FACULTY OF DESIGN

The Faculty of Design (FD) at CEPT University, Ahmedabad, remains a premier destination for design education in India for the academic year 2026. Established with a vision to integrate design with human habitat, it is globally recognized for its rigorous studio-based pedagogy.

Located in the heart of Ahmedabad, the Faculty of Design benefits from the city's rich heritage of modern architecture and its status as a growing industrial hub for textiles and furniture manufacturing.

In 2026, the Faculty of Design continues to attract students for its specialized focus on the built environment and interior spaces. The most sought-after programs include:

• Bachelor of Design (B.Des): A 5-year comprehensive program focusing on Interior Design and spatial aesthetics.
• Master of Design (M.Des) - Interior Design: A 2-year advanced program for graduates looking to specialize in commercial and residential interior systems.
• Master of Design (M.Des) - Furniture Design: Leveraging Ahmedabad's local wood and metal industries, this course is highly industry-relevant.
• International Dual Degree Programs: Collaborative tracks with European universities for global exposure.

Admission to the Faculty of Design is highly competitive and merit-based. For the 2026 cycle, the process involves multiple stages:

• Eligibility: Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics (for B.Des) or hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree (for M.Des).
• Entrance Exams: B.Des applicants are shortlisted based on UCEED 2026 scores or the CEPT Entrance Test.
• Portfolio & Interview: M.Des candidates must present a professional portfolio followed by a personal interview.

Note: Check exact dates on the official exam and college websites.

Note: These are approximate figures based on past trends, not official cutoffs. Check the latest official counselling cutoff before applying.

The 2026 cutoffs are determined by the volume of applicants and UCEED performance. While official numbers vary, expected trends are:

• B.Des: Successful candidates typically fall within the top 500-800 All India Rank (AIR) in UCEED.
• State Quota: As a prominent Gujarat-based institution, there is high competition among local students from Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara.
• M.Des: Admission is based more on the CEPT Entrance score and Portfolio quality than a static cutoff rank.

Note: Placement figures are indicative and not taken from the official placement report of the college. Please confirm with the college.

The 2025 placement season saw robust participation from design firms and corporate giants. The proximity to industrial zones in Sanand and Changodar provides a unique advantage.

• Highest Package: INR 14.5 LPA
• Average Package: INR 7.2 LPA
• Top Recruiters: IKEA, Kohler, Pantaloons, Livspace, Godrej Interio, and leading architectural firms like HCP Design and SJK Architects.
• Internship Rate: 100% of students secured internships in 2025, many in local Ahmedabad-based design studios.

Financial aid is available to ensure that meritorious students are not deterred by costs:

• CEPT Sahyog Scholarship: A means-cum-merit scholarship for students with lower family income.
• Merit Scholarship: Awarded to top scorers in the entrance examination and subsequent semesters.
• Gujarat Government Scholarships: Support for SC/ST/OBC students as per state norms.
• Student Assistantships: Opportunities to work as Teaching Assistants or in the CEPT archives for a stipend.

The curriculum at Faculty of Design is updated for 2026 to include sustainable materials and digital fabrication. Popular courses include:

• Interior Architecture: Blurring the lines between structural design and interior aesthetics.
• Furniture Design: A hands-on course involving wood, metal, and plastic prototyping.
• Experience Design: A newer elective focusing on how humans interact with retail and public spaces.
• Craft and Technology: Exploring the traditional crafts of Gujarat (like block printing and woodworking) through a modern design lens.

The fee structure for 2026 reflects the high-quality workshop facilities and international faculty access provided by the university.

Note: Fees are subject to university revisions and include library and lab charges but exclude hostel costs.

The application for 2026 is entirely digital. Steps include:

1. Visit the official CEPT Admissions portal.
2. Register with a valid email and mobile number.
3. Upload academic transcripts, 10+2 marksheet, and UCEED scorecard (if applicable).
4. Pay the application fee (approx. INR 1500 - 2500).
5. For PG courses, upload a PDF portfolio and Statement of Purpose (SOP).
6. Download the admit card for the CEPT Entrance Test (if required).

The infrastructure is widely considered among the best for design students in India:

• The Workshops: Equipped with CNC machines, laser cutters, and traditional woodworking tools.
• Lilavati Lalbhai Library: One of the best architecture and design libraries in Asia.
• Design Studios: Open-plan studios that encourage collaborative learning and 24/7 access during submission weeks.
• Digital Labs: High-end workstations with the latest CAD, BIM, and 3D modeling software.
• Campus Environment: A lush, green campus that acts as a living laboratory for design students.

The Faculty of Design is organized into specialized departments to streamline research and teaching:

• Department of Interior Design: Focuses on spatial planning and interior systems.
• Department of Furniture Design: Concentrates on product ergonomics and manufacturing.
• Department of Design Theory: Dedicated to history, criticism, and the philosophy of design.
• Department of Technology and Crafts: Bridges the gap between traditional Gujarati craftsmanship and modern technology.