BITS Design School Continues B.Des (Hons) Admissions; Deadline in February 2026

BITS Design School is currently accepting applications for its prestigious B.Des (Hons) program for the 2026 academic session. Aspiring designers must complete their online registration by February 1, 2026, to be eligible for the multi-stage selection process. The program accepts BITSDAT, UCEED, and NID DAT scores, followed by portfolio reviews and interviews. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the admission timeline, eligibility criteria, and key specializations for 2026 aspirants.

The BITS Design School (BITSDES), under the aegis of BITS Pilani, is currently inviting applications for its transdisciplinary Bachelor of Design (Honours) program for the 2026 academic year. As the design landscape evolves, BITSDES offers a future-focused curriculum at its permanent campus in Mumbai. For aspirants aiming to secure a seat in this competitive program, the clock is ticking. The institution has confirmed that the final window for submitting online applications will close on February 1, 2026. This single-round admission cycle requires candidates to be proactive in their preparation, as no fresh applications will be accepted during the subsequent score-uploading phases.

Admission Calendar and Critical Deadlines

Staying updated with the official timeline is crucial for a successful application. Unlike many other institutes, BITSDES follows a structured schedule that integrates multiple entrance exams into its shortlisting process.

• Application Deadline: All interested candidates must register and pay the application fee of ₹2,500 by February 1, 2026.
• Entrance Exam Window: The school’s proprietary exam, BITSDAT, is scheduled to take place between March 31 and April 5, 2026.
• Score Submission: Registered applicants must upload their BITSDAT, UCEED, or NID DAT Prelims scores between April 8 and April 12, 2026.
• Final Rounds: Shortlisted students will participate in portfolio uploads and online interviews throughout May 2026.

Eligibility and Specialization Pathways

BITSDES seeks students who demonstrate both academic competence and a strong creative spark. The program is designed to be inclusive, welcoming students from various educational backgrounds.

• Academic Criteria: Applicants must have passed or be appearing for the 10+2 examination (any stream) with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks.
• Accepted Exams: Candidates are eligible if they appear for either BITSDAT, UCEED, or the NID DAT Prelims.
• Core Specializations: Students can choose from five distinct pathways: Physical Product Design, Digital Product Design (UX/UI), Visual Design, Experience Design, and Design Research & Insights.

Holistic Selection and Portfolio Requirements

The selection process at BITS Design School goes beyond mere test scores. The institute employs a holistic approach to identify innovators who can thrive in a collaborative environment.

• Design Aptitude: The initial screening via BITSDAT or national exams tests logical reasoning and visual creativity.
• Portfolio Review: Shortlisted candidates must present a digital portfolio that showcases their creative process, sketches, and problem-solving abilities.
• Interview Focus: The final online interview evaluates the candidate's communication skills, aesthetic sense, and commitment to a design career.

Conclusion

The B.Des (Hons) program at BITS Design School stands as a premier choice for students looking to merge traditional design principles with modern technology. With the application portal closing soon, candidates should ensure all documents and entrance exam registrations are in order to avoid the last-minute rush. Aspirants are strongly encouraged to monitor the official BITSDES admission portal regularly for any real-time notifications or technical guidelines regarding the 2026 intake.