UPES DAT (University of Petroleum and Energy Studies Design Aptitude Test) 2026 is a 60-minute online computer-based test with 40 multiple-choice questions for a total of 160 marks. Conducted by UPES Dehradun for B.Des and M.Des admissions, the exam awards +4 marks per correct answer with no negative marking. Phase 2 of UPES DAT 2026 is scheduled from May 31 to June 2, 2026 — the exam pattern, sections, and marking scheme are identical across all phases.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Total Questions | 40 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 160 |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +4 |
| Negative Marking | None |
| Language | English |
| Test Window | 10 AM to 2 PM (timer starts on login) |
| Programmes Covered | B.Des (Bachelor of Design), M.Des (Master of Design) |
- UPES DAT 2026 is a 60-minute computer-based test with 40 MCQs for a total of 160 marks.
- The B.Des paper has two sections: Visual Analogy (20 questions, 80 marks) and Design and General Awareness (20 questions, 80 marks).
- The M.Des paper has three sections: Quantitative (10 questions), Visual Analogy (15 questions), and Design and General Awareness (15 questions).
- Every correct answer earns +4 marks; there is no negative marking for wrong or unattempted answers.
- Phase 2 exam runs from May 31 to June 2, 2026 — pattern and marking scheme are identical to Phase 1.
- Students need a minimum score of 83.75 (General category) to advance to Portfolio Presentation and Interview for B.Des.
- Students with valid scores from UCEED, NID, NIFT, CEED, JEE, or CUET are exempt from appearing in UPES DAT.
| Direct Link | Resource |
|---|---|
| Direct Link to UPES DAT Official Website 2026 | upes.ac.in — Design Admissions UPESDAT 2026 |
Table of Contents
- UPES DAT Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
- UPES DAT 2026: Important Dates
- UPES DAT 2026: Detailed Exam Pattern
- UPES DAT Marking Scheme 2026
- UPES DAT Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2026
- UPES DAT Question Types 2026
- UPES DAT Exam Pattern: Changes in 2026 vs Previous Year
- How to Prepare Based on UPES DAT Exam Pattern
- UPES DAT Exam Pattern FAQs
UPES DAT Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
UPES DAT 2026 is a computer-based online test (CBT) conducted by the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun. The test has 40 MCQs in 60 minutes for 160 marks. The exam window runs from 10 AM to 2 PM on each exam day — the 60-minute timer starts the moment you log in. The pattern and marking scheme are identical across all phases of the exam.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPES Design Aptitude Test (UPES DAT / UPESDAT) |
| Conducting Body | University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Test Window | 10 AM to 2 PM (timer starts on login) |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Total Questions | 40 |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) only |
| Total Marks | 160 |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +4 |
| Negative Marking | None (0 marks for wrong or unattempted) |
| Language | English |
| Programmes Covered | B.Des (Bachelor of Design), M.Des (Master of Design) |
| Exam Phases (2026) | Phase 1: January 22–24, 2026 | Phase 2: May 31–June 2, 2026 |
UPES DAT 2026 is a 60-minute online CBT with 40 MCQs for 160 marks — no negative marking applies and the same pattern runs across all exam phases.
UPES DAT 2026: Important Dates
UPES DAT 2026 runs in two phases, giving students more than one opportunity to appear. Phase 1 concluded in January 2026. The Phase 2 exam is scheduled from May 31 to June 2, 2026, with the last date to register being May 30, 2026. Results for each phase are communicated by email after declaration, along with the scorecard.
| Event | Phase 1 (2026) | Phase 2 (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Application / Registration Deadline | January 20, 2026 | May 30, 2026 |
| Slot Booking | — | From May 18, 2026 |
| Exam Dates | January 22–24, 2026 | May 31–June 2, 2026 |
| Exam Window | 10 AM to 2 PM | 10 AM to 2 PM |
| Exam Passkey / Login Credentials | Sent via email 1 day prior | Sent via email 1 day prior (May 30, 2026) |
| Result Declaration | Declared | To be announced (via registered email) |
| Portfolio Presentation and Interview (GD/PI) | May 18–22, 2026 | To be announced |
Note: UPES does not issue a traditional admit card for DAT. Your exam passkey is sent to your registered email and mobile number one day before the exam. Check your inbox on May 30, 2026, for the Phase 2 passkey before the test window opens.
