Symbiosis Institute of Design to begin M.Des admissions for 2026 through SEED in January

Aspiring postgraduate designers should note that the M.Des application process for the Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) is separate from the B.Des SEED 2026 entrance exam, whose registration is now closed. The online application for the coveted Master of Design (M.Des) program at SID is confirmed to open soon, with the expected commencement date in January 2026. Admission will rely on a comprehensive process including a separate SEED M.Des Entrance Exam (tentatively scheduled for May 2026), a Studio Test, and a Portfolio Review, ensuring a rigorous selection of top talent. Prepare your portfolio and academic documents now for a seamless application.

The landscape of design admissions can be complex, often leading to confusion between undergraduate and postgraduate entry portals. For aspirants targeting the prestigious Master of Design (M.Des) program at Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), Pune, a crucial clarification has been issued. While the Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED) is the mandatory entrance test for B.Des admissions, its application window for 2026 has already closed (tentatively on November 30, 2025).

​The correct and timely information is that the M.Des admission process is distinct and separate from the undergraduate cycle. The official application process for the Symbiosis M.Des 2026 program is reliably expected to commence in January 2026. This announcement serves as a critical alert for all eligible candidates—especially those currently completing their bachelor's degree—to prepare their academic documents and, most importantly, their design portfolios. The admission process for the M.Des program is a multi-stage, in-depth evaluation aimed at selecting candidates with demonstrated design maturity and potential for specialized study.

​Master of Design: Eligibility and Program Structure 

​SID's M.Des program is a two-year, 80-credit post-graduate degree that offers specialized, advanced study in high-demand domains. Understanding the specific eligibility criteria is the first step toward a successful application.

• ​Academic Eligibility: To be considered for the M.Des program, candidates must possess a high-level qualification in a relevant field: 
  • ​A Bachelor's Degree of minimum four years duration in any specialization (e.g., B.Des, B.Tech, B.Arch, BFA) after 12th standard or its equivalent from any recognized university or institute.
  • ​Alternatively, a full-time Diploma of minimum four years duration in Design/Fine Arts/Applied Arts/Architecture, after 12th standard or equivalent.
  • ​A minimum of 50% marks or an equivalent grade in the qualifying examination is mandatory (45% for SC/ST candidates).
• ​Program Specializations: The M.Des program at SID focuses on specialized areas that address industry demands, often including: 
  • ​User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Design: Focusing on digital product design, usability, and interaction.
  • ​Visual Communication: Advanced studies in branding, motion graphics, and integrated communication strategies.
  • ​Product & Innovation Design: Concentrating on advanced material studies, sustainable design, and complex product development.
• ​Duration and Delivery: The M.Des program is typically a two-year full-time course, often incorporating a hybrid model that suits working professionals, with some classes scheduled over evenings and weekends.

​The M.Des Selection Stages: More Than Just an Exam 

​Unlike the B.Des admission, which is heavily weighted toward the SEED written exam, the M.Des selection process is a holistic evaluation combining an entrance test with a rigorous assessment of past creative work and personal goals.

• ​Stage 1: Online Application and Registration (January 2026) 
  • ​The application portal for the SEED M.Des 2026 will open on the official SID website, likely in January 2026.
  • ​Candidates must complete the registration form online and pay the application fee (expected to be around ₹3,250).
• ​Stage 2: SEED M.Des Entrance Exam (Tentative: May 2026) 
  • ​M.Des applicants must appear for a separate SEED entrance exam specifically designed for the postgraduate level. This test is generally held later than the B.Des exam, with the expected date in the first week of May 2026.
  • ​This exam assesses higher-level design thinking, visualization, analytical skills, and general awareness relevant to specialized design fields.
• ​Stage 3: Studio Test & Portfolio Review (STPI) 
  • ​This is the most critical phase, where shortlisted candidates face a two-pronged evaluation:  
    • ​Studio Test: A practical, hands-on task designed to assess immediate problem-solving, material handling, and rapid prototyping skills.
    • ​Portfolio Review: An in-depth scrutiny of the candidate's existing design projects. The portfolio must demonstrate technical skill, conceptual clarity, process documentation, and a strong specialization focus relevant to the chosen M.Des course.
  • ​Personal Interaction (PI): A final interview to evaluate the candidate's motivation, domain knowledge, career aspirations, and overall fit with the postgraduate program's rigor.

​Strategic Preparation for M.Des Aspirants 

​With the application opening in January 2026, the next few weeks are precious. Postgraduate applicants should prioritize strengthening their portfolio and preparing for the Personal Interaction alongside the written test.

• ​Portfolio Perfection: Since M.Des seats are limited and highly competitive (often around 20 seats per specialization), the portfolio is your key differentiator. 
  • ​Curation: Select only your strongest, most relevant projects, especially those showcasing research, user-centric design, and process documentation (sketches, wireframes, prototypes).
  • ​Specialization Focus: Tailor your portfolio to the M.Des specialization you are applying for (e.g., a UX portfolio should highlight usability studies and digital interfaces).
• ​Domain Knowledge: For the written exam and PI, focus on: 
  • ​Contemporary Design Trends: Study current topics in sustainable design, ethical AI, inclusive design, and technological integration (e.g., IoT, AR/VR).
  • ​Design History and Theory: Review foundational concepts, influential designers, and major design movements.
• ​Timeline Management: Candidates completing their final-year degree in 2026 must ensure they can manage the SEED M.Des exam in May and be ready for the STPI/PI process thereafter, with the programme commencement typically scheduled for June 29, 2026.

​Conclusion

​The opening of the Symbiosis M.Des 2026 application in January 2026 is the starting gun for a challenging yet highly rewarding journey into specialized design education. By recognizing the critical distinction between the B.Des and M.Des entrance timelines, aspirants can focus their energy where it matters most: portfolio refinement and intensive study for the postgraduate SEED exam and subsequent selection rounds. Success at this level requires not just aptitude, but a clear, professional vision—a vision that must be flawlessly articulated in your application and portfolio.

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