IIAD (IIAD Entrance Exam)

IIAD 2026 (INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ART AND DESIGN)

The Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD) 2026 Exam is a national-level entrance test for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate design and management programs. Designed to identify talent in creative fields, the exam emphasizes creativity, analytical thinking, visual aptitude, and problem-solving skills necessary for success in modern design careers. Both online and offline methods are used to administer the test. It assesses applicants' logical reasoning, inventiveness, observation, drawing and design abilities, and visual ability. The candidates' performance in the written exam and later evaluation rounds determines their final admission. The IIAD Entrance Exam is renowned for its emphasis on evaluating the intellectual and creative skills necessary for a design career.

The two primary components of the IIAD Entrance Exam  are the Design Aptitude Test (iDAT) and a Studio Simulation round for design courses. For Fashion Business Management, candidates take the Management Aptitude Test (iMAT) and then have a face-to-face interview. Candidates must successfully complete both steps with a valid score in order to be admitted.

Candidates may get the complete knowledge about IIAD Entrance exam by going through this entire article.

IIAD 2026 Exams Highlights

IIAD 2026 Exam Dates

IIAD 2026 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.

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IIAD 2026 Application Process

The Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD) follows a structured, multi-step application process for admission to its undergraduate and postgraduate programs for the 2026 academic session.

Steps to Apply

Registration

• Visit the IIAD admissions portal (apply.iiad.edu.in).
• Create an account by entering details such as name, email, contact, state, and city.

Application Form Submission

• Log in to your account.
• Fill in personal, academic, and contact details.
• Upload required documents, including academic certificates and photo ID.

Submit Statement of Purpose (SoP)

• Draft and upload a Statement of Purpose highlighting your motivation and suitability for the chosen program. This is a mandatory part of the application.

Payment of Application Fee

• Pay the non-refundable application fee of INR 2,500 using debit/credit card or net banking for online applications. For offline applications, payment can be made via demand draft.

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IIAD 2026 Admit Card

The admit card for the Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD) 2026 entrance exam is a mandatory document required to appear for the IIAD DAT/iMAT exams. Please follow the procedures below to access and download your admit card.

Steps to Download

1. Visit the official IIAD admission portal: [iiad.edu.in/admissions].
2. Click on the 'Admit Card' download link.
3. Enter your application form number and date of birth (or password) as login credentials.
4. Download and print the admit card for exam day use.

IIAD 2026 Syllabus

The Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD) offers a comprehensive syllabus shaped by both core design principles and specialized learning relevant to each design domain. The curriculum emphasizes creative, analytical, and practical skill development, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for modern creative industries.

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Entrance Exam Syllabus (Design Aptitude Test)

• Drawing and observational skills
• Colour sense, composition, and visual logic
• Creative thinking and innovative solutions
• Spatial reasoning and design articulation
• Imaginative storytelling and expression
• Communication of ideas

IIAD 2026 Exam Pattern

The Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD) entrance for 2026 assesses essential abilities for careers in design and management. The exam pattern is tailored to identify creative potential, logical reasoning, and visual aptitude.

IIAD 2026 Result

The Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD) announces the results for the IIAD 2026 entrance exams in a structured and candidate-friendly manner. Here’s how the process works and what candidates should expect:

Steps to Check IIAD 2026 Results

Option 1: Email Notification

• IIAD sends a result email to the candidate’s registered email address.
• Search inbox and spam/junk folders for “IIAD 2026 Result” or “IIAD Admission Result”.

Option 2: Online Portal

• Visit the official IIAD website.
• Click on the “IIAD DAT Results” link.
• Enter your application/roll number and date of birth to view your result.

IIAD 2026 Counselling

The IIAD 2026 counselling process begins shortly after the entrance exam results are announced. It involves several key steps based on the candidate’s merit rank, category, and seat availability.

