MIT Institute of Design DET 2026 Applications Continue with April Exam Plan

MIT Institute of Design, Pune, continues to accept applications for the Design Entrance Test (DET) 2026 until the February 28 deadline. Aspiring B.Des and M.Des students can apply via the official MIT ADT University portal for the national-level entrance exam scheduled for April 5, 2026.The selection process involves a two-phase evaluation including the Design Aptitude Test and a subsequent Studio Test/Personal Interview. Ensure your portfolio and Statement of Purpose are ready for the upcoming submission window.

The MIT Institute of Design (MITID), a constituent of MIT ADT University, is currently moving through the peak of its registration cycle for the 2026-27 academic session. As of 11 February 2026, the institute has confirmed that the application window for its flagship Design Entrance Test (DET) remains open for all undergraduate and postgraduate design aspirants. With the official deadline for form submission set for February 28, 2026, students are rushing to finalize their digital dossiers. The university has maintained a clear April examination plan to ensure that the academic calendar remains synchronized with national design standards, facilitating a smooth transition for the incoming cohort of creative professionals.

Two-Phase Selection Model and April Timeline

The selection process at MITID Pune is renowned for its holistic approach, utilizing a two-phase model to evaluate candidate potential. The first phase, the Design Aptitude Test (DAT/DET), is scheduled to take place on April 5, 2026. This written entrance examination is conducted in an online format, typically spanning three hours, and assesses parameters such as analytical reasoning, visualization, and general design awareness. Following the declaration of Phase 1 results on April 23, 2026, shortlisted candidates will be invited to the MITID campus for Phase 2, which includes the highly decisive Studio Test and Personal Interview (ST-PI) rounds.

• B.Des Timeline: The Studio Test for undergraduate programs is tentatively scheduled from May 6 to May 13, 2026.
• M.Des Timeline: Postgraduate aspirants will undergo their practical evaluations between May 14 and May 18, 2026.
• Center Coordination: The April entrance exam will be conducted across 16 major test cities in India, managed through the Official MIT DAT Portal.
• Admit Card Issuance: Hall tickets are expected to be released in the third week of March for all candidates who successfully complete the registration process.

Mandatory Documentation and Portfolio Submission

For the 2026 session, MIT Institute of Design has emphasized the importance of the early submission of qualitative documents. Unlike many other entrance exams, MITID requires M.Des candidates to upload a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and a digital portfolio as part of the initial application. This early scrutiny allows the admission committee to gauge the creative background of the aspirants well before the physical interview rounds. The MITID Admissions Handbook specifies that the portfolio should be a curated collection of the candidate's best creative works, showcasing their unique design thinking and technical proficiency.

• Portfolio Guidelines: Files should be kept under 10MB or provided as a secure cloud link to ensure accessibility during the scrutiny phase.
• Academic Reservation: As per Maharashtra state directives, 40% of the intake is reserved for domiciled candidates, while 60% is open to aspirants from across India.
• Skill Evaluation: The DET syllabus focuses on curiosity, observation, and communication skills rather than rote academic memorization.

Conclusion

As the February deadline nears, the MIT Institute of Design continues to be a top destination for those seeking high-value placements in Product, UX, and Transportation Design. The ongoing registration period is the primary gateway for students to enter a curriculum that is deeply integrated with industrial requirements. By maintaining the April exam declaration and May interview schedule, the institute ensures that the final merit list for both B.Des and M.Des is ready by May 20, 2026. Aspirants are encouraged to utilize the remaining days in February to refine their portfolios and ensure all digital uploads meet the university's technical standards. This meticulous preparation is the first step toward securing a place in one of the most competitive and prestigious design environments in the country.

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