If you are in Class 12 this year and want to pursue a Design course after Class 12, then you should apply for the B.Des programme. But from where to pursue B.Des is a big question. Should you go for NIFT or UCEED or NID DAT for your B.Des programme? Read on to find.
UCEED vs NIFT vs NID
NIFT, NID and UCEED all these three exams are all the top-level exams conducted in the Design stream for UG and PG programmes. All these institutes offer UG and PG courses in the Design field. NIFT focuses more on Fashion and Lifestyle design, UCEED courses are more technologically driven, focusing on graphic designing, UI UX and product designing and NID focuses more on design thinking and creativity.Students should choose the institute on the basis of their interests, skills and career goals.
UCEED Entrance Exam is to be conducted on January 18, 2026 whereas NIFT Stage 1 is on February 08, 2026. NID stage 1 exam was conducted on December 21, 2025.
NIFT Vs UCEED Vs NID DAT
Check out the difference between NIFT, UCEED and NID DAT Entrance Exam.
| Exam Name |
NIFT |
UCEED |
NID DAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body |
National Institute of Design |
IIT Bombay |
National Institute of Design (NID) |
| Exam structure |
Stage 1: NIFTEE Written Exam |
A single-stage exam, which comprises
|
Two-stage exam.
Candidates are shortlisted for DAT Mains based on DAT Prelims scores. |
| Mode of exam |
Stage 1: paper-and-pencil/pen test Stage 2: offline |
|
|
| Duration of the exam |
Stage 1: GAT 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon |
3 hours |
Both DAT Prelims exam for the B.Des program is 3 hours, DAT Mains will be 3 hours each. |
| Exam Level |
National Level |
National Level |
National Level |
| Frequency of the exam |
Once a year |
Once a year |
Once a year |
| Exam Date |
February 08, 2026 |
January 18, 2026 |
DAT Prelims - December 21, 2025 |
| Institutes |
19 NIFTs |
IITs |
NIDs |
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