Source: UPES Admission Alerts 2026
UPES DAT 2026: Detailed Exam Pattern
The UPES DAT 2026 section structure differs between the B.Des and M.Des papers. The B.Des paper has two sections; the M.Des paper adds a Quantitative section. Both programmes have 40 questions for 160 marks in 60 minutes, with no per-section time limit.
UPES DAT B.Des Exam Pattern 2026
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Analogy | 20 | 4 | 80 | — |
| Design and General Awareness | 20 | 4 | 80 | — |
| Total | 40 | — | 160 marks | 60 minutes |
Note: There is no per-section time limit in the B.Des paper. You can distribute the full 60 minutes across both sections as you prefer.
UPES DAT M.Des Exam Pattern 2026
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Analogy | 15 | 4 | 60 | — |
| Design and General Awareness | 15 | 4 | 60 | — |
| Quantitative | 10 | 4 | 40 | — |
| Total | 40 | — | 160 marks | 60 minutes |
Note: There is no per-section time limit in the M.Des paper. You have the full 60 minutes to complete all three sections in any order.
UPES DAT 2026 has 40 questions and 160 marks in 60 minutes — B.Des students attempt 2 sections while M.Des students attempt 3 sections including Quantitative.
UPES DAT Marking Scheme 2026
The UPES DAT 2026 marking scheme is simple and student-friendly. Every correct answer earns +4 marks, and there is no negative marking for wrong or unattempted answers. This applies equally to all sections in both B.Des and M.Des papers, and across all phases of the exam.
| Question Type | Marks for Correct Answer | Marks for Wrong Answer | Marks for Unattempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ — Visual Analogy (B.Des and M.Des) | +4 | 0 | 0 |
| MCQ — Design and General Awareness (B.Des and M.Des) | +4 | 0 | 0 |
| MCQ — Quantitative (M.Des only) | +4 | 0 | 0 |
There is no negative marking in UPES DAT 2026 — every unanswered question is a missed opportunity, so you should attempt all 40 questions.
The maximum possible score in UPES DAT 2026 is 160 marks (40 questions × 4 marks each). Your written test score is then combined with your Portfolio Presentation and Personal Interview result to determine final admission merit at UPES.
UPES DAT Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2026
UPES DAT 2026 tests students across two core areas for B.Des — Visual Analogy and Design and General Awareness — and adds a Quantitative section for M.Des. Each section tests a distinct skill set. Understanding the focus of each section helps you build a targeted preparation plan.
Visual Analogy
Visual Analogy is the highest-weightage section — it carries 20 questions (80 marks) in B.Des and 15 questions (60 marks) in M.Des. Questions are entirely image and figure-based, testing your spatial thinking and ability to identify visual patterns and relationships.
| Topic / Skill Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Pattern Recognition | Identify rules and relationships between visual elements in a series or grid |
| Spatial Visualisation | Mentally rotate, fold, mirror, or rearrange 2D and 3D shapes |
| Matrix Arrangements | Select the figure that correctly completes a visual matrix or sequence |
| Embedded Figures | Locate a given shape hidden within a larger, more complex figure |
| Figure Analogy and Odd One Out | Identify a visual pair sharing the same relationship as a given pair, or spot the odd figure in a set |
| Mirror Images and Paper Folding | Determine mirror or water reflections; track dot positions through paper-folding operations |
Design and General Awareness
Design and General Awareness carries 20 questions (80 marks) in B.Des and 15 questions (60 marks) in M.Des. It tests your knowledge of design history, art movements, current events, grammar, and vocabulary relevant to the design field.
| Topic / Skill Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Design History and Movements | Bauhaus, De Stijl, Art Deco, Modernism, and other influential design movements and schools |
| Famous Designers and Brands | Iconic designers, global design studios, logo recognition, and landmark design products |
| Art, Architecture, and Indian Crafts | Indian and global art forms, architectural styles, traditional crafts, and craft regions |
| Colour Theory and Design Fundamentals | Colour wheel, design principles, typography basics, and composition rules |
| Contemporary Design Trends | Sustainable design, UI/UX, product and industrial design, and digital design innovations |
| Current Affairs and English Grammar | National and international events, synonyms, antonyms, tenses, sentence completion, and vocabulary |
Quantitative (M.Des Only)
The Quantitative section is exclusive to the M.Des paper and contributes 10 questions (40 marks) — that is 25% of the M.Des total score. It tests numerical ability, data interpretation, and analytical reasoning.
