Pearl Academy opens 2026-27 admissions for B.Des, M.Des; professional certificate batch kicks off 17 November

Pearl Academy has officially commenced admissions for its B.Des and M.Des programs for the 2026-27 session. The final application deadline for this crucial January cycle is January 13, 2026. The selection process is a streamlined, two-stage online assessment: a written entrance exam (January 17-19) followed by an online Personal Interview (January 22-25). Additionally, the new batch for Professional Certificate Courses begins on November 17, 2025. This article provides a detailed admission timeline and essential preparation tips for success.

The opening of the application window for the Pearl Academy 2026-27 session marks the official beginning of their journey toward a successful creative career. Pearl Academy, a renowned institution for design, fashion, business, and media, has formally initiated its admission process for its flagship B.Des (Bachelor of Design) and M.Des (Master of Design) programs.

​The current admission cycle—the first and most important of the year—features a tight, clearly defined schedule, with the entire online selection process slated for completion in January 2026. Aspirants must act swiftly and meticulously, as the final date for submitting the online application is January 13, 2026. Furthermore, candidates interested in specialized, shorter-term training should note the commencement of a new batch for the Professional Certificate Courses starting as early as November 17, 2025, offering immediate enrollment opportunities in niche fields.

​ Pearl Academy 2026 Admission Timeline

​The admission process is highly structured and entirely online for the January 2026 cycle. Candidates must adhere to these dates to ensure their application is successfully considered for the degree programs.

• ​Crucial Deadlines for B.Des & M.Des Programs: 
  • ​Application Submission Deadline:January 13, 2026 (Tuesday). This is the final cut-off date to complete the online registration and pay the non-refundable application fee (typically ₹2,000 for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs).
  • ​Admit Card Release (Written Exam): January 14, 2026 (Expected).
  • ​Online Written Entrance Exam (Stage 1):January 17 – 19, 2026 (Saturday to Monday). This crucial stage comprises the General Proficiency Test (GPT) and the course-specific test, such as the Design Aptitude Test (DAT).
  • ​Admit Card Release (PI): January 20, 2026 (Expected).
  • ​Online Personal Interview (PI) Rounds (Stage 2): January 22 – 25, 2026 (Thursday to Sunday).
• ​Immediate Enrollment Opportunity:
  • ​Professional Certificate Course Batch Start: November 17, 2025. These 11-month certificate programs in Fashion, Business, and Communication Design often have a different, more flexible admission process compared to the degree courses, typically focusing on rolling admissions and basic eligibility.
• ​Eligibility at a Glance: 
  • ​B.Des: Candidates must have passed or be appearing for Class 12 or equivalent from a recognised board.
  • ​M.Des: Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree or a diploma from a recognised institution.

​ The Two-Stage Online Selection Process

​Admission to Pearl Academy's B.Des and M.Des programs is determined by a comprehensive two-stage evaluation designed to assess both general and creative aptitude, ensuring only the most suitable candidates are selected.

• ​Stage 1: The Online Written Entrance Exam (DAT/GPT): 
  • ​General Proficiency Test (GPT): This section is mandatory for all courses and assesses fundamental abilities. 
    • ​Focus Areas: English Language (Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension), Quantitative Ability (Basic Arithmetic, Data Interpretation), and Logical Reasoning (Puzzles, Series, Analogies).
  • ​Design Aptitude Test (DAT): Mandatory for all B.Des and M.Des (Design) programs. This test evaluates the candidate’s creative potential. 
    • ​Focus Areas: Power of Observation, Imagination, Drawing and Design Ability, Communication Skills, and Sensitivity to the Environment.
• ​Stage 2: Online Personal Interview (PI) & Portfolio Review: 
  • ​Personal Interview (PI): Candidates shortlisted based on their written exam performance are invited for a mandatory online PI. This round assesses: 
    • ​Communication Skills and overall personality.
    • ​Career Focus and motivation for joining the chosen program.
    • ​General Awareness and creative/lateral thinking.
  • ​Portfolio Submission (Design Courses): For B.Des and M.Des aspirants, a strong digital portfolio is often a critical component of the PI. The portfolio should demonstrate the candidate's best creative work, technical skills, and detailed design process documentation.

Expert Tips for Acing the Admissions

​A competitive edge in the Pearl Academy selection process requires disciplined study for the written test and strategic preparation for the personal interview.

• ​Mastering the Written Tests (GPT & DAT): 
  • ​Practice Mock Tests: Regularly attempt timed mock tests to simulate the online exam environment and improve time management, especially for the DAT, which is a shorter, high-pressure test.
  • ​Focus on Fundamentals: Dedicate time to strengthen foundational skills in English and quantitative methods, as these are easy marks in the GPT section.
  • ​Sketching Practice: For DAT, engage in daily sketching exercises focusing on product rendering, theme-based conceptualization, and creative solutions to everyday problems.
• ​The Power of the Portfolio & Interview: 
  • ​Curate with Intent: Your portfolio should tell a story about your design process, not just the final product. Include initial ideation sketches, research, and material experiments.
  • ​Know Your Work: Be ready to passionately and clearly articulate the why and how behind every piece in your portfolio during the PI. Expect questions on challenges, inspiration, and technical execution.
  • ​Research the Institute: Demonstrate knowledge of Pearl Academy's specific courses, faculty, and industry collaborations to show your commitment to the institution.

​Conclusion

​With admissions officially open and the critical deadline of January 13, 2026, fast approaching, aspiring designers must initiate their applications immediately. The two-stage online process—comprising the written exam (January 17-19) and the personal interview (January 22-25)—is a rigorous yet fair assessment of creative potential. By strategically preparing for both the aptitude tests and the portfolio presentation, candidates can significantly boost their chances of securing a seat at one of India's most prestigious creative institutions.

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