Final Call for BITSDES 2026 BDes (Honours) Applications - Submit Now
The application window for the BITS Design School (BITSDES) Bachelor of Design (Honours) program for the 2026 intake is fast closing. Aspiring designers must submit their online application before the non-negotiable deadline of February 1, 2026, to be considered for this transdisciplinary B.Des (Hons) course. Admission is a three-stage holistic process: Aptitude Test Score (BITSDAT/UCEED/NID DAT), Portfolio Review, and an Online Interview. Secure your spot now for a career in cutting-edge specialisations like UX/UI and Product Design. Do not miss the final date for this premier design program.

The pursuit of a future-focused design career is reaching a critical point! The BITS Design School (BITSDES), established under the aegis of BITS Pilani, has announced that the application window for its highly sought-after four-year Bachelor of Design (Honours) [BDes (Hons)] program will close on February 1, 2026. This is the final call for all design aspirants seeking admission for the 2026 academic year. The deadline is universal and non-negotiable for all candidates, irrespective of their chosen entrance examination route. With limited seats, immediate application submission is paramount for those aiming for specialisations like Digital Product Design (UX/UI), Physical Product Design, and Experience Design.
Mandatory Eligibility and Entrance Pathways
Securing your application before the deadline is the first mandatory step. However, candidates must also meet the academic and test score requirements to proceed to the subsequent selection stages.
- Academic Qualification:
- Candidates must have passed, or be appearing for, their Class 12 (or equivalent) examination.
- A minimum aggregate of 45% marks in the qualifying exam is required.
- Students from any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts) are eligible to apply, fostering a transdisciplinary cohort.
- Mandatory Entrance Exam:
- Applicants must have either taken or be registered for at least one of the three accepted design aptitude tests:
- BITS Design Aptitude Test (BITSDAT) 2026 (Scheduled March 31 to April 5, 2026)
- UCEED 2026 (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design)
- NID DAT Prelims 2026 (National Institute of Design - Design Aptitude Test Prelims)
- Applicants must have either taken or be registered for at least one of the three accepted design aptitude tests:
- Critical Note: Only candidates who complete the BITSDES online application by February 1, 2026, will be granted access to the score upload portal later in April 2026.
Key Dates: Your Admission Timeline
The BDes (Hons) admission process is structured in multiple, competitive stages after the initial application. Aspirants must carefully manage their preparation and submission timeline to avoid disqualification. Below are the key milestones to mark on your calendar:
Event | Tentative Dates (2026) | Purpose |
Online Application Closes | February 1 | MANDATORY FINAL DEADLINE for all candidates. |
BITSDAT Exam Window | March 31 – April 5 | BITS's proprietary design aptitude test. |
Score Upload Window | April 8 – April 12 | Only for applicants who met the Feb 1 deadline. |
Shortlist Announcement | April 16 | Candidates selected for Portfolio/Interview round. |
Portfolio Upload Window | April 16 – April 20 | Digital submission of creative work and process. |
Online Interviews | May 2 – May 12 | Final stage, assessing commitment, aesthetics, and design thinking. |
💡 Focus Areas for Portfolio and Interview
The final selection is a holistic evaluation, with significant weight given to the portfolio and online interview. Simply securing a good exam score is not enough; showcasing genuine design potential is key.
- Portfolio Submission:
- Demonstrate your creative journey and problem-solving process, not just final, polished outputs.
- Include a diversity of projects—sketching, digital art, physical models, or graphic design.
- Clearly articulate the 'why' behind your design decisions.
- Online Interview:
- Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail with the faculty.
- Be ready to articulate your commitment to a design career and knowledge of contemporary design trends.
- Focus on communicating your thought process, aesthetic sense, and problem-solving abilities.
This final application window is your gateway to a premier design education. Secure your future by submitting your BITSDES 2026 BDes (Hons) application on the official portal immediately, and certainly well before the February 1, 2026 deadline.
For regular updates follow Only Education News. For more details on design entrance exams and courses, check here: Design Exams List.
