UID Entrance Exam 2026: Complete Guide – Important Dates, Eligibility, Application, Exam Pattern, Question Paper, Syllabus, & Tips

UID Entrance Exam 2026: Complete Guide – Important Dates, Eligibility, Application, Exam Pattern, Question Paper, Syllabus, & Tips

UID is part of Karnavati University, located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, and is often appreciated for its modern approach to design education. Unlike many traditional institutes, UID puts a strong focus on hands-on learning, cross-disciplinary projects, international exchange programs, and industry-oriented training. The campus is designed like a creative hub — with design studios, digital labs, prototyping workshops, and spaces for exhibitions and collaborations. It is known for its cutting-edge labs and immersive learning. We aim to nurture trendsetters and innovators who will shape the future of design.

For students who want to pursue design but are looking beyond the government colleges, UID offers an opportunity to get a global-level design education in India. With undergraduate and postgraduate programs across fields like Fashion, Interior, Product, Visual Communication, Animation, and Lifestyle & Accessory Design, UID tries to prepare students not just as designers but also as innovators and entrepreneurs.

UID Entrance Exam 2026 – Important Dates

Registration Start Date: August 2, 2025
Last Date to Apply: January 2026 (exact date to be announced)
Tier 1 Exam Date: 11/01/2026
Admit Card Release: A few days before the exam
UID DAT Exam Date: January 11, 2026 (online)
Situation Test & Portfolio Evaluation:

• NCR Campus: January/February 2026 (online)
• Ahmedabad Campus: March/April 2026 (offline)

Result Declaration: To be announced

Application Link: Apply Now
Download Brochure Now

UID DAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

For B.Des (Bachelor of Design):

Completion of 10+2 in any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts, Humanities)
Candidates appearing for their 12th boards in 2026 are also eligible

For M.Des (Master of Design)

Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Design/Architecture/Fine Arts/Applied Arts or equivalent
Final-year students can also apply

Check Your Eligibility

UID Entrance Exam 2026 Application Process

1. Visit the Official Website – Go to admissions.uid.edu.in.
2. Register Online – Create an account using your name, email ID, and mobile number.
3. Get Login Credentials – Note down the application number/ID and password generated.
4. Fill the Form – Enter personal, academic, and communication details carefully.
5. Choose Course & Campus – Select the program (B.Des / M.Des) and specialization.
6. Upload Documents – Upload scanned copies of:
   • Passport-size photo
   • Signature
   • 10th & 12th mark sheets/certificates
   • Category/Disability certificate (if applicable)
7. Pay Application Fee – Pay ₹2,000 (non-refundable).
8. Review & Submit – Double-check details and submit the form.
9. Keep a Printout – Save a copy of the filled form and fee receipt.

Check out: Top 20 Design Colleges in India

UID DAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Tier 1 – Design Aptitude Test (DAT):

• Mode: Online
• Date: January 11, 2026
• Duration: 3 hours
• Total Marks: 100
• Sections:
  • General Ability Test (GAT): 40 questions
  • Creative Ability Test (CAT): 3 questions

Tier 2 – Situation Test & Portfolio Evaluation:

• Mode:
  • NCR Campus: Online (Portfolio Evaluation and Personal Interview)
  • Ahmedabad Campus: Offline (Situation Test and Portfolio Evaluation)
• Dates:
  • NCR Campus: January/February 2026
  • Ahmedabad Campus: March/April 2026

Apply for The Design Village 2026-27

UID DAT 2026 Syllabus Overview

General Ability Test (GAT):

• Analytical Ability
• Logical Reasoning
• Data Interpretation
• General Knowledge & Current Affairs

Creative Ability Test (CAT):

• Design Problem Solving
• Visualization Skills
• Creative Thinking
• Sketching and Drawing

How to Download UID DAT 2026 Admit Card

Ensure you have your User ID and Date of Birth ready before attempting to download the admit card. Regularly visit the official UID admissions portal for any updates or announcements regarding the admit card release. If you encounter any issues or discrepancies, reach out to the UID admissions team at admissions@uid.edu.in

1. Visit the Official UID Admission Portal
   Navigate to the official UID admissions portal: admissions.uid.edu.in
2. Enter Your Login Credentials
   Click on the admit card link. You'll be prompted to enter your User ID and Date of Birth (as per your application).
3. Locate the Admit Card Section
   On the homepage, look for the "Admit Card" link, typically found under the "Admissions" or "Downloads" section.
4. Download the Admit Card
   After entering your credentials, click on the "Download" or "Submit" button. Your admit card will be displayed on the screen.
5. Verify Details
   Ensure all the information on the admit card is correct, including your name, exam date, time, and venue.
6. Print the Admit Card
   Once verified, download and take a printout of the admit card.

