Entrance Exam for Interior Designing in India: Top Exams, Eligibility & Pattern

Interior design has evolved from a purely aesthetic profession to a multidisciplinary career that combines creativity, technical knowledge, spatial planning, and user-centric thinking. With the growing demand for well-trained interior designers across residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality sectors, formal education has become essential. This is where the entrance exam for interior designing plays a critical role in shaping a student’s professional journey.

Is there any entrance exam for interior designing? How to apply after Class 12, or which exam suits your career goals? This guide will answer all your questions clearly and in a structured manner.

Introduction to Entrance Exams for Interior Designing

The interior design profession offers diverse career pathways, including residential interior design, commercial space planning, furniture design, exhibition design, lighting design, and sustainable interiors. To enter reputed design institutes that offer structured and industry-relevant programs, most students must clear an entrance exam for interior designing.

Why entrance exams matter for design institutes

Unlike traditional academic streams, interior design requires strong visual thinking, creativity, spatial awareness, and problem-solving ability. Entrance exams help institutes assess these skills beyond Class 12 marks.

These exams evaluate:

• Design aptitude and creativity
• Visualisation and drawing ability
• Logical reasoning and observation skills
• Awareness of design, architecture, and environment

Therefore, interior design entrance exams ensure that students admitted into professional programs possess the foundational mindset needed for design education.

Is There Any Entrance Exam for Interior Designing in India?

A common question among students is: Is there any entrance exam for interior designing in India? The answer is yes, but the type of entrance exam depends on the institute and the course you choose.

Government vs private institute requirements

• Government and central design institutes usually conduct national-level entrance exams such as UCEED, NID DAT, or institute-specific tests.
• Private design institutes may conduct their own entrance tests, portfolio reviews, studio rounds, or personal interviews. Some also offer flexible admission pathways based on aptitude assessments.

So, when students ask which entrance exam is for interior designing, the correct response is that there are multiple exams, and the choice depends on the institute, degree type, and career objective.

Entrance Exams for Interior Designing After 12th

Students from any stream-Science, Commerce, or Arts-can apply for an entrance exam for interior designing after 12th, provided they meet the basic eligibility criteria.

Eligibility criteria

• Completion of Class 12 from a recognised board
• Minimum aggregate marks as specified by the institute (varies)
• Some exams require Mathematics as a subject for design-related programs

How Class 12 students can apply

• Register online on the official exam or institute websites
• Upload academic documents and photographs
• Appear for the entrance test, followed by interviews or studio tests if applicable

Exam format overview

Most interior design entrance exams include:

• Written aptitude test (MCQs)
• Drawing or creative ability test
• Studio test or portfolio evaluation (for selected institutes)
• Personal interview

Top Entrance Exams for Bachelor of Interior Design (B.Des / BID)

If you are planning to pursue a professional undergraduate degree, understanding the bachelor of interior design entrance exam options is essential.

UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design)

Conducted by IIT Bombay, UCEED is accepted by IITs and several private universities for B.Des programs with interior design specialisations.

NID DAT (Design Aptitude Test)

Conducted by the National Institute of Design (NID), the NID DAT is one of the most competitive exams, assessing creativity, problem-solving, and design thinking.

NIFT Entrance Exam

While primarily focused on fashion and lifestyle design, some design branches overlap with spatial and interior-related disciplines.

CEPT University Entrance Exam

CEPT offers architecture and design-oriented programs where interior-related design specialisations may be available through institute-level tests.

Pearl Academy Entrance Test

Pearl Academy conducts its own exam comprising aptitude tests, design tasks, interviews, and portfolio rounds.

Private institute entrance tests

Many reputed private institutes conduct flexible interior design course entrance exams, focusing more on aptitude, creativity, and student potential rather than rigid cut-offs.

Interior Designing Entrance Exam Syllabus

Understanding the interior designing entrance exam syllabus helps students prepare strategically instead of memorising irrelevant content.

Core components of the syllabus

1. Visualization & Design Aptitude

• Spatial understanding
• Pattern recognition
• Creative problem-solving

2. Drawing & Sketching

• Freehand sketching
• Perspective drawing
• Object and space representation

3. 3D Form Awareness

• Shapes, volumes, and structures
• Transformation of 2D to 3D forms

4. Color Theory

• Color harmony
• Contrast and balance
• Emotional impact of colors

5. Logical Reasoning

• Analytical thinking
• Sequencing and puzzles

6. General Awareness related to Design & Environment

• Architecture basics
• Indian and global design trends
• Sustainability and the built environment

This syllabus for the interior designing entrance exam focuses on aptitude rather than rote learning.

