ISDI Challenge Syllabus 2025 (Released): Section wise Syllabus PDF, Relevant Topics, Portfolio & Instructions

Aspirants are advised to go through the following topics to score well in the ISDI Challenge 2025 exam:

For Portfolio or Design project:

• Visual communication skills – through drawing, making, or digital manipulation
• Presentation skills
• Understanding and manipulation of materials and processes particular to the discipline of choice (e.g., pattern-cutting, website construction, industrial manufacturing processes)
• drawings, paintings, sculptures, performances, graphic designs, animations, photographs, skills

For Design Aptitude Test (DAT)

The second step of the ISDI Challenge is the Online Design Aptitude Test, a multiple-choice examination designed to assess your aptitude and knowledge related to design.

This section is divided into four parts:

1. General Awareness – 15 questions, 30 marks

2. Logical Reasoning – 15 questions, 30 marks

3. Analytical Thinking – 10 questions, 20 marks

4. Storytelling – 1 question, 20 marks

Important Instructions:

• All questions must be attempted.

• There is no negative marking.

• The test must be completed in one sitting, within the given time limit.

Check also: ISDI DAT sample paper

For Interview round

• Communication skills 
• Visual appreciation skills and presence of mind
• Awareness of exam details
• Basic industry knowledge
• Awareness of self-work

Along with the syllabus, it is recommended that the candidate also consult the exam pattern for the ISDI Challenge 2025 exam. It is because the exam pattern will hold insights into the question paper, including the types of questions asked, the marking scheme, the difficulty level, etc. In the first stage of the ISDI Challenge 2025 exam, the candidate needs to sit in a Design Aptitude Test (DAT). The candidate is also required to upload their portfolio and design project. Shortlisted candidates have to appear for an interview. The final merit list of the ISDI Challenge 2025 will be prepared by giving weightage to all the test components.

ISDI Challenge Selection Process 2025

The following steps give an insight into ISDI Challenge Syllabus and Pattern:

Step 1: Upload Your Portfolio

The first step of the ISDI Challenge is the Portfolio Upload, which carries a total of 100 marks and holds a 40% weightage in the overall evaluation.

Your portfolio can showcase a variety of media, including drawings, paintings, sculptures, performances, graphic designs, animations, photographs, or sketchbook pages. You are encouraged to submit 8–10 of your best works.

Please upload your work in one of the following formats:

• A single PDF file

• Multiple JPEG/JPG images

• A consolidated ZIP file
  Ensure that the total file size does not exceed 500 MB.

Alternative to Portfolio: Upload Design Project

If you do not have a portfolio, you can still move forward in the ISDI Challenge by completing and uploading a Design Project, which carries 100 marks and holds a 40% weightage in the evaluation process.

You are required to create a visual work inspired by any one of the following themes:

• One World

• Tracing Nature

• Translating Tomorrow

All forms of media are welcome, including drawing, video, photography, sculpture, 3D work, collage, and digital images. Write an essay in 500 words to support your answer.

Step 2: Online Design Aptitude Test

The second stage of the ISDI Challenge is the Online Design Aptitude Test, which carries 100 marks, has a 60-minute time limit, and contributes 30% weightage to the overall evaluation. This multiple-choice examination is designed to assess your design aptitude and general awareness. The online design aptitude test will comprise:

Step 3: Online Interview

The final stage of the ISDI Challenge is the Online Interview. It carries 100 marks and a 25-minute time limit. The weightage is 30% of the total weightage in the selection process. The interview schedule will be shared on the registered email ID.

The Indian School of Design and Innovation will conduct the admission process for ISDI Challenge 2024 in THREE cycles - Current Cycle, Cycle 2 (Regular Cycle), and Cycle 3 (Last Cycle). The candidate can apply under any of the three cycles. 

SDI Challenge 2025 Exam Pattern