| Topic / Skill Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Basic Mathematics | Arithmetic, percentages, ratios, averages, and simple equations |
| Data Interpretation | Reading and analysing bar charts, pie charts, tables, and line graphs |
| Logical and Analytical Reasoning | Number series, critical reasoning, verbal analogy, syllogisms, and logical deduction |
UPES DAT Question Types 2026
All 40 questions in UPES DAT 2026 are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with four options and one correct answer per question. There are no numerical input, essay, descriptive, or drawing-type questions in the computer-based test. The format is uniform across all sections and both B.Des and M.Des papers.
| Question Format | Description | Appears In |
|---|---|---|
| Image / Figure-Based MCQ | Visual or diagram stimulus; select one correct option from four choices | Visual Analogy (B.Des and M.Des) |
| Knowledge-Based MCQ | Text question on design knowledge, current affairs, grammar, or cultural awareness | Design and General Awareness (B.Des and M.Des) |
| Numerical / Calculation-Based MCQ | Basic arithmetic or data interpretation question with four numerical options | Quantitative section (M.Des only) |
| Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) | More than one correct option | Not present in UPES DAT 2026 |
| Subjective / Descriptive | Written or typed response | Not present in UPES DAT 2026 |
All UPES DAT 2026 questions are MCQs — there is no sketching, drawing, or subjective component in the computer-based written test.
The exam runs in an online proctored environment. You need a stable internet connection above 100 kbps, a functional webcam, and the latest Java version. Disable all pop-up blockers before the exam begins. Design aptitude is evaluated separately in the Portfolio Presentation and Personal Interview round that follows the written test.
UPES DAT Exam Pattern: Changes in 2026 vs Previous Year
The core exam pattern of UPES DAT is unchanged in 2026 compared to 2025. The total questions, marks, duration, marking scheme, and section structure are all consistent year on year. Students who prepared for the 2025 pattern do not need to revise their approach for 2026. The key update for 2026 is the continuation of a multi-phase exam format, offering students an additional attempt through Phase 2.
| Parameter | UPES DAT 2025 | UPES DAT 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Online CBT | Online CBT — No change |
| Total Questions | 40 | 40 — No change |
| Total Marks | 160 | 160 — No change |
| Duration | 60 minutes | 60 minutes — No change |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +4 | +4 — No change |
| Negative Marking | None | None — No change |
| B.Des Sections | Visual Analogy (20 Qs) + Design & GA (20 Qs) | Same — No change |
| M.Des Sections | Visual Analogy (15 Qs) + Design & GA (15 Qs) + Quantitative (10 Qs) | Same — No change |
| Exam Schedule | Single exam window | Two phases (Phase 1: January 2026; Phase 2: May 31–June 2, 2026) |
The UPES DAT pattern is unchanged in 2026 — same 40 MCQs, 160 marks, 60 minutes, and no negative marking as the previous year.
How to Prepare Based on UPES DAT Exam Pattern
The UPES DAT 2026 pattern is compact — 40 questions in 60 minutes gives you roughly 90 seconds per question. There is no negative marking, so every question is worth attempting. Use these pattern-based tips to approach Phase 2 on May 31 with full confidence.
- Attempt all 40 questions — there is zero penalty for wrong answers. UPES DAT has no negative marking. An educated guess is always better than leaving a question blank, since both a wrong answer and an unattempted question earn zero marks.
- Prioritise Visual Analogy — it carries the highest section weightage. In B.Des, Visual Analogy accounts for 50% of total marks (20 questions, 80 marks). In M.Des, it contributes 37.5% (15 questions, 60 marks). Practise embedded figures, matrix completions, and pattern recognition sets every day to build speed and accuracy.
- Build consistent design and general awareness habits before the exam. The Design and General Awareness section covers design history, famous designers, art movements, current affairs, and English grammar. Read design publications and news headlines daily and revise English grammar rules in the final week before Phase 2.
- Target 90 seconds per question to finish with time to review. Practise full-length timed mock tests to calibrate your pace. If a question takes too long, flag it and move on — return to flagged questions after completing the rest of the paper.