Exam Pattern for Interior Designing Entrance Tests

The interior design course entrance exam pattern varies across institutes, but common structures include:

MCQs vs drawing test

• MCQs test aptitude, reasoning, and awareness
• Drawing tests assess creativity, observation, and communication skills

Duration

• Typically ranges from 2 to 3 hours

Marking schemes

• Some exams have negative marking
• Creative sections may be evaluated subjectively

Portfolio requirements

Certain institutes require a portfolio showcasing:

• Sketches and artworks
• Creative projects
• Design experiments

How to Prepare for Interior Designing Entrance Exams

Preparing for an entrance exam for interior designing requires consistency and skill development rather than last-minute studying.

Daily preparation strategy

• Practice sketching for at least 30-45 minutes daily
• Solve aptitude and reasoning questions
• Observe real-life spaces and objects critically

Recommended books

• Design aptitude preparation books
• Drawing and perspective guides
• General knowledge resources related to art, architecture, and the environment

Developing drawing & creativity skills

• Maintain a sketchbook
• Practice perspective, shading, and proportions
• Explore materials, textures, and compositions

Practicing previous papers & mock tests

• Analyse past exam patterns
• Identify strengths and weaknesses
• Improve time management

Interior Designing Course Options After Cracking Entrance Exams

Once you clear a bachelor of interior design entrance exam, multiple academic pathways open up.

Bachelor of Interior Design (BID)

A specialized professional degree focused exclusively on interior design theory, studios, and practical exposure.

B.Sc Interior Design

Combines technical knowledge with applied design concepts, often suited for students interested in execution and project management.

B.Des Interior Design

A design-centric degree emphasising creative thinking, user experience, and multidisciplinary learning.

Diploma & certificate pathways

Ideal for students seeking shorter, skill-based programs or lateral entry into the industry.

Why Choose ITM Institute of Design & Media for Interior Design Courses

Choosing the right institute is as important as clearing the interior design course entrance exam. ITM Institute of Design & Media stands out for its student-centric and industry-aligned approach.

No-stress admission support

ITM focuses on identifying student potential rather than pressurising them through overly rigid entrance processes.

Industry-oriented curriculum

Programs are designed in collaboration with industry professionals, ensuring relevance and employability.

Practical studio-based training

Students work on real-world design briefs, site simulations, and studio projects from the first year.

Expert faculty from design industries

Faculty members bring practical experience from architecture, interior design, and allied creative fields.

Strong placement assistance

Dedicated career support, industry networking, and portfolio development help students transition smoothly into professional roles.

Campus in Mumbai

Modern design labs, workshops, and studio spaces provide a professional learning environment aligned with global standards.

Conclusion

The entrance exam for interior designing is far more than a qualifying test-it is the gateway to a structured, professional, and future-ready design career. As interior design increasingly integrates creativity with technology, sustainability, and user experience, institutes look beyond academic scores to identify students with genuine design aptitude, spatial awareness, and problem-solving ability. Entrance exams serve this purpose by evaluating how a student thinks, observes, visualises, and communicates ideas rather than how well they memorize information.

For aspirants, understanding whether there is an entrance exam for interior design, which exam aligns with their goals, and what the syllabus covers is critical to making informed decisions after Class 12. These exams help students gain access to credible academic environments where design thinking is nurtured through studio learning, practical exposure, and industry interaction. More importantly, they ensure that students enter programs that match their creative strengths and long-term career aspirations.

However, clearing an entrance exam is only the beginning. The real value lies in choosing an institute that converts aptitude into professional competence. A strong interior design education should focus on hands-on projects, real-world problem-solving, portfolio development, and continuous industry engagement. Institutes that provide mentorship from experienced faculty, modern design infrastructure, and placement-oriented training help students transform from aspirants into confident interior design professionals.

In this context, institutions like ITM Institute of Design & Media play a vital role by offering a supportive admission process, industry-aligned curriculum, and a practice-driven learning environment. With an emphasis on experiential learning, career-focused projects, and professional portfolio building, students are better prepared to meet industry expectations and secure meaningful opportunities.

In conclusion, the entrance exam for interior designing is not a hurdle to fear but a stepping stone toward quality education and career clarity. When combined with the right institute, it opens the door to creative growth, professional credibility, and long-term success in the dynamic world of interior design.

FAQs on Entrance Exam for Interior Designing

1. Is there any entrance exam for interior designing?

Yes, there are multiple entrance exams for interior designing conducted by government institutes, universities, and private design colleges.

2. Which entrance exam is required for B.Des or Bachelor of Interior Design?

Common bachelor of interior design entrance exams include UCEED, NID DAT, Pearl Academy Entrance Test, and institute-specific exams.

3. What is the syllabus for interior designing entrance exams?

The interior designing entrance exam syllabus includes design aptitude, drawing, 3D awareness, color theory, logical reasoning, and design-related general awareness.

4. Can I apply for interior designing entrance exams after 12th?

Yes, students can apply for an entrance exam for interior designing after 12th from any stream, subject to the eligibility criteria.

5. How do I prepare for an interior design course entrance exam?

Preparation should focus on daily sketching, aptitude practice, design observation, mock tests, and creative skill development for the interior design course entrance exam.