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IIT Hyderabad DAT / Entrance Exam Overview (2025-26) - Self-Sponsored, MDes by Practice & CEED

  • Writer: Sanu kumar
    Sanu kumar
  • Apr 22
  • 2 min read

If you're preparing for admissions at Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, this blog provides a clear overview of the entrance exam structure, selection process, and rounds conducted for Self-Sponsored, MDes by Practice, and CEED candidates based on 2026-27 admission cycles.

This will help you understand what to expect, how the process works, and how to prepare accordingly.

Exam Date & Schedule (22nd April 2026)

On 22nd April, IIT Hyderabad conducted the common entrance exam for Self-Sponsored and MDes by Practice programs.

Exam Schedule:

  • 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM → Briefing Session

  • 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM → Common Entrance Exam (1 Hour)

  • 9:30 AM onwards → 20 minutes for uploading answer sheets

During the briefing session, candidates were given instructions about:

  • Question format

  • Submission process

  • Time management

  • Upload guidelines


Exam Pattern (Self-Sponsored & MDes by Practice)

In the 2020, 2026, and 2027 admission cycles, IIT Hyderabad conducted a common entrance exam for:

  • Self-Sponsored Program

  • MDes by Practice Program


Key Highlights

  • Common question paper for both programs

  • 1 hour duration

  • Open-ended questions

  • Focus on design thinking and creativity

  • Online submission after exam completion

The questions were exploratory and open-ended, aimed at understanding:

  • Thought process

  • Creativity

  • Problem-solving approach

  • Design understanding

This means candidates were evaluated more on how they think, rather than what they memorize.

Selection Process After Written Exam

For Self-Sponsored and MDes by Practice candidates, the process included additional rounds after the written exam:

  • Portfolio Review

  • Interview Round

These rounds focused on:

  • Portfolio projects

  • Design thinking

  • Experience and background

  • Motivation for joining IIT Hyderabad

CEED Candidates - Selection Process

For CEED candidates, IIT Hyderabad did not conduct a DAT or written exam.

Instead, CEED candidates were directly shortlisted for:

  • Portfolio Review

  • Interview Round

This means portfolio quality and interview performance played a major role in final selection.


Overall Admission Structure

Self-Sponsored & MDes by Practice

  • Written Exam

  • Portfolio Review

  • Interview Round

CEED Candidates

  • Direct Portfolio Review

  • Interview Round

  • No Written Test


Need Guidance or Have Questions?

If you're preparing for IIT Hyderabad MDes admissions, or want guidance regarding:

  • Portfolio preparation

  • Interview preparation

  • Entrance exam strategy

  • IIT Hyderabad admission process

Feel free to reach out on WhatsApp for discussion or queries.

WhatsApp Contact: +91-9801047282

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