Admission Season Update: Last Calls for B.Des Aspirants at Top Institutions
The admission season for design aspirants is in its final stages. This article provides crucial updates on upcoming deadlines for exams like AIEED and UPES-DAT, and highlights the ongoing admission processes at various top institutions. This is a must-read for all design students looking to secure their spot in a B.Des program this year.

Final Deadlines for AIEED and UPES-DAT
The current admission cycle for design courses is rapidly drawing to a close, and a few key deadlines have just passed or are approaching. Aspirants who appeared for the All India Entrance Examination for Design (AIEED), conducted by ARCH College of Design & Business, should note that the exam concluded on August 10, 2025. The registration window for AIEED 2025 closed on August 7, 2025. Candidates who have taken the exam should now await their results, which are expected to be sent to them via email. This marks a significant milestone for many design students who are now one step closer to their design career.
Meanwhile, the application window for the UPES Design Aptitude Test (UPES-DAT) 2025 also closed on August 14, 2025. This was a final opportunity for students to apply for a B.Des program at UPES. With the deadlines for these major entrance exams now in the past, students must focus on the next steps of the admission process.
Spot Rounds and Counselling Underway
For many top institutions, the counseling and spot admission rounds are now in full swing, offering a last chance to secure a seat.
- NIFT Spot Round: The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) conducted its final spot round physical verification on August 11, 2025. This was the definitive day for aspirants to confirm their admission by physically reporting to their allotted campus. For thousands of design aspirants, this day marked the beginning of their academic journey at a premier design institution.
- School of Planning and Architecture (SPA): Schools of Planning and Architecture in Delhi and Vijayawada are currently in the final stages of their admission process. SPA Vijayawada recently announced a provisional list for the PG Spot Round, and the physical reporting for candidates admitted through JoSAA/CSAB is scheduled to take place from August 20 to August 23, 2025. Similarly, PEC Chandigarh's last round of admission is scheduled for August 20, 2025, in case any seats remain vacant.
- UCEED Counselling: The Joint Admission Process for B.Des programs, which relies on UCEED scores, is also concluding its final rounds. Allotted students must complete all formalities to secure their seats.
What to Expect Next
With the 2025 admission cycle nearing its end, the focus will soon shift to the upcoming design entrance exams for 2026. The application window for UCEED 2026 and CEED 2026 is expected to open in October 2025. Prospective design aspirants should use this time to research different design courses, prepare their portfolios, and begin studying for these highly competitive exams. For more information and a complete list of design exams, you can visit Only Education at https://www.onlyeducation.in/exams-list/design.