What is the purpose of DCET?

DCET provides a common platform for design aspirants to showcase their potential and secure admission into top universities offering B.Des. programs.

What are the guiding principles of DCET?

Transparency, fairness, merit-based evaluation, and promotion of creativity and innovation in design education.

Who sets the DCET question paper?

The paper is designed by a panel of academic and industry experts under the supervision of the DCET Advisory and Governing Committee.

About DCET 2026: Vision, Mission & Overview

About Design Common Entrance Test (DCET) 2026

The Design Common Entrance Test (DCET) is India’s newest national-level entrance exam for undergraduate design admissions in India at participating universities and institutes, launching in 2026. DCET 2026 is tailored to evaluate creativity, design aptitude, problem-solving, and logical thinking—emphasizing inclusivity and global engagement.

The DCET 2026 exam will be conducted once a year across multiple cities in India and includes a 3-stage selection process. Students who have completed Class XII (or equivalent) in 2025, or are appearing for Board exams in 2026 from any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities) are eligible to apply. Students participating in DCET 2026 will be evaluated on the basis of the following parameters:

Numerical Reasoning
Design Awareness
General Knowledge
Applied Creativity
Creative Visualisation & Ideation
Narrative & Communication Skills
Critical Thinking & Social Impact

Note* - All rules, procedures, and eligibility stated herein apply solely to DCET 2026 and to admissions facilitated through its counseling process. Please read carefully before completing the online registration form.place in January 2026.

DCET 2026 Overview:

DCET 2026 is administered by Girnarsoft Education Services Private Ltd. (GESPL) under the strict oversight of an Advisory and Governing Committee.
Indian and foreign nationals may apply if eligibility is fulfilled.
Rank-listing in DCET 2026 does not guarantee admission; final admission requires university-specific application and counseling.
Scores are valid only for the 2026–27 academic year.

Vision & Mission

Vision

To establish Design Common Entrance Test (DCET) as the foremost platform for evaluating design talent, fostering creativity, and providing equal opportunities for aspiring designers to pursue quality education.

Mission

Ensure transparency, fairness, and merit-based evaluation in the admission process.
Assess candidates on creativity, design thinking, logical reasoning, and communication skills.
Encourage innovation and design thinking across multiple disciplines.
Strengthen the foundation of design education in India while aligning with global best practices.

Exam Governance & Conduct:

The Design Common Entrance Test (DCET) is conducted under the supervision of the Governing Committee and guided by the Advisory Committee to ensure transparency, fairness, and academic integrity under GESPL.
All processes — from application, admit card download, online/offline exam conduct, evaluation, to result declaration — are carried out in line with the latest regulations, best practices, and ethical standards.
A robust system of invigilators, observers, technical staff, and security measures is deployed at exam centres for round one of DCET to maintain the sanctity of the test.
Surprise checks, monitoring, and strict protocols against malpractice are enforced.
The evaluation process is conducted with confidentiality and impartiality, ensuring that candidates are assessed solely on their merit.
Any disputes or concerns related to the exam will be addressed as per the redressal mechanisms defined by the Governing Committee.

Transparency & Fairness Principles

At DCET, we are committed to conducting the examination with the highest standards of integrity. Our guiding principles ensure that every candidate has an equal and unbiased opportunity to showcase their abilities.

Merit-Based Selection: Admissions are based purely on performance in the examination and subsequent evaluation rounds.
Clear Communication: All important dates, processes, and announcements are published in advance on the official website.
No Hidden Processes: Information regarding eligibility, test structure, evaluation methods, and result declaration is openly shared.
Confidentiality: Candidate data, evaluation, and results are handled with strict confidentiality.
Fair Evaluation: A multi-level review process ensures impartiality in answer evaluation, objection handling, and result compilation.
Zero Tolerance for Malpractice: Any attempt at unfair means, impersonation, or misrepresentation leads to immediate disqualification.
Redressal Mechanism: Candidates can raise queries or concerns through the official helpdesk; responses are addressed transparently within defined timelines.

Participating Universities:

The DCET score is valid only for the admission cycle of the academic year in which the candidate has appeared for the examination. Scores cannot be carried forward to subsequent years.

DCET 2026 is supported by multiple universities and institutes; each has unique strengths in design education.
The finalized list of participating universities will be provided on the DCET website.

About GESPL:

Girnarsoft Education Services Private Limited (GESPL) is a leading Indian company specializing in online education platforms, technology-driven education services, and digital solutions within the education sector.

GESPL operates in the domain of online education and digital learning platforms, aiming to transform higher education access and quality through technology and innovative solutions

GESPL is part of the broader Girnar group, recognized for its tech-driven approach to education as well as automotive and IT solutions. The company is closely associated with well-known education platforms like CollegeDekho, which serve millions of students for college admissions, counselling, and information needs.

GESPL is also linked via directorship and operations to allied companies including Getmyuni Education Services, ImaginXP, Unipro Education, PrepBytes Technologies & Girnar Retail indicating a broad footprint in education technology and related services.

The company's educational services reach is amplified by strategic acquisitions and partnerships in the Indian edtech space. GESPL operates in the online education and e-learning segment, it is part of a parent group (GirnarSoft) known for large-scale, technology-intensive solutions for both education & automotive IT industry. GESPL is known for its role in scaling the reach and quality of digital platforms that serve millions of students annually across India.