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.

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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

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Bhadra Balu - AIR 1

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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.

CEED 2026 Application Fee

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.

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