any scholarships offered to MDes students in India?
A. Many popular colleges offer a range of scholarships to outstanding students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate distinction and need. Other than the Scholarship Means-Cum-Merit Financial Assistance Scheme, there may be other scholarships for students that are sponsored by industry, alumni, etc. which may differ from center to center. Here are some popularscholarships from top universities:
- Popular M.Des Colleges in India
- Popular Private M.Des Colleges in India
- Popular M.Des Specializations
- Most Popular Courses
Popular M.Des Colleges in India
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Popular Private M.Des Colleges in India
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Popular M.Des Specializations
Popular Specializations
- Fashion Design
70 Colleges
- UI / UX
35 Colleges
- Textile Design
29 Colleges
- Graphic Design
25 Colleges
- Jewellery Design
20 Colleges
- Furniture Design
15 Colleges
- Apparel Design
8 Colleges
- Game Design
8 Colleges
- Automotive Design
6 Colleges
- Lifestyle Accesory Design
6 Colleges
Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- Master of Design (M.Des.)National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
- Master of Design (M.Des.)National Institute of Fashion Technology, Gandhinagar
- M.Des. in Fashion DesignPearl Academy
- M.Des. in Product DesignMIT Institute of Design, MIT-ADT University
- M.Des. in Industrial DesignIndustrial Design Centre - IIT Bombay
- M.Des. in Fashion Design (Industrial Collaboration Subharti University)JD Institute of Fashion Technology- Corporate Center, Hauz Khas
- M.Des. in User ExperienceChitkara Design School, Chitkara University, Chandigarh
News & Updates
Dec 17, 2025
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 days ago
The eligibility critria for SOFT M.Des is
- Full-time Degree of minimum 4 year duration in Design/Fine Arts/Applied Arts/Architecture
- Three Year Bachelor Degree from any recognised University, In B Design/ Fashion Technology, B Tech. / 3 years Diploma of Government Polytechnic + Any Bachelor's Degree &
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
SOFT CET exams will be on January 09, 2026 and January 10, 2026. The exam will include three tests: 1) General Ability Test, 2) Studio Test, and 3) Personal Interview + Portfolio Statement of Purpose. The applications are open for UG and PG programmes.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
NID 2026 Application correction Window for B.Des and M.Des will open on December 02, 2025 till December 04, 2025.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, MDes course is available at UID-NCR (GD Goenka University). The institute offers this course at the UG level. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by the university. Candidates must complete their graduation.
I
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, ATLAS SkillTech University does offer internships for MDes course. As per the information gathered from the new brochure of the course presented on the official website, the university provides an internship between the first and second years of the course, which means after second semester.
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, ATLAS SkillTech University offers MDes course through ATLAS ISDI (School of Design and Innovation). The school offers only one specialisation in MDes course, i.e., Design Futures. Students can enrol in the course by completing the eligibility criteria.
C
Contributor-Level 10
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What is the eligibility for SOFT CET M.Des 2026?