UPES DAT 2025: Application (OPEN), Exam Date (OUT), Syllabus, Preparation Tips

University of Petroleum and Energy Studies Design Aptitude Test 2025 ( UPES DAT )

This exam is conducted for courses given below:
Sayeba Naushad
Updated on Sep 24, 2025 11:28 IST

By Sayeba Naushad, Assistant Manager

UPES DAT 2025 - The University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) Application is open for UPES DAT 2025 registration. The last date to apply for B. Des and M. Des. is to be announced by the institutionThe application fee is INR 1750 for B.Des and M.Des programmes.

The exam will be administered online and include objective-type questions. The test duration will be 1 hour, during which the candidate has to attempt the paper. The scores of the UPES DAT 2025 exam are used for admission to the B.Des/Integrated B.Des and M.Des courses.

 

Table of content
  • What is UPES DAT?
  • UPES DAT 2025 Exam Dates & Schedule
  • UPES DAT 2025 Application Form
  • UPES DAT 2025 Admit Card
  • Courses Offered Through UPES DAT 2025
  • UPES DAT Admission Process 2025
  • UPES DAT 2025 - FAQs
View More
UPES DAT Logo

What is UPES DAT?

The University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) conducts the online Design Aptitude Test (DAT) in order to offer admission to aspirants in design programs offered by the college. To secure admission in design programs at the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), aspirants have to give the DAT, and those who clear this admission round then need to appear for the interviews and portfolio round. 

UPES DAT is an online test. Aspirants need to take UPES DAT 2025 to secure admission in MDes and BDes courses on offer by the School of Design Studies (SoDS) at UPES. 

UPES DAT 2025 Highlights:

The highlights of the UPES DAT 2025

Category Details
Exam Name UPES Design Aptitude Test (UPES DAT)
Conducting Body University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES)
Exam Mode Online
Exam Duration 1 Hour
Exam Type Objective (MCQs)

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the right time to solve UPES DAT sample papers?
A: 

Candidates can solve UPES DAT 2025 exam sample papers to prepare for the exam. The sample papers can be used for preparation from the beginning.

If you have completed a few topics, try solving questions related to those topics. As you move deeper into the syllabus, there will be more questions to solve.

Solve as many sample papers as you can.

Q:   What is UPES DAT Syllabus for BDes Admissions?
A: 

UPES DAT exam will include objective-type (multiple-choice) questions. However, note that no official syllabus is released  for UPES DAT 2025 exam. So, aspirants can consider going through topics related to the BDes programme as shown below:

  • English grammar
  • Comprehension
  • General Knowledge
  • Current Affairs
  • Logical reasoning 
Q:   What is the step-wise process to fill UPES DAT application form?
A: 

The application form for UPES DAT 2025 has to be filled online. The steps to fill the form are mentioned below.

  1. Go to the admission portal and click on the application link
  2. Enter your name, DOB, gender, nationality, mobile number, email ID, and programme of study to register 
  3. On registration, an applicant account will be created.
  4. Log in and fill in the rest of the form.
  5. Pay the application fees to complete the application process.

UPES DAT 2025 Exam Dates & Schedule

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of UPES DAT 2025 exam

DatesPast Exam Dates
25 Jun ' 25 - 26 Jun ' 25

UPES DAT Exam

Jun ' 25 - Aug ' 25

UPES Application Last date

31 May ' 25 - 01 Jun ' 25

UPES DAT Phase III: B.Des and M.Des Entrance Exam

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UPES DAT 2025 Application Form

The application form for UPES DAT 2025 is open now. 

How to apply for UPES DAT 2025?

Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria for their respective programs can apply by following the steps given below.

UPES DAT

UPES DAT Application Form

  1. Click on the application link
  2. Get registered by entering personal details like name, email ID, and phone number
  3. Upon registration, you will have to fill in the rest of the form - personal, academic, and contact details
  4. Upload documents as per the specified format
  5. Pay the application fee
  6. Submit the form.  

UPES DAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria 

The eligibility criteria for BDes and MDes course admissions at UPES are different. Candidates can go through the detailed eligibility criteria for both courses below:

Eligibility Criteria for BDes

The design programs are offered by the School of Design Studies (SoDS).

Eligibility B.Des M.Des
Educational Qualification 10+2 with min 50% in Class 10 & 12 Bachelor’s in Design, Engineering, Architecture, or Interior Design with min 50% marks

Candidates are eligible for admission to the BDes programs if they have secured at least 50% marks in their Class X and Class XII exams. However, if aspirants do not want to appear for UPES DAT 2025 exam, then they are eligible to secure admission in the BDes course offered at UPES if they fulfill either of the following eligibility criteria:

  • Board Exam Merit: Secured at least 65% marks in Class X and Class XII.
  • UCEED/ JEE Main Merit: Secured at least 50% in Class X and Class XII as well as cleared JEE Main or UCEED exam.

Eligibility Criteria for M.Des

Candidates are eligible for admission to the MDes programs at UPES without taking the entrance exam if they have a valid CEED score.

