The UPES Design Aptitude Test (UPES DAT) 2026 Phase 1 exam has officially begun on 22 January 2026. Conducted by the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun, this online entrance test is part of the admission process for Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programmes across the university. Thousands of design aspirants from various regions are participating in Phase 1 of the test this week.
UPES DAT 2026 Phase 1: Key Dates and Format
The Phase 1 exam period for UPES DAT 2026 has been scheduled as follows:
- Exam Start Date: 22 January 2026
- Exam End Date: 24 January 2026
- Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
- Courses Covered: B.Des and M.Des programmes at UPES Dehradun
This design aptitude test evaluates candidates on design awareness, visual analysis, general knowledge, and analytical ability, with each section typically contributing equally to the total score
UPES DAT 2026 Exam Pattern Overview
Before appearing in the test, candidates should be familiar with the typical exam structure used by UPES:
- The test usually has objective-type questions with a total of 100 marks.
- Questions are divided among sections such as Design Awareness, Visual Analysis, General Knowledge, and Analytical Ability.
- Duration: 1 hour
- Scoring: One mark per question, no negative marking
This format is designed to assess creative thinking and problem-solving skills relevant to design education.
Instructions for Candidates
Candidates taking the UPES DAT 2026 Phase 1 exam should keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Ensure login credentials and system requirements are ready if appearing online from home or remote setups.
- Reach the exam venue or login on time, typically 30 minutes before the scheduled test.
- Keep a valid admit card and photo ID accessible for verification.
- Maintain exam ethics and avoid any unfair practices during the test.
What Happens After Phase 1?
After the conclusion of Phase 1 on 24 January 2026, UPES is expected to release results shortly on its official portal. Qualified candidates will be considered for further admission stages, which may include portfolio presentations, interviews, and counselling rounds based on the programme and scoring norms. For complete details on dates, eligibility, and next steps, candidates should regularly check the official UPES admissions portal and notices.