The juries for each category are carefully selected by D&AD and comprise the sponsors and writers of the brief plus creative and business professionals from leading companies and D&AD's membership.

Judging follows a strict procedure over four rounds as follows:

1. 'In Book' selection
   The judges look at each entry and vote on whether the work deserves a place in the D&AD Student Annual. Votes are made individually and kept confidential until the next round. To make it into the book an entry must satisfy D&AD's criteria for selection: it will be a good idea, which is then well crafted or executed and has answered the brief.
   
   
2. Confirming the 'In Book' selection
   Each entry receiving fifty percent or more of the collective vote makes it through to the shortlist for the D&AD Student Annual. At this point entries may be knocked out or brought back from the first round depending on how well the judges feel the work sits together as a final set, but also to ensure that every piece entered has received thorough and fair attention. The work remaining at the end of this round is awarded 'In Book' status - a historical record of the best responses to the brief.
   
   
3. Awarding the prizes
   The 'In Book' work in each category is put forward for one of three prizes:
   • Commendation – D&AD certificate, £250
     Awarded to entries rising above the level of 'In Book' work
   • Second prize – D&AD Student Yellow Pencil, certificate and £400
     Awarded to entries which are excellent in terms of either creative originality or craftsmanship
   • First prize – D&AD Student Yellow Pencil, certificate, £1,000
     The one outstanding entry; Bang on brief, brilliantly crafted or executed and with that 'I wish I'd done that!' appeal
   
   
   
4. D&AD Student of the Year
   Winners of the first prize in every category are put forward to compete for the coveted D&AD Student of the Year title, which is judged by the D&AD Executive.