Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID) is a constituent school of Karnavati University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, established in 2012. The institute offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes exclusively in design disciplines. Karnavati University, the parent institution, holds NAAC ’A+’ accreditation and is UGC-recognised.
UID Ahmedabad does not currently appear in the NIRF Design category. As per IIRF Design Rankings 2025, UID is ranked 17th among design institutes in India.
The institute is located on the Karnavati University campus, Uvarsad, Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad Highway, Gujarat. The dedicated design campus includes studios, labs, and fabrication facilities for hands-on design education across disciplines.
- B.Des (Hons.) in 15 specialisations: Communication Design, Fashion Design, Fashion Communication and Styling, Product Design, Interior Architecture, Interior and Furniture Design, Interaction Design, Animation and Game Design, Game Design and Simulation, Film and Video Communication, Spatial Experience Design, Transportation and Mobility Design, Smart Systems Design, Apparel Design, and Global Design
- M.Des in 6 specialisations: Design Management, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Fashion, Immersive Media Design, and Visual Experiential Design
- Ph.D in Design (full-time and part-time)
The total fee for B.Des (Hons.) is INR 25.12 Lakhs for most specialisations over four years. The B.Des Global Design programme carries a total fee of INR 40.02 Lakhs, reflecting an international design component. M.Des fees are INR 11.02 Lakhs for two years.
In the 2024-25 placement season, UID reported a highest CTC of INR 24 LPA and an average CTC of INR 8.12 LPA for graduating students. Over 160 companies participate in the annual placement drive.
- UID Ahmedabad Admission Dates 2026
- UID Ahmedabad Courses and Fees
- UID Ahmedabad Admission Process
- UID Ahmedabad Placements and Career Outcomes
- UID Ahmedabad Rankings
- UID Ahmedabad Scholarships
- UID Ahmedabad Campus and Infrastructure
- UID Ahmedabad vs SID Pune vs MIT Institute of Design
- UID Ahmedabad FAQs
UID Ahmedabad Admission Dates 2026
Admissions for the 2026-27 B.Des and M.Des batch have concluded. The UID Design Aptitude Test (UID DAT) for the 2026-27 batch was held in January 2026, with final admissions completing by July 2026. The next cycle (2027-28) opens with the UID DAT in January 2027.
| Event | 2026-27 Cycle (Concluded) |
|---|---|
| UID DAT 2026 Registration | October 2025 to January 2026 |
| UID DAT 2026 Exam | January 11, 2026 |
| Portfolio Review and Studio Test | February to March 2026 |
| Admissions Concluded | June to July 2026 |
| Academic Session Start | August 2026 |
The table below shows tentative dates for the 2027-28 cycle. Official schedules will be published by UID Karnavati University once the cycle opens.
| Event | 2027-28 Cycle (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| UID DAT 2027 Registration | October 2026 to January 2027 |
| UID DAT 2027 Exam | January 2027 |
| Portfolio Review and Studio Test | February to March 2027 |
| Admissions Conclude | June to July 2027 |
The table below lists entrance exams accepted for B.Des and M.Des programmes at UID.
| Programme | Entrance Route |
|---|---|
| B.Des (Hons.) - all specialisations | UID DAT (primary) / UCEED (for scholarship consideration) |
| M.Des - all specialisations | UID Design Aptitude Test (PG) + Portfolio |
| Ph.D in Design | UID PhD Entrance Test + Research Proposal |
UID Ahmedabad Courses and Fees
UID Ahmedabad offers 15 B.Des specialisations, 6 M.Des specialisations, and a Ph.D in Design. All programmes are design-only, making UID one of the largest dedicated design schools in India by specialisation breadth. Fees below are for the general quota, 2026.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees (General) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Des (Hons.) - Communication, Fashion, Interior, Product, Interaction, Animation, Film, Apparel, Spatial, Transportation, Smart Systems | 4 years | 10+2 with 50%, UID DAT | INR 25.12 Lakhs |
| B.Des (Hons.) - Game Design and Simulation | 4 years | 10+2 with 50%, UID DAT | INR 24.02 Lakhs |
| B.Des (Hons.) - Global Design | 4 years | 10+2 with 50%, UID DAT | INR 40.02 Lakhs |
| M.Des - Design Management, Industrial, Interior, Fashion, Immersive Media, Visual Experiential | 2 years | B.Des or equivalent with 50%, UID PG DAT | INR 11.02 Lakhs |
| Ph.D in Design | 3 to 5 years | M.Des or equivalent with 55% | INR 4.95 Lakhs |
The B.Des Global Design programme at INR 40.02 Lakhs includes an international design module that involves study or collaboration with global design schools. Most B.Des specialisations are uniformly priced at INR 25.12 Lakhs for the four-year programme, which works out to approximately INR 6.28 Lakhs per year. NRI quota fees are INR 32 Lakhs for the four-year B.Des.
