Kerala State Design Aptitude Test (KS DAT)
The Kerala State Design Aptitude Test (KS DAT) serves as your pathway to gaining admission into the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) program at several design institutions across Kerala. The KS DAT is a crucial entrance exam for design enthusiasts, conducted by the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) in Thiruvananthapuram.
KSDAT 2026: Overview
Every year, the Kerala State Design Aptitude Test (KS DAT) is held as a state-level entrance exam for individuals pursuing B.Des. programs in Kerala. It assesses a candidate's skills in creativity, analytical, and problem-solving, along with their design potential.
KS DAT 2026 Highlights
The important dates for CEED 2026 are yet to be officially announced, but the following are the tentative dates.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Director of Technical Education (DTE), Thiruvananthapuram |
| Exam Full Name | Kerala State Design Aptitude Test |
| Exam Short Name | KSDAT |
| Official Website |
https://lbsapplications.kerala.gov.in/ksdat2025/ www.lbscentre.kerala.gov.in |
| Mode of the Exam | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Exam Duration | 1 Hour 40 Minutes |
KSDAT 2026 Dates
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| KS DAT registration 2026 | April 2026 |
| KS DAT registration 2026 | April 2026 |
| KS DAT application form 2026 last date | June 2026 |
| KS DAT application correction window | June 2026 |
| KS DAT hall ticket 2026 | June 2026 |
| KSDAT 2026 exam date | June 2026 |
| KS DAT answer key release date | June 2026 |
| KS DAT 2026 result | July 2026 |
| KS DAT 2026 option registration | July 2026 |
| KS DAT revised merit list | July 2026 |
| Seat allotment | July 2026 |
Past Toppers from afdindia
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Bhadra Balu - AIR 1
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Sreehari S
- AIR 1
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Arun Job Pynadath - AIR 1
NID B.Des - 2018
KS DAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
To be eligible for KS DAT 2026, candidates need to meet specific criteria set by the authorities, covering nativity and academic qualifications.
Nativity Eligibility
In general, eligibility is limited to Indian citizens. PIO cardholders and other overseas citizens with OCI cards may only apply for supernumerary or non-resident Indian (NRI) seats; they are not eligible to apply for seats reserved for Indian citizens. Candidates are categorized as:
Keralite: Those of Kerala origin, or children of All India Service (AIS) officers assigned to the Kerala cadre.
Non-Keralite Category I (NK I): Candidates who are not from Kerala but have finished their qualifying course in the state and whose parents are either Government of India or Defence Service employees stationed in Kerala, or who have worked for the Kerala government for at least two years, are eligible. Candidates who completed their 8th through 12th grades in Kerala or who lived in Kerala for five years, within the last twelve years are also eligible. Even though NK I candidates are not eligible for reservations or fee reductions, they are still considered for "State Merit" seats.
Non-Keralite Category II (NK II): Candidates who do not belong to either NK I or are non-Keralites. They have access to both government and management quota seats in self-financing colleges managed by the government. They are only taken into consideration for government seats in Government Cost Sharing colleges in the event that Non Keralite and Keralite candidates are not available. Although NK II candidates are not entitled to any reservations or fee concessions, they remain eligible for both Government and Management quota seats in private self-financing colleges.
Academic Eligibility
Candidates must have earned at least 45% in the 12th grade (or its equivalent, as approved by KTU) (40 percent for reserved categories).
KS DAT 2026 Application Process
The KS DAT 2026 application process took place online through the official site. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved:
Registration: Visit lbsapplications.kerala.gov.in and register using your phone number and email address.
Login: Use the generated login credentials to log in and access the application form.
Fill Details: Fill in all the mandatory fields in the application form with accurate information.
Fee Payment: Pay the online application fee. For General and SEBC candidates, the fee was Rs. 1300, and for SC/ST candidates, it was Rs. 650.
Document Upload: Submit a recent passport-sized photo, your signature, and scanned copies of all required documents.
Submission: Click the submit button.
Print: Download and print the application form for future reference.
KS DAT Syllabus 2026
For successful preparation for KS DAT 2026, candidates need to understand the syllabus, which includes various topics aimed at assessing general aptitude and design knowledge.
| Subject | Topics | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Social and Basic Sciences (10th level) | Social sciences (World History, Economics, World Geography, World Politics), Basic Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | 10 |
| General Knowledge | Current affairs, Indian culture, Inventions, Environment, Sports, Famous books, and authors | 20 |
| English Language | Basic Grammar & Comprehension | 20 |
| Numerical Ability and Analytical Aptitude | Basic level (Problems of age, speed and distance, ratio and proportion, percentage, average, missing numbers, simple interest) | 20 |
| Design Awareness | Visual logic, analytical reasoning, pattern identification, three-dimensional spatial awareness, creativity, design thinking and problem-solving, core design principles and elements, along with visualization and representation techniques. | 30 |
KS DAT Exam Pattern 2026
Understanding the exam pattern for KS DAT exam is crucial for effective time management and preparation.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Marks per Question | 1 Mark |
| Total Time | 100 Minutes |
| Mode of Questions | Objective-type multiple choice |
| Medium of Exam | English |
KS DAT Registration 2026
Registration for the KS DAT 2026 was open from April 2026, to June 2026. In order to be eligible for the entrance exam, candidates had to finish the online application and pay the registration fees within this time frame.
KS DAT Answer Key 2026
The answer key for the KS DAT 2026 will be published on June 2026, right after the test, on the official website. Candidates could download the answer key in PDF format to cross-check their responses. Any objections regarding the answer key, along with valid proof, had to be submitted to the Director, Directorate of Technical Education, Thiruvananthapuram, within three working days from the date of publication.
