Pearl Academy confirms 2026–27 degree admissions ongoing; last date to apply set at 13 January 2026

Pearl Academy has opened admissions for the 2026-27 academic year for its prestigious B. Des, M. Des, BBA, and MBA programs. The final application deadline for this cycle is January 13, 2026. The selection process involves a two-stage online evaluation: a written exam (GPT/DAT) followed by a Personal Interview (PI) and Portfolio Review. Aspirants are urged to meticulously prepare for the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) and curate a strong creative portfolio to secure admission into one of India’s leading design and fashion institutes.

The gateway to a thriving career in the global creative industries has officially opened. Pearl Academy, one of India's premier institutes for design, fashion, business, and media, has announced the commencement of admissions for its highly sought-after 2026-27 academic session. This marks a pivotal moment for thousands of aspirants looking to secure a seat in the next batch of creative innovators and business leaders.

​The institution is inviting applications for its comprehensive range of Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) degree programs, including Bachelor of Design (B. Des), Master of Design (M. Des), BBA, and MBA programs. Prospective students are strongly advised to adhere strictly to the published timeline, as the application window for the crucial January 2026 cycle is set to close shortly. Missing the deadline could mean delaying your entry into the world of design by several months, given the multi-cycle admission structure of the academy. The entire selection process is structured to be transparent and efficient, comprising an online written examination followed by an online Personal Interview.

​ Critical Timeline: Key Dates for the January 2026 Cycle

​The admission process for the first cycle of the 2026-27 academic year operates on a sharp, non-negotiable schedule. Aspirants must ensure they complete their online registration and application fee payment of ₹2,000/- (for Bachelor's & Master's programs) well in advance of the deadline. Adherence to these dates is paramount for a smooth application process.

• ​Application Deadline: January 13, 2026 (Tuesday) 
  • ​This is the final cut-off date for submitting the online application form and the requisite fee for all degree programs. Early application is always recommended to avoid last-minute server issues.
• ​Admit Card Release (Written Test): January 14, 2026 (Wednesday) 
  • ​The admit card for the online written exam will be released, containing vital information such as the exact time slot, examination link, and technical instructions.
• ​Online Written Examination: January 17-19, 2026 (Saturday to Monday) 
  • ​The mandatory entrance test will be conducted online over a three-day window. This phase involves a two-part test: the General Proficiency Test (GPT) and the Design Aptitude Test (DAT).
• ​Personal Interview (PI) Window: January 22-25, 2026 
  • ​Candidates who successfully clear the written exam cut-off will be shortlisted for the final stage—the online Personal Interview, which includes a mandatory Portfolio Review for all design-focused programs.

​ The Two-Stage Selection Process: Decoding the Pearl Entrance Exam

​Admission to Pearl Academy is merit-based and determined by performance in the two crucial stages of the Pearl Entrance Exam (PEE). Aspirants must understand the distinct focus of each stage to tailor their preparation strategy effectively.

• ​Stage 1: The Online Written Test (GPT & DAT) 
  • ​General Proficiency Test (GPT): This section is compulsory for all design, business, and media programs. It assesses fundamental cognitive abilities, focusing on: 
    • ​English Language: Vocabulary, Grammar, and Reading Comprehension.
    • ​Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation: Basic Arithmetic, Logical Puzzles, and interpreting data from charts/graphs.
    • ​Logical Reasoning: Analytical thinking and problem-solving.
  • ​Design Aptitude Test (DAT): Mandatory for all B. Des and M. Des programs, the DAT evaluates innate creative talent and visual communication skills, including: 
    • ​Drawing & Sketching Ability: Technical drawing and creative representation.
    • ​Observation & Imagination: Power of perception and visualization.
    • ​Creative Aptitude: Sensitivity to colour, form, and environmental factors.
• ​Stage 2: Personal Interview (PI) & Portfolio Review 
  • ​Personal Interview (PI): Conducted by an expert panel, this round assesses the candidate's communication skills, career focus, motivation, general awareness of the chosen industry (e.g., fashion trends, design innovation), and overall personality fit.
  • ​Mandatory Portfolio Review: This is the most crucial part for design aspirants. The portfolio must be a curated collection of a candidate's best original work, showcasing their design process, skill versatility (sketches, photography, digital art), and creative journey. A strong portfolio acts as tangible evidence of a candidate's potential, often outweighing a borderline written score.

​Strategic Preparation: Maximizing Your Chances

​Success in the Pearl Academy admissions process requires a balanced preparation approach that addresses both analytical proficiency and creative aptitude. Aspirants should start their preparation now, leveraging the remaining time efficiently.

• ​Holistic GPT Preparation: Focus on strengthening verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Regularly practice mock tests to improve time management—a critical skill for online, timed tests. For the quantitative section, revise high-school fundamentals.
• ​DAT and Creativity Boost: Engage in daily sketching and drawing exercises. Practice visualizing 3D objects from 2D representations. Stay updated on contemporary design movements, new technologies, and major national/international design awards and exhibitions to demonstrate industry awareness.
• ​Curating a Winning Portfolio: The portfolio should not just be a collection of finished pieces but a story of your design thinking process. Include process sketches, mood boards, research evidence, and the final output for 4-5 diverse projects. Ensure the portfolio is well-organized, high-quality, and easy to present digitally during the online interview.
• ​Interview Readiness: Prepare thoughtful answers regarding your 'Why Design?' and 'Why Pearl Academy?' motivation. Be ready to articulate the inspiration and challenges behind each piece in your portfolio clearly and confidently. Practice mock interviews to enhance articulation and presentation skills.

​Conclusion

​The opening of the Pearl Academy's 2026-27 admissions cycle offers a premier opportunity for design, fashion, and business aspirants to launch their professional careers. The structured, merit-based, two-stage process—culminating on January 25, 2026—is designed to identify candidates with both the aptitude and the passion required to excel in the competitive creative landscape. With the application deadline rapidly approaching on January 13, 2026, prospective students must act decisively, ensuring a strong application, meticulous exam preparation, and a stellar design portfolio to secure their future at this renowned institution.

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