Final Design Courses Admission Deadlines and Key Dates for 2026 Exams

The 2025 design admission season is ending, with some final deadlines approaching. At the same time, dates for NID, UCEED, and CEED 2026 have been announced. Here’s a full rundown for aspirants.

As the academic year draws to a close, design aspirants still seeking a spot in a top B.Des program must act quickly. While many admission cycles have already wrapped up, a few key opportunities remain, along with crucial announcements about the upcoming 2026 entrance exams.

Final Call for B.Des Admissions 2025

For those who have yet to secure a seat, institutions like UPES and others still have active admission windows. UPES's final application deadline for its B.Des program through the UPES-DAT is August 31, 2025. Similarly, the MAH B.Des CET counselling is in its final stages, with the option-filling for the fourth round taking place from August 22-24, 2025. This is the last chance for Maharashtra-based candidates to get a seat through the state-level counselling process.

Aspirants who have not yet applied anywhere or have not been allotted a seat should research these last-minute opportunities and prepare for any spot rounds or subsequent admission cycles.

Looking Ahead: NID, UCEED, and CEED 2026 Dates

While the current admission season is ending, the next one is just around the corner. The dates for the country's most prestigious design exams for the 2026 intake have been tentatively announced, giving students a head start on their preparation.

• NID-DAT 2026: The National Institute of Design is expected to release its official notification and application form in September 2025. The NID DAT prelims exam is tentatively scheduled for January 2026.
• UCEED 2026: IIT Bombay will release the official notification for UCEED 2026 on October 1, 2025. The exam date has been set for January 18, 2026.
• CEED 2026: Similarly, the official notification for CEED 2026 will be released on October 1, 2025, with the exam also scheduled for January 18, 2026.

These early announcements provide a golden opportunity for Class 11 and 12 students to begin their preparation in a structured manner. Focusing on a strong portfolio and foundational skills will be key for success in these competitive exams. For regular updates on all entrance exams and to find a complete list of design courses, visit Only Education.