IIAD 2026 (ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA)

The Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) lays down specific eligibility criteria for its Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) programmes to ensure that applicants possess the required academic background and skills to pursue design education. These criteria cover aspects like minimum educational qualifications, acceptable boards/universities, and other general requirements. Meeting the eligibility norms is mandatory for all candidates—applications from those who do not satisfy these conditions will not be considered for admission.

Key details for IIAD eligibility criteria

For IIAD admission the applicant needs to fit into the following criteria:

Age limit

For B. Des students, the maximum age is twenty years for general and international applications, twenty-three for SC/ST/OBC-NCL, and twenty-five for PwD applicants.  The maximum for M. Des students is thirty years for general and international students, thirty-three years for SC/ST/OBC-NCL students, and thirty-five years for PwD students.

Qualifications in Education

For Undergraduate Courses

• Candidates may apply if they have completed 10+2 or its equivalent in any of the following fields: science, commerce, humanities, or arts, with a minimum cumulative score of 50%. Candidates may also apply whether they are awaiting results or are taking the Class XII test this academic year.

• Candidates from the CBSE, ISC, State, IB, or any other comparable Indian or foreign higher secondary board may apply.

For Postgraduate Programme

• Graduates in any stream or discipline from a recognised institute/university are eligible to apply.
• Final year graduate students or students awaiting results may also apply.

Click Here For IIAD 2026 Syllabus

IIAD 2026 Eligibility Criteria FAQs

Ques.1 What are the academic requirements for UG programmes?

Ans. You must have passed 10+2 (Class XII) in any stream (Science, Commerce, Humanities/Arts) from a recognized board (CBSE, ISC, State boards, IB, etc.), with a minimum aggregate of 50%. Final-year or awaiting Class XII students are also eligible to apply.

Ques.2 What about postgraduate (PG) eligibility?

Ans. Applicants need to have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline from a recognized institute or university. Final-year graduates awaiting results are also eligible.

Ques.3 Is there a minimum age limit for IIAD admissions?

Ans. No—there is no age restriction. All candidates meeting academic requirements may apply regardless of age.

Ques.4 Can international students apply?

Ans. No—only Indian nationals are eligible to apply through the IIAD DAT route.

Ques.5 Can I apply if I'm still awaiting my 12^th results?

Ans. Yes—students currently appearing for Class XII exams or awaiting results can apply, subject to final result verification.