IIT Bombay opens MDes, MDes by Research admissions 2026; check here last date to apply
The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) has officially commenced the application process for its Master of Design (MDes) and MDes by Research programmes for the academic year 2026-27. This announcement marks an important opportunity for aspiring design students to further their education at one of India’s premier institutions.
Application Details
Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official portals: acad.iitb.ac.in and portal.iitb.ac.in. The last date for submission of applications is March 23, 2026. For those who miss the regular deadline, a late submission option is available until March 26, 2026, at 5 PM, with a late fee of Rs 500 per stream.
Available Seats
This academic session, IIT Bombay will offer:
- 68 seats for the MDes programme
- 10 seats for the MDes by Research programme
Selection Process
The selection process for both programmes will consist of a written test and an interview. The written test is scheduled to take place at the IDC School of Design on May 8, 2026. Interviews for the MDes programme will be conducted on May 9 and May 10, 2026. The final admission results will be announced on June 1, 2026, on the official website of IIT Bombay.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
MDes Programme
- A minimum of 55% marks in the qualifying degree (50% for Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) candidates) or an equivalent grade.
- A valid score in the Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) 2026 is required.
MDes by Research Programme
- A minimum of 60% marks in the qualifying degree (55% for SC, ST, and PwD categories) or equivalent grades.
- Candidates holding an undergraduate or postgraduate degree such as BDes, MDes, or MArch from IITs with a minimum CGPA/CPI of 8.00 on a 10-point scale are exempt from submitting a CEED score.
Application Fee
The application fee structure is as follows:
- Male candidates from General and Other Backward Classes (OBC): Rs 300
- SC, ST, and PwD candidates: Rs 150
- Female candidates across all categories: Rs 150
- Third gender applicants will follow the same fee structure as reserved and unreserved male candidates.
Admission Process
According to the admission brochure, candidates will be shortlisted based on their performance in the written test and the interview conducted for each stream. The written test may include studio or material-based assessments, details of which will be communicated to shortlisted applicants before the examination.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: March 23, 2026
- Late Application Deadline: March 26, 2026 (5 PM)
- Written Test Date: May 8, 2026
- Interview Dates: May 9 and May 10, 2026
- Final Admission Results Announcement: June 1, 2026
Conclusion
The MDes and MDes by Research programmes at IIT Bombay present a significant opportunity for students interested in pursuing advanced studies in design. With a structured selection process and a clear timeline for applications, candidates are encouraged to prepare thoroughly and submit their applications on time.
Note: For more information, candidates should regularly check the official IIT Bombay website and keep abreast of any updates regarding the admission process.
