University of Petroleum and Energy Studies Design Aptitude Test Exam Pattern 2027
University of Petroleum and Energy Studies Design Aptitude Test Exam Pattern
UPES DAT 2026 Exam Overview
UPES DAT (University of Petroleum and Energy Studies Design Aptitude Test) 2026 is an online, remote-proctored computer-based test. UPES Dehradun conducts it for admission to B.Des and M.Des programmes.
The exam runs for 60 minutes and has 40 MCQ questions. The total marks are 160.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPES Design Aptitude Test (UPES DAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun |
| Mode | Online — Remote Proctored CBT |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Total Questions | 40 |
| Total Marks | 160 |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +4 |
| Negative Marking | None |
| Medium | English |
| Programmes Covered | B.Des and M.Des |
| Official Website | upes.ac.in |
UPES DAT 2026 Exam Pattern
UPES DAT 2026 is a fully online, remote-proctored CBT. Candidates take the test from home under live webcam supervision.
Both the B.Des and M.Des papers share the same 60-minute duration, 40-question structure, and 160-mark total. They differ in section composition.
There is no sectional time limit. Candidates can move freely across sections within the one-hour window.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Online — Remote Proctored CBT |
| Test Window | 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (attempt anytime within this window) |
| Duration | 60 minutes (no sectional time limit) |
| Total Questions | 40 (identical for B.Des and M.Des) |
| Total Marks | 160 (identical for B.Des and M.Des) |
| Question Type | MCQ — Single Correct Answer only |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +4 |
| Negative Marking | None |
| Language | English |
| Number of Phases (2026) | 3 (Phase 1: January, Phase 2: May, Phase 3: June) |
| Post-Test Selection Steps | UPES DAT Score → Portfolio Review → Personal Interview |
UPES DAT 2026 Section-Wise Pattern
The B.Des paper has 2 sections. Visual Analogy has 20 questions for 80 marks, and Design and General Awareness has 20 questions for 80 marks.
The M.Des paper has 3 sections. Quantitative Aptitude has 10 questions for 40 marks, Visual Analogy has 15 questions for 60 marks, and Design and General Awareness has 15 questions for 60 marks.
- Every correct answer earns +4 marks.
- There is no negative marking for wrong or unattempted answers in either paper.
UPES DAT 2026 Phases and Test Window
The exam runs across three phases — Phase 1 (January), Phase 2 (May), Phase 3 (June). The pattern and marking scheme are identical in all phases.
Candidates can attempt the test anytime between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM on the exam date. The access link arrives at the registered email one day before.
UPES DAT 2026 Selection Process
Shortlisted students must also clear a digital portfolio review and a personal interview after the written test. These steps are required for final admission.
UPES DAT 2026 Official Website
The official website for UPES DAT 2026 is upes.ac.in. The direct link to the UPES DAT 2026 page is available on the official website.
UPES DAT 2026 Exam Status
UPES DAT 2026 has been conducted in three phases. All three exam phases have been held: Phase 1 (January 22–24), Phase 2 (May 1–3), and Phase 3 (June 18).
Phase 3 applications remain open until June 30, 2026. Results for Phase 3 are awaited. Results for earlier phases have already been communicated to students by email.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 3 — Application Last Date | June 30, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Phase 3 — Result Declaration | To be Announced | Upcoming |
| Phase 1 — Exam Dates | January 22–24, 2026 | Over |
| Phase 2 — Exam Dates | May 1–3, 2026 | Over |
| Phase 3 — Exam Date | June 18, 2026 | Over |
UPES DAT 2026 Exam Pattern
UPES DAT 2026 has separate section structures for the B.Des and M.Des papers. The B.Des paper tests design aptitude across two equal sections. The M.Des paper adds a Quantitative Aptitude section, making it a three-section test.
Both papers are entirely MCQ-based. There is no drawing or subjective writing component in the online test.
B.Des Paper Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Analogy | 20 | +4 | 80 | — |
| Design and General Awareness | 20 | +4 | 80 | — |
| Total | 40 | — | 160 marks | 60 minutes |
Both sections in B.Des carry equal weightage at 50% of total marks each. There is no per-section time limit.
M.Des Paper Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | 10 | +4 | 40 | — |
| Visual Analogy | 15 | +4 | 60 | — |
| Design and General Awareness | 15 | +4 | 60 | — |
| Total | 40 | — | 160 marks | 60 minutes |
There is no sectional time limit in UPES DAT 2026. Candidates can split the full 60 minutes across sections based on their own strategy.
