IIAD DAT 2026: Registration (Open) and Syllabus

Indian Institute of Art and Design Entrance Exam 2026 ( IIAD Entrance Exam )

Sayeba Naushad
Updated on Jul 8, 2026 17:57 IST

By Sayeba Naushad, Assistant Manager

Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) - Application for IIAD DAT 2026 is open now for B.Des and M.Des Programmes. IIAD DAT entrance exam will be conducted both online and offline (on campus). The registration is open for the next phase at apply.iiad.edu.in. The registration fee is INR 2,500. Candidates are given an option to select their exam slot once they complete the application.

Latest Updates:

  • IIAD conducts the IIAD Design Aptitude Test (DAT) 2026 in multiple phases.
  • The last date to fill out the IIAD 2026 Application form is not given.
  • Exam will have two phases: the iDAT exam and the Portfolio Evaluation or Interview round.

IIAD DAT Syllabus

Get the exact topic-wise breakdown here.

Table of contents
  • What is IIAD Entrance Exam?
  • IIAD Entrance Exam 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
  • IIAD DAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria and Application
  • IIAD DAT 2026 Pattern, Syllabus and Preparation
  • IIAD DAT 2026 Admit Card
  • IIAD DAT Sample Papers 2026
  • IIAD DAT Result 2026
  • IIAD Entrance Exam 2026 - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
View More
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What is IIAD Entrance Exam?

The IIAD 2026 entrance exam is conducted by the Indian Institute of Art and Design, which offers a globally recognized degree from Kingston University, London. The duration of the written exam is two hours & thirty minutes, and it will evaluate the candidate on parameters like their drawing and design skills, imaginative and creative expression, observation skills, as well as communication and visual strengths.

IIAD DAT admission process for the IIAD entrance exam is such that after appearing for the written test, candidates have to appear for a studio simulation (for UG candidates) or a personal interview (for PG candidates).

Higlights of the IIAD DAT 

Check out the overview of IIAD DAT Entrance Exam.

Particulars

Description

Conducting Body

Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD)

Courses Covered

B.Des and M.Des

Exam Mode

Online/ Offline

Exam Medium

English

Exam Frequency

Multiple Phases

Also read:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   When is the Entrance Exam for IIAD DAT 2026?
A: 

The entrance exam for IIAD DAT 2026 was on May 30, 2026. The exam is conducted in online and offline modes.

Q:   When is the last date to fill the IIAD DAT 2026 Application form?
A: 

The last date to fill the Application form of IIAD Entrance exam was May 22, 2026. The exams will be held in online and offline modes.

Q:   What will be the total marks for the IIAD Entrance exam?
A: 

Total marks for IIAD DAT exam will be 200. Duration of the exam is 2 hours 30 minutes. Question paper will include questions from Logical Reasoning and Creative Thinking and Visual Aptitude Sections.  IIAD DAT will have two phases: which include the iDAT exam and Portfolio Evaluation or Interview round.

Q:   What is the application fee for IIAD DAT Entrance Exam 2026?
A: 

The application fee for IIAD DAT Entrance Exam 2026 is INR 2,500. The applications are available online at the website. 

IIAD Entrance Exam 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of IIAD Entrance Exam 2026 exam

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates
Sep ' 25 - Jul ' 26

IIAD 2026 - Application

TENTATIVE
DatesPast Exam Dates
30 May ' 26

IIAD Online & Offline Exam 2026

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IIAD DAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria and Application

Candidates are informed that the eligibility criteria for the IIAD entrance exam vary from one course to another.

Eligibility Criteria for UG Degree Course

Read the eligibility criteria for IIAD DAT UG programmes.

Criteria Details
Educational Qualification

Candidates with 10+2 or equivalent in any stream (Science, Commerce, Humanities/Arts) with an aggregate of minimum 50% are eligible to apply. 

