UPES DAT 2026: Exam Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern and Cutoff

UPES DAT 2026 (University of Petroleum and Energy Studies Design Aptitude Test) is an online entrance exam conducted by UPES Dehradun for admission to its B.Des. and M.Des. programmes at the School of Design. The exam is held in multiple phases each year — Phase 1 was conducted in January 2026 and the Phase 2 application deadline is June 15, 2026, with the exam on June 18, 2026. UPES DAT is a 60-minute remote-proctored test with 40 MCQ questions and no negative marking, making it one of the more flexible design entrance exams for students across India.

• Application Deadline (Phase 2): The last date to apply for UPES DAT 2026 Phase 2 is June 15, 2026 — just 5 days away. The non-refundable application fee is ₹1,750. Complete your registration at upes.ac.in before the deadline to avoid missing out on the Phase 2 exam.
• Slot Booking: Exam slot booking for UPES DAT Phase 2 opened on June 9, 2026 and is currently active. Log in to the UPES admissions portal and select your preferred time slot for the June 18 exam as early as possible.
• Phase 2 Exam Date: UPES DAT Phase 2 is scheduled for June 18, 2026 in fully online, remote proctored mode. UPES will send your unique exam passkey and exam link to your registered email ID and mobile number one day before the exam.
• Result and Merit List: The Phase 2 result date has not been announced yet. Based on previous cycles, UPES typically releases merit lists within 2–3 weeks after the exam. Shortlisted candidates are then called for a portfolio presentation and personal interview round to complete the selection process.

What is UPES DAT 2026?

UPES DAT full form is University of Petroleum and Energy Studies Design Aptitude Test. UPES Dehradun — a private deemed-to-be university established in 2003 in Bidholi, Dehradun, Uttarakhand — conducts this exam for admission to its B.Des. (Bachelor of Design) and M.Des. (Master of Design) programmes offered by the School of Design. UPES is NAAC A-accredited and is known for its strong industry connections and placement outcomes in the design sector.

The School of Design at UPES offers 7 specialisations under B.Des., covering areas like Game Design, Animation and VFX, Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Industrial and Product Design, Mobility and Vehicle Design, and Interior and Retail Space Design. The M.Des. programme runs in two tracks — Visual Communication and Industrial Design.

UPES DAT 2026 is conducted entirely in online mode with remote proctoring. You can appear from your home or any location with a stable internet connection, a laptop or desktop, and a working webcam. The test has 40 MCQ questions split across two sections, and the total time is 60 minutes. There is no negative marking. For B.Des., the two sections are Visual Analogy and Design and General Awareness. The M.Des. paper adds a Quantitative Aptitude section.

Students who already have valid scores in major national design exams — NID, NIFT, UCEED, JEE Main, or CUET — can apply for direct admission to UPES B.Des. without appearing in UPES DAT. For M.Des., a valid CEED score is accepted in place of UPES DAT. This makes the entry process much more accessible for students who have already cleared a national-level design exam.

UPES DAT 2026 Important Dates

UPES DAT 2026 runs in two phases. Phase 1 was held in January 2026, and portfolio presentations and interviews for Phase 1 shortlists were completed in May 2026. Phase 2 is now active — the application window is open and closes on June 15, with the exam set for June 18, 2026. You should book your slot and finalise your application at the earliest.

The Phase 2 application deadline is June 15, 2026. There are only 5 days left. Complete your registration and pay the fee online before this date to be eligible for the June 18 exam.

Source: UPES Official Important Dates

UPES DAT 2026 Application Process

The UPES DAT 2026 application process is fully online. You need to register on the UPES admissions portal, fill in your details, upload the required documents, and pay the application fee. Phase 2 applications close on June 15, 2026.

Steps to Apply for UPES DAT 2026

1. Visit the official UPES website: Go to upes.ac.in/admissions/bdes for B.Des. or the M.Des. admissions page.
2. Register or log in: Create a new account with your email ID and mobile number, or log in if you have applied before.
3. Fill the application form: Enter your personal, academic, and contact details carefully. Make sure your name matches exactly as it appears on your Class X certificate.
4. Upload documents: Upload scanned copies of your Class X and XII mark sheets, a recent passport-size photograph, and your signature. Make sure file sizes and formats match the specified requirements.
5. Pay the application fee: Pay ₹1,750 online using credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI. The fee is non-refundable.
6. Book your exam slot: After payment, book your preferred slot for the Phase 2 exam (slot booking is open from June 9, 2026). Choose a slot that works best for your internet connectivity and environment.
7. Save your application number: Note down your UPES application number. You will need it to access your results, scorecard, and other communications.