- M.Des students must separately prepare the Quantitative section. The 10-question Quantitative section (40 marks, 25% of M.Des score) covers data interpretation, logical reasoning, and basic maths. Spend two to three focused weeks on DI sets and number series problems under timed conditions.
- Use the UPES demo test before exam day. UPES provides a demo test on the exam platform. Use it to practise the CBT interface, answer selection, flagging questions, and session completion before May 31.
- Check your registered email on May 30 for your Phase 2 passkey. UPES sends login credentials one day before the exam. Keep the passkey ready before you open the test platform — you cannot begin the exam without it.
UPES DAT Exam Pattern FAQs
Ques. How many questions are asked in UPES DAT 2026?
Ans. UPES DAT 2026 has 40 multiple-choice questions in total for both B.Des and M.Des. The B.Des paper has 20 questions each in Visual Analogy and Design and General Awareness. The M.Des paper has 10 Quantitative, 15 Visual Analogy, and 15 Design and General Awareness questions.
Ques. Is there negative marking in UPES DAT 2026?
Ans. No, there is no negative marking in UPES DAT 2026. Wrong answers and unattempted questions both carry zero marks. You should attempt all 40 questions to maximise your total score, as leaving questions blank offers no advantage.
Ques. What is the total marks for UPES DAT 2026?
Ans. UPES DAT 2026 carries a total of 160 marks. With 40 questions and +4 marks per correct answer, your score can range from 0 to 160. There is no partial marking — only fully correct answers earn marks.
Ques. How long is the UPES DAT 2026 exam?
Ans. UPES DAT 2026 is a 60-minute (1 hour) online test. The exam window runs from 10 AM to 2 PM on each exam day — you log in within this window and the 60-minute timer starts when you begin the test.
Ques. What are the sections in UPES DAT 2026 for B.Des?
Ans. The B.Des paper has two sections: Visual Analogy (20 questions, 80 marks) and Design and General Awareness (20 questions, 80 marks). Both sections carry equal weightage and there is no per-section time limit — you manage the 60 minutes across both sections as you prefer.
Ques. How is the UPES DAT M.Des paper different from the B.Des paper?
Ans. The M.Des paper has three sections — Visual Analogy (15 questions), Design and General Awareness (15 questions), and an additional Quantitative section (10 questions, 40 marks) that is not present in the B.Des paper. Both papers have 40 total questions and 160 total marks.
Ques. Is UPES DAT 2026 conducted online or offline?
Ans. UPES DAT 2026 is conducted fully online as a computer-based test. You need a stable internet connection above 100 kbps, a working webcam, and the latest Java version. UPES sends your exam passkey to your registered email and phone one day before the test date.
Ques. When does UPES DAT 2026 Phase 2 start?
Ans. UPES DAT 2026 Phase 2 is scheduled from May 31 to June 2, 2026 (Sunday to Tuesday), with the test window from 10 AM to 2 PM each day. The last date to register for Phase 2 is May 30, 2026. Phase 1 was held from January 22 to 24, 2026.
Ques. What topics are covered in the Visual Analogy section?
Ans. The Visual Analogy section tests spatial and visual reasoning. Topics include pattern recognition, figure series, matrix arrangements, embedded figures, mirror images, paper folding, and analogical reasoning. All questions are image-based and test how well you analyse and extend visual patterns without requiring any subject-specific knowledge.
Ques. Can students who missed Phase 1 appear in UPES DAT 2026 Phase 2?
Ans. Yes, UPES DAT 2026 is held in multiple phases. If you missed Phase 1 (January 2026), you can register and appear for Phase 2 (May 31 – June 2, 2026). Each phase has a separate application and slot booking process, and your score from either phase is valid for UPES B.Des and M.Des admissions.
Ques. What is the qualifying score in UPES DAT 2026?
Ans. The General category benchmark score to advance from the UPES DAT written test to Portfolio Presentation and Interview is 83.75 out of 160 for B.Des and 47.80 for M.Des. These are indicative benchmarks based on official UPES data and may vary by admission category and round.
Ques. Does UPES DAT have drawing or sketching questions in the CBT?
Ans. No, the computer-based UPES DAT test has only MCQs — there are no drawing, sketching, or essay questions in the online written exam. Design aptitude is assessed separately in a Portfolio Presentation and Personal Interview round after the written test, which is mandatory for all shortlisted students.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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