SEED 2026 M.Des application to open soon at Symbiosis Institute of Design candidates to apply from January 2026

Aspiring postgraduate design students, mark your calendars The SEED 2026 M.Des application for the prestigious Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) is expected to open in January 2026. This article provides crucial details on the online application process, essential documents, the approximate fee of ₹3,250, and the multi-stage selection process culminating in the SEED 2026 entrance exam, tentatively scheduled for the first week of May 2026. Get a head start on your preparation for the written test and the Portfolio Review & Personal Interaction (PRPI) round.

For design professionals and graduates aiming to specialise at the postgraduate level, the Master of Design (M.Des) program at the Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), Pune, is a coveted opportunity. Admission to this prestigious program, which includes specializations like User Experience Design, is conducted through the Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED). While the registration for the undergraduate B.Des program has typically commenced earlier, the SEED 2026 M.Des application window is expected to open in January 2026. This announcement signals the official countdown for candidates to prepare their applications and portfolios for a rigorous selection process. Aspiring designers are strongly advised to bookmark the official SID website and prepare the necessary documents well in advance.

​Application Process and Important Dates

​The entire M.Des admission process at SID is conducted online, requiring applicants to manage both the SEED registration and the subsequent Portfolio Review & Personal Interaction (PRPI) stages.

• ​Anticipated SEED M.Des 2026 Schedule:
  • ​Online Application Form Release: Expected in January 2026. (Aspirants must continuously track the official SID portal for the exact notification.)
  • ​Application Submission Deadline: Likely to be in April 2026 to accommodate the later exam date for M.Des candidates.
  • ​SEED 2026 Entrance Exam (Written Test): Tentatively scheduled for the first week of May 2026.
  • ​Portfolio Review & Personal Interaction (PRPI): This crucial stage is expected to be conducted in the weeks following the SEED result announcement, likely in May/June 2026.
• ​Mandatory Application Details and Fees:
  • ​Mode of Application: The application must be submitted exclusively via the online portal on the official SID website.
  • ​Application Fee: Candidates will need to pay an approximate fee of ₹3,250 (which typically includes the SEED Test Registration Fee of ₹2,250 and the Programme Registration Fee of ₹1,000 for each program applied). This fee is generally non-refundable.
  • ​Documents for Online Submission: Applicants must prepare and upload the following essential documents in the specified format: 
    • ​Academic Certificates: Mark sheets and passing certificates for Class 10, Class 12/Diploma, and the Bachelor's Degree (or appearing certificate).
    • ​Identity Proof: A valid government-issued ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, etc.).
    • ​Scanned Photograph and Signature: Digital copies as per the dimension specifications.

​ M.Des Eligibility and Selection Criteria

​Meeting the eligibility criteria is the first non-negotiable step toward securing admission to SID’s M.Des program. Candidates must also understand the multi-phased selection process to tailor their preparation.

• ​Core Eligibility Requirements (M.Des):
  • ​Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree of minimum four years’ duration in any specialisation from a university recognised by law in India, OR a full-time Diploma of minimum four years’ duration in Design/Fine Arts/Applied Arts/Architecture after the 12th standard.
  • ​Minimum Marks: A minimum of 50% aggregate marks (or equivalent grade) is required in the qualifying degree (45% for SC/ST candidates).
  • ​Appearing Candidates: Those in the final year of their qualifying degree/diploma are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing by the date stipulated by SID.
• ​The Two-Stage Selection Process:
  • ​Stage 1: SEED 2026 Entrance Exam: This online written test evaluates the candidate’s design aptitude, general knowledge, and reasoning skills. 
    • ​Exam Pattern: The SEED exam typically consists of 60 objective-type questions (MCQs, Match the Columns, Image-based, etc.) to be completed in 60 minutes. There is usually no negative marking.
  • ​Stage 2: Portfolio Review and Personal Interaction (PRPI): Shortlisted candidates from the SEED exam will proceed to this round, which carries significant weightage. 
    • ​Portfolio Review: Candidates must upload a digital portfolio showcasing their best design work, creative projects, sketches, and professional experience (if any).
    • ​Personal Interaction: This round assesses the candidate's subject knowledge, communication skills, specialisation interest, and overall design inclination.

​ Strategic Preparation for SEED M.Des

​Success in the SEED M.Des admission process hinges on a strategic approach that balances both the written test and the critical PRPI stage.

• ​Acing the SEED Written Test: 
  • ​Syllabus Focus: Concentrate on areas like Visualization & Spatial Reasoning (2D/3D shapes), Observational, Perceptual & Reasoning Abilities, Creative & Problem-Solving Skills, and General Awareness of Art, Culture, Craft, and Design.
  • ​Time Management: Given the 60 questions in 60 minutes format, practice time-bound mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
• ​Building a Stellar Portfolio:
  • ​Quality over Quantity: Focus on presenting 5-10 high-quality projects that clearly demonstrate your design process, research ability, and technical skills relevant to your chosen M.Des specialisation (e.g., UX/UI, Communication Design).
  • ​Document the Process: Include sketches, wireframes, user research findings, ideation stages, and final outcomes for each project to show your methodical approach.
  • ​Variety of Mediums: Include a mix of mediums: hand-drawn sketches, digital illustrations, photography, 3D models, or professional project work.
• ​Preparing for the Personal Interaction (PI): 
  • ​Know Your Portfolio: Be prepared to fluently discuss every project in your portfolio, explaining your inspiration, challenges, and key learnings.
  • ​Research SID and the M.Des Program: Understand the faculty, curriculum, and specialisation offered. Articulate clearly why SID is the ideal place for your advanced studies.
  • ​Current Industry Trends: Stay updated on the latest design trends, especially in your chosen specialisation (e.g., AI in design, sustainable practices, Human-Centred Design).

​Conclusion

​The opening of the SEED 2026 M.Des application in January 2026 marks the beginning of a competitive yet rewarding journey. Aspiring designers must ensure prompt registration, prepare the necessary academic and personal documents, and intensify their preparation for the SEED exam and the subsequent Portfolio Review & Personal Interaction. A well-prepared portfolio and a strong performance in the entrance stages are your best tools for joining the ranks of SID alumni and shaping the future of design.

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