MIT Institute of Design Opens Applications for MIT DET 2026 Admissions

MIT Institute of Design (MITID) has opened applications for its prestigious Design Entrance Test (DET) 2026 for B.Des and M.Des programs. The final application deadline is February 28, 2026, and the DET exam is scheduled for April 6, 2026. This is your chance to join a globally recognized design school in Pune. The admission process is two-fold: the Design Entrance Test (DAT) followed by a mandatory Studio Test and Personal Interview (ST-PI). Apply now at mitid.edu.in to begin your journey in Product Design, UX, Fashion, and more.

The annual countdown to securing a seat at one of India’s top design schools has officially begun. The MIT Institute of Design (MITID), Pune, a flagship institution under MIT Art, Design, and Technology (ADT) University, has announced the opening of its application portal for the Design Entrance Test (DET) 2026. This announcement is a vital piece of news for all undergraduate (B.Des) and postgraduate (M.Des) design aspirants looking for a career launchpad in a creative and innovative environment.

​With the application window now live on the official website, mitid.edu.in, candidates are urged to plan their submission strategically. While the final deadline for online application submission is a distant February 28, 2026, starting the process now ensures ample time for document preparation, fee payment, and focusing on the demanding entrance exam scheduled for April 6, 2026. This article provides a detailed, SEO-optimized guide to navigating the MITID DET 2026 application and selection process.

​ Key Dates and Online Application Essentials

​The MITID DET is a crucial gateway, jointly conducted for admissions to B.Des and M.Des programs at MITID Pune and other associated institutes. Aspirants must strictly adhere to the schedule to ensure their eligibility for the rigorous selection stages.

• ​Online Application Commencement: October 17, 2025
• ​Final Application Deadline:February 28, 2026 (Crucial last date to apply online)
• ​MITID Design Entrance Test (DET) Date:April 6, 2026
• ​DET Result Announcement: April 23, 2026
• ​Studio Test & Personal Interview (B.Des): May 6 to 13, 2026 (Tentative)

​Mandatory Application Steps:

• ​Registration: Create a new user account on the official MITID application portal using a valid email ID and mobile number.
• ​Form Filling: Accurately provide personal, educational (10+2 marksheet, graduation details for M.Des), and parent/guardian information.
• ​Document Upload: Upload the requisite documents, including a recent photograph and signature, adhering to the specified format and size.
• ​Fee Payment: Pay the non-refundable application fee. For Indian Nationals, this is typically around ₹3,000, and for NRI/PIO/Foreign Nationals, it is generally ₹4,500.
• ​Final Submission: Review all details carefully before final submission, as corrections may not be permitted later.

​ MITID DET 2026 Examination & Selection Process

​The MITID selection process is a comprehensive, three-stage evaluation designed to identify candidates with the highest potential for design thinking, creativity, and aptitude. Successful application is just the first step; performance in the subsequent rounds determines final selection.

​Phase I: Design Entrance Test (DET)

​The DET, scheduled for April 6, 2026, will be a mix of online objective (MCQ/Descriptive) and offline subjective questions, testing a wide range of design-specific skills:

• ​Design Aptitude & Visualisation: Questions based on visual cues, composition, colour theory, and spatial reasoning.
• ​Analytical & Logical Reasoning: Evaluation of problem-solving skills, interpretation of scientific principles, and logical thinking.
• ​General Awareness & Communication: Testing awareness of global design trends, cultural context, and both verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
• ​Offline Drawing Test: A subjective component requiring candidates to demonstrate their sketching, illustration, and ideation skills using various media (pens/pencils/colours).

​Phase II: Studio Test and Personal Interview (ST-PI)

​Candidates who qualify based on their DET scores will be shortlisted for the second phase, a mandatory, in-person assessment at the MITID Pune campus:

• ​Studio Test (ST): A hands-on test specific to the B.Des/M.Des specialization, evaluating practical creative skills, material manipulation, and time management under pressure.
• ​Personal Interview (PI): A critical evaluation of the candidate’s attitude, portfolio, career aspirations, and suitability for the chosen design domain. The portfolio submission is a key component here, showcasing the best creative and academic work.

​Note: The final merit list will be prepared based on the cumulative performance across the Design Entrance Test (DET), Studio Test, and Personal Interview, with the Admission Committee determining the final weightage for each component.

​ B.Des & M.Des Programs: Specialisations and Eligibility

​MITID offers a wide spectrum of design disciplines at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, catering to diverse interests and professional goals. Understanding the eligibility criteria is non-negotiable before applying for a specific program.

​Undergraduate (B.Des) Eligibility and Specialisations

• ​Eligibility: Candidates must have passed the 10+2 (HSC, CBSE, ICSE, IB) examination from any stream. The age limit is typically 20 years.
• ​Key B.Des Specialisations: 
  • ​Product Design
  • ​Transportation Design
  • ​Interior Space & Furniture Design
  • ​Graphic Design
  • ​Animation Design
  • ​User Experience Design (UX/UI)
  • ​Fashion Design

​Postgraduate (M.Des) Eligibility and Specialisations

• ​Eligibility: Candidates require at least a three-year Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field. Specific eligibility requirements vary significantly by specialization. For example, some technical domains require a background in Engineering or Architecture.
• ​Key M.Des Specialisations:
  • ​Product Design / Transportation Design (Often require Engineering/Architecture background)
  • ​User Experience Design (UX) (Open to Engineering, Science, or Design backgrounds)
  • ​Film & Video Design / Graphic Design / Animation Design (Open to any Bachelor's degree)
  • ​Design Management / Fashion Management & Marketing (Open to any Bachelor's degree)

​IN CONCLUSION:The MITID DET 2026 is more than just an entrance exam; it is a holistic evaluation of your creative potential and commitment to the design profession. With the application deadline set for February 28, 2026, there is ample time to refine your portfolio and focus on the examination. Secure your application now at mitid.edu.in and prepare to showcase your aptitude on April 6, 2026, for a chance to join this esteemed institution.

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