KS DAT 2026 Admit Card
The admit card for the KS DAT 2026 could be downloaded from the candidate login on the official website starting June 2026. Candidates are required to bring their admit card to the exam centre as it holds essential details regarding the time, date, and location of the exam. Access to the exam is prohibited without it.
To download the admit card:
- Visit the official website.
- Navigate to the admissions section.
- Click on the download admit card link.
- Enter your login credentials (application number, date of birth).
- Download and print the KS DAT admit card 2026.
KS DAT Counselling 2026
Counselling and allocation of seats are open to qualified applicants for the KS DAT entrance exam in 2026. In July 2026, the initial seat allocation will be announced.
The counselling registration period for KS DAT 2026 was from July 7 to July 10, 2026. During this period, candidates used their login to submit their chosen courses and institutions online. Seat allotment is primarily based on the candidate's rank in the KS DAT and their submitted college preferences.
To complete KS DAT 2026 Counselling Registration:
- Visit the official website - lbsapplications.kerala.gov.in/ksdat2026/.
- Log in with your email ID and password.
- Fill in the prescribed details and submit your choices.
Documents Required at KS DAT 2026 Counselling
The KS DAT 2026 seat allotment will be determined based on the candidate’s rank and their selected college preferences.
- KS DAT Admit Card
- KS DAT Scorecard Class 10 & 12
- Mark Sheet
- Aadhar Card
- Category Certificate (If Required)
KS DAT Selection Process
Admission to the B.Des program through KS DAT involves two main selection processes: for government seats and for management seats.
Selection to Government Seat: To secure a Government seat, candidates need to pass the KS-DAT entrance test organized by DTE, Thiruvananthapuram. A rank list is then prepared by the Director of Technical Education based on the scores obtained in this examination.
Selection to Management Seat: To be eligible for management seats, candidates need to have completed one of the following national entrance examinations:
NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture)
UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design)
NID DAT (National Institute of Design, Design Aptitude Test)
NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Examination)
KS-DAT (Kerala State Design Aptitude Test)
This guide aims to equip future design students for a successful career by assisting them in understanding the KS DAT exam and the admissions process.
Get Ready with afdindia for KS DAT Exam
Cracking the KS DAT exam requires more than just creativity—it demands the right strategy, guidance, and consistent practice. afdindia, with its years of experience in design entrance coaching, provides structured training, expert mentorship, and result-oriented study materials tailored for design aspirants. Whether you're aiming for top government colleges or private design institutes in Kerala, afdindia equips you with everything you need to succeed in the KS DAT. Start your design journey with confidence—prepare smart, stay focused, and give your best with afdindia by your side.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for KS DAT?
To be eligible for KS DAT, candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognized board. There’s typically no age limit, but you must meet the minimum educational qualifications as specified in the KS DAT eligibility criteria.
When is the KS DAT exam held?
The KS DAT registration usually opens in April, with the exam typically held in June and results declared in July each year. Exact dates are announced by the conducting authority online.
How can I apply for the KS DAT exam?
You must fill out the KS DAT application form online on the official LBS Centre portal. You’ll need to upload your documents, pay the application fee (varies by category), and submit before the deadline to be eligible to appear for the exam.
Why should I choose afdindia for KS DAT preparation?
afdindia provides structured KS DAT coaching with expert mentoring, strategic preparation plans, mock tests, and personalized feedback to help you build creativity, logical thinking, and design awareness, all essential for cracking the exam confidently.
What are the top design colleges I can get into after KS DAT?
A good KS DAT score can lead to admission into B.Des programs in Kerala, such as the Kerala State Institute of Design (KSID), Kollam, College of Architecture Trivandrum (CAT), DC School of Architecture and Design (DCSAAD), Trivandrum, Saintgits Design School, Kottayam, Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikode, KMCT Institute of Emerging Technology and Management, Calicut.
How should I start preparing for KS DAT?
Begin KS DAT prep by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus, practicing topic-wise questions, attempting mock tests regularly, and refining your design awareness and analytical skills. Joining a structured coaching program, such as one from afdindia, can help you stay focused and improve your chances of scoring well.
How is the KS DAT result used for admission?
The KS DAT 2026 result is used to facilitate a Centralized Allotment Process (CAP) for admission into Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs in Kerala. The process follows a Single Window System (SWS) managed by the LBS Centre for Science and Technology. After the KS DAT results are announced, a rank list is prepared based on your score. Candidates must log in to the LBS official portal to submit their preferred list of colleges and courses. Seats are allotted based on the candidate's rank, college preferences, and reservation eligibility.
Admission to government seats is exclusively based on the KS DAT rank list. In private self-financing colleges, candidates can use their KS DAT score for admission. These colleges may also consider scores from national exams like NID DAT, UCEED, or NATA for management quota seats.
What is the KS DAT exam pattern?
The KS DAT consists of 100 multiple-choice questions worth 100 marks, and you have 100 minutes (1 hour 40 minutes) to complete it. There are no negative marks. The question paper includes sections on:
Social & Basic Sciences - 10 questions in 10th-grade level topics including World History, Economics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
General Knowledge - 20 questions in current affairs, Indian culture, environment, sports, and famous inventions
English Language - 20 questions in basic grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
Numerical & Analytical Ability - 20 questions in problems on age, percentage, average, missing numbers, simple interest, etc.
Design Awareness - 30 questions in visual logic, 3D spatial awareness, pattern recognition, design thinking, and core design principles..
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