Candidates appearing for Class XII examination in the current academic year or awaiting results may also apply.
Candidates are accepted from CBSE/ISC/State/IB or any other equivalent Indian or International Higher Secondary Board.

Eligibility Criteria for PG Degree Course

Read the eligibility criteria for IIAD DAT PG programmes

Eligibility Criteria

Details
Educational Qualification

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. 

Also Read:

IIAD DAT 2026 Application Fee

Application form for IIAD DAT is open for the academic year 2026-2027. The application opens in multiple phases.

IIAD DAT 2026 Registration Fee

INR 2,500

Mode of fee payment

Online through Net Banking/Credit Card/Debit Card/UPI

Scanned documents

  • Passport-size Photograph
  • Candidate's Signature
  • Gen-EWS/PwD/OBC-NCL/SC/ST certificate (If applicable)

How to apply for the IIAD Exam 2026?

The application form for IIAD DAT has to be filled out online following the steps given below.

  1. Get registered - The applicant has to first get registered and create an applicant account.
  2. Fill in the form - Next, fill in personal, academic, and contact details.
  3. Upload an SOP - The candidate has to upload a Statement of Purpose along with the application form.
  4. Pay the application fee - The application fee has to be paid online.

When filling out the form, use only verifiable information. Note that any candidate found using wrong or misleading information may be disqualified. 

Also Read:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the eligibility criteria of IIAD for admission to UG courses?
A: 

For admission to UG courses, the candidate needs to have passed 10+2 exam in any discipline. Those awaiting 10+2 results may also apply. The candidate must make sure that meet the eligibility criteria, as otherwise the candidature of the applicant can be cancelled.

The admission committee will verify the information given by the candidate at the time of counselling.

Q:   What is the fee for B.Des programme at IIAD?
A: 

The fee for B.Des at IIAD is ₹595,000 (Annual Fee). The fee for Semester I is INR. 297,500.

Q:   Do I need to solve sample papers for IIAD entrance exam?
A: 

Sample papers are good resources/ tools to prepare for an entrance exam.

So, make use of it. You can solve sample papers at any time/ stage of your exam preparation.

By solving sample papers, you can get exam-ready.

Also, silly mistakes can be fixed by solving sample papers. You can also improve your problem-solving and time management.

Q:   Can I apply for IIAD DAT 2026 even if I don't meet the eligibility criteria?
A: 

No, you should not apply if you don't meet the eligibility criteria for IIAD DAT Entrance Exam. 

It is because exam officials will verify the eligibility conditions before seat allotment. If any candidate is found lacking, he or she will be disqualified.

Further, if the candidate is found to be forging their eligibility, they may not only be disqualified, but criminal charges may also be levied against such candidates.

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IIAD DAT 2026 Pattern, Syllabus and Preparation

IIAD DAT Question paper pattern is like the rest of the design entrance exam. 

Pattern of IIAD DAT Entrance Exam

Check the pattern below.

Particulars Details
Exam IIAD DAT
Mode Online
Sections Two: A and B
Name of Sections  Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning
Total Marks 200
Total Questions 50
Duration

30 minutes for Part A 

2 hours for Part B

Exam Stage 2

IIAD DAT Studio Test

Total Marks

50 marks; 1 question of 5 marks

Total question

10

Duration

1 hour

IIAD DAT 2026 Syllabus

Check out the subjects for Part A and Part B.

Section Subject
A Logical Reasoning
B Creative Thinking & Visual Aptitude

Check out some of the important topics for IIAD DAT test.

