GLS Institute of Design

GLS Institute of Design (GLSID), a premier constituent of GLS University, continues to be a leading choice for design aspirants in 2026. Located in the heart of Ahmedabad, India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, the institute leverages the city's rich textile and architectural heritage.

For the 2026 academic year, GLSID offers diverse specializations that cater to both traditional design principles and modern digital trends. The most sought-after programmes include:

• B.Des in Fashion Design: Focuses on textile innovation and garment construction, benefiting from Gujarat's massive textile industry.
• B.Des in Communication Design: Covers Graphic Design, Animation, and UI/UX, aligning with the growing tech ecosystem in nearby GIFT City.
• B.Des in Product Design: Emphasizes ergonomics and manufacturing processes.
• M.Des (Integrated): A comprehensive postgraduate programme for specialized design research and management.

Admission for the 2026 session is strictly merit-based, involving a three-stage evaluation process.

• Stage 1: Design Aptitude Test (DAT): Evaluates creative thinking, observation skills, and visualization.
• Stage 2: Portfolio Evaluation: Candidates must showcase their previous creative works.
• Stage 3: Personal Interview: Interaction with faculty to assess the candidate's passion and aptitude.

Important Dates (Tentative):

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 cutoff for 2026 is determined by the cumulative performance in the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) and the Interview round. While there is no fixed numerical cutoff published like engineering exams, the following trends are observed:

• B.Des: Admission is highly competitive, usually requiring a score in the top 20-25% of the applicant pool.
• M.Des: Selection depends heavily on the quality of the professional portfolio and relevant work experience.

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

The placement drive for the 2025 batch saw a significant uptick in recruitment from the retail and digital sectors.

• Highest Package: INR 12.5 LPA
• Average Package: INR 5.5 - 6.5 LPA
• Top Recruiters: Tata Motors, Arvind Ltd, Reliance Brands, Elephant Design, and various UI/UX agencies in Ahmedabad and Bengaluru.
• Internship Rate: 100% of students secured internships in leading design houses.

GLS University offers financial aid to ensure merit is rewarded and education is accessible:

• Merit-Based Scholarship: Awarded to top performers in the GLS DAT 2026.
• Financial Aid: Available for students from economically weaker sections (EWS) with a family income below a certain threshold.
• Special Discounts: Available for GLS University alumni progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate studies.

Beyond the standard B.Des, certain niche specializations have gained immense popularity in 2026:

• Environment Design: Focuses on sustainable spaces and interior architecture.
• Interaction Design: Aimed at the booming app and software development industry in India.
• Jewellery Design: Capitalizing on Gujarat's dominance in the gems and jewellery sector.

The fee structure for the 2026 academic session is designed to reflect the high-end infrastructure and resource-intensive nature of design education.

*Fees are subject to university revisions and exclude hostel and material costs.

The application for 2026 is entirely digital:

1. Visit the official GLS University admission portal.
2. Register with a valid email ID and phone number.
3. Fill out the personal and academic details in the B.Des/M.Des application form.
4. Upload required documents (10th/12th marksheet, photograph, and signature).
5. Pay the application fee of INR 2,000 via online banking or UPI.
6. Download the admit card for the GLS DAT 2026.

The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed for creative exploration:

• Design Studios: Spacious, air-conditioned rooms for drafting and ideation.
• Workshops: Dedicated spaces for wood, metal, and plastic prototyping.
• Mac Lab: High-end Apple computers for graphic and video editing.
• Library: A vast collection of international design journals and books.
• Hostel: Safe and modern accommodation options for outstation students near the campus.

The institute is organized into four primary departments:

• Department of Fashion & Apparel: Specializing in textiles, styling, and garment manufacturing.
• Department of Industrial Design: Covering Product, Ceramic, and Glass design.
• Department of Communication Design: Focusing on Graphics, Animation, and Digital Media.
• Department of Spatial Design: Dealing with Interior and Environment Design.