UID Ahmedabad Admission Process
B.Des (Hons.) Admission
B.Des admission at UID Ahmedabad is primarily through the UID Design Aptitude Test (UID DAT), held annually in January. The selection process combines three components:
- UID DAT (40% weightage): Design aptitude, visual ability, and analytical thinking
- Studio Test or Statement of Thought (30% weightage): Hands-on design problem-solving exercise conducted at the institute
- Portfolio Review (30% weightage): Assessment of creative work and design aptitude
Eligibility requires completion of 10+2 (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks from any recognised board. There is no restriction on the stream in 10+2 for design admissions. Candidates with strong UCEED scores may be eligible for merit-based scholarships at UID, though UCEED alone does not guarantee admission.
M.Des Admission
M.Des admission requires a B.Des or equivalent design degree with at least 50% marks. The selection process follows a similar DAT and portfolio review format. M.Des is offered in six specialisations: Design Management, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Fashion, Immersive Media Design, and Visual Experiential Design. Working professionals with relevant industry experience may be considered on the basis of portfolio strength and the interview round.
UID Ahmedabad Placements and Career Outcomes
UID Ahmedabad annually hosts a placement drive with over 160 companies participating across design-adjacent sectors. In the 2024-25 placement season, the highest CTC reported was INR 24 LPA and the average CTC was INR 8.12 LPA. B.Des graduates typically receive offers in the INR 8 to 12 LPA range, and M.Des graduates in the INR 10 to 14 LPA range.
| Programme | Highest CTC | Average CTC Range | Placement Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Des (Hons.) | INR 24 LPA | INR 8 to 12 LPA | 75 to 98% |
| M.Des | Not reported separately | INR 10 to 14 LPA | Not reported separately |
Confirmed recruiters at UID placement drives include Google, HCL, HDFC Bank, ITC, NDTV, PepsiCo, Philips India, Wipro, Capgemini, Reliance, Renault, Accenture, and Vodafone. Graduates work predominantly in arts and design roles (50% of placed students), followed by marketing and branding (20%) and programme and project management roles (15%). Fashion, interior, and product design graduates also pursue freelance and entrepreneurship pathways alongside campus placements.
UID Ahmedabad Rankings
UID Ahmedabad is recognised in IIRF Design rankings as one of India’s leading private design institutes. Its parent institution Karnavati University also holds NAAC A+ accreditation.
| Ranking Body | Category | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIRF | Design (India) | 17 | 2025 |
IIRF ranks design institutes nationally on parameters including academic quality, infrastructure, faculty, placements, and industry connect. UID’s rank of 17 in Design 2025 by IIRF places it among the top 20 design institutes in the country. Karnavati University’s NAAC A+ status provides the institutional accreditation framework for UID’s degree programmes.
UID Ahmedabad Scholarships
UID Ahmedabad offers merit-based scholarships for B.Des students who have appeared in UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design) conducted by IITs. Candidates with a qualifying UCEED score are eligible for scholarship consideration during the UID admission process, even though UCEED itself is not a mandatory entry requirement at UID.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| UCEED Merit Scholarship | Valid UCEED score submitted at time of UID DAT admission | Merit-based partial fee waiver (quantum disclosed at admission) |
| NRI Sponsored Management Quota | NRI or sponsored candidates | INR 32 Lakhs total fee (vs INR 25.12 Lakhs for general quota) |
Students from reserved categories and economically weaker sections may additionally apply for state government scholarships through the Gujarat government scholarship portal and the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). UID facilitates documentation support for eligible students at the time of enrolment.
UID Ahmedabad Campus and Infrastructure
UID Ahmedabad is housed within the Karnavati University campus at Uvarsad, on the Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad Highway, Gujarat. The design school operates dedicated studios for each specialisation, including fashion studios, product design labs, digital fabrication spaces, interaction design labs, and film and animation production facilities.
The campus infrastructure supports hands-on design education with material labs, 3D printing and prototyping facilities, a design library, and exhibition spaces for student showcases. Karnavati University’s shared campus provides students with access to an amphitheatre, sports facilities, a health centre, and food courts, in addition to UID’s own school facilities.
UID does not currently list on-campus hostel facilities through the standard fee structure. Students typically access off-campus accommodation in the Uvarsad and Gandhinagar areas, which have a range of PG accommodation and apartment options at varying costs. The campus is approximately 25 km from Ahmedabad city centre, accessible by car or campus shuttle.
