Entrance exams are not necessary for Bachelor of Design (BDes) course admissions all the time, but most renowned institutes make it a requirement. Highly ranked design institutions like the National Institute of Design (NID) and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) hold entrance tests like NID DAT and NIFT Entrance Exam to judge applicants' creativity, aptitude, and problem-solving abilities. Such institutions as IITs that impart BDes programmes via UCEED also need admission test scores. The tests aid in ensuring those enrolled in the programme have proper artistic and analytic skills for achieving a successful design career.
Yet, some private colleges and universities grant admission directly on academic merit, portfolio assessment, or individual interviews. They might prefer Class 12 marks, co-curricular accomplishments, and innovative work over scores obtained in entrance tests. It is a pathway for students who do not prefer to take the entrance exams but want to develop a career in design. One should refer to particular institution norms before applying.