UPES DAT Marking Scheme 2026
UPES DAT 2026 uses a simple, penalty-free marking scheme. Every correct MCQ answer earns +4 marks.
Wrong answers score 0. Unattempted questions also score 0. This uniform rule applies to all sections in both the B.Des and M.Des papers, across all three phases of the exam.
| Question Type | Marks for Correct Answer | Marks for Wrong Answer | Marks for Unattempted | Applies To |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ (Single Correct Answer) | +4 | 0 | 0 | All sections — B.Des and M.Des |
Since UPES DAT 2026 has no negative marking, candidates should attempt every question. Leaving any question blank costs 4 marks for zero benefit.
The maximum score is 160 marks (40 questions × 4 marks). The written test score is evaluated alongside the Portfolio Presentation and Personal Interview result to determine final admission merit at UPES.
UPES DAT Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2026
UPES DAT 2026 tests three core competencies: visual reasoning, design knowledge, and (for M.Des) quantitative aptitude. Visual Analogy carries the highest single-section weightage in the B.Des paper at 50% of total marks.
Understanding each section's topics helps candidates plan their preparation time efficiently.
Visual Analogy
| Detail | B.Des | M.Des |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 20 | 15 |
| Total Marks | 80 | 60 |
| Weightage | 50% of total marks | 37.5% of total marks |
| Key Topics | Pattern recognition, spatial visualisation, matrix arrangements, embedded figures, figure completion, mirror images | Pattern recognition, spatial visualisation, matrix arrangements, embedded figures, figure completion, mirror images |
Design and General Awareness
| Detail | B.Des | M.Des |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 20 | 15 |
| Total Marks | 80 | 60 |
| Weightage | 50% of total marks | 37.5% of total marks |
| Key Topics | Design history, design movements, famous designers, general awareness | Design history, design movements, famous designers, general awareness |
Quantitative Aptitude (M.Des Only)
| Detail | M.Des |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 10 |
| Total Marks | 40 |
| Weightage | 25% of total marks |
| Key Topics | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data interpretation |
UPES DAT 2026 Question Types
UPES DAT 2026 uses only the MCQ (Multiple Choice Question) format. Each question has one correct answer.
There are no drawing, sketching, subjective, or numerical-input questions in the online test. The fully objective format applies uniformly across all sections in both B.Des and M.Des papers.
| Question Format | Description | Appears In |
|---|---|---|
| Image / Figure-Based MCQ | Visual or diagram stimulus; select one correct answer from four options | Visual Analogy (B.Des and M.Des) |
| Knowledge-Based MCQ | Text question on design, culture, current affairs, or English comprehension | Design and General Awareness (B.Des and M.Des) |
| Numerical / Calculation-Based MCQ | Arithmetic or data interpretation question with four numerical options | Quantitative Aptitude (M.Des only) |
| Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) | More than one correct option | Not present in UPES DAT 2026 |
| Subjective / Descriptive | Written or typed response | Not present in UPES DAT 2026 |
All UPES DAT 2026 questions are single-correct MCQs. There is no sketching, drawing, or essay component in the online computer-based test.
The exam runs in a remote-proctored online environment. A stable internet connection, a working webcam, and the latest Java version are required. Design aptitude is assessed separately through the Portfolio Presentation and Personal Interview for shortlisted students.
UPES DAT Exam Pattern: Changes in 2026 vs Previous Year
The UPES DAT 2026 pattern is stable and unchanged from 2025. The number of questions, total marks, section structure, exam mode, and marking scheme are all consistent year on year.
Students who prepared using 2025 resources can continue with those materials without needing to revise their approach.
| Parameter | UPES DAT 2025 | UPES DAT 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Online — Remote Proctored CBT | Online — Remote Proctored CBT (No change) |
| Duration | 60 minutes | 60 minutes (No change) |
| Total Questions | 40 | 40 (No change) |
| Total Marks | 160 | 160 (No change) |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +4 | +4 (No change) |
| Negative Marking | None | None (No change) |
| B.Des Sections | Visual Analogy (20 Qs) + Design & General Awareness (20 Qs) | Same (No change) |
| M.Des Sections | Quantitative (10 Qs) + Visual Analogy (15 Qs) + Design & GA (15 Qs) | Same (No change) |
| Number of Phases | Multiple phases | 3 phases — Phase 1 (Jan), Phase 2 (May), Phase 3 (Jun) |
The UPES DAT 2026 exam pattern is fully stable. No structural changes have been introduced compared to 2025.