IIAD 2026 Counselling Process Overview

• Counselling Schedule: IIAD publishes counselling schedule on its official website.
• Registration: Qualified candidates must register online within prescribed time.
• Document Verification: Candidates must present original documents in person, including Admit Card, Scorecard/Result, Mark Sheets, Transfer Certificate, Category Certificate, Photo ID Proof, and passport-size photographs.
• Seat Allotment: Seats are allotted based on merit rank, category reservation, and available course seats.
• Fee Payment: Candidates must pay admission fees within stipulated time.
• Portfolio and Interview Rounds: Some courses may require portfolio review or personal interviews.
• Final Admission: Completion of all steps confirms admission to the chosen IIAD program.

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IIAD 2026 Preparation Tips

To prepare effectively for the IIAD 2026 entrance exam, focus on a strategic and well-rounded plan covering all parts of the exam pattern. Here are detailed preparation tips:

• Understand the Exam Pattern & Syllabus: iDAT covers logical reasoning, creative thinking, visual aptitude, cultural awareness, and problem-solving.
• Practice Drawing and Sketching: Enhance visualization and representation skills using various mediums.
• Strengthen Logical Reasoning: Prepare with reasoning books and online tests focused on pattern recognition, analogies, series, deductions, and puzzles.
• Improve Creative Thinking & Problem Solving: Engage in brainstorming sessions, creative story writing, and problem-solving questions related to design.
• Use Sample Papers & Mock Tests: Solve previous years’ IIAD papers and mock tests to familiarize with question types and improve time management.
• Develop a Strong Portfolio: Build a diverse portfolio showcasing original work.
• Stay Updated on Design & Cultural Trends: Read about current Indian and global art, design movements, and cultural topics.
• Time Management: Manage 2.5 hours for iDAT and 2 hours for studio simulation efficiently.
• Maintain a Balanced Routine: Maintain a balanced routine with adequate breaks and physical well-being.
• Group Activities Preparation: Practice teamwork, communication skills, and participate in collaborative creative exercises.

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IIAD 2026 General Instructions

Here are the general instructions for the IIAD 2026 entrance exam that candidates must follow:

• Candidates should arrive at the exam center at least 30 minutes before the exam starts.
• Do not open the question paper or response sheet until invigilators announce the start and give instructions.
• Read all instructions carefully before marking answers.
• Responses on the OMR or response sheet should be marked with blue or black ballpoint pen.
• Once marked, answers cannot be changed on the OMR sheet, so mark answers carefully.
• Avoid any smudges, rough work, or stray marks on the question paper or answer sheet.
• Check the question paper and response sheet immediately for any missing pages or printing errors, and report to the invigilator if any issues.
• Candidates should bring necessary accessories for the exam such as pens, pencils, dry colors (pencils or paste), ruler, sketch pens/colored pens, glue sticks, and scissors (this is especially for drawing and creative tasks).
• Blank sheets for rough work and drawing will be provided in the exam.
• Submit all answer sheets and test materials to invigilators at the end of the exam.
• No negative marking is applied in the exam.
• Follow any additional instructions given by exam staff or printed on the question paper.

These instructions ensure smooth conduct of the exam and help candidates focus on demonstrating their creative, logical, and design abilities without issues

IIAD 2026 FAQs

Ques.1 When will the IIAD 2026 application form be available?

Ans. The IIAD DAT 2026 application form is expected to open in August 2025. Registrations will be conducted in four phases through the official IIAD portal.

Ques.2 Are there any age restrictions to apply?

Ans. No—IIAD does not impose an upper age limit for applicants to UG or PG programmes.

Ques.3 Is the IIAD exam conducted online or offline?

Ans. The entrance exam is conducted in both online and offline modes, and candidates can choose their preferred mode during application.

Ques.4 How many phases does the IIAD admission process have?

Ans. The application and entrance exams are conducted in multiple phases with separate deadlines and exam dates.

Ques.5 How is seat allocation done through counselling?

Ans. After IIAD results are announced, the counselling process invites qualified candidates for seat allotment. Admissions depend on merit rank, category, and seat availability, and require original document verification.