The application window for the All India Entrance Examination for Design (AIEED) 2026 is nearing its closure. Eligible students interested in undergraduate and postgraduate design programs at ARCH College of Design and Business must submit their forms through the official portal before the upcoming deadline. The 2026 screening process includes a General Ability Test (GAT) and a Creative Ability Test (CAT), followed by a video film and portfolio submission.

ARCH College of Design and Business is preparing to conclude the initial phase of its admission cycle. The application window for the All India Entrance Examination for Design (AIEED) 2026, which has been open since late 2025, is now approaching its final date. This national-level entrance is the gateway for creative minds seeking to enroll in various Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) specializations. Prospective students are urged to complete their online profiles and pay the required fees to ensure they are eligible for the upcoming screening rounds scheduled for late January and February.

Screening Process and Evaluation Criteria

The AIEED 2026 follows a unique "Screening for Design Studies" model that moves beyond traditional testing to evaluate a candidate’s psychological and creative readiness for the design industry.

• Stage 1 (GAT & CAT): Candidates must first clear the General Ability Test and the Creative Ability Test, which assess basic logical reasoning and creative problem-solving skills.
• Stage 2 (Video Film): Applicants are required to create a short video film describing themselves and their interest in a specific design field.
• Stage 3 (Portfolio): A digital submission of the candidate's creative work is mandatory to showcase their artistic range and technical proficiency.
• Stage 4 (Interaction): The final stage involves a personal interaction with the faculty to gauge the student's passion and aptitude.

Eligibility and Documentation for 2026

Before the application portal closes, candidates must verify that they meet the academic prerequisites for their chosen level of study. The 2026 criteria remain consistent with international standards for design education.

• Final Year Students: Those appearing for their Class 12 or final year graduation exams in 2026 can apply provisionally.
• Valid Scores: Students with valid NATA, UCEED, or CEED scores may be eligible for direct admission to the interaction stage, though they must still complete the initial registration form.
• Registration Fee: The non-refundable fee for the 2026-27 cycle is ₹3,000, payable through the online payment gateway.

Important Deadlines to Remember

With the registration portal set to close soon, aspirants must keep a close watch on the official timeline to avoid missing the assessment dates.

• Closing Date: The current application cycle is expected to end by the final week of January 2026.
• Screening Dates: Online GAT and CAT assessments are conducted on multiple dates, usually within 7 days of completing the form.
• Portfolio Submission: The link for uploading the video and portfolio will be sent individually to registered candidates after the GAT/CAT phase.
• Results: Final selection letters for the first batch of 2026 will be issued by the end of February.

Conclusion

The nearing closure of the AIEED 2026 application window signifies the final call for students aiming to join the ARCH design community this year. As the 2026-27 session approaches, the focus is on identifying candidates who demonstrate a holistic blend of creativity and analytical thinking. By completing the application before the deadline, students secure their chance to participate in the multi-stage screening process that defines the ARCH admissions experience. Successful registration today is the first step toward a professional career in sectors like fashion, interior, jewelry, or graphic design.