AIEED EXAM SYLLABUS 2026 

AIEED is the national-level design entrance exam conducted by ARCH College of Design & Business (Delhi / Jaipur).It is used for admissions into undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) design programs (e.g. Fashion Design, Interior Design, Product Design, Graphic Design, Jewellery Design etc.)

Note- ARCH / AIEED does not publish a rigid “official syllabus” every year; what we know is based on past years’ exams, notifications, and trends. So treat the syllabus below as a guided approximation. Always check the latest AIEED official site when the 2026 notification comes.

Detailed AIEED Exam Syllabus

Below is a consolidated and somewhat granular version of the topics you should prepare, segmented by GAT, CAT, and other rounds.

1.1 General Ability Test (GAT) — Key Areas & Topics

This section checks your general & design awareness, reasoning, and sensitivity. Some typical topics:

Design Sensibility / Awareness

Understanding design in everyday life, design movements, design thinking, famous designers, trends in design, design terminology.

General Awareness / Current Affairs

Important world events, cultural trends, design / art news, environment, social issues.

Logical Reasoning / Analytical Skills

Series, sequences, analogies, patterns, logical puzzles, statements & arguments.

Concept Comprehension

Reading passages, interpreting ideas, understanding arguments.

Awareness of Global Issues

Sustainability, climate change, technology impact, social challenges, cross-disciplinary awareness.

1.2 Creative Ability Test (CAT) — Key Areas & Practice Domains

This is where your creative, visual, and expressive skills are tested. Key domains:

Visual & Written Articulation Skills- Express ideas both through visuals (sketches, diagrams) and writing — ability to communicate design ideas

Design Thinking & Problem Solving- Identify problems, ideate solutions, iterate ideas, user-centric thinking

Lateral Thinking & Creative Problem Solving- Unconventional connections, thinking beyond the obvious, “out-of-box” solutions

Awareness of Design Principles & Elements

• Elements: line, shape, form, texture, space, balance, proportion, contrast, rhythm, harmony
• Principles: unity, variety, emphasis, hierarchy, repetition, scale

Visualization / Imagination- Ability to visualize 3D shapes from 2D, mental rotation, transformation, morphing

Colour & Composition- Colour theory (hue, value, saturation), colour combinations, harmony & contrast, compositions, layouts, balance in visual composition.

1.3 Portfolio of Abilities (PoA) + SOP

Portfolio (PoA)

Past works — sketches, design projects, craft works, models, experiments, creative explorations, Breadth and diversity of work, Quality, clarity, progression and thinking behind each work

Statement of Purpose (SOP)- Your story, motivations for choosing design, your influences, aspirations, how you approach design, future goals.

Click Here For AIEED 2026 Applciation Form

AIEED 2026 Exam Syllabus FAQs

Q1. Is there an official syllabus released by AIEED / ARCH?

Ans: No, ARCH / AIEED does not usually release a strict syllabus. The exam is designed to test design aptitude more broadly. What we have is based on patterns from past years.

Q2. Is the syllabus different for UG and PG applicants?

Ans. For UG aspirants, the focus is on creativity, aptitude, and general awareness.

For PG aspirants, GAT (aptitude & awareness) is usually more important, along with portfolio and interview performance.

Q3. What role does the portfolio play compared to syllabus topics?

Ans. A very big role. Even if you do well in written exams, the portfolio + SOP + interview carry heavy weightage in the final selection.

Q4. Do I need to be good at drawing or sketching?

Ans. Basic sketching and visualization skills are helpful, but the exam also values ideas, originality, and clarity of thought. A neat presentation is more important than artistic perfection.

Q5. Is current affairs part of the syllabus?

Ans. Yes, candidates are expected to know about global issues, design trends, environment, art & culture, and social challenges.