The selection process typically combines a written or online aptitude component with a task that asks the candidate to draw, sketch or work through a design problem, and is followed by a personal interaction or portfolio discussion in which the applicant explains their own work and interests. The aptitude component looks at visual and spatial reasoning, observation, general awareness of design and culture, basic analytical ability and language skills, while the drawing or studio task tests idea generation, composition and the ability to communicate a concept on paper. The result feeds admission to the university's bachelor of design programmes, which cover areas such as communication, product, interaction and interior or space design depending on what is offered in the year. Weightage may also be given to the qualifying examination result. The stage-wise structure and evaluation weights are published in the university's admission brochure for each cycle.

The programmes are open to candidates who have passed class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognised board in any stream, since design admission does not require a science or mathematics background. Candidates awaiting their class 12 result are ordinarily allowed to apply provisionally and must produce the result before admission is confirmed. Applicants who hold a valid score in a recognised national design aptitude test may be considered on that basis where the university permits it. The minimum aggregate marks expected in the qualifying examination, any age condition, portfolio requirements and the documents to be produced at the interaction stage are specified in the university's official admission notification, which should be consulted before applying.