SOFT CET 2027: Exam Dates, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus and Admission Process

SOFT CET 2027 (School of Fashion Technology Common Entrance Test) is conducted by MKSSS’s School of Fashion Technology (SOFT), Pune, for admission to B.Des and M.Des programs in fashion design and related disciplines. SOFT is affiliated with SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai, and holds NAAC-A accreditation — making it one of Maharashtra’s most reputed design institutes. The exam is held twice a year — I CET in January and II CET in June — giving you two chances to secure a seat for the academic session starting July 2027.

• SOFT CET I CET 2027 Notification: Expected in October/November 2026 — in the 2026 cycle, the I CET notification was released in November 2025 ahead of the January 9–10, 2026 exam.
• SOFT CET I CET 2027 Exam: Expected in January 2027 over two days — Day 1 is an online CBT (Stage 1 GAT, 150 minutes) and Day 2 is the offline Studio Test and Personal Interview at SOFT’s Pune campus. In 2026, I CET was held on January 9–10.
• SOFT CET II CET 2027 Registration: Expected to open in March 2027 — in both 2025 and 2026, II CET registration opened on March 1 and closed on May 30 (with late fee of INR 500 extra).
• SOFT CET II CET 2027 Exam: Expected around June 6–7, 2027 — in both 2025 and 2026, the II CET was consistently held on June 6–7, with the merit list declared within 5 days of the exam.

What is SOFT CET 2027?

SOFT CET is an institute-level entrance exam conducted by MKSSS’s School of Fashion Technology (SOFT), Pune, for admission to its B.Des and M.Des programs. SOFT was established in 1998 and is affiliated with SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai. It is accredited with NAAC-A grade and recognized by UGC under Sections 2(f) and 12(B). The institute has campuses in Pune (Narhe) and Nagpur.

SOFT CET is one of the few fashion design entrance exams in India that is held twice a year. The I CET is conducted in January and the II CET in June. Both are for admission to the same academic year that starts in July. This two-window structure means that if you miss the January exam or want to improve your rank, you can attempt the June CET for the same seat pool.

The exam tests you across three compulsory stages: a written General Ability Test (GAT), a hands-on Studio Test, and a Personal Interview with portfolio presentation. Your final merit rank combines your SOFT CET performance with your Class 12 marks in a 50:50 ratio. So both your entrance test score and your board exam percentage decide where you stand in the merit list.

SOFT CET 2027 Key Highlights

Source: SOFT Pune Official Admission Page

SOFT CET 2027 Important Dates

SOFT CET 2027 will run in two cycles. I CET is expected in January 2027 and II CET in June 2027. As of September 2026, official dates for the 2027 cycle have not been released. The dates below are projected based on SOFT CET 2025 and 2026 patterns. All events in the 2027 cycle are upcoming.

SOFT CET 2027 official dates will be published on softcet.in once the notification is released. Candidates should check the official website from October 2026 onwards for the I CET 2027 notification.

All dates above are expected based on previous cycle patterns. In 2026, the II CET exam was held on June 6–7, the merit list on June 11, and the academic session started on July 8. Official 2027 dates will be confirmed at softcet.in.

SOFT CET 2027 Eligibility Criteria

Before you apply for SOFT CET 2027, check that you meet all eligibility requirements. The criteria are different for the B.Des (undergraduate) and M.Des (postgraduate) programs. Make sure you meet the academic qualification and percentage requirements before paying the application fee.

Eligibility for B.Des Programs (1st Year Entry)

• You must have passed the Class 10+2 exam from a recognized board in India.
• You can apply from any stream — Arts, Commerce, Science, Home Science, MCVC (Maharashtra), or NIOS.
• You must have scored at least 50% aggregate marks in Class 12.
• Students currently appearing in the Class 12 board exams are also eligible to apply. They need to submit their final marksheet at the time of admission.
• A diploma holder who has completed a minimum 2-year diploma after Class 10 from a recognized institution is also eligible to apply for 1st year B.Des entry.