Important topics for IIAD DAT

Design Theory

Colour Terminology

Inspiration & Design Development

Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions

Elements & Principles Of Design

Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship

Natural & Geometrical Form

Innovation in Design

Principles of Composition

Creative thinking & writing

Optical Illusion

Understanding Light & Shade

Visual Logic

Form & Function

Colour, Pattern & Texture

How to prepare for DAT?
Explore Chapters and Important Topics
Check DAT Topics

IIAD DAT 2026 Preparation

  1. Check IIAD exam pattern and syllabus
  2. Make a study timetable
  3. Buy the best books available for each subject. Make sure that the books are as per the exam syllabus
  4. Solve sample papers and previous years' question papers. Also, after the completion of each topic, solve the problems given at the end of the chapter.
  5. Practice mock tests. Mock tests are usually taken closer to the exam and are meant to get an exam-like ambiance.  
  6. Do a timely revision. To help with revision, the candidate must make it a point to take notes during study. With notes in hand, one needn't go through huge blocks of text.

Also Read:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What types of questions appear in the IIAD DAT question paper?
A: 

The IIAD DAT paper includes:

  • Visual and creative thinking questions

  • Drawing-based problem-solving

  • Observation and design sensitivity

  • Analytical and logical reasoning

  • Situational responses

Q:   What is total marks for IIAD DAT Studio Test?
A: 

The total marks for IIAD DAT Studio Test are 50. Each question is of 5 marks.

Q:   How many questions are asked in IIAD DAT Entrance Exam?
A: 

There are 50 questions in IIAD DAT Entrance Exam. There will be 2 sections: Logical Reasoning and AnalyƟcal Reasoning.

Q:   What is the duration of IIAD DAT Studio Test?
A: 

IIAD DAT Studio Test will be of 1 hour.

IIAD Entrance Exam Logo

IIAD DAT 2026 Admit Card

The Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) will release admit cards for IIAD a few days before the conduct of the exam. Hall ticket will be released online at the IIAD admission portal - iiad.edu.in/admissions. 

How to download IIAD DAT Hall ticket 2026?

The IIAD 2026 admit card will be released in online mode. Hard copies of the admit card will not be sent to the candidate. To download the admit card

  • Go to the official website of IIAD.
  • Click the Admit card link present on the website.
  • Enter the application form number and date of birth.
  • Click the Download button.
  • IIAD entrance exam admit card will appear on the screen.

Design Portfolio for College Admissions

Check out expert tips to create a powerful design portfolio for NID, NIFT, UCEED, CEED and other top design institute admissions.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   When is draft answer key expected to be released for IIAD exam?
A: 

IIAD will not release any draft answer key for the IIAD DAT Written Exam.

It will declare the results directly on its admission portal. The candidate can check their results using their candidate credentials.

Since there are no answer keys, there will also be no answer key challenge. If the answer key is released, the direct link to download the keys will be updated here.

Q:   What details will be included in draft IIAD exam answer key?
A: 

There will be no draft answer keys for IIAD exam 2026 if we go by the previous years' schedule. However, if exam officials fo release the answer key, the direct link to download the keys will be provided here. In case the draft key is released, it will contain details like the answer key code for each question. The candidate will also be allowed to challenge the draft key in some cases.

Q:   How can I download IIAD DAT 2026 admit card?
A: 

Exam officials will release the IIAD DAT 2026 admit card on the admission portal.

Download the admit card by

  1. Go to the admission portal

  2. Click on the admit card download link

  3. A log-in window will open

  4. Ennter you candidate credentials

  5. On successful log-in, you can download the admit card.

Q:   What is the fee for IIAD M.Des 2026?
A: 

The fee for IIAD M.Des 2026 is INR 5,95,000 (Annual fee). The fee for semester 1 is INR 2,97, 500.

IIAD Entrance Exam Logo

IIAD DAT Sample Papers 2026

To prepare for IIAD DAT 2026, it is not enough to simply go through the textbooks. The candidate must solve sample papers to improve their problem-solving ability and to better understand the various concepts mentioned in a book. 

IIAD DAT Sample papers PDFs
IIAD DAT Sample Paper 1 Download Here 
IIAD DAT Sample Paper 2 Download Here 
IIAD DAT Sample Paper 3 Download Here 
IIAD DAT Sample Paper 4 Download Here 

Also Read:

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What will be the IIAD DAT 2026 seat allotment process?
A: 

To participate in the seat allotment process, the candidate must have qualified in the exam. Exam officials will release the detailed counseling-cum-seat allotment process on its admission portal.

