© 2026 Department of Design, IIT Hyderabad
Last Modified Date on 19th March 2026
Eligibility criteria
The candidates should have a minimum of 60% marks (OBC requires 50% and SC/ST requires 45%) or equivalent grades in the qualifying examination, which are:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering / Architecture / Design / Interior Design or equivalent (4 year program after 10+2)
- Professional Diploma in Design (NID/CEPT or equivalent of a 4-year program after 10+2)
- BFA (4-year professional program after 10+2)
- Professional experience Master’s degree in Arts / Science / Computer Applications (2-year program after 10+2+3)
Application process
- Application to the programme will be online through the IITH portal.
- M Des Program offers 4 specialisations – Visual Design, Interaction Design, Product Design and Animation & Film Design. A Candidate can apply for a maximum of two specialisations in a program year.
- Shortlisted candidates for online DAT and personal interview will be communicated through email.
- Personal interview will be conducted in-person at IITH campus.
- Final selection is subject to number of seats approved by the institute.
Selection process
MoE seats:
The qualifying exam is the Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED)
- Step -1: Shortlisting based on a Valid CEED Score
- Step -2: Shortlisting for Personal interview based on step-1
- Step -3: Personal interview based on step-2 and showcasing selected works
- Step -4: Final results
Self-sponsored seats:
For the Self-sponsored category, CEED qualification is not mandatory. However, students should fulfil other eligibility criteria mentioned for admission in the M Des program.
The selection is a three step process. An online Design Aptitude Test (DAT) will be conducted to shortlist for personal interview. Candidates who are not appearing for the online DAT will not be considered for further admission process.
- Step -1: Shortlisting based on online Design Aptitude Test (DAT) and Portfolio screening
- Step -2: Shortlisting for Personal interview based on step-1
- Step -3: Personal interview based on step-2 and showcasing selected works
- Step -4: Final results
Fee structure
Self Sponsored M Des is part of the regular M Des program. Recent updates on fee structure can be found here.
Frequently asked questions
What is a self-financed seat?
Self Sponsored M Des is part of the regular M Des program. Students will pay a tuition fee of Rs. 20,000 per credit for 48 credits in 24 months. They will not receive any scholarships. Recent updates on fee structure can be found here.
Whether the self-sponsored students are allowed to sit for institute placements?
Yes, students have all the usual benefits of IIT students.
When can I apply for the self-financed category? When does the portal open?
Admission is usually announced around mid-March.
I do not have a valid CEED Score as on date. Am I eligible for the admission to the M Des program?
Yes, you can apply for the M Des program under self-sponsored/industry-sponsored which has a different fee structure.
I have a valid CEED score, can I also apply under a self-financed scheme in case I am not shortlisted for MHRD seat based on CEED score.
Yes, in general, a candidate can apply in both the categories.
How many M Des specialisations can one apply at a time?
M Des Program offers 4 sepcialisations – Visual Design, Interaction Design, Product Design, Animation & Film Design. A Candidate can apply for a maximum of two specialisations in a program year.