Eligibility for B.Des Lateral Entry (2nd Year)

• You must hold a minimum 2-year diploma after Class 10 from a recognized institution.
• Lateral entry candidates are evaluated using the same SOFT CET process — 50% CET score weightage + 50% academic record weightage.

Eligibility for M.Des Program

• You must have completed graduation (10+2+3 pattern) in any discipline from a recognized university.
• Selection for M.Des is based on portfolio quality and performance in the personal interview.

SOFT has not publicly stated a minimum age requirement for any of its programs. Since SOFT is affiliated with SNDT Women’s University, you should confirm any university-specific enrollment conditions directly with the institute if you have a study gap or are applying as a mature student.

For the most current eligibility rules applicable to the 2027 cycle, check the official eligibility page at soft.ac.in/pune/apply-now/eligibility/.

SOFT CET 2027 Application Process

The SOFT CET 2027 application is fully online. You need to register, fill in the form, upload your documents, and pay the application fee at the official portal softcet.in. Both the I CET and II CET applications are submitted through the same portal, with separate registration windows for each cycle.

Steps to Fill the SOFT CET 2027 Application Form

• Step 1 — Create an Account: Visit softcet.in and register with your active email ID and mobile number. Save your login credentials safely — you will need them throughout the process.
• Step 2 — Fill Personal and Academic Details: Enter your name, date of birth, contact details, Class 12 stream, board name, and percentage. Select your preferred course and specialization.
• Step 3 — Upload Documents: Upload a clear passport-size photograph, your signature, Class 10 marksheet, and Class 12 marksheet (or admit card if results are awaited).
• Step 4 — Pay the Application Fee: Pay INR 4,000 online using a credit card, debit card, or internet banking. The fee is non-refundable.
• Step 5 — Submit and Print: Review all entered details before final submission. Download and print the application confirmation receipt. Keep it for your records.

SOFT CET 2027 Application Fee

If you want to apply for more than one specialization or course, you need to pay a separate application fee of INR 4,000 for each application. There is no combined or discounted fee for multiple applications.

Documents Required for SOFT CET 2027 Application

• Recent passport-size photograph (clear, formal background, good lighting)
• Scanned copy of your signature on white paper
• Class 10 marksheet
• Class 12 marksheet or admit card (if results are not yet declared)
• Valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID)

Scan all documents in the file format and size specified on the official portal before you start. Blurry or incorrectly formatted document uploads can result in your application being rejected or delayed.

After you register for SOFT CET 2027, the institute sends sample question papers for Stage 1 (GAT) directly to your registered email. Make sure your email ID is active and check your inbox and spam folder after registration.

SOFT CET 2027 Syllabus

SOFT does not release a formal published syllabus document for SOFT CET 2027. However, the institute sends sample question papers for Stage 1 (GAT) to registered candidates by email after successful application. The broad topic areas for each section are based on previous exam patterns and are listed below.

Stage 1 Syllabus: Quantitative Aptitude

• Numbers and Number Systems
• Percentages and Applications
• Ratio, Proportion, and Applications
• Algebra — Basic Linear Equations
• Geometry and its Applications

Stage 1 Syllabus: Verbal / Non-Verbal Reasoning

• Mathematical Operations
• Verification of True Statements and Assertion–Reason
• Series Completion (Number and Alphabet)
• Direction Sense Test
• Logical Sequence of Words
• Mirror Images and Water Images
• Figure Formation and Analysis
• Paper Folding and Paper Cutting
• Completing Incomplete Patterns
• Cubes and Dice
• Sequence Puzzles

Stage 1 Syllabus: Analytical Ability

• Blood Relations
• Coding–Decoding
• Puzzles and Seating Arrangements
• Number and Alphabetical Series
• Clocks and Calendars
• Logical Diagrams
• Data Structures — Basic Interpretation

Stage 1 Syllabus: Creative Ability

• Pattern Recognition and Completion
• Design-based Visual Thinking
• Creating New Designs and Illustrations
• Rule Detection in Visual Patterns
• Construction of Squares and Triangles
• Inserting the Missing Character in a Pattern

Stage 2: Studio Test

There is no fixed syllabus for the Studio Test. SOFT gives a design brief to all candidates at the start of Stage 2. Past studio tasks have included drawing products from observation, creating a fashion-themed layout, illustrating a given concept using mixed media, or re-designing an everyday object.