Careffully go through it.

Typically, the seat allotment will be based on the following factors:

  • The merit rank of the candidate in the entrance exam

  • The seat intake for the applied program

  • Options selected by the candidate

Q:   What will happen if I do not accept my IIAD exam 2026 seat allotment?
A: 

If candidate doesn’t accept IIAD seat allocated to him or her, the allotment will be canceled. Exam officials will release the deadline for acceptance and fee payment schedule.

If the allotment is cancelled, the vacant seat will be allocated to the candidate next in the order of merit.

So, it is the responsibility of the candidate to pay the seat-acceptance fee by the given deadline.

Q:   What details will be included in IIAD exam result?
A: 

IIAD result will be released online. The scorecard will carry the following information.

  • Name and roll number

  • Sectional score

  • Overall score

  • Merit rank

The scorecard will be available for download in pdf format. Download and take a printout.

Q:   Is it mandatory to appear in IIAD exam for admission to design courses at the institute?
A: 

Yes, candidates seeking admission to design courses at the Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) need to appear in the IIAD entrance exam. Qualifying exam scores will only be used as a qualifying criteria, and not for preparing the IIAD merit list.

Candidates who plan to get admission to the institute need to apply online. Note that applications ubmitted via offline mode will be rejected.

IIAD Entrance Exam Logo

IIAD DAT Result 2026

IIAD Result 2026 will be sent on the email ID. Candidates can check the result by using their email ID and password. This result will be used for seat allotment and counselling. Candidates must note that no hard copies of the IIAD result will be given to the candidates. Candidates will be able to download the results only from the website of IIAD: iiad.edu.in.

How to check IIAD DAT Result?

To check IIAD DAT 2026 score, is given below.
  1. Go to the IIAD DAT website and/or check you email
  2. Click on the Download Results tab
  3. A log in window will open
  4. Enter your email ID and password
  5. On successful login, IIAD DAT entrance exam 2026 result will be shown on the screen.

Details mentioned in IIAD DAT 2026 Result

IIAD DAT 2026 scorecard will carry the following information.

  • The name of the candidate
  • Roll number
  • Sectional Scores
  • Total score
  • Merit Rank

Scorecard may also carry the qualifying status. After logging into the result portal, you need to download and take a printout of the scorecard. You will have to produce the scorecard at the time of counseling and seat allotment.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   When will the IIAD entrance exam be conducted?
A: 

The IIAD Exam 2026 was conducted on May 30, 2026. The exam was conducted in Online and offline modes.

The candidate can select the mode of the exam at the time of filling out the IIAD 2026 application form. Note that the IIAD DAT is conducted multiple times in the year. 

Q:   What will be the exam pattern of IIAD exam?
A: 

IIAD 2026 exam has two parts - IIAD Design Aptitude Test (iDAT) and Studio Simulation. However, those seeking admission to Fashion Management courses need to appear in the IIAD Management Aptitude Test (iMAT) and Interview. The exam will be conducted in online and on-campus modes.

The candidate needs to strictly follow the exam pattern when preparing for the exam.

Q:   Can I contact IIAD exam officials via phone?
A: 

Yes, the candidate may contact the IIAD DAT 2026 exam officials via phone. You should call the officials during office hours.

Also, if you have an issue, don’t wait until too late.

Exam officials would ideally listen to your problem and try to get it resolved.

Q:   What will be the total marks for the IIAD exam?
A: 

Total marks for IIAD DAT exam will be 200. Duration of the exam is 2 hours 30 minutes. Question paper will include questions from Logical Reasoning and Creative Thinking and Visual Aptitude Sections.  IIAD DAT will have two phases: which include the iDAT exam and Portfolio Evaluation or Interview round.