For M.Des, candidates should meet the following criteria:

  • Secured a minimum of 50% aggregate in Class X and Class XII.
  • Pursued BTech/BE in any discipline/BFA (4 years duration)/BArch/BDes/ BSc in Design (3 years) plus one year of foundation/ Applied Arts with at least 50% marks.

Age Criteria

Only candidates whose date of birth falls on or after October 1, 2000, are eligible to apply for admission. Date of Birth as recorded in the Secondary Education Board/University certificate only will be considered authentic.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How do I download the admit card for UPES DAT 2025 exam?
A: 

The UPES DAT 2025 admit card will be released once the application form is closed. The admit card will be released on the admission portal of the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies.  

To download the admit card, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the admission portal

  2. Click on the admit card download link

  3. A log-in window will open

  4. Enter your candidate credentials

  5. On log-in, you can download the admit card.

Q:   Can I apply for UPES DAT 2025 exam if I don't meet the eligibility criteria?
A: 

The candidate mustn’t apply if they don’t meet the UPES DAT 2025 eligibility criteria.

It is because exam officials will verify the eligibility conditions before seat allotment. If any candidate is found lacking, he or she will be disqualified.

Further, if the candidate is found forging their eligibility, they may not only be disqualified, but criminal charges may also be levied against such candidates.

Q:   Do I need to carry any photo ID proof in UPES DAT 2025 exam?
A: 

Yes, you need to bring a valid photo ID proof on UPES DAT 2025 exam day. Without the ID, the candidate will not be allowed inside the exam hall.

The id proof must be displayed when the invigilator asks for it.

You also need to bring the admit card and follow the exam guidelines.

UPES DAT Logo

UPES DAT 2025 Admit Card

The  University of Petroleum and Energy Studies will issue admit cards to all successfully registered candidates. The admit card will be released online and has to be downloaded from the university admission portal.

The admit card will carry details like the roll number, date and time of the exam, and personal details of the candidate, including name, and photographs.

On the day of the exam, along with the admit card, the candidate also needs to bring with them a valid photo ID proof.

It is recommended that the candidate downloads the admit card without waiting for the last few hours leading up to the exam.

UPES DAT Logo

Courses Offered Through UPES DAT 2025

The University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) offers design courses both at the undergraduate and postgraduate level to aspirants under its School of Design Studies (SoDS). Design programmes on offer at UPES are as mentioned below:

Undergraduate Design Programmes

Postgraduate Design Programmes

BDes Industrial Design/ Transportation Design/ Digital Design

MDes Transportation Design/Industrial Design/Interaction Design

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What details will be included in draft answer key of UPES DAT 2025 exam?
A: 

The exam officials generally doesn't release any draft answer key for UPES DAT 2025 exam.

However, the answer key is released, you can download it here.

In case the draft key is released, it will contain details like the answer key code for each question.

The candidate will also be allowed to challenge the draft key in some cases.

Q:   When will the draft answer key for UPES DAT 2025 exam be released?
A: 

Exam officials will not release any draft answer key for UPES DAT 2025.

Also, with no answer keys being released, their will be no option to challenge it as well.

The exam officice will directly release the exam results on its admission portal. You can check your results by logging into the result portal.

UPES DAT Logo

UPES DAT Admission Process 2025

Candidates need to follow the steps below to take part in the admission cycle of UPES DAT 2025.

Step 1: Fill out the UPES DAT Application Form

Candidates have to duly fill out their UPES DAT 2025 application form online by entering details like personal, academic, and contact details. Also, upload documents and pay the application fee.

Step 2: Get UPES DAT Admit Card

UPES DAT 2025 admit card will be made available online on the official website of the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES). 

Step 2: Give UPES DAT

Aspirants need to appear for the UPES DAT exam in order to secure admission to design programs offered at UPES. UPES DAT is conducted in online mode only. In the UPES DAT exam, aspirants need to solve objective-type questions in a 1-hour duration.

Step 3: Appear for Interview & Portfolio Round

Candidates who have cleared the UPES DAT exam need to appear for the interview round. On the same day, aspirants also need to present their work portfolio.

Requirements in the Portfolio are as follows:

  • Drawing, sketching, and rendering by hand using a variety of techniques and media, including colour markers and colour pencils (10-15 pages)
  • Digital work (software) – Drawing, sketching, and rendering using digital media, tools, and techniques (2-dimensional, 3-dimensional)
  • Physical Model/Prototype - fabrication/construction

Step 4: Check UPES DAT Result

Once the entire admission process is over, UPES declares the merit list of shortlisted candidates for admission in BDes/MDes programmes on its official website. Candidates can check their UPES DAT result on the official website of the college by filling in their application numbers.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is it easy to crack DAT?
A: 

DAT entrance exam is considered to be moderate. IN NID DAT, more weightage is given to subjective, drawing related questions. Thus, candidates need to be extremely creative and have a clear understanding of their concepts when appearing for the DAT.