How to Prepare Based on UPES DAT Exam Pattern
Preparation strategy should map directly to the UPES DAT 2026 structure — 60 minutes, 40 MCQs, no negative marking. The absence of a penalty for wrong answers changes how the test is approached.
Every question deserves an attempt. No section should be left incomplete.
UPES DAT 2026 Exam Pattern
UPES DAT 2026 is a 60-minute online test with 40 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) for both B.Des and M.Des programmes. Each correct answer earns 4 marks, making the total 160 marks for both papers.
There is no negative marking. A wrong answer scores 0, and an unattempted question also scores 0. There are no sectional time limits, so candidates can move freely between sections within the hour.
B.Des Paper Structure
The B.Des paper has two sections, each carrying equal weightage at 50% of total marks.
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Analogy | 20 | 80 |
| Design and General Awareness | 20 | 80 |
| Total | 40 | 160 |
M.Des Paper Structure
The M.Des paper has three sections with a different distribution of questions and marks.
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | 10 | 40 |
| Visual Analogy | 15 | 60 |
| Design and General Awareness | 15 | 60 |
| Total | 40 | 160 |
Exam Mode and Conduct
UPES DAT 2026 is conducted online as a remote-proctored computer-based test (CBT). Candidates appear from home under live webcam supervision.
The exam access link is sent to the registered email ID one day before the scheduled date. The exam is conducted in three phases: Phase 1 (January 22–24), Phase 2 (May 1–3), and Phase 3 (June 18). The exam pattern, number of questions, total marks, and marking scheme are identical across all three phases.
Topics Covered in Each Section
Visual Analogy
Visual Analogy covers pattern recognition, spatial visualisation, matrix arrangements, embedded figures, mirror images, paper folding, and figure-completion problems. These questions test the ability to identify and extend visual patterns without requiring subject-specific knowledge.
Design and General Awareness
Design and General Awareness covers design history, colour theory, graphic design principles, photography, automotive design, interior design, current affairs, and English comprehension. Staying updated on design trends and recent news helps in scoring well in this section.
Quantitative Aptitude (M.Des only)
Quantitative Aptitude contributes 40 marks, which is 25% of the M.Des total. Focus areas include arithmetic, data interpretation, and number series under timed conditions.
Drawing and Sketching
The UPES DAT 2026 online test is entirely MCQ-based with no drawing or sketching component. Design aptitude is evaluated separately in the Portfolio Presentation and Personal Interview round that follows the written test for shortlisted students.
Preparation Tips
- Attempt all 40 questions without exception. With no negative marking, skipping any question costs 4 marks for zero benefit.
- Make Visual Analogy the strongest section. In B.Des, it accounts for 50% of total marks (80 out of 160). In M.Des, it contributes 37.5% (60 out of 160).
- Build a design knowledge base systematically. Read design publications and news headlines regularly and revise English grammar in the final fortnight before the exam.
- M.Des students should revise quantitative fundamentals separately for at least two weeks before the exam.
- Use the flexible 10 AM–2 PM test window strategically. Choose a start time when mentally sharpest and avoid the opening 15 minutes to sidestep connectivity issues at peak login times.
- Run full-length 60-minute mock tests at home to simulate the remote-proctored environment.
- Start the portfolio early; it carries equal weight in the final selection. The written test score determines shortlisting, but the portfolio review and personal interview drive the final admission decision.
UPES DAT 2026 FAQs
How many questions are asked in UPES DAT 2026?
UPES DAT 2026 has 40 MCQ questions in both the B.Des and M.Des papers. Each correct answer earns 4 marks, making the total 160 marks for both programmes.
Is there negative marking in UPES DAT 2026?
No, UPES DAT 2026 has no negative marking. A wrong answer scores 0, and an unattempted question also scores 0. All 40 questions should be attempted since there is no penalty for incorrect responses.
What is the total duration of UPES DAT 2026?
UPES DAT 2026 is a 60-minute test. There are no sectional time limits, so candidates can freely move between sections and allocate time as preferred within the hour.
What is the mode of UPES DAT 2026?
UPES DAT 2026 is conducted online as a remote-proctored computer-based test (CBT). Candidates appear from home under live webcam supervision. The exam access link is sent to the registered email ID one day before the scheduled date.
What are the sections in the UPES DAT 2026 B.Des paper?
