DCET Eligibility Criteria 2026

Candidates seeking admission to B.Des. degree colleges via the Design Common Entrance Test (DCET) in the academic year 2026-27 are required to meet certain eligibility conditions. DCET eligibility criteria 2026 are designed to ensure that all students have the necessary skills and qualifications to pursue a career in design.

The eligibility criteria for DCET are set according to the latest guidelines issued by government authorities, statutory rules, and current national education policies. The Advisory and Governing Committee of DCET regularly reviews and updates these requirements to maintain transparency, fairness, and alignment with national standards.

The DCET 2026 is open to both Indian and international candidates who fulfil the eligibility criteria. The criteria consider important factors such as nationality, age limit, academic qualifications, qualifying exams, and the allowed number of attempts to appear for the entrance test.

Note: Any updates or changes in eligibility will be published on the official DCET website prior to the commencement of the DCET 2026 application process.

DCET Eligibility 2026 Criteria
1: Age Requirement

The minimum age for DCET 2026 is 17 years, and the age criteria vary depending on the category of the student.

DCET Eligibility 2026 Criteria
2: Number of Attempts Allowed

A student may take the DCET exam up to two times in a year. As the exam is held in two separate sessions, students have the option to appear in either one or both cycles. The score obtained in the DCET exam is valid for one academic year only. It can be used exclusively for admission in the same academic year in which the exam was taken.

• DCET Attempts Allowed: 2 times in a year
• DCET Score Validity: One academic year

DCET Eligibility 2026 Criteria
3: Educational Qualification

DCET educational qualification serves as a benchmark to evaluate the students’ suitability for various opportunities in the field of design. Aspirants are required to meet any of the following criteria:

• Students must have passed Class 12th (or equivalent) examination in any stream from a recognized board
• Students must have completed a 10+3 Diploma approved by a recognized authority
• Students must have completed a 2-year Diploma program in any discipline from a recognized institution

DCET Eligibility 2026 Criteria
4: Qualifying Examination

DCET accepts various qualifying exams conducted by the Central Board (including CBSE, ICSE, ISC) or State Board, Open Schools/ Board, and the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).

Students are required to have qualified in any one of the following examinations (or their equivalent) to be able to sit for DCET 2026:

• Aspirants must have passed their qualifying examination (10+2 / Diploma) at the time of admission.
• Candidates appearing in the final examination of 10+2 / Diploma in 2026 are eligible to apply, provided they are able to submit proof of passing the qualifying examination at the time of counseling/admission.
• DCET will accept qualifying examination results issued by a recognized board or authority as specified under the accepted boards' category.
• Students from international boards (such as Cambridge, IB etc.) must ensure that their qualifying exam results are considered equivalent to the 10+2 system in India by the relevant authorities.