DE-CODE Syllabus 2026: Download Subject/Section wise Syllabus PDF

Design Aptitude Test of Centre for Design Excellence 2026 ( DE-CODE )

Anshul Jindal
Updated on Dec 24, 2025 13:53 IST

By Anshul Jindal, Associate Senior Executive

DE-CODE 2026 exam syllabus - Vivekanand Global University (VGU), which is the exam conducting body, will release the DE-CODE 2026 exam syllabus. The syllabus will include the subject-wise topics the candidate needs to prepare for the DE-CODE 2026 entrance exam

Candidates should prepare the entire course-wise topics and the subjects which can be asked in the test. To begin with, the candidate may start with the easy topics and then move on to the difficult ones. Also, only follow the official syllabus and not those released by unofficial sources. 

The application form for DE-CODE 2026 is open now for all the programmes.

Table of contents
  • DE-CODE Syllabus for Aptitude Test (Paper-I)
  • DE-CODE Syllabus for CreativityTest (Paper-II)
  • DECODE 2026 Prep Tips
  • Topics for DECODE Exam
  • DE-CODE 2026 Syllabus - FAQs
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DE-CODE Syllabus for Aptitude Test (Paper-I)

DECODE question paper will have Visualization and Spatial Ability, Ecological and Public Awareness, Analytical and Logical Reasoning, Verbal Communication and Creativity, Observation and Design Sensitivity.

Online entrance test will be of 200 marks and cover the following topics.

Topics Explanation
Visualization and Spatial Ability Spatial visualization ability or visual-spatial ability is the ability to understand 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional figures. It is to check your ability to think spatially. It is measured with simple cognitive tests and is predictive of user performance with some kinds of user interfaces.
Ecological and Public Awareness General awareness of environmental factors such as climate, population, water, vegetation, pollution, weather, natural resources, etc., and their impact on design of products, images, infrastructure and environment. Awareness of social and cultural connections with the design, history of designed artifact.
Analytical and Logical Reasoning Logical reasoning, also known as critical thinking or analytic reasoning, involves ability to identify the various components of any given argument. It is designed to check a candidate's ability in skills such as how to interpret patterns, number sequences, or the relationships between shapes. Data Interpretation, brainteasers, and patterns.
Verbal Communication and Creativity Ability to understand and use English. Reading comprehension, knowledge of English grammar, such as sentence structure and usage, use of tenses, verb patterns, articles and active and passive constructions, etc. & vocabulary skills. 
Observation and Design Sensitivity Aptitude to distinguish common things, people, situations, and events, and think critically about them. Applying attention to certain details, analyzing, reasoning, classifying, inferring and predicting. 
Design Thinking and Problem Solving Ability to use visual analogies, descriptions, signs and symbols. Design Thinking is a problem solving. Ability to understand complexity, identify problems, generate alternatives, evaluate options and select solutions.

Also Read:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is DE-CODE eligibility criteria?
A: 

The eligibility criteria for admission to the Bachelor of Design (BDes) course at the Vivekananda Global University (VGU), Jaipur, through the DE-CODE entrance exam is given below.

  • Candidate must have cleared HSC examination (10+2) or completed 10+2 level from a recognised Central/State Board of Secondary Examination or any other recognised examination with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks
  • Candidates who have studied at any Public School/Board/University Examination in India or in Foreign countries, which is recognised by the Association of Indian Universities to be equivalent to the 10+2 system with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks, can also apply.
  • Candidates who have passed a three or four-year Diploma that is recognised by AICTE or a State Board of Technical Education with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks can also apply.
Q:   What are the various components of the DE-CODE exam?
A: 

The candidate seeking admission to the design courses offered at Vivekananda Global University (VGU), Jaipur, has to first appear in the DE-CODE 2026 written exam. Scores of the exam will be then used to shortlist candidates for the next admission round, which includes a Studio Test and Personal Interview.

It is mandatory for the candidate to appear in all the exam components. If the candidate fails to do so, he or she will be disqualfiied from the admission process.

View Syllabus
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DE-CODE Syllabus for CreativityTest (Paper-II)

The DE-CODE Syllabus for Creativity Test (Paper-II) includes critical reasoning, conceptualizing an idea, and visualisation using mediums such as sketching, illustration, models, etc. The candidate needs to pay attention to all the topics. They must make sure to solve previous years' question papers. Solving sample papers can help to better understand various concepts and learn time management. If candidates keep doing these activities, their problem-solving skills will get much better.

The following topics are expected to be included in the Creativity Syllabus.

  • Creative Ability
  • Power of Observation
  • Intuitive Abilities
  • Concept development Ability
  • Design Prowess
  • Ability to use colors
  • Illustration skills
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the DE-CODE exam pattern?
A: 

The exam pattern for DE-CODE exam is postulated by the Center for Design Excellence (CODE).

DE-CODE Paper

Duration

Total Marks

Type of Questions

Aptitude Test 

60 minutes

200 marks

 

Multiple choice questions

Creativity Test

120 minutes

Subjective Questions 

Note: One-fourth marks for each question will be deducted for an incorrect attempt. 

Along with the syllabus, make sure that you also consult the updated syllabus.