Documents Required for UPES DAT 2026 Application

• Class X mark sheet / passing certificate
• Class XII mark sheet (or admit card if results are awaited)
• Recent passport-size photograph (clear, white background)
• Scanned signature
• Valid government-issued ID proof (Aadhaar, passport, etc.)

Application Fee

• The fee for UPES DAT 2026 is ₹1,750 (non-refundable).
• Payment is accepted via credit card, debit card, net banking, and UPI.
• There is no separate fee for M.Des. — the same ₹1,750 applies.

UPES DAT 2026 Syllabus

UPES DAT 2026 tests your spatial reasoning, visual thinking, design awareness, and general knowledge. The syllabus is divided into the two core sections for B.Des. — Visual Analogy and Design and General Awareness. M.Des. candidates have an additional Quantitative Aptitude section. There is no officially prescribed UPES DAT textbook, but preparing from design awareness resources and practising visual puzzles will help.

Visual Analogy (B.Des. and M.Des.)

This section tests your ability to identify patterns, spatial relationships, and visual sequences. Questions come in the form of pattern completion, mirror images, figure rotation, shape similarities, and series continuation. It tests how well you can "think visually" — a core skill for any design programme.

• Pattern recognition and completion
• Spatial reasoning and figure rotation
• Mirror and water images
• Embedded figures and hidden shapes
• Series completion — shapes, colours, and patterns
• Visual matrices and analogies
• Paper folding and cutting patterns

Design and General Awareness (B.Des. and M.Des.)

This section tests your awareness of the design world, current affairs, and general knowledge. It covers a broad range of topics — from design history and principles to colour theory, typography, and everyday product design. Current affairs and basic English comprehension also feature in this section.

• Design history — Industrial Revolution, Bauhaus, modernism, Indian design history
• Principles of design — balance, contrast, hierarchy, rhythm, unity
• Colour theory — primary, secondary, tertiary colours; hue, saturation, value
• Typography — font styles, readability, typographic principles
• Graphic design basics — logo design, layout, visual communication
• Product and industrial design concepts
• Architecture and interior design basics
• Current affairs — national and international news
• Famous designers and architects (Indian and international)
• Design awards and institutions (NID, NIFT, IIDs)
• English language comprehension and vocabulary
• Logical reasoning — coding-decoding, analogy, classification

Quantitative Aptitude (M.Des. Only)

M.Des. candidates have an additional 10-question section on Quantitative Aptitude. This covers basic mathematics at Class X level.

• Number systems and basic arithmetic
• Percentages, ratios, and proportions
• Simple and compound interest
• Data interpretation — tables and graphs
• Basic algebra and geometry

UPES DAT 2026 Exam Credentials

UPES DAT does not issue a traditional admit card PDF that you download and carry to an exam centre. Since the exam is fully online and remote proctored, UPES instead sends your exam credentials — a unique passkey and a direct exam link — to your registered email ID and mobile number. You receive these credentials one day before your exam date.

How UPES Sends Exam Credentials

• After you book your exam slot, you will receive an SMS on your registered mobile number confirming your slot.
• One day before the exam, UPES sends your unique passkey and exam link via email and SMS.
• You must use this exact link and passkey to access the exam on the exam day.
• Do not share your passkey or exam link with anyone.

Technical Requirements for UPES DAT 2026

Since the exam is remote proctored, you need to ensure your device and internet setup meets the requirements before the exam day.

• Device: Laptop or desktop computer (smartphones and tablets are not allowed).
• Webcam: A working webcam is mandatory — the proctor monitors you throughout the exam.
• Internet connection: Stable broadband or Wi-Fi with at least 4 Mbps speed recommended.
• Browser: Use a supported browser as specified by UPES (usually Google Chrome).
• Environment: Sit in a quiet room with no other people. Your full face must be visible on the webcam at all times.
• ID proof: Keep a government-issued photo ID ready — the proctor may ask you to show it at the start of the session.

Check your registered email and SMS inbox one day before the exam for your passkey and exam link. If you do not receive it by the evening before the exam, contact UPES admissions immediately on their toll-free number: 1800-102-8737.

UPES DAT 2026 Result and Merit List

UPES DAT 2026 Phase 2 result has not been announced yet, as the exam is scheduled for June 18, 2026. Based on past cycles, UPES typically releases Phase-wise merit lists within 2–3 weeks after the exam. Your UPES DAT score alone does not determine final admission — shortlisted candidates also need to clear a portfolio presentation and personal interview round.