But note that difficulty level can also be subjective, as it may also depend on your level of preparation. For instance, if you prepare well, you may be able to solve even the so-called difficult questions easily.

Q:   What type of questions are asked in DAT?
A: 

In a Design Aptitude Test, candidates are asked drawing, sketching and general reasoning questions. The candidate needs to prepare for each question type to get a good score in DAT.

Some of the top design entrance exams that the candidate can take include NIFT, NID DAT, UCEED, and SEED.

Q:   What is Design aptitude test?
A: 

Design Aptitude is a test that is a part of most of the Design entrance exams in India. Through this test, the Design institutes examines the designing and creative ability of candidates. It includes questions related to sketching, drawing and reasoning. This test usually is the first step of any design exam. Candidates must focus on its preparations.

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UPES DAT 2025 - FAQs

Here are a few FAQs related to the UPES DAT 2025 entrance exam.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   When will the UPES DAT entrance exam be conducted?
A: 

The UPES DAT 2025 entrance exam will be conducted soon after the application form closes. The exam escores will be used for admission to B.Des, Integrated (B.Des) (M.Des), and M.Des courses offered by the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES).

On the day of the exam, the candidate needs to report at the exam center as per the reporting time mentioned in the admit card.

Q:   When will the application form for UPES DAT exam open?
A: 

The application form for UPES DAT 2025 is open now; the application has to be filled online. The last date to fill out the application form hasn't been announced yet.

The UPES DAT application form is for admission to the B.Des and M.Des courses offered by the insttute.

The University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) hasn't yet the last date for filling out the application form. Candidates can apply for the exam following the application link given on this page.

Q:   What is UPES DAT exam?
A: 

UPES DAT is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) for admission to design programs offered by the college. The UPES DAT exam includes a Design Aptitude Test (DAT).

The Design Aptitude Test will be conducted in an online mode. 

Aspirants who clear this admission round then need to appear for the interviews and portfolio round. 

The final result will be prepared by giving weightage to DAT, interviews and portfolio round.

Q:   In what mode can I apply for UPES DAT?
A: 

The application form for UPES DAT 2025 have to be filled in an online mode; the application link is given on this page. Applications submitted in offline mode will not be accepted.

The application form has to be filled out by eligible candidates. Also, one must use only correct and verifiable information for filling out the form.

Note that incorrectly and partically filled applications will be rejected.

Q:   What is UPES DAT application fee?
A: 

The UPES DAT 2025 application fee is INR 1350. The candidate will have to pay the fee at the time of filling out the application form. If the fee is not paid, the application will be rejected.

UPES DAT 2024 Application Fee
FeeINR 1350
Mode of paymentThe application fee has to be paid online using net banking, credit card, debit card, or demand draft.
Q:   What are the UPES DAT course specializations offered for the B.Des program?
A: 

The B.Des programme offers specializtions like Fashion Design, Game Design, Animationa and VFX, Graphics & Communication Design, UX & Interaction Design, Product Design, Trasportation and Mobility, Interior and Retial Space Design.  

The candidate can select the specialisation at the time of counseling. Note that allotment of specializations will be allocated as per the UPES DAT 2024 merit rank.

Q:   Do I need to solve sample papers for UPES DAT 2025 exam?
A: 

Sample papers are good resources/ tools to prepare for an entrance exam like the UPES DAT 2025 exam.

So, make use of it. You can solve sample papers at any time/ stage of your exam preparation.

By solving sample papers you can get exam ready.

Also, silly mistakes can be fixed by solving sample papers. You can also improve your problem-solving and time management.

Q:   What are the courses for which the UPES DAT exam is conducted?
A: 

The UPES DAT 2025 entrance exam will be conducted for admission to the B.Des, Integrated (B.Des) (M.Des), and M.Des courses. The candidate will be able to select their programme of study at the time of filing the application form.

Admission to all these courses will be based on UPES DAT 2025 scores. The allotment of seats will be as per the merit rank, with the higher ranked to be given preference.

Q:   Does UPES DAT also offer any integrated programs?
A: 

Yes, the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) offers an integrated B.Des-M.Des program. The candidate has the option to choose specializations like Fashion Design, Product Design, and Graphics Design.

The candidate can select their programme of study at the time of filling out the application form.

Q:   What is the right time to solve UPES DAT sample papers?
A: 

Candidates can solve UPES DAT 2025 exam sample papers to prepare for the exam. The sample papers can be used for preparation from the beginning.

If you have completed a few topics, try solving questions related to those topics. As you move deeper into the syllabus, there will be more questions to solve.

Solve as many sample papers as you can.

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2 Institutes accepting UPES DAT

School of Design, UPES

Dehradun Private

School of
  • 22.65 Lakh
  • 4 years
  • |
  • Full Time

UPES (Admission Office)

Nehru Place, Delhi Private

UPES (Admi
  • 20.35 Lakh
  • 4 years
  • |
  • Full Time

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