What is the last date for submission of online applications?

20th May 2025

When will the Entrance Exam be conducted?

15th June 2025

When will the Announcement of list of candidates called for interview be announced?

TBD

When will the Interviews be conducted?

TBD

How many specialisations are offered under M.Des.?

There are two specializations offered as follows:

• Communication Design (CD)
• Intelligent User Experience Design (IUxD)

Please give me the program overview for specialization - Master of Design (Communication Design) – M.Des. (CD)

MDes (Communication Design) is a distinctive 2-year interdisciplinary design specialisation blending Communication Design with Interaction Design. This prepares students for careers in multi-media design, visual communication design, UI/UX, Interaction design & Immersive design, film/motion graphics, photography, design research, innovation, strategy, and academia. The DAIICT MDes (CD) is a legacy specialisation which emphasizes a holistic design education that addresses cultural diversity and social needs and recognizes the enormous significance of information and communication design in a modern digital economy. The specialisation uniquely integrates Technology, Humanities, and Social Sciences with Design skills and aesthetics. Students gain the skills to execute complex multimedia projects, choosing the most efficient design mediums to achieve their desired communication outcomes.

DA-IICT's MDes (CD) specialisation prepares students to become strategic design thinkers, moving beyond tool-driven approaches. By focusing on critical and contextual understanding, students learn to identify, articulate, and solve context-specific design challenges with effective multimedia interventions, even amidst the rise of advanced AI-driven facilitation tools.

Please give me the program overview for specialization - Master of Design (Intelligent User Experience Design) – M.Des. (IUxD)

The MDes (Intelligent User Experience Design) is a 2-year post-graduate degree that offers specializations in user experiences and Interaction design. This distinctive transdisciplinary program prepares students to pursue careers in the fields of HCI Design, Design for Smart wearable/IoT, UX Research, Product Interface and Interaction Design, UIUX, Academics and entrepreneur.

What is the selection criteria for M.Des.?

M.Des. Program follows a 3-step system for admission

• Step 1: Admission form and Statement of Purpose
• Step 2: Design Aptitude Test (DAT) conducted by DAU MDes Program. Currently students who have qualified for CEED is exempt from taking DAT.
• Step 3: Interview

The final selection will be based on the combined scores attained in the DAT and the interview. The DAT will constitute 60%, and the interview 40% of the overall marks assigned to the admission test.

The candidate should secure a minimum of 40% in the exam to be considered for the interview process.

Currently students who have qualified for CEED is exempt from taking DAT. Their CEED score will considered in equivalence to DAT score.

What is the eligibility/educational qualification required for M.Des.?

A Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent from a statutory university in the fields of Design, Science, Engineering, Technology, Humanities, Social Sciences, Fine Arts, Applied Arts, Architecture and Performing Arts. Professional Diplomas from nationally recognized institutions such as NID, NIFT, CEPT, IDC will also be considered for eligibility. Candidates must have 55% marks or equivalent in the last qualifying degree/examination and are required to submit the provisional Degree certificate or proof of completion of Degree before 30 October 2025 failing which their admission is liable to cancellation.

What is the total intake of M.Des.(Communication Design)?

Total seats: 25

What is the total intake of M.Des.(Intelligent User Experience Design)?

Total seats: 25

What is the program structure for M.Des. (CD)?

The MDes (CD) specialisation is built upon a strong foundation of core design principles. The specialisations pedagogical structure integrates Basic Design Skills, Culture and Context, Visualization, Interface and Interaction Design, Multimedia Composition, Storytelling, and Research-driven problem-solving. This integrated approach allows students to apply their learning to fields such as entertainment, edutainment, branding, UI/UX, digital design, environmental design and social impact design.

MDes (CD) employs a modular course structure that blends lectures with studio work, immersing students in real-world problems through fieldwork. Over two years, students develop a comprehensive understanding of Design, Culture, and Communication through instruction in Visual Design (color, composition, typography, graphics, photography, animation/motion graphics, film), Interaction Design (UI/UX, Human-Computer Interaction, Information Systems, immersive web and interface design), and research methods from Sociology, Anthropology, and Cultural Studies (Ethnography, Design History). Students are encouraged to engage with real-life contexts, fostering critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving skills.