UID Ahmedabad vs SID Pune vs MIT Institute of Design
UID Ahmedabad, Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) Pune, and MIT Institute of Design (MIT ID) Pune are all leading private design schools in India serving the same aspirant pool: students who did not gain admission to government design institutes (NID, NIFT) and are seeking high-quality private alternatives with strong industry placement records.
| Parameter | UID Ahmedabad | SID Pune | MIT ID Pune |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent Institution | Karnavati University | Symbiosis International (Deemed University) | MIT-ADT University |
| Location | Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Pune, Maharashtra | Pune, Maharashtra |
| NAAC Grade (Parent) | A+ | A++ | A |
| B.Des Specialisations | 15 specialisations | 7 specialisations | 8 specialisations |
| B.Des Total Fee | INR 25.12 Lakhs (4 years) | INR 18 to 22 Lakhs (approx, 4 years) | INR 12 to 16 Lakhs (approx, 4 years) |
| Entrance Exam | UID DAT | SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test) | MIT ID Entrance Test / UCEED |
| Average Placement (B.Des) | INR 8 to 12 LPA | INR 6 to 9 LPA (approx) | INR 5 to 8 LPA (approx) |
| IIRF Design Rank (2025) | 17 | Not ranked separately | Not ranked separately |
UID Ahmedabad offers the largest specialisation portfolio (15 B.Des tracks) among the three, including niche programmes like Transportation and Mobility Design, Smart Systems Design, and Global Design. SID Pune benefits from the Symbiosis brand and proximity to Pune’s technology and manufacturing sector, attracting product and communication design recruiters. MIT ID Pune offers a more accessible fee point. All three are credible private design school alternatives for students who clear NID or NIFT waitlists or choose a private school route.
UID Ahmedabad FAQs
Ques. What is the admission process for B.Des at UID Ahmedabad?
Ans. B.Des admission at UID Ahmedabad requires appearing for the UID Design Aptitude Test (UID DAT), held annually in January. Selection is based on UID DAT score (40%), Studio Test or Statement of Thought (30%), and Portfolio Review (30%). Eligibility is 10+2 with at least 50% marks in any stream. There is no requirement for a specific 10+2 stream. UCEED scores are accepted for scholarship consideration but do not replace the UID DAT.
Ques. What is the total fee for B.Des at UID Ahmedabad?
Ans. The total fee for B.Des (Hons.) at UID Ahmedabad is INR 25.12 Lakhs over four years for most specialisations (approximately INR 6.28 Lakhs per year). The Game Design and Simulation specialisation is INR 24.02 Lakhs. The Global Design programme, which includes an international component, is INR 40.02 Lakhs total.
Ques. Is UID Ahmedabad NAAC accredited?
Ans. UID Ahmedabad is a constituent school of Karnavati University, which holds NAAC A+ accreditation. The B.Des and M.Des degrees are awarded by Karnavati University, a UGC-recognised deemed university. Degrees from UID are valid for employment and higher education in India.
Ques. What are the career options after B.Des from UID Ahmedabad?
Ans. B.Des graduates from UID Ahmedabad work in roles across arts and design (50% of placed students), marketing and branding (20%), and project management (15%). Top recruiters include Google, HCL, ITC, PepsiCo, Philips India, Renault, Wipro, and Capgemini. The average placement package for B.Des graduates is INR 8 to 12 LPA. Graduates also pursue independent practice, freelance design work, and higher design education (M.Des or international programmes).
Ques. What is the ranking of UID Ahmedabad among design colleges?
Ans. As per IIRF Design Rankings 2025, UID Ahmedabad is ranked 17th among design institutes in India. Its parent institution Karnavati University holds NAAC A+ accreditation.
Ques. Is UID Ahmedabad better than NID or NIFT?
Ans. NID (National Institute of Design) and NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) are government institutions with strong brand equity, government fees, and highly competitive admissions. UID is a private design school with a broader set of specialisations, industry-linked curriculum, and comparable average placement packages in the INR 8 to 12 LPA range. For students who did not clear NID DAT or NIFT entrance, UID is among the stronger private alternatives in India, especially for specialisations not offered at NID or NIFT.
Ques. Does UID Ahmedabad have a hostel?
Ans. UID Ahmedabad does not currently list on-campus hostel facilities in its official fee structure. Students typically arrange off-campus accommodation in Uvarsad and Gandhinagar areas near the campus. The campus is on the Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad Highway, approximately 25 km from Ahmedabad city centre. Inquire with the admissions office for current hostel or PG accommodation guidance at the time of admission.
Comments
Found 4 Comments
Phase 1- Registration and Submission of Application
Note: The registration fee for Indian students is INR 2,000 while for NRI or Foreign students, it is INR 3,000.
Phase 2- UID Entrance Exam (UID DAT)
Phase 3- Situation Test (ST) and Portfolio Evaluation (PT)
Note: The final selection letter is released by the college after a review of the candidate’s application forms, necessary documents, Situation Test and Portfolio Evaluation.
Candidate must have a 10+2 pass/appearing (Any Stream) from any recognized higher secondary board with a minimum of 50% marks. The fee per year for the BFA Hons course is INR 3 lakhs at the UID Ahmedabad. Both online and offline applications are accepted by the institute.
Candidate must have a 10+2 pass/appearing (Any Stream) from any recognized higher secondary board with a minimum of 50% marks. The fee per year for the BFA Hons course is INR 3 lakhs at the UID Ahmedabad. Both online and offline applications are accepted by the institute.
The total fees for 4-years B.Des is INR 22 lakhs, you need to pay them every semester i.e you can pay them in 8 installments.
UID Gandhinagar conducts its own entrance examination for admission to the Bachelor of Design which is followed by a situation test and portfolio round for final admission.