IIAD Entrance Exam Syllabus 2026: Know Marking Scheme & Exam Duration
Indian Institute of Art and Design Entrance Exam 2026 ( IIAD Entrance Exam )
Registration - 1 Sep '25 - 23 Jan '26
IIAD Syllabus 2026 - The Indian Institute of Art and Design does not specify any particular exam syllabus for IIAD 2026. IIAD 2026 syllabus can be evaluated by consulting previous years' question papers. It is important to have a clear idea of what will be included in the syllabus to prepare for the entrance exam.
The purpose of consulting the exam syllabus is to get an idea about the types of questions asked, the difficulty level, and the weightage. The candidate must carefully go through the IIAD DAT important topics so that some easy marks can be secured in the entrance exam.
Also read:
- Sketching and Coloring Questions for Design Entrance Exams
- How to make a Design Portfolio: Structure, Layout, Sample and Steps
- IIAD DAT Exam Overview
- IIAD DAT 2026 Syllabus
- IIAD DAT Exam Pattern 2026
- Tips to prepare for IIAD DAT 2026
- IIAD DAT 2026 FAQs
IIAD DAT Exam Overview
Candidates should check out the following information for IIAD DAT 2026 in the following table.
| Particulars |
Description |
|---|---|
| Name of Exam |
IIAD Entrance Test |
| Conducting Body |
Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) |
| Exam Level |
National-Level Exam |
| Exam Mode |
Online/ Offline |
| Exam Medium |
English |
| Exam Frequency |
Multiple Phases |
| Exam Duration |
2 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Total Marks |
200 |
| Application Fee |
INR 2,500 |
| Application |
Open |
| Application deadline |
January 23, 2026 |
| Official Website |
https://www.iiad.edu.in |
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
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.
The IIAD Exam 2026 will be conducted on December 13, 2025 (Online) and on December 14, 2025 (Offline). The exam will be conducted in Online and Offfline 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 conduted multiple times in the year.
IIAD DAT 2026 Syllabus
The IIAD DAT 2026 question paper will evaluate the following parameters.
| Event |
IIAD Selection Criteria |
|---|---|
| IIAD entrance exam (iDAT) |
In the written entrance exam, candidates are judged mainly on their visual ability, cultural awareness and logical thinking. |
| IIAD entrance exam (iMAT) |
In the iMAT written entrance exam, candidates are judged mainly on their language, logical reasoning and creative thinking. |
| Studio Simulation round |
In the studio simulation round, candidates have to work in groups to make a 3D model using the given material. They are evaluated on their skills of making, creative thinking, problem-solving and teamwork. |
| Portfolio assessment round |
Portfolio can include work like drawings/ sketches/ paintings, art collages, web design, digital design, graphic design, needlework, three-dimensional projects, sculpture and/or photography. The official website informs, "A portfolio need not match professional standards, but must reflect a candidate's interest and aptitude for design as well as a flair for visual expression and overall aesthetic sensibility." |
Candidates who are giving IIAD Entrance Exam can also go through the links mentioned below.
Commonly asked questions
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.
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 will be conducted on December 13, 2025 and December 14, 2025.
IIAD DAT Exam Pattern 2026
As per IIAD DAT 2026 exam pattern, the Indian Institute of Art and Design will conduct the IIAD DAT 2026 exam in online and on campus modes.
The structure of the IIAD DAT written exam (or Design Aptitude Test) is to evaluate the creativity, cultural awareness, and logical thinking ability of the candidate.
Admission to design courses at IIAD is conducted through a two-step selection process. The 1st step is the IIAD Design Aptitude Test (iDAT), followed by a Studio Simulation.
However, note that candidates applying for admission to Fashion Management courses need to appear for the IIAD Management Aptitude Test (iMAT) and the Personal Interview round.
Commonly asked questions
In the last months for IIAD exam
Don’t start any new topics as it will eat into your preparation time.
If you have already completed the rest of the topics, may be you can start a new topic. But again you need to be cautious
Do timely revision and focus more on the difficult topics
Solve sample papers
Take mock tests
Eat and stay healthy
The best books of IIAD exam will
Be written as per the official IIAD DAT exam syllabus
Be very few to no errors in these books
Be well written and easy to follow
Have infographics to explain various concepts.
Contain lots of practice material and examples.
Tips to prepare for IIAD DAT 2026
The tips to prepare for IIAD Entrance Exam are given below.
- Ensure that you follow the updated and current syllabus
- Refer to the IIAD DAT exam pattern
- Work on both speed and accuracy.
- Solve IIAD sample papers and take mock tests closer to the exam.
- Work on your observation and drawing skills.
- You must practice all types of drawing, at least the basics. For instance, you can work on shading once you are done with the basic drawing stuff.
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
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.
The last date to fill out the IIAD 2026 application is January 23, 2026. Application is open for UG and PG programmes. The exam will be conducted on January 31, 2026 and February 1, 2026.
IIAD DAT 2026 FAQs
Check out the faqs on IIAD DAT.
Commonly asked questions
IIAD Exam will have subjects like Logical Reasoning and Creative Thinking & Visual Aptitude. Question paper will include questions from Logical Reasoning and Creative Thinking & Visual Aptitude sections. Candidate will have 30 minutes to complete Logical Reasoning section. For the Creative Thinking & Visual Aptitude section, candidate will have 2 hours.
IIAD 2026 exam will be conducted for admission to BA (Hons) Fashion Design, BA (Hons) Interior Architecture & Design, BA (Hons) Communication Design, BA (Hons) Fashion Business Management, and BA (Hons) Fashion Communication courses.
The candidate can select their programme of study when filling out the application form. Note that IIAD application will open in online and offline mode.
The IIAD DAT 2026 admit card will include the date and timings of the exam. It will also have the exam center reporting time.
You need to reach the exam centre as per the reporting time.
Note that if you arrive at the exam center after the exam has commenced, you will not be allowed entry.
So, be on time.
No, you are not allowed to carry electronic gadgets inside the IIAD exam hall. Any candidate who is found to have such items may be disqualified from IIAD exam. So, don’t carry such items inside the exam hall.
IIAD Entrance Exam Exam
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IIAD Entrance Exam Notifications2 Institutes accepting IIAD Entrance Exam
Indian Institute of Art and Design
Okhla, Delhi • Private
4.3- ₹ 23.20 Lakh
- 4 years
- |
- Full Time
Indian Institute of Art and Design, Gurgaon
Gurgaon • Private
- ₹ 23.20 Lakh
- 4 years
- |
- Full Time
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