Bachelor of Design [B.Des] + Master of Design [M.Des]

The Bachelor of Design + Master of Design (B.Des + M.Des) is a prestigious 5-year integrated full-time programme offered by GLS Institute of Design (GLSID) under GLS University in Ahmedabad. This programme combines undergraduate and postgraduate design education, allowing students to earn a Master's degree in 5 years instead of the traditional 6 years. The total fees for the complete course duration is ₹17.75 lakhs. The programme accepts students through GLS DAT (Design Aptitude Test) and UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design). With 60 seats available annually, this course is popular among design aspirants seeking comprehensive design education with specializations in Fashion, Communication, Product, and Environment Design. The programme is offered in full-time on-campus mode, requiring regular attendance and hands-on studio practice.

Admissions for the 2026-27 batch are currently ongoing. Round 1 applications closed on January 22, 2026, with entrance exams held on January 24-25, 2026. Round 2 applications are open until April 23, 2026, with entrance exams scheduled for April 25-26, 2026. UCEED 2026 results were declared on March 6, 2026. Counselling and seat allocation processes are expected to commence post-result declaration. Batch commencement is typically scheduled for June 2026.

KEY POINTS

• Studio-based learning environment with hands-on design practice across all specializations
• Progressive pedagogical framework: Foundation (Year 1), Collaboration (Year 2), Social Engagement (Year 3), and Professional Practice (Year 4-5)
• Multiple specialization tracks including Apparel Design, Accessories and Jewelry Design, Graphic Design, Digital Filmmaking, Product Design, and Environment and Space Design
• Industry collaborations with leading design and fashion companies for real-world project exposure
• Access to state-of-the-art labs including Fashion Lab, Jewelry Lab, Photography Lab, Audio and Video Lab, and Prototyping Lab
• Integration of commercial and management aspects alongside design education

GLS University B.Des + M.Des Fees

Fee Structure

• The fees mentioned are tuition fees only.
• Additional charges for materials, projects, and other miscellaneous expenses may apply as per college guidelines.
• Fees are structured on a semester basis with 1,77,500 per semester.
• No hostel fees are included in the above structure.
• Hostel facilities are available on a separate optional basis.
• Payment can be made on a semester-wise basis.

GLS University B.Des + M.Des Admission 2026

Important Dates

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidate must have passed 10+2 (12th standard) from a recognized board
• Minimum 50 percent marks required in 10+2 for general category
• Minimum 45 percent marks required for reserved categories (SC/ST)

Admission Process

• Candidates must register on the GLS Institute of Design admission portal
• Submission of application form with required documents
• Appearance in GLS DAT (Design Aptitude Test) or UCEED as per choice
• Personal interview round based on DAT/UCEED performance
• Final merit list preparation based on entrance exam score and interview performance
• Seat allocation through counselling process

GLS University B.Des + M.Des Placement 2026

Placement Details

According to an external review site Ranking 2026, GLS University Ahmedabad ranks 98 out of 200 colleges in India and 5 in state Gujarat for its B.Des + M.Des program.

Read more on GLS University Ahmedabad Rankings here

GLS University B.Des + M.Des FAQs

Q1: What is the difference between the 5-year integrated B.Des + M.Des programme and pursuing B.Des (4 years) followed by M.Des (2 years) separately?

Ans. The integrated 5-year B.Des + M.Des programme saves one year compared to pursuing both degrees separately (which would take 6 years total). The integrated programme is thoughtfully structured to provide a seamless progression from undergraduate to postgraduate design education, with the final two years (Semesters 8-10) focusing on advanced design projects, monographs, and a comprehensive degree project. This integrated approach allows students to develop deeper expertise in their chosen specialization while maintaining continuity in their learning journey. Additionally, students complete their Master's degree with a clear specialization rather than having to reapply for M.Des after completing B.Des.

Q2: What are the specialization options available in the B.Des + M.Des programme, and can students change their specialization after admission?

Ans. The programme offers specializations in Fashion Design (Apparel Design, Accessories and Jewelry Design), Communication Design (Graphic Design, Digital Filmmaking, Animation Design), Product Design, and Environment and Space Design. Students typically choose their specialization during the admission process or early in their first year. While specialization changes are generally not encouraged after the first year due to the progressive nature of the curriculum, students should consult with the academic advisor regarding any specific circumstances. The first year focuses on foundation skills applicable across all specializations, providing students with exposure to different design disciplines before committing to a specialization.

Q3: What are the placement opportunities and average salary packages for B.Des + M.Des graduates?

Ans. GLS Institute of Design has maintained a strong placement record with average packages ranging from 10 to 25 LPA for design graduates. Top recruiters include companies like TCS, Arvind Lifestyles, Pantaloons, Lenskart, and various design studios and creative agencies. Placement opportunities span across fashion, graphic design, product design, animation, and digital media industries. The institute's industry collaborations and internship opportunities during the course help students build professional networks and gain practical experience, which significantly enhances their employability. Many graduates also pursue entrepreneurship and freelance design work.

Q4: Are there hostel facilities available, and what is the cost?

Ans. GLS Institute of Design is located in Ahmedabad with a well-developed campus. While hostel facilities are available on campus, they are optional and charged separately from the tuition fees. Students interested in hostel accommodation should contact the admissions office for current hostel fees and availability. Many students also opt for private accommodation in nearby areas. The campus is well-connected by public transport, making it accessible for day scholars as well.

Q5: What is the admission process for candidates who have appeared in UCEED versus those taking GLS DAT?

Ans. Both UCEED and GLS DAT scores are accepted for admission to the B.Des + M.Des programme. Candidates appearing in UCEED (conducted by IIT Bombay) must register separately and appear for the exam in January. GLS DAT is conducted by GLS Institute of Design itself with multiple rounds (Round 1 in January and Round 2 in April). Candidates can choose either exam based on their preference. The final merit list is prepared considering the entrance exam score (UCEED or GLS DAT) and performance in the personal interview round. Both pathways have equal weightage in the admission process.

Q6: What is the curriculum structure, and how is the learning approach different from traditional design education?

Ans. The B.Des + M.Des programme follows a distinctive four-stage pedagogical framework: Year 1 focuses on Foundation and Sensitization (I), Year 2 emphasizes Making and Collaboration (YOU), Year 3 involves Society and User Engagement (THEY), and Years 4-5 focus on Professional Practice and Graduation Project (US). This progressive approach ensures students develop not just technical design skills but also critical thinking, social responsibility, and professional competence. The curriculum integrates studio-based learning, industry projects, research methodology, and real-world problem-solving. Unlike traditional design education that focuses primarily on aesthetics, this programme emphasizes design thinking, sustainability, user empathy, and the commercial aspects of design, preparing students for diverse career paths in the creative industry.