Symbiosis Institute of Design to Launch SEED 2026 M.Des Application Window in January 2026

Attention postgraduate design aspirants The Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) is set to open its Master of Design (M.Des) application process in January 2026. This crucial phase is separate from the ongoing B.Des registration. Admission relies on the Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED), followed by a rigorous Studio Test and Personal Interaction (STPI). Candidates must start preparing their advanced portfolios now for the specialized M.Des program, particularly in high-demand fields like User Experience (UX) Design.

The Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), Pune, a highly regarded institution for design education, has confirmed its admission schedule for the Master of Design (M.Des) program for the 2026 academic session. For thousands of design aspirants aiming for a postgraduate qualification in cutting-edge fields, this news marks the official commencement of their application cycle.

​Crucially, the M.Des application follows a separate and distinct timeline from the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) program. While the B.Des registration, which also utilises the Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED), is currently closing on November 30, 2025, the application window for the M.Des program will officially begin in January 2026. This delayed timeline allows aspirants—many of whom are completing their final year of undergraduate study or working professionally—ample time to prepare their applications and portfolio. The entire M.Des admission process is expected to culminate with the SEED exam, Studio Test, and Personal Interaction (STPI) rounds primarily scheduled for the first week of May 2026.

• ​Key Registration Milestones (M.Des):
  • ​B.Des Registration Closing: November 30, 2025 (Final date for undergraduate admission).
  • ​M.Des Online Application Window: Expected to open in January 2026 (Official date to be announced on the SID website).
  • ​M.Des Entrance Exam (SEED 2026): Tentatively scheduled for the first week of May 2026. (Note: This is separate from the B.Des SEED in January).
  • ​Studio Test and Personal Interaction (STPI): Expected immediately following the May SEED exam.

​ Admission Blueprint: SEED M.Des Exam and STPI

​Admission to the Symbiosis M.Des program is a multi-layered evaluation, focusing on both foundational design aptitude and advanced creative/analytical skills. The SEED Entrance Exam is the mandatory first filter, tailored for postgraduate candidates, followed by the rigorous Studio Test and Personal Interaction (STPI) round.

• ​The M.Des Selection Process Stages:
  • ​Stage 1: SEED M.Des Entrance Exam: This online, aptitude-based test assesses advanced visualization, critical thinking, general awareness of design and culture, and problem-solving abilities. Unlike the B.Des test, the M.Des version is expected to delve deeper into design rationale and application.
  • ​Stage 2: Studio Test & Portfolio Review: This hands-on test evaluates practical skills through design tasks (e.g., sketching, quick prototyping, model-making) under controlled conditions. Candidates must also present a comprehensive Portfolio showcasing their best design projects, research work, and creative abilities.
  • ​Stage 3: Personal Interaction (PI): The final interview round assesses the candidate's motivation, clarity of thought, subject-specific knowledge (especially in their chosen M.Des specialisation), and communication skills.
  • ​Final Merit: The cumulative performance across all three stages determines the final selection.
• ​Essential Eligibility Criteria:
  • ​Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree of a minimum of 4-year duration in any specialization (e.g., B.Des, B.Tech, B.Arch, B.F.A) or an equivalent qualification from a recognised University.
  • ​A minimum aggregate of 50% marks (or 45% for SC/ST candidates) in the qualifying degree is generally required. Design experience or a background in related creative fields is highly advantageous.

​ Career Outlook: M.Des in User Experience (UX) Design

​SID's M.Des program often focuses on contemporary, high-growth disciplines like User Experience (UX) Design, preparing graduates for leadership roles in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Securing an M.Des from an institution like SID unlocks significant career opportunities and earning potential.

• ​Top Career Paths After M.Des (UX Focus):
  • ​UX/UI Designer: The most sought-after role, focusing on enhancing user satisfaction by improving usability, accessibility, and pleasure derived from digital product interaction.
  • ​Product Designer: Responsible for the end-to-end design of a product, integrating business goals with user needs.
  • ​Design Researcher / Strategist: Focuses on conducting in-depth user research to inform design strategy and product roadmaps.
  • ​Interaction Designer: Specialises in creating the interactions and flow within digital systems.
• ​Industry Demand and Salary Insights:
  • ​M.Des graduates, particularly those with a focus on UX, are highly valued in the Tech, E-commerce, FinTech, and Automotive sectors.
  • ​Entry-level salaries for M.Des graduates often start in the range of ₹8-12 LPA, with mid-career professionals (5-8 years of experience) reaching ₹15-25 LPA or higher in top product-based companies.
  • ​The degree fast-tracks career progression towards leadership roles such as Chief Design Officer (CDO) or Design Manager.

​Conclusion: Prepare for the May 2026 Test

​The opening of the Symbiosis M.Des application in January 2026 is the starting line for postgraduate design aspirants. Given the rigorous three-stage admission process—SEED, Studio Test, and Personal Interaction—candidates must use the intervening months until the May 2026 exam date to their full advantage. Focus heavily on refining your design portfolio, sharpening your aptitude skills, and gaining a comprehensive understanding of your chosen M.Des specialisation. Monitoring the official SID website starting January 2026 for the application release is the immediate, essential action step.

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