The Orientation schedule can be found: here

The MDes (Communication Design) is a 2-year post-graduate degree program (4 semesters) that offers specializations in Visual Communication Design and Interaction Design. This distinctive interdisciplinary program prepares students to pursue careers in the fields of Graphic Design, User Experience / Interface Design, Film-making, Animation, Photography, Design research and teaching.

The MDes (CD) is a full time two-year program, which is divided into four semesters. The program blends Design concepts, skills and practices with inputs from the disciplines of Sociology, Anthropology and Cultural studies. Students are encouraged to understand and engage with real life contexts and evolve habits of critical thinking for effective problem solving. At the end of the 2 year program students are expected to understand Design processes and methods and be able to conceptualize and prototype solutions to communication problems in various social and cultural contexts.

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

Total seats: 20

Educational Qualification

A Bachelors Degree or equivalent from a statutory university in the fields of Design, Science, Engineering, Technology, Humanities, Social Sciences, Fine Arts, Applied Arts and Performing Arts. Professional Diplomas from nationally recognized institutions such as NID, NIFT, CEPT and Srishti School of Art and Design 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 2023 failing which their admission is liable to cancellation.

The decision of the concerned authorities of DA-IICT regarding eligibility of any candidate shall be final.

At the time of admission an amount of Rs. 1,05,000/- (Rs. 80,000/- towards Tuition Fee for the First Semester and Rs.25,000/- towards a Caution Deposit) - The registration fee is payable at the time of registration and hostel rent on allotment of the hostel room.

*Subject to revision

Education Loan

The Institute will facilitate the students to avail educational loan from selected Banks. The bank officials will be present on campus at the time of registration of admitted students so as to enable the students to obtain details on procedures and terms and conditions of the loan. The students can also avail loan from banks of their choice and in either of the case; the Institute will extend support in completing the loan documentation process.

Refund Policy

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

Candidates for this program without a valid CEED score will be selected for interview through a Design Aptitude Test (DAT) to be conducted through online proctored Test. Candidates with a valid CEED score will be selected for interview if they have qualified Part A, and have obtained a minimum of 25 marks in Part B. Further, for such candidates their CEED score will be used as DAT score. 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.

In online proctored mode, the candidate will be remotely administered the test at any location of his/her choice. While proctoring online, the candidates will be monitored by a software assisted mechanism. This is a browser based test through a URL facilitated by a strict authentication process. The candidates will be assigned a fixed time slot on the day of the test. The entire test will be constantly monitored for any suspicious activity using advanced video and audio analytics. While the candidate takes the test, a qualified proctor monitors the candidates, the audio-video, and screen and shares feeds in real time throughout the duration of the test. System requirements for online proctored test would be a working computer system (Desktop or Laptop) with webcam and mic. A stable internet connection with minimum upload speed of => 512 kbps and updated web browsers chrome or firefox.

NOTE: The decision of the Competent Authorities of DA-IICT regarding eligibility and selection of any candidate shall be final.

Statement of Purpose

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 the MDes (CD) program to their own interests and aptitudes and explain how they can learn and contribute to the program in their own way.

Design Aptitude Test (DAT):

Design Aptitude Tests consists of 3 parts, each bearing 20 marks each.

Part 1: This test will evaluate the candidate’s drawing skills, imaginative visualisation and ability to interpret a problem.

Part 2: Will evaluate the candidate’s recognition and understanding of a range of design idioms, visual/performative art forms and practices from various social and cultural contexts.

Part 3: The candidates will be asked to write a subjective response to a Communication Design brief.

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

• Please submit the online application along with the Statement of Purpose (SOP) by clicking on the link given below. Application fee (non-refundable) is Rs. 1200/- (Total: Rs. 1416/-). plus GST@ 18%.
• The Candidate has to satisfy the eligibility criteria in order for her/his application to be considered for final admission.
• Eligible Candidates need to appear for DAIICT’s Design Aptitude Test (DAT) conducted through online proctored examination.
• The online application procedure will guide you through the necessary steps for application fee payment, submission of statement of purpose, registering for design aptitude test and appearing for personal interview. Candidates with valid CEED score are exempted from DAT Test.
• The Candidates who have accepted admission offers will be notified to appear for registration, followed by counseling, document verification, payment of fees and on confirmation of admission, the orientation program.

Interview and Admission Offer

Final merit list of confirmed and wait-list candidates based on entrance test and interview performance will be posted on the website of the Institute. The offer letter for admission will be sent by the Admission committee through post or email to candidates.

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.

The frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the M.Des. (CD) program can be found here