The selection process usually pairs an objective aptitude component with a drawing or studio task and a personal interaction. The aptitude component examines visual and spatial reasoning, observation and memory, general awareness of design, art and culture, basic analytical thinking and language ability, while the drawing task asks the candidate to sketch, compose or solve a stated design problem on paper so that idea generation and visual communication can be judged. The personal interaction or portfolio review lets the candidate explain their own work and interest in the field. Successful candidates enter the university's design programmes, which cover areas such as communication, product, industrial and interior or space design depending on what is offered that year. Weightage may also be assigned to the class 12 result. The stage-wise structure and the weights given to each stage are published in the admission brochure.

The programmes are open to candidates who have passed class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognised board in any stream, since a science or mathematics background is not required for design entry. Candidates awaiting their class 12 result are ordinarily allowed to apply provisionally and must produce the result before admission is confirmed. Applicants holding 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 expectations and the documents required at the interaction stage are stated in the university's official admission notification, which candidates should read before applying.