The B.Des paper has two sections: Visual Analogy (20 questions, 80 marks) and Design and General Awareness (20 questions, 80 marks). Both sections carry equal weightage at 50% of total marks each.
How is the UPES DAT 2026 M.Des paper different from B.Des?
The M.Des paper has three sections — Quantitative Aptitude (10 questions, 40 marks), Visual Analogy (15 questions, 60 marks), and Design and General Awareness (15 questions, 60 marks). The B.Des paper has only two sections. Both programmes have 40 questions for 160 marks in total.
In how many phases is UPES DAT 2026 conducted?
UPES DAT 2026 is conducted in three phases: Phase 1 (January 22–24), Phase 2 (May 1–3), and Phase 3 (June 18). The exam pattern, number of questions, total marks, and marking scheme are identical across all three phases.
What topics are covered under Visual Analogy in UPES DAT 2026?
Visual Analogy in UPES DAT 2026 covers pattern recognition, spatial visualisation, matrix arrangements, embedded figures, mirror images, paper folding, and figure-completion problems. These questions test the ability to identify and extend visual patterns without requiring subject-specific knowledge.
What topics are covered under Design and General Awareness in UPES DAT 2026?
Design and General Awareness covers design history, colour theory, graphic design principles, photography, automotive design, interior design, current affairs, and English comprehension. Staying updated on design trends and recent news helps in scoring well in this section.
Is drawing or sketching part of the UPES DAT 2026 online test?
No, the UPES DAT 2026 online test is entirely MCQ-based with no drawing or sketching component. Design aptitude is evaluated separately in the Portfolio Presentation and Personal Interview round that follows the written test for shortlisted students.
UPES DAT 2026 Marking Scheme
UPES DAT 2026 awards +4 marks for every correct MCQ answer. There is no negative marking.
Wrong answers and unattempted questions both score 0. This scheme applies across all sections in both the B.Des and M.Des papers.
UPES DAT 2026 Exam Pattern Changes
No, the UPES DAT 2026 exam pattern is unchanged from 2025. The mode, duration, number of questions, total marks, section structure, and marking scheme are all the same.
Students preparing with 2025 pattern materials can continue without revising their approach.
UPES DAT 2026 Question Count and Total Marks
UPES DAT 2026 has 40 MCQ questions in both the B.Des and M.Des papers. Each correct answer earns 4 marks, making the total 160 marks for both programmes.
UPES DAT 2026 Exam Duration
UPES DAT 2026 is a 60-minute test. There are no sectional time limits.
Candidates can freely move between sections and allocate time as preferred within the hour.
UPES DAT 2026 Exam Mode
UPES DAT 2026 is conducted online as a remote-proctored computer-based test (CBT). Candidates appear from home under live webcam supervision.
The exam access link is sent to the registered email ID one day before the scheduled date.
UPES DAT 2026 B.Des Paper Sections
The B.Des paper has two sections. Both sections carry equal weightage at 50% of total marks each.
- Visual Analogy: 20 questions, 80 marks
- Design and General Awareness: 20 questions, 80 marks
UPES DAT 2026 M.Des Paper Sections
The M.Des paper has three sections. The B.Des paper has only two sections.
- Quantitative Aptitude: 10 questions, 40 marks
- Visual Analogy: 15 questions, 60 marks
- Design and General Awareness: 15 questions, 60 marks
Both programmes have 40 questions for 160 marks in total.
UPES DAT 2026 Exam Phases
UPES DAT 2026 is conducted in three phases. The exam pattern, number of questions, total marks, and marking scheme are identical across all phases.
| Phase | Dates |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | January 22-24 |
| Phase 2 | May 1-3 |
| Phase 3 | June 18 |
Visual Analogy Topics in UPES DAT 2026
Visual Analogy in UPES DAT 2026 covers pattern recognition, spatial visualisation, matrix arrangements, embedded figures, mirror images, paper folding, and figure-completion problems.
These questions test the ability to identify and extend visual patterns without requiring subject-specific knowledge.
Design and General Awareness Topics in UPES DAT 2026
Design and General Awareness covers design history, colour theory, graphic design principles, photography, automotive design, interior design, current affairs, and English comprehension.
Staying updated on design trends and recent news helps in scoring well in this section.
Drawing Component in UPES DAT 2026
No, the UPES DAT 2026 online test is entirely MCQ-based with no drawing or sketching component.
Design aptitude is evaluated separately in the Portfolio Presentation and Personal Interview round that follows the written test for shortlisted students.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.