The skills the Studio Test evaluates are:

• Freehand sketching accuracy and confidence
• Color usage and composition
• Creative thinking under time pressure (75 minutes)
• Understanding of core design principles — balance, proportion, contrast, and emphasis
• Ability to communicate a visual idea clearly on paper

You should keep a sketchbook and draw from real objects and fashion references every day. Working within a 75-minute time limit regularly will help you manage time in the actual Studio Test.

Stage 3: Portfolio and Personal Interview

Stage 3 has no fixed syllabus. The interview panel focuses on your creative portfolio, your SOP, and your motivation for choosing fashion or design as a career. Common topics include your design influences, your favorite designers, how you approach a design brief, and your awareness of current trends in the fashion industry.

Make sure every piece in your portfolio is original work. Be ready to explain the concept and process behind each piece — the panel may ask questions about specific works in your folder.

SOFT CET 2027 Admit Card

The SOFT CET 2027 admit card (also called hall ticket) is issued separately for the I CET and II CET cycles. For I CET 2027, admit cards are expected in January 2027. For II CET 2027, admit cards are expected in early June 2027, a few days before the Stage 1 online exam. No physical admit card is posted to candidates — you must download it from the official portal.

How to Download SOFT CET 2027 Admit Card

• Visit the official portal at softcet.in
• Log in with your registered email ID and password
• Click on the "Admit Card" or "Hall Ticket" download link once it is available
• Download and take a printout. Also save a digital copy on your phone as backup

Details on the SOFT CET Admit Card

• Candidate name and roll number
• Photograph and signature
• Stage 1 exam date, time, and online login credentials
• Stage 2 and Stage 3 venue address (SOFT Pune campus) and reporting time
• Instructions for carrying ID and drawing materials

What to Carry on SOFT CET Exam Day

• Printed admit card (or digital copy on phone)
• Any valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID)
• Drawing materials for Stage 2 — pencils, color pencils, sketch pens (check specific instructions from SOFT at the time of admit card release)
• Portfolio folder and printed SOP for Stage 3

You will not be permitted to sit for Stage 2 or Stage 3 without your admit card. Check all details on the admit card — name, photograph, and roll number — as soon as you download it, and report any errors to SOFT immediately.

SOFT CET 2027 Result and Merit List

The SOFT CET 2027 result is published as a merit rank list on the official website. For I CET 2027, the merit list is expected in February 2027. For II CET 2027, based on the consistent pattern from 2025 and 2026, expect the merit list around June 11–12, 2027 — within 5 days of the exam.

How SOFT CET Merit Rank is Calculated

Your final merit rank uses a 50:50 formula combining two components:

• 50% weightage — SOFT CET score: Your combined total across all three stages (out of 250)
• 50% weightage — Class 12 percentage: Your aggregate marks in the qualifying board exam

This means that your board exam performance has as much impact on your merit rank as your CET performance. A strong Stage 2 score in the CET can be offset by a lower Class 12 percentage, and vice versa. You must perform well in both to get a high merit rank.

How to Check SOFT CET 2027 Merit List

• Visit soft.ac.in or softcet.in
• Look for the "Result" or "Merit List" link published after the exam
• The list shows your rank and whether you have been selected in Round 1
• If seats remain unfilled after the 1st merit list, SOFT releases a 2nd merit list

If you are on the 1st merit list, you must send a confirmation email to the institute within the specified deadline (usually 3–5 days after the merit list is released). Missing this step means your seat is automatically offered to the next candidate on the waitlist. This step is critical — act as soon as the merit list is published.

In 2025, SOFT released a 2nd merit list for the B.Des Fashion Design program after the January I CET, which shows that waitlisted candidates do get real opportunities if shortlisted candidates do not confirm on time.

