WPU School of Design, Pune: Admission 2025, Courses, Fees, Cutoff, Placements, Ranking

WPU School of Design is a constituent college, providing specialized design education in the city of Pune, Maharashtra. The institute's admission procedure has been conceptualized to attract talented students who are passionate to develop their skills in the fields of design. It evaluates candidates through entrance exams, personal interactions, portfolio reviews, and more to ensure that it admits the right kind of aptitude with skills for its design programs.

The admission cycle generally begins in the first quarter of the year for the August academic session. WPU School of Design accepts scores from multiple national-level design entrance exams, thus giving flexibility to aspiring students. For undergraduate admissions, the institute considers scores from MIT-WPU CET, UCEED, NIFT, NATA, and NID. For postgraduate programs, CEED scores are considered.

For undergraduates, the candidate must have passed their 10+2 or equivalent examination from any reputed board. There is no mention of percentage criteria; however, there must be a strong academic record with emphasis on relevant subjects. For postgraduates, the bachelor's degrees in the same stream are considered to be compulsorily done.

The entrance exam performance, personal interaction, and review of a portfolio comprise the selection process. This all-rounded approach allows the institute to judge not just the theoretical knowledge but also the practical capabilities and creative acumen of the contenders.

Application Process

"WPU School of Design application process is as follows:

1. Choose your preferred program (B.Des, M.Des, or Ph.D.).

2. For B.Des programs:

• Register and appear for any of the accepted entrance exams : MIT-WPU CET, UCEED, NIFT, NATA, or NID.
• Apply to WPU School of Design using score from any of these exams.".
• Portfolio development to demonstrate the design skills and creativity.
• PI round, in case shortlisted.

3. M.Des Programs:

•  Apply and appear for CEED or MIT-WPU CET
•  Apply to WPU School of Design through CEED or MIT-WPU CET score
•  Develop a portfolio of your designs
•  Appear for PI round, if shortlisted

4. For Ph.D. Program:

• Apply for the MITWPU Ph.D entrance test or submit scores of qualifying national tests (UGC-NET, GATE, etc.)
• Report to the entrance test if exempted
• Appear for interview/viva-voce round if selected for the same.

5. Documents required:

• Application form duly filled.
• Score card for the entrance examination
• Academic transcripts, 10th, 12th, graduation certificates as the case may be 
• Portfolio, (if applicable for the design programs)
• Any other document as desired by the Institute

6. Pay institute aspired application fee

7. Wait for declaration of result after the process of selection

8. Once selected, pay fee and document verification to get final admission process

Important things that an applicant must know:

• Prepare an effective portfolio where all your best work is seen and design thinking can be expressed
• Design knowledge and Communication skill preparation is must for PI round.
• Follow through on all of the important dates and deadlines by the institute
• Ensure order in all paperwork and submission thereof within time.

Degree wise Admission Process

B.Des Programs: WPU School of Design offers six B. Des programs, namely: Product Design, User Experience Design, Visual Communication Design, Fashion and Apparel Design, Animation and VFX Design, and Interior and Space Design. The admission procedure for all B. Des programs are listed below

• Candidates are required to appear for MIT-WPU CET 2025, UCEED 2025, NIFT 2025, NATA 2025, or NID 2025
• Short-listed candidates will undergo Personal Interaction (PI) and Portfolio Review.
• Selection will be on the basis of entrance exam scores, PI, and portfolio analysis.

Intake for each programme is different - Product Design is 35 seats, User Experience Design is 35 seats, Visual Communication Design is 30 seats, and Fashion and Apparel Design is 35 seats. Intake is not mentioned in case of Animation and VFX Design and Interior and Space Design.

MDES Programs: The institute offers M.Des courses in Industrial Design and User Experience Design. Students are selected in the following manners:

• They review the candidate's scores through CEED 2025 or MIT-WPU CET 2025.
• Personal interaction as well as reviewing the portfolio done by the selected students.
• Selection at the final level, relying on entrance test performance, PI, and the review of their portfolio.

Ph.D Design: The following is the selection process for a Ph.D program in Design;

• The candidates appear for the PhD entrance examination managed by MITWPU.
• Examinent from the entrance test is provided to those who are qualified UGC-NET, UGC-CSIR NET, GATE, CEED, GPAT, etc. national exams.
• The entrance exam 50% of research methodology and 50% of subject-specific questions.
• Passing marks are 50% (45% for SC/ST/OBC/Differently abled/EWS candidates).
• Interview/viva-voce is given to shortlisted candidates.
• Final selection: 70% weightage to entrance test and 30% to interview performance.