GLS University to accept CEED 2026 scores for its M.Design/M.Des admissions — adds flexibility for design aspirants

GLS University has announced a major admission update, accepting CEED 2026 scores for its prestigious Master of Design (M.Design) program. This offers design aspirants a flexible pathway to securing a seat. While the CEED exam is on January 18, 2026, candidates must still apply separately to GLS, which includes a mandatory portfolio review or interview. Learn about the CEED schedule, the dual admission route, and how this change simplifies entry into a top-tier M.Design course.

In a significant move that offers greater flexibility and convenience to postgraduate design aspirants, GLS University, Ahmedabad has officially announced it will accept scores from the Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) 2026 for admission into its coveted Master of Design (M.Design) program. This decision positions GLS University as a 'Result Sharing Institute' for CEED 2026, providing a major alternative to its previous selection process which typically included the university's own design aptitude test (GLS DAT) and merit calculation.

​For students who have already registered for the CEED 2026 exam—scheduled for January 18, 2026—this news simplifies their application process, allowing them to leverage a single national-level entrance score for multiple premier institutions. However, candidates must note that acceptance of the CEED score does not replace the entire admission process; applicants will still need to follow GLS University's separate application procedures, which are likely to include critical evaluation steps like a portfolio review or a personal interview. This article breaks down the dual admission process, the CEED 2026 timeline, and the value of an M.Design degree from GLS University.

​ The CEED 2026 Timeline and Admission Process at a Glance

​The Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) is conducted by IIT Bombay and is the national benchmark for M.Design admissions across several premier institutes, including the IITs and IISc. GLS University's acceptance of this score streamlines the initial shortlisting process.

• ​Key CEED 2026 Dates for Aspirants:
  • ​Exam Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026 (9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon).
  • ​Admit Card Release: Expected on January 2, 2026.
  • ​Result Declaration: Scheduled for March 4, 2026.
  • ​Scorecard Download: Available from March 10, 2026, onward. The CEED score is valid for one academic year only.
• ​Dual Admission Pathway to GLS M.Design: Candidates now have two distinct routes to seek admission: 
  • ​Route 1 (New): Apply directly to GLS University using a valid CEED 2026 scorecard. This score will be used for the initial shortlisting of candidates.
  • ​Route 2 (Existing): Apply and appear for the GLS Design Aptitude Test (GLS DAT), which is typically conducted in January.
• ​Mandatory Subsequent Steps for All Applicants: Regardless of the entrance exam route taken, candidates must: 
  • ​Complete a separate online application for the GLS University M.Design program.
  • ​Be prepared for the university's internal evaluation, which will likely involve a Portfolio Review (showcasing previous design work and skills) and a Personal Interview (PI) to assess aptitude, career orientation, and overall personality traits.

 Leveraging CEED Scores: Why This Change is Beneficial

​The incorporation of CEED scores into the GLS M.Design admission criteria is a significant advantage for the design aspirant community, particularly those seeking admission to top institutions outside the Joint Admission Process (JAP).

• ​Increased Flexibility and Reduced Stress: Aspirants targeting multiple top-tier M.Design programs no longer need to prepare exclusively for the GLS entrance exam, saving time and effort. A strong performance in the national-level CEED exam can now open doors to a reputable private university option like GLS.
• ​Standardized Assessment: Using the CEED score, which evaluates core design aptitude, including drawing skills, creativity, communication, and analytical ability, provides a transparent and nationally recognized standard for initial shortlisting. The CEED exam is divided into Part A (Computer-Based Test for design aptitude) and Part B (Sketching and creativity).
• ​Focus on Portfolio and PI: By simplifying the entrance exam stage, the university can place a greater emphasis on the qualitative aspects of the application, namely the design portfolio and the personal interview. This ensures that students are not only academically capable but also possess the practical, creative, and communicative skills essential for a Master’s program.
• ​Broad Specializations: The M.Design program at GLS offers specializations in high-demand areas, including Design Management, Visual Communication Design, and Furniture & Retail Space Design, preparing graduates for leadership roles in a diverse industry.

​ The Value Proposition of an M.Design from GLS University

​A Master of Design degree is a professional necessity for those aspiring to hold strategic, leadership, or specialized roles in the rapidly evolving design industry.

• ​Leadership and Strategic Roles: The GLS M.Design curriculum is designed to create strategic thinkers, design entrepreneurs, and business leaders capable of bridging the gap between creativity and commerce. Graduates are prepared to lead design teams and manage design as a strategic asset within corporations.
• ​Industry-Focused Curriculum: The program integrates essential concepts like design research, digital tools, sustainability, and emerging trends, providing students with hands-on experience through industry collaborations and live projects. Specializations like Design Management prepare students for roles involving systems thinking and technology integration.
• ​Enhanced Career Opportunities: An M.Design significantly increases earning potential and opens doors to specialized, high-level positions in sectors such as Consulting, E-commerce, Automobile Design, Retail, and Digital Media. GLS Institute of Design also provides placement assistance, attracting recruiters across various design domains.
• ​Developing Expertise: The master's program allows students to delve deep into a chosen area, gaining expertise and advanced knowledge in areas like Visual Communication or Furniture Design, making them highly valuable assets in the professional world.

​Conclusion

​GLS University’s decision to accept CEED 2026 scores is a forward-thinking move that enhances accessibility for M.Design aspirants. With the CEED exam scheduled for January 18, 2026, candidates who have performed well in the national aptitude test now have an excellent option for their postgraduate studies. The key for all applicants is to secure a strong CEED rank or GLS DAT score and, crucially, to dedicate time to building an impressive design portfolio and preparing for the mandatory personal interview. The final stages of the admission process will test not just their knowledge, but their creative readiness to excel as future design leaders.

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