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BITS Design School Opens BITSDAT 2026 Applications for B.Des (Hons); Apply by February 1

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Praful Bhatnagar
College Admin | Updated on Oct 17, 2025

BITS Design School Opens BITSDAT 2026 Applications for B.Des (Hons); Apply by February 1: Mumbai, [] — BITS Design School (BITSDes), the design arm of the BITS Pilani group, has officially opened applications for BITSDAT 2026, the design entrance test for admission into its Bachelor of Design (Honours) programme. Interested candidates must submit their applications by February 1, 2026.

BITSDAT 2026 exam is scheduled to be held from March 31 to April 5, 2026. Apply online at bitsdesign.edu.in

 

About BITSDAT & B.Des (Hons) Programme

The BITS Design Aptitude Test (BITSDAT) serves as one of the pathways for admission to the four-year, fully residential B.Des (Hons) course at BITSDes. Students may also apply using scores from NID DAT Prelims or UCEED, depending on the institute’s accepted exam list.

BITSDes offers specializations spanning multiple design disciplines, such as:

·        Physical Product Design

·        Digital Product Design (UI/UX)

·        Design Research & Insights

·        Experience Design

·        Visual Design

 

BITS Design School Begins BITSDAT 2026 Registration for B.Des (Hons); Apply by February 1

The BITS Design School (BITSDes) has opened applications for the BITS Design Aptitude Test (BITSDAT) 2026, which grants admission to its Bachelor of Design (Honours) – B.Des (Hons) programme. Candidates can submit their applications online at bitsdesign.edu.in until February 1, 2026.

 

BITSDAT 2026 Exam Schedule

The BITSDAT 2026 will be conducted as a computer-based test (CBT) from March 31 to April 5, 2026. Students aspiring to pursue design education at BITS campuses in Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad must complete the online registration process within the deadline.

As per the official schedule, the BITSDAT 2026 results will be announced on April 16, 2026. Shortlisted candidates must upload their portfolios between April 16 and April 20, 2026, followed by online interviews scheduled from May 2 to May 12, 2026. The final selection results will be declared later.

 

BITSDAT 2026 Application Fee

To apply for BITSDAT 2026, candidates must pay a non-refundable application fee of ₹2,500.

The selection process consists of three stages:

·        Computer-based test (CBT)

·        Portfolio submission

·        Online interview

Final admissions will be based on the candidate’s overall performance across all stages, assessing design aptitude, creativity, and communication skills.

 

BITSDAT 2026: Financing and fees

The following fee structure for the first year of the BDes Hons 2026 programme outlines the costs for tuition, residence, and admission. Candidates should plan in advance to manage the required resources.

FEE COMPONENT AMOUNT (in Rs)

One-Time Admission Fee

40,000

Tuition Fee     

7,35,000

Residence Fee (housing, meals, and sports facilities)

3,15,000

Total

10,90,000

                       

BITSDAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility typically requires successful completion of class 12 (or equivalent) with minimum percentages as per BITSDes norms (applicants are advised to refer to the official eligibility criteria when announced).

Candidates applying for the BITSDAT 2026 must meet the following requirements:

·        Must have completed Class 12 or equivalent with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks.

·        Must have appeared in at least one of the following design entrance exams:

Ø NID-DAT (Prelims) – conducted by the National Institute of Design

Ø UCEED – conducted by IIT Bombay

Ø BITSDAT – conducted by BITS Design School

 

Key Dates & Admission Process

While the detailed schedule for 2026 is yet to be fully released, past patterns and current updates suggest the following:

EVENT TIMELINE / TENTATIVE DATES*

Application Window Opens

October 2025 (or shortly thereafter)

Last Date to Apply

February 1, 2026

BITSDAT Exam

March / April 2026 (tentative

Result Declaration / Shortlisting

To be announced

Portfolio Evaluation & Interviews

Post shortlisting period

Commencement of Classes

August 2026 (approx.)

           

* Dates subject to confirmation in official notification.

 

Applicants should keep close watch on the BITSDes admissions website (bitsdesign.edu.in/admissions) for the official calendar, bulletins, and updates.

How to Apply

·        Visit the BITS Design School website and register for the 2026 admissions cycle.

·        Complete the application form, supplying details such as academic background, exam preferences (BITSDAT / NID / UCEED), and upload required documents and portfolio (if applicable).

·        Pay the application fee and submit before the deadline.

·        Shortlisted candidates will be called for portfolio review / interview rounds

 

What This Means for Aspirants

·        The February 1 deadline gives prospective design students time to prepare their portfolios, review exam strategies, and finalize their preferred specialization.

·        Planning ahead is key — candidates should monitor announcements closely to avoid missing updates or changes in dates.

·        Those holding valid NID DAT or UCEED scores may benefit from dual pathways to admission.

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