UID Entrance Exam 2026 Exam Centres

State	City / Cities
Gujarat	Ahmedabad
Karnataka	Bangalore
Madhya Pradesh	Bhopal, Indore
Punjab	Chandigarh
Tamil Nadu	Chennai
Delhi	New Delhi
Telangana	Hyderabad
Rajasthan	Jaipur
West Bengal	Kolkata
Uttar Pradesh	Lucknow
Maharashtra	Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune
Bihar	Patna
Kerala	Kochi
Chhattisgarh	Raipur
Uttarakhand	Dehradun

Courses Offered at UID

B.Design(Hons.) Programmes in UID Ahmedabad

• Visual Communication
• Animation and Game Design
• Interior & Furniture Design
• Product Design
• Fashion Design & Styling
• Mobility Design
• Interaction Design

M.Design Programmes in UID Ahmedabad>

• Industrial Design
• Visual Experiential Design
• Interior & Experience Design
• Fashion Design

B.Design(Hons.) Programmes in UID NCR Campus

• Visual Communication
• Animation and Game Design
• Interior & Furniture Design
• Product Design
• Fashion Design & Styling

Documents Required for UID Entrance Exam 2026

When appearing for the UID DAT 2026, candidates must carry the following documents to the exam centre:

1. Admit Card
   • Mandatory document to enter the exam hall.
   • Download it from the UID admissions portal and keep a printed copy.
2. Valid Photo ID Proof (Original + Photocopy)
   • Accepted IDs: Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License, or School ID (if valid).

Download Checklist

UID DAT 2026 Results

• Declaration: Results will be declared within a month after the exam
• Selection Criteria: Candidates who clear the DAT cutoff will be shortlisted for the Situation Test and Portfolio Evaluation

• Final Selection: Based on a combined score of:
  • Written Exam
  • Situation Test
  • Portfolio Evaluation

UID Entrance Exam 2026 – Answer Key Details & What to Expect

Will UID release an official answer key?

• Historically, UID does not always release an official answer key after its DAT exam.
• Instead, after the exam is over, memory-based keys / answers (from coaching centres and students) tend to circulate.
• But there is a possibility that UID might release a draft / official version, depending on their policy in 2026.

Download Previous Year UID DAT Question Papers

How to Download the UID DAT 2026 Answer Key (if released)

If UID decides to publish the answer key, here’s how you’d typically access it:

1. Go to the official UID admission website (e.g. admissions.uid.edu.in)
2. Look for a link titled “UID DAT Answer Key 2026” or under “Downloads / Announcements”
3. Log in using your application credentials (Application Number / Password)
4. Download the PDF of the answer key
5. Cross-check your answers and calculate your tentative score

How to Estimate Your Score Using the Answer Key

Once you have the answer key (official or memory-based), here’s how to use it to approximate your marks:

• Match your answers against the key
• Use the marking scheme (if provided)

• For MCQ / objective sections: + marks for correct, possibly negative marking (if applicable)
• For subjective / sketching / creative parts: compare with model answers or sample solutions

UID, in its 2026 format, may have General Ability + Creative Ability sections as usual — so you can split your calculation accordingly.

Tips to Crack UID 2026

1. Understand Exam Format: Know GAT & CAT structure
2. Practice Creativity Daily: Sketching, idea generation, design exercises
3. Stay Updated: Read art, design, and general knowledge resources
4. Solve Sample Papers: NID/NIFT/CEED style questions for speed & accuracy
5. Portfolio Preparation: Curate neat, authentic creative work
6. Mock Tests & Feedback: Simulate exams and get guidance
7. Confidence & Clarity: UID examiners value original ideas presented clearly

UID wants creative thinkers, not just sketching experts – focus on originality, clarity, and confidence.

At MAD School, we believe that cracking a top design entrance like UID DAT 2026 is about more than just sketching—it’s about thinking like a designer. Our expert mentors guide students through every stage of preparation, from mastering creative problem-solving and building a strong portfolio to honing aptitude, visualization, and design awareness. With personalized feedback, mock tests, and intensive portfolio workshops, MAD School ensures that aspirants not only understand the exam pattern but also develop the confidence and originality UID examiners look for. By combining hands-on guidance with industry-relevant insights, we help students turn their creative potential into results, giving them a clear edge in securing admission to UID.

FAQs

What is UID DAT 2026?
A: UID DAT (Design Aptitude Test) 2026 is the entrance exam for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate design programs at Unitedworld Institute of Design. It tests creative ability, logical thinking, and design problem-solving skills.

Q2. When will UID DAT 2026 be conducted?
A: The exam is scheduled for January 11, 2026 in online, AI-proctored mode.

Q3. How can I apply for UID DAT 2026?
A: Candidates can apply online via the official UID portal admissions.uid.edu.in before the last date in January 2026.

Q4. What documents do I need to carry for the exam?
A: Admit card, valid photo ID, recent photographs, academic certificates, category/disability certificate (if applicable), and portfolio for Tier 2.

Q5. Are there specific exam centres?
A: Yes, UID DAT 2026 will be held in major cities like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune, and others.

Q6. Will UID release an answer key for UID 2026?
A: UID may release an official answer key, but if not, memory-based solutions from coaching centres or sample keys are often available.

Q7. How are final selections made?
A: Selection is based on combined performance in Tier 1 (DAT) and Tier 2 (Situation Test & Portfolio Evaluation).

Q8. How can MAD School help me prepare for UID DAT 2026?
A: MAD School provides expert guidance in portfolio making, creative problem-solving, aptitude, sketching, and mock tests to boost confidence and enhance your chances of cracking UID DAT.