Q:   What details will be included in draft answer key of DE-CODE 2026 exam?
A: 

The exam officials will not release any draft DE-CODE 2026 answer key.

However, if it decides to release the answer key, the same will be updated 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.

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DECODE 2026 Prep Tips

The tips to prepare for DECODE Entrance Exam are given below.

  • Ensure that you follow the updated and current syllabus
  • Refer to the DECODE exam pattern
  • Work on both speed and accuracy.
  • Solve sample papers and take mock tests closer to the exam.   
  • Work on your observation and drawing skills.
  • You must practice all types of drawing, at least the basics. For instance, you can work on shading once you are done with the basic drawing stuff. 
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What details will be included in DE-CODE 2026 result?
A: 

DE-CODE 2026 result will be released online. The scorecard will carry the following information.

  • Name and roll number of the candidate

  • Sectional score

  • Overall score

  • Merit rank

The scorecard will be available for download in pdf format. Download and take a printout.

Q:   What is the application fee for DECODE 2026?
A: 

The application fee for DECODE 2026 is INR 2000. The application is open and available on the website of the institute.

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Topics for DECODE Exam

Some of the important topics for DECODE entrance exam are given below.

Section

Topics

English

  • Synonyms
  • Antonyms
  • Para jumbles
  • Error spotting
  • One word substitution
  • Work Analogy
  • Sentence completion

Numerical Ability

  • Ratio and Proportion
  • Percentage
  • Profit and loss
  • Simple and Compound interest
  • Average / Ratio
  • Speed, time and distance
  • Work and Time
  • Numbers
  • Area, Volume and Surface Area
  • Permutations and Combinations
  • HCF LCM
  • Probability
  • Time and Work

GK and Current Affairs

  • Static GK
  • Current GK
  • GK related to the fashion industry

Logical Reasoning

  • Series completion
  • Venn Diagrams
  • Seating arrangement
  • Statements Correct/ Incorrect
  • Blood relations
  • Character Puzzle
  • Coding Decoding
  • Data sufficiency
  • Syllogisms
  • Analogy
  • Direction Sense
  • Arithmetic reasoning
  • Clocks and calendar

Communication Ability

  • English Language
  • Grammar
  • Vocabulary and Reading skills 
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What courses are offered thorugh DECODE 2026?
A: 

The courses offered through DECODE are:

Name of CourseDuration
BDes Fashion & Textile Design4 years
BDes Interior & Product Design4 years
BDes Graphic & Communication Design4 years
M.Des in User Experience (UX)2 years
Integrated Programme (BDes+MBA)5 years
Q:   What is the eligibility criteria to apply for DECODE B.Des?
A: 

To apply through DECODE B.Des:

Candidates applying for admission in the Bachelor of Design (BDes) course meet DE-CODE 2026 eligibility criteria if they have cleared their HSC examination (10+2) or have completed their 10+2 level from any recognised Central/State Board of Secondary Examination or any other recognised examination with minimum 45% aggregate marks.

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DE-CODE 2026 Syllabus - FAQs

Here are a few FAQs on DE-CODE 2026 syllabus. Keep reading.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the DE-CODE Syllabus?
A: 

Syllabus for the DE-CODE exam will be prescribed by Center for Design Excellence (CODE). The syllabus will include the topics the candidate needs to prepare for the exam.

Design Aptitude Test will cover

  • Visualization and Spatial Ability
  • Ecological and Public Awareness
  • Analytical and Logical Reasoning
  • Verbal Communication and Creativity
  • Observation and Design Sensitivity
  • Design Thinking and Problem Solving
Q:   What is DE-CODE eligibility criteria?
A: 

The eligibility criteria for admission to the Bachelor of Design (BDes) course at the Vivekananda Global University (VGU), Jaipur, through the DE-CODE entrance exam is given below.

  • Candidate must have cleared HSC examination (10+2) or completed 10+2 level from a recognised Central/State Board of Secondary Examination or any other recognised examination with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks
  • Candidates who have studied at any Public School/Board/University Examination in India or in Foreign countries, which is recognised by the Association of Indian Universities to be equivalent to the 10+2 system with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks, can also apply.
  • Candidates who have passed a three or four-year Diploma that is recognised by AICTE or a State Board of Technical Education with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks can also apply.
Q:   What is the DE-CODE exam pattern?
A: 

The exam pattern for DE-CODE exam is postulated by the Center for Design Excellence (CODE).

DE-CODE Paper

Duration

Total Marks

Type of Questions

Aptitude Test 

60 minutes

200 marks

 

Multiple choice questions

Creativity Test

120 minutes

Subjective Questions 

Note: One-fourth marks for each question will be deducted for an incorrect attempt. 

Along with the syllabus, make sure that you also consult the updated syllabus.

Q:   What are the various components of the DE-CODE exam?
A: 

The candidate seeking admission to the design courses offered at Vivekananda Global University (VGU), Jaipur, has to first appear in the DE-CODE 2026 written exam. Scores of the exam will be then used to shortlist candidates for the next admission round, which includes a Studio Test and Personal Interview.

It is mandatory for the candidate to appear in all the exam components. If the candidate fails to do so, he or she will be disqualfiied from the admission process.

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