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IIAD Entrance Exam 2026 - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are a few FAQs on IICD 2026 entrance exam. Read on.

Q:   What are the various courses for which admission will be offered through IIAD?
A: 

The IIAD entrance test is conducted for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered by the Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD).

  • UG courses: BA. (Hons) in Fashion Design/ Communication Design/ Interior Architecture Design and B.A. (Hons) in Fashion Business Management
  • PG courses: MA in Fashion Design and MA in Fashion Business Management 

You can select the programme of study at the time of filling out the application form.

Q:   Is there a provision for lateral entry in through IIAD?
A: 

Yes, lateral entry is also available for eligible candidates. Under this scheme, the candidate will be selected based on their performance in the personal interview and portfolio.

The candidate has to apply online for admission under this scheme. The application form will open online at the admission portal of the institute.

Make sure that you carefully go through the eligibiity criteria.

Q:   What is the last date to submit IIAD application form?
A: 

The last date to fill out the IIAD 2026 has not been announced. Application form has to be filled out online by eligible candidates. IIAD Exam was conducted on January 31, 2026 and February 01, 2026.

Q:   What are the stages for IIAD DAT 2026 Entrance Exam for B.Des and M.Des?
A: 

The stages for IIAD DAT 2026 Entrance Exam are IIAD DAT Written Test, Portfolio Evaluation and/ or Interview round. 

Q:   What will be the total marks for the IIAD Entrance exam?
A: 

Total marks for IIAD DAT exam will be 200. Duration of the exam is 2 hours 30 minutes. Question paper will include questions from Logical Reasoning and Creative Thinking and Visual Aptitude Sections.  IIAD DAT will have two phases: which include the iDAT exam and Portfolio Evaluation or Interview round.

Q:   When will the IIAD entrance exam be conducted?
A: 

The IIAD Exam 2026 was conducted on May 30, 2026. The exam was conducted in Online and offline modes.

The candidate can select the mode of the exam at the time of filling out the IIAD 2026 application form. Note that the IIAD DAT is conducted multiple times in the year. 

Q:   What is the eligibility criteria of IIAD for admission to UG courses?
A: 

For admission to UG courses, the candidate needs to have passed 10+2 exam in any discipline. Those awaiting 10+2 results may also apply. The candidate must make sure that meet the eligibility criteria, as otherwise the candidature of the applicant can be cancelled.

The admission committe will verify the information furnished by the candidate at the time of counseling.

Q:   What happens after I receive my IIAD result?
A: 

After the declaration of IIAD result 2026

  1. Confirm your IIAD admission by accepting the offer

  2. Pay the IIAD admission/registration fee within the given deadline

  3. Submit necessary documents and prepare for IIAD orientation.

Q:   When is the right time to solve IIAD DAT sample papers?
A: 

Sample papers can be solved as part of one’s exam preparation. 

Also, you can solve them very early on in your exam preparation.

If you have completed a few topics, try solving questions related to those topics. As you move deeper into the syllabus, there will be more questions to solve.

Solve as many sample papers as you can.

Q:   Can I apply for IIAD DAT 2026 even if I don't meet the eligibility criteria?
A: 

No, you cannot apply to IIAD DAT 2026 if you don't meet the eligibility criteria.

It is responsibility of the candidate to make sure that they meet the eligibility criteria for the IIAD entrance exam 2026.

If the candidate doesn’t meet the eligibility criteria, they mustn’t apply. Exam officials will verify the eligibility and any candidate who is found lacking will be disqualified. Also, if a candidate fakes their eligibility, they may be disqualified and might also face criminal charges.

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IIAD Entrance Exam Exam

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Write here...

Answered 2 weeks ago

IIAD DAT Studio Test will be of 1 hour.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

There are 50 questions in IIAD DAT Entrance Exam. There will be 2 sections: Logical Reasoning and AnalyƟcal Reasoning.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The total marks for IIAD DAT Studio Test are 50. Each question is of 5 marks.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

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