Top Courses and Fees at SOFT Pune

SOFT Pune offers five B.Des specializations, one M.Des program, and a PG Diploma in Fashion Design and Merchandising. All programs are affiliated with SNDT Women’s University and follow a UGC-approved curriculum. The B.Des programs are four-year undergraduate degrees; the M.Des is a two-year postgraduate degree.

Source: SOFT Pune Official Admission and Fees Page

The hostel fee at SOFT Pune is approximately INR 1.25 lakh per year. Total per-year cost including hostel is approximately INR 2.91 lakh for B.Des students. Seat-wise breakdowns per specialization (other than Fashion Design’s 120 seats and M.Des’s 30 seats) will be confirmed in the official 2027 notification. Check soft.ac.in for the most current fee structure and seat matrix.

SOFT’s programs are structured to combine technical design training with industry exposure. The institute has collaborations with fashion brands, design studios, and retail organizations. SOFT graduates work in fashion design houses, apparel manufacturing, textile companies, fashion communication, jewellery design, and media-related roles.

Preparation Tips for SOFT CET 2027

SOFT CET 2027 tests both written aptitude and hands-on creative skill. Since Stage 2 (Studio Test) carries 140 of 250 marks and Stage 3 (PI + Portfolio) adds another 50, creative preparation outweighs written test preparation in terms of direct score impact. A strong Stage 1 score helps, but it cannot compensate for a weak Studio Test performance.

How to Prepare for Stage 1 (GAT)

• Practice MCQs daily: Solve 30–40 aptitude and reasoning questions every day. Standard books like RS Aggarwal’s Quantitative Aptitude and RS Aggarwal’s Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning are good resources for Stage 1.
• Focus on Non-Verbal Reasoning: Mirror images, figure series, paper folding, and pattern recognition questions need visual thinking. These topics also overlap with the creative thinking used in Stage 2, so practicing them has a double benefit.
• Work on time management: Stage 1 gives you 150 minutes for 60 questions — 2.5 minutes per question. Timed mock sessions will help you maintain speed without sacrificing accuracy.
• Use SOFT’s own sample papers: After you register, SOFT sends GAT sample question papers by email. These are the most accurate guide to the question style. Register early and use them as your primary practice material.

How to Prepare for Stage 2 (Studio Test)

• Draw every single day: Freehand drawing ability builds over months of daily practice. Sketch at least one object, figure, or scene from observation every day. Include fashion sketches, product drawings, still life, and architectural forms for variety.
• Practice with color: Use color pencils, sketch pens, watercolors, and markers. Learn basic color theory — primary, secondary, and complementary colors, and how to create harmony in a composition.
• Understand design principles: Study balance, proportion, rhythm, contrast, and emphasis. These principles are the foundation of any good design composition and will help you structure your Studio Test answer confidently.
• Practice under time pressure: The Studio Test lasts exactly 75 minutes. Set a timer and complete full design tasks within 75 minutes regularly. Being comfortable with the time constraint on the actual exam day is a major advantage.
• Build visual vocabulary: Follow fashion magazines, design blogs, and global lookbooks. Study layouts, color use, and composition in professional design work. The more visual references you have, the more creative your Studio Test response can be.

How to Prepare for Stage 3 (Portfolio and PI)

• Curate your portfolio carefully: Include 15–20 of your best original works. Show range — freehand sketches, design concepts, color compositions, collages, and completed projects. Quality is more important than quantity.
• Write a strong, specific SOP: Your Statement of Purpose should be specific to SOFT and to your chosen specialization. Explain your design background, your creative influences, and your goals after graduation. Two to three well-written paragraphs are better than a long generic essay.
• Know your own work: The interview panel may ask about any piece in your portfolio. Be ready to explain your concept, your process, and what you were trying to achieve. Speak confidently about your own creative choices.
• Prepare for common PI questions: "Why SOFT?", "Which designers inspire you?", "How do you approach a design problem?", "What do you see yourself doing in five years?" — prepare genuine, specific answers rather than generic ones.

If you are targeting I CET 2027 (January), begin your preparation by October/November 2026 — as soon as the notification is released. If you are targeting II CET 2027 (June), start by January 2027 at the latest. Earlier preparation always gives you more time to build your portfolio and improve your drawing skills.