BITS Design School, Mumbai, one of India’s emerging design institutions, has confirmed that it accepts NID DAT scores for admission into its four-year design degree programs. The admission season for BITS Design School 2026 will begin soon, aligning with NID DAT 2026 Registration window, which opened on September 11, 2025, and will close on December 1, 2025.
Students who have appeared or are appearing for the NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) can use their scores to apply for BITS Design School instead of appearing again for the institute’s internal entrance test.
About BITS Design School, Mumbai
BITS Design School (BITSDES) is a newly established institution under the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani ecosystem, launched to nurture creative design talent. The school offers fully residential four-year B.Des programmes with a focus on technology, sustainability, and innovation-driven design education.
Students gain hands-on learning experience, industry exposure, and mentorship from global faculty. The institute aims to bridge creativity with technological innovation in areas like product design, communication design, UX/UI, and emerging digital design fields.
BITS Design School Admission 2026 Overview
Before exploring how NID DAT scores are used for admission, here’s a quick look at the BITS Design 2026 admission schedule and process.
Does BITS Design School Accept NID DAT Scores?
Yes, BITS Design School accepts NID DAT and UCEED scores for admission. Candidates who have qualified in the NID DAT 2026 Prelims and Mains can apply directly for BITS Design School admission without reappearing for the BITS Design Aptitude Test (BITS DAT).
The institute recognizes NID DAT scores as a valid benchmark for creative aptitude and design thinking, aligning its evaluation with other top design colleges in India. This makes BITS Design one of the few private design schools offering multiple entry routes, through BITS DAT, NID DAT, or UCEED.
How NID DAT Scores Are Used for Admission
Applicants with valid NID DAT or UCEED scores will undergo a shortlisting process based on their performance in those exams. Shortlisted candidates are then invited for:
- Portfolio Review: Assessment of creativity, originality, and design process.
- Personal Interview: Evaluation of design aptitude, problem-solving skills, and motivation for pursuing design.
The final merit list combines NID/UCEED score performance, portfolio assessment, and interview scores.
BITS Design School Admission Process 2026
Candidates can apply for admission in one of three ways — through BITS DAT, NID DAT, or UCEED scores. Below is a step-by-step overview of the BITS Design admission process for 2026.
Step 1: Application Form
The BITS Design School application form will be available online from October 2025 at bitsdesign.edu.in. Candidates must register, fill in personal and academic details, upload documents, and pay the required fee.
Step 2: Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Must have completed Class 12 (10+2) from a recognized board in any stream.
- Should have scored at least 45% aggregate marks.
- Candidates appearing in Class 12 in 2026 are also eligible to apply.
Step 3: Entrance Exam (if applicable)
Students who have not appeared for NID DAT or UCEED can take the BITS Design Aptitude Test (BITS DAT 2026) scheduled for March/April 2026. The test evaluates creativity, design thinking, and visualization ability.
Step 4: Portfolio Review and Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be called for a Portfolio Review and Personal Interview, conducted in April/May 2026 either online or on campus.
Step 5: Admission Offer and Fee Payment
Based on overall performance, final admission offer letters will be released in May 2026. Students must confirm their seat by paying the required admission fee to secure their place.
NID DAT 2026 Exam Highlights
Since BITS Design School accepts NID DAT scores, it’s crucial to know the structure and timeline of the NID DAT 2026 exam.
The NID DAT Prelims assesses drawing, visualization, and creativity, while Mains involves a studio test and interview. Candidates’ final NID scores are considered for admission to both NID and BITS Design School.
Conclusion
The BITS Design School, Mumbai, offers a flexible admission pathway for creative aspirants by accepting NID DAT and UCEED scores. Students can apply either through these national-level design exams or directly via BITS DAT 2026.
With a curriculum blending design and technology, BITS Design School is quickly emerging as one of India’s promising design institutions. Aspirants should regularly visit bitsdesign.edu.in for official updates regarding application forms, eligibility, and counselling schedules for 2026.
