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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.
Name of Exam
IIAD Design Aptitude Test (iDAT) / IIAD Management Aptitude Test (iMAT)
Exam Level
National Level
Conducted by
IIAD
Exam Mode
Offline and Online
Application Mode
Online and Offline both
Exam Frequency
Conducted in multiple phases across the academic cycle (typically 3–4 rounds, e.g., December, February, April, May)
Exam Medium
English
The official schedule for 2026 will be released on the IIAD website. Candidates must frequently check the IIAD official website in order to receive correct exam-related notifications.
For IIAD admission the applicant needs to fit into the following criteria:
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.
For Undergraduate Courses
For Postgraduate Programme:
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
Application Form Submission
Submit Statement of Purpose (SoP)
Payment of Application Fee
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:
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.
Entrance Exam Syllabus (Design Aptitude Test)
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.
Program Type
Written Test
Second Stage
UG & PG Design Programs
IDAT (2.5 Hours)
Studio Simulation
Fashion Business Management
IMAT (2 hours)
Personal Interview
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
Option 2: Online Portal
The Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD) does not follow a traditional fixed numerical cut-off system like engineering or medical entrance exams. Instead, admission is based on performance in the IIAD Design Aptitude Test (iDAT) or Management Aptitude Test (iMAT), along with subsequent stages such as the studio simulation or personal interview.