The detailed course structure consisting of both core courses and elective courses can be found here

What is the program structure for M.Des. (IUxD)?

The MDes (IUxD) is a full-time two-year program, which is divided into four semesters. This Program extends traditional UX, UI, and interaction design principles to enable intuitive interactions with smart and autonomous systems, ensuring that the user experience remains meaningful and effective in an increasingly intelligent technological landscape. The program also includes conversations and debates on the ethics, challenges and uses of ‘intelligent technologies’ to create sensitive designers who can visualize, leverage and integrate products and services in a socially and culturally sensitive manner.

The detailed course structure consisting of both core courses and elective courses can be found here

Which amount I have to pay at the time of admission in M.Des. ?

At the time of admission an amount of Rs. 1,75,000/- (Rs. 1,50,000/- towards Tuition Fee for the First Semester and Rs. 25,000/- towards a Caution Deposit) is to be paid.

What is the amount of caution deposit?

Rs. 25,000 (Refundable at the end of the program)

Is an educational loan available for the M.Des. program?

The students can also avail loans from banks of their choice and in either of the case; the Institute will extend support in completing the loan documentation process.

What is the refund policy for M.Des. program?

The refund policy for the withdrawing candidates will be in accordance with the UGC rules.

What is the DAT test?

Design Aptitude Test consists of 3 parts, each bearing 20 marks each. The candidate should secure a minimum of 40% in the exam to be considered for the interview process.

M.Des. (CD) - Design Aptitude Test (DAT):

The Design Aptitude Test for MDes Communication Design (MDes CD) will have the following parts:

• M.Des. (CD) Part 1: This test will evaluate the candidate’s imagination and visual cognition skills and ability to interpret a problem.
• M.Des. (CD) Part 2: Will evaluate the candidate’s recognition and understanding of a range of design and technology related challenges
• M.Des. (CD) Part 3: The candidates will be asked to write a subjective response to a Communication Design brief.

M.Des. (IUxD) - Design Aptitude Test (DAT):

The Design Aptitude Test for MDes Intelligent User Experience Design (MDes IUxD) will have the following parts:

• M.Des. (IUxD) Part 1: This test will evaluate the candidate’s ability to think creatively and test problem-solving skills in the context of human centric design.
• M.Des. (IUxD) Part 2: Will assess the candidate’s understanding of digital product design and human-computer interaction related challenges.
• M.Des. (IUxD) Part 3: The candidates will be asked to write a subjective response to a user experience design brief, demonstrating their design thinking skills.

Is it mandatory to attach an SOP with the application form of M.Des. (CD)?

All candidates will have to submit their Statements of Purpose online, along with their applications. Applications without an SOP will not be considered. Candidates will have to relate the curricular content of MDes (CD) or MDes (IUxD) specialisation to their own interests and aptitudes and explain how they can learn and contribute to the specialisation in their own way.

What is the application fees for the application?

Application fee (non-refundable) is Rs. 1500/- plus GST@ 18%. (Total: Rs. 1770/-) for all Post Graduate programs.

Can a candidate apply for both specializations in M.Des.?

The candidates will have to select one of the following options in the Admission form:

• M.Des. in Communication Design M.Des. (CD)
• M.Des. in Intelligent User Experience Design M.Des. (IUxD)

Candidate will be considered for the selected specialisation only.

What is the selection procedure in case of tie, after the final merit list for M.Des.?

In case of a tie, years of experience, marks in 10+2 and 10th examination or age will be considered in order to break the tie.

Is there any management quota in M.Des. Program?

No. Admission to M.Des. program is completely based on merit.

I have completed my diploma from NIFT, am I eligible to apply for M.Des. program?

Professional Diplomas from nationally recognized institutions such as NID, NIFT, CEPT, IDC will also be considered for eligibility. For details please check the eligibility criteria

Can we withdraw our Application?

No. Application fees are non-refundable.

Do hostel rooms have A.C?

No, all the rooms in the hostels are Non-A.C.

Are distance learning courses available at DAU?

No, at present, we do not offer any distance learning programs.

Is there any certification program available at DAU?

No, we don't offer any certification programs.

Is MCA offered by DAU?

No, DAU does not offer the MCA.