UID Ahmedabad 2026 – Admissions Portal Preparation Underway

The Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID) in Ahmedabad has officially opened its admissions portal for the highly anticipated UID DAT 2026 entrance exam. Aspiring designers across India can now register online at admissions.uid.edu.in. The exam is scheduled for January 11, 2026, marking a critical step towards a career in top design specializations like Fashion, Product, and Visual Communication. This detailed news article covers the application process, eligibility criteria, and the two-tier evaluation system, offering essential guidance for all UG and PG design aspirants. Don't miss this opportunity apply today.

The path to a rewarding career in the creative world of design has officially been charted for 2026 aspirants. The Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID), a leading design institution under Karnavati University in Ahmedabad, has confirmed that its admissions portal for the upcoming academic session is fully operational. The application window for the UID Design Aptitude Test (UID DAT) 2026 is currently open, presenting a golden opportunity for talented students aiming for top-tier B.Des and M.Des programs.

​With the entrance exam scheduled for January 11, 2026, this announcement, which commenced the application cycle on August 2, 2025, serves as a crucial reminder for all prospective students to finalize their registration and ramp up their preparation. The live registration portal, accessible at admissions.uid.edu.in, is the gateway to exploring a diverse range of design specializations and securing a seat in one of India's respected design schools.

​ Key Admission Details for UID DAT 2026 Aspirants

​The UID DAT is the compulsory entrance examination for admission into Unitedworld Institute of Design's Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs. Aspiring candidates must be fully aware of the crucial dates, eligibility requirements, and the distinct application process.

• ​Crucial Dates and Deadlines:
  • ​Application Start Date: August 2, 2025 (Ongoing)
  • ​UID DAT 2026 Exam Date (Tier I - Online): January 11, 2026 (AI-Proctored from home)
  • ​Tier II Evaluation Rounds (Situation Test & Portfolio Evaluation): Tentatively scheduled for January/February 2026 (NCR Campus) and March/April 2026 (Ahmedabad Campus)
• ​Eligibility Criteria Snapshot:
  • ​For B.Des (Hons.): Candidates must have passed or be appearing for their 10+2 (any stream) or a three-year Diploma (equivalent to 10+2) from a recognized board, securing a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in the last qualifying examination.
  • ​For M.Des: Candidates must hold a three- or four-year degree or a five-year Diploma (pass/appearing) in any stream from a recognized university or institution, with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in the last qualifying examination.
• ​How to Apply: 
  • ​Visit the official admissions portal: admissions.uid.edu.in.
  • ​Complete the online registration with basic details to generate a user ID and password.
  • ​Log in and carefully fill out the detailed UID DAT 2026 application form.
  • ​Upload all necessary documents, including academic mark sheets/certificates and a recent photograph/signature.
  • ​Pay the non-refundable application fee (typically ₹2,000) online to complete the submission.

​Understanding the Two-Tier Evaluation Process

​Admission to UID is based on a comprehensive Two-Tier Evaluation Process designed to thoroughly assess a candidate's aptitude, creativity, and readiness for a rigorous design curriculum. This process carries a total of 100 marks.

• ​Tier I: UID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) - (40% Weightage): 
  • ​This is an online, AI-proctored examination of three hours duration.
  • ​The test is divided into two parts: the General Ability Test (GAT) and the Creative Ability Test (CAT).
  • ​GAT assesses general knowledge, comprehension, quantitative ability, and logical reasoning.
  • ​CAT evaluates skills in creative thought process, critical and lateral thinking, observation, sketching/rendering ability, and visualization.
  • ​The GAT holds 40 marks and the CAT holds 60 marks in the Tier I evaluation for B.Des.
• ​Tier II: Situation Test (ST) and Portfolio Evaluation (PE) - (60% Weightage): 
  • ​Candidates who successfully qualify in the UID DAT (Tier I) are eligible for the Tier II rounds.
  • ​Situation Test (30% Weightage): This is a practical, hands-on test (typically offline at the campus) that assesses material manipulation, design thinking, and problem-solving skills under time constraints.
  • ​Portfolio Evaluation (30% Weightage): This requires candidates to present a compilation of their best creative work, demonstrating their unique style, range of media, idea development, and overall dedication to design. A Personal Interview (PI) may be conducted alongside or in place of PE/ST depending on the campus and category.

​ Diverse Design Programs and Career Prospects

​UID offers a rich variety of specializations for both its Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses, catering to the evolving demands of the global design industry. Aspiring designers must research these programs to select the specialization that best aligns with their creative vision.

• ​Popular B.Des (Hons.) Specializations:
  • ​Fashion Design & Styling: Focuses on apparel design, textiles, and fashion communication.
  • ​Product Design: Concentrates on consumer goods, industrial design, and human-centric design.
  • ​Interior & Furniture Design: Deals with spatial planning, interior styling, and furniture creation.
  • ​Visual Communication (Graphics): Covers branding, illustration, typography, and digital media.
  • ​Animation and Digital Media: Explores 2D/3D animation, visual effects, and game design.
  • ​Interaction Design: Focuses on User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) for digital products and services.
• ​M.Des Specializations: 
  • ​Fashion Design: Advanced study in fashion research, design methodology, and leadership.
  • ​Industrial Design: Deep dive into advanced product development and aesthetics.
  • ​Design Management: A blend of design thinking and business strategy for leadership roles.
• ​Career Trajectory: 
  • ​UID graduates are well-positioned for roles such as Design Manager, UX/UI Designer, Brand Strategist, Fashion Consultant, Automobile Designer, and Creative Director across various sectors, including e-commerce, technology, media, and manufacturing. The comprehensive curriculum and industry exposure aim to foster both creative talent and entrepreneurial spirit.

​Conclusion

​With the UID DAT 2026 application window fully live and the exam date set for January 11, 2026, the time for preparation and strategic application is now. The Unitedworld Institute of Design continues its commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative leaders through its rigorous yet holistic two-tier admission process. Aspirants are strongly encouraged to register promptly at admissions.uid.edu.in, meticulously prepare their portfolios, and practice diligently for the aptitude test to secure their place in one of the country's premier design education programs.