How the UPES DAT Result Works

UPES releases two merit lists for each phase:

• First Merit List: Based entirely on UPES DAT scores. Candidates whose scores cross the cutoff are shortlisted and called for portfolio presentation and personal interview.
• Final Merit List: Released after the portfolio and interview round. Final admission offers are based on a combination of your UPES DAT score, portfolio quality, and interview performance.

How to Check Your UPES DAT Result

• Go to the official UPES admissions portal at upes.ac.in.
• Log in with your registered credentials.
• Enter your UPES application number to access your scorecard and result.
• Download and save your scorecard after it is released.

What Happens After the Result

If you are shortlisted based on your UPES DAT 2026 score, UPES will contact you with instructions for the next step — portfolio submission followed by a personal interview. The timeline for Phase 2 portfolio and interview rounds is not yet announced and will be communicated after the June 18 exam results are out.

B.Des. Specialisations at UPES School of Design

UPES School of Design offers 7 B.Des. specialisations, each focused on a specific design domain. The 4-year undergraduate programme is designed to combine design theory with hands-on studio work and live industry projects. You can choose your specialisation at the time of applying. Seats are limited in each specialisation, and preference may vary by batch.

M.Des. Tracks at UPES

The M.Des. programme runs across two broad tracks — Visual Communication (covering Graphic Design and Interaction Design) and Industrial Design (covering Industrial and Product Design and Mobility and Vehicle Design). The M.Des. is a 2-year postgraduate programme for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in any field.

UPES B.Des. Programme Fee and Placements

The total fee for the 4-year B.Des. programme at UPES is approximately ₹22.65 Lakhs for the full programme. The first year fee is around ₹5.18 Lakhs. UPES offers merit-based scholarships of up to 50% on tuition fees for eligible candidates.

UPES School of Design reports 100% placement for its graduating batch, with a highest CTC of 14 LPA and a top-10% average CTC of 12 LPA. Major recruiters include Amazon, TCS, Infosys, and Maruti Suzuki, among others.

Source: UPES B.Des. Admissions Page

UPES DAT 2026 Preparation Tips

UPES DAT 2026 is not a heavily syllabus-bound exam like JEE or NEET. It tests visual thinking, design awareness, and general knowledge — skills that improve with regular practice rather than rote learning. With the Phase 2 exam on June 18, you have about 8 days to prepare from today. Here is how to use that time well.

Visual Analogy — How to Prepare

Visual Analogy is the section where most candidates can improve quickly with practice. The questions are based on pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, and figure manipulation — skills that get sharper the more you practise.

• Practise with UCEED previous year question papers — the visual analogy questions are very similar in format to UPES DAT.
• Work through spatial reasoning exercises from NID and NIFT preparatory books available online.
• Focus on paper folding/cutting patterns, mirror images, and figure rotation problems.
• Spend at least 30–40 minutes daily on visual puzzle sets until the exam day.
• Time yourself — you have 60 minutes for 40 questions, which means about 90 seconds per question on average.

Design and General Awareness — How to Prepare

This section tests both design knowledge and general awareness. You need to read widely — not just about design theory, but also current affairs, famous designers, and design products around you.

• Read about major design movements — Bauhaus, De Stijl, Art Deco, Modernism, Postmodernism, and Indian craft traditions.
• Learn the names and works of famous designers: Charles and Ray Eames, Dieter Rams, Massimo Vignelli, and Indian designers like NID alumni and Charles Correa.
• Study basic colour theory — primary, secondary, and tertiary colours; colour harmony; warm and cool colours.
• Review typography basics — serif vs. sans-serif, leading, kerning, tracking.
• Follow design-focused Instagram accounts and design blogs for everyday design awareness.
• Read one newspaper daily for current affairs — focus on national news, economy, and science and technology.
• Practice reading comprehension passages and vocabulary exercises for the English component.

Mock Tests and Time Management

• Take at least one full-length mock test before June 18. Simulate the exam environment — 60 minutes, no phone, webcam on.
• Since there is no negative marking, never leave a question unanswered. If unsure, eliminate options and make your best guess.
• With no sectional time limit, plan to attempt Visual Analogy first (if you are stronger there) and then move to Design and General Awareness.
• Focus more on the sections where you are weakest — a few hours of targeted practice can improve your score significantly in a short time.

For the Exam Day

• Test your webcam, internet connection, and browser the evening before the exam.
• Keep your exam link and passkey accessible — do not wait until the last minute to find them.
• Log in to the exam portal within the 10 AM–2 PM window at a time when your internet is stable and your environment is quiet.
• Sit in a well-lit room with a clear background — poor lighting can cause proctoring issues.