Pearl Academy, a leading institution in design, fashion, business, and media, has announced the commencement of admissions for its highly sought-after B.Des and M.Des programs for the 2026-27 academic session. This announcement signals a vital period for design aspirants looking to secure a seat in one of the academy's diverse and industry-focused courses. With the application window now open, prospective students must act swiftly to meet the deadlines for the upcoming entrance examination cycle.

Beyond the full-time degree programs, Pearl Academy is also catering to working professionals and those seeking rapid skill enhancement by launching a new batch for its Professional Certificate Courses, with classes kicking off on November 17th. This comprehensive offering ensures that whether you are a recent high school graduate or an experienced professional, there is a clear pathway at Pearl Academy to transform your creative ambitions into a professional reality. The journey begins with understanding the core requirements, which are outlined below.

Eligibility and Course Offerings: Undergraduate and Postgraduate

Understanding the specific prerequisites is the first critical step toward a successful application. Pearl Academy maintains distinct eligibility criteria for its Bachelor's and Master's programs to ensure a high standard of student intake.

B.Des (Bachelor of Design) Programs:
- Qualification: Candidates must have successfully passed the 10+2 (Class 12) examination or its equivalent from a recognized board, in any stream (Science, Commerce, or Humanities).
- Flexibility: Applicants who are currently appearing for their final qualifying examinations in 2026 are also eligible to apply for provisional admission.
- Specialisations: B.Des programs span a wide range of fields, including Fashion Design, Communication Design, Product Design, Interior Design, and more, preparing students for diverse roles in the creative economy.
M.Des (Master of Design) Programs:
- Qualification: Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree or a Diploma of a minimum of three or four years' duration (depending on the chosen course) from any recognized university or institution, in any discipline.
- Post-Graduate Focus: M.Des is designed for candidates seeking specialized, advanced knowledge and a strategic understanding of the design world, often leading to leadership or entrepreneurial roles.
- Popular Tracks: Specializations frequently include Fashion Styling and Image Consulting, Luxury Brand Management, and advanced Communication Design.
Professional Certificate Courses (11-Month Duration):
- Target Audience: Ideal for working professionals, recent graduates, or those looking for a quick, high-impact career pivot.
- Eligibility: Typically requires a minimum of a pass in Class 10 or Class 12, with a minimum age of 17 years.
- Batch Start Date: The new batch begins on November 17, 2025, offering an accelerated route to industry-relevant skills with focused training in niches like Fashion Buying and Merchandising, and Fashion and Celebrity Makeup.

The Rigorous Selection Process: Written Exam and Portfolio

Admission to the B.Des and M.Des programs at Pearl Academy is merit-based, determined by a comprehensive, multi-stage entrance examination. Aspirants must prepare for a two-stage evaluation process designed to assess both general aptitude and specific creative abilities.

Stage 1: The Online Written Entrance Exam
- General Proficiency Test (GPT): This section assesses verbal ability (English language, comprehension), logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and basic mathematics. It is a mandatory component for both design and business applicants.
- Design Aptitude Test (DAT): Crucial for all B.Des and M.Des design program aspirants, the DAT evaluates creative aptitude, drawing skills, observation skills, environment sensitivity, and visualization ability.
- Key Date: The written exam for the January Cycle is typically held over a window, often from January 17 to 19, 2026.
Stage 2: Personal Interview (PI) and Portfolio Review
- Personal Interview (PI): Candidates who qualify in the written exam are invited for an online Personal Interview with an expert panel. This stage assesses communication skills, career aspirations, motivation, and overall personality fit.
- Mandatory Portfolio: For all design programs (B.Des & M.Des), a strong design portfolio is mandatory. The portfolio serves as tangible evidence of a candidate's design thinking, practical skills, and creative journey. It should include sketches, photography, digital art, and personal projects.
Application Details:
- Application Fee: The non-refundable application fee is ₹2,000/- for Bachelor's and Master's programs, and ₹500/- for Professional Certificate Courses.
- Deadline: The application deadline for the January 2026 Cycle is January 13, 2026.

Strategic Application Tips for Design Aspirants

To maximize your chances of securing admission, a well-planned application strategy is essential. Given the competitive nature of these programs, preparedness across all evaluation stages is key.

Early Application is Crucial: The application process is completely online. Registering early allows ample time to prepare for the written exam and interview without the stress of last-minute submission errors. Visit the official Pearl Academy admissions portal to start your application.
Master the Entrance Exam Components:
- Focus on balancing your preparation for both the GPT (analytical and language skills) and the DAT (creative and visualization skills).
- Utilize mock tests, which are often made available online by the academy, to familiarise yourself with the exam structure and time management.
Build a Compelling Portfolio:
- Your portfolio should be a curated showcase of your best creative work. It should demonstrate variety (e.g., different mediums like digital, painting, 3D), originality, and evidence of a clear design process or design thinking rather than just finished pieces.
- Be ready to articulate the story behind your projects during the Personal Interview.
Stay Informed on Industry Trends:
- Showcase your awareness of current events, sustainable practices, and emerging technologies (like AI in design) within your chosen field during the interview. This demonstrates passion and professional readiness.

Conclusion: Secure Your Future in Design

The opening of the 2026-27 admission cycle for Pearl Academy’s B.Des and M.Des programs marks a significant milestone for thousands of design aspirants across the country. With the application deadline for the first cycle set for January 13, 2026, and the quick start of the Professional Certificate batch on November 17, 2025, the time to act is now. By meticulously meeting the eligibility criteria, preparing diligently for the two-stage entrance exam (GPT/DAT and PI), and presenting a strong creative portfolio, you can unlock the door to a world-class education and a promising career in the global creative industry.

For regular updates follow Only Education News. For more details on design entrance exams and courses, check here: Design Exams List.

International Institute of Business Studies - [IIBS], Bangalore