BITS Design School (BITSDES) B.Des (Hons) 2026 applications are open. Secure your admission through BITSDAT, UCEED, or NID DAT. Apply by February 1, 2026.

BITS Design School (BITSDES), Mumbai, continues to invite applications for its prestigious four-year residential Bachelor of Design (Honours) program for the 2026 academic session. Aspiring designers are reminded that the institute maintains a single-round admission cycle, with the final deadline for online registration set for February 1, 2026. This date is mandatory for all candidates, regardless of whether they choose to appear for the institute’s own aptitude test or use scores from other national-level entrance examinations.

Multi-Channel Entrance and Eligibility

The BITSDES admission process is known for its flexibility, allowing students to qualify through multiple entrance pathways. However, the school has emphasized that submitting the primary online application form by the February 1 cutoff is the only way to remain eligible for the subsequent evaluation rounds.

• Accepted Exams: Candidates can secure admission by appearing for the BITS Design Aptitude Test (BITSDAT), scheduled between March 31 and April 5, 2026. Alternatively, the school accepts scores from UCEED 2026 or the NID DAT Prelims.
• Academic Criteria: To be eligible, candidates must have passed or be appearing for their Class 12 (10+2) examinations from any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts) with a minimum aggregate of 45%.
• Mandatory Registration: Only those candidates who complete the registration by the February 1 deadline will be permitted to upload their competitive exam scores during the dedicated window in April.
• Selection Philosophy: The school seeks to identify students who blend a human-centric design approach with a strong command of emergent technologies.

Admission Calendar and Selection Stages

The 2026 intake follows a structured timeline designed to assess the holistic potential of each student. Following the initial application, shortlisted aspirants must navigate a creative portfolio review and an interview phase to demonstrate their design thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Specializations and Residential Campus Ecosystem

Located in the vibrant business hub of Powai, Mumbai, BITSDES offers a transdisciplinary curriculum that prepares students for global industry standards. The B.Des (Hons) program offers five distinct pathways, ensuring that students gain specialized portfolio work in their chosen field of expertise.

• Design Pathways: Students can specialize in Physical Product Design, Digital Product Design (UX/UI), Experience Design, Visual Design, or Design Research & Insights.
• Campus Facilities: As a fully residential program, the campus provides state-of-the-art labs, collaborative workspaces, and deep integration with  the BITS Pilani heritage.
• Creative Growth: The curriculum is designed to help students build a robust professional portfolio that showcases their ability to lead and innovate in complex corporate environments.
• Financial Support: The institute offers merit- and means-based scholarships, providing tuition fee waivers of up to 75% for deserving students.

Conclusion

With less than a month remaining before the February 1 cutoff, prospective students are urged to finalize their online profiles on the official BITSDES portal. This single-round application window ensures a focused evaluation process, leading to the final results in mid-May. As the design industry continues to evolve, securing a spot in the 2026 cohort represents a significant step toward a career at the intersection of creativity, business, and technology. For those aiming to be part of the next generation of design leaders, completing the application today is the first essential step in their professional journey.

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