IIAD (IIAD Entrance Exam)

Content Writer Papri Dutta
Updated On Date: Aug 03, 2026

IIAD 2027 Exam Pattern

IIAD 2027 Exam Pattern

 

The Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), in collaboration with Kingston University London, is one of India's premier design institutes. Success in its entrance assessments opens doors to professional undergraduate and postgraduate design and management programs such as B.Des (Fashion Design, Fashion Communication, Interior Architecture & Design, Communication Design, Product Design) and M.Des, as well as Fashion Business Management. To excel, candidates must grasp every detail of the IIAD 2027 exam pattern, marking scheme, and course-specific question formats.

IIAD 2027 serves as a vital gateway for candidates aiming to pursue creative and professional design or management studies. A thorough understanding of the exam pattern allows candidates to plan their strategy, maximize their scores, and achieve admission into their preferred programs.

Quick Glance on IIAD 2027:

  • Exam Type: Online (Computer-Based Test) or Offline (Pen-and-Paper format available for selection during registration)
  • Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes for iDAT (Section A: 30 minutes; Section B: 2 hours); 2 hours for iMAT
  • Medium: English
  • Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), One-Word Answers, Drawing/Visual Tasks, and Descriptive Writing Tasks
  • Marking Scheme: Marks vary by question type (+1 for MCQs/one-word answers; higher weights like +5 or more for drawing and descriptive tasks). No negative marking for incorrect or unattempted answers.

Course-Wise Exam Pattern & Structure

Because IIAD covers a spectrum of multidisciplinary design and management programs, the exam pattern and evaluation structure vary depending on the course pathway chosen:

  1. Design Programs (B.Des / M.Des) - iDAT & Studio Simulation
  • Part A: Design Aptitude Test (iDAT)
    • Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes total (Section A has a dedicated 30-minute window; Section B has a 2-hour window)
    • Sections & Structure:
      • Section A (Logical Reasoning): Carries 100 marks; features Multiple Choice Questions and One-Word Answers evaluating visual patterns, number series, spatial reasoning, and abstract logic.
      • Section B (Creative Thinking & Visual Aptitude): Carries 100 marks; features drawing tasks, visual tasks, and writing prompts evaluating observation, perspective, color theory, and imagination.
    • Part B: Studio Simulation
      • Format: Group activity conducted for groups of 10–15 students.
      • Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
      • Focus: Assesses hands-on model making, collaborative problem-solving, teamwork, and presentation skills.
  1. Fashion Business Management - iMAT & Personal Interview
  • Part A: IIAD Management Aptitude Test (iMAT)
    • Duration: 2 hours
    • Sections & Structure:
      • Sections 1 & 2 (Language Proficiency & Logical Reasoning): Carries 70 marks through Multiple Choice Questions covering grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and verbal/numerical reasoning.
      • Section 3 (Creative Thinking): Carries 30 marks through descriptive writing tasks such as essays, stories, or letters.
    • Part B: Personal Interview
      • Focus: Evaluates communication skills, motivation, and fundamental domain understanding.

Detailed Marking Scheme

Program / Test Category

Total Marks

Question / Task Types

Marks Allocation

Negative Marking

Second Stage Component

B.Des / M.Des (iDAT)

200 Marks (100 for Part A + 100 for Part B)

MCQs, One-Word Answers, Drawing & Descriptive Tasks

+1 for MCQs/One-word; +5 or more for drawing/writing tasks

None

Studio Simulation (100 Marks)

Fashion Business Management (iMAT)

100 Marks

MCQs (Language & Reasoning) + Descriptive Writing Tasks

Variable per subsection for MCQs; holistic scoring for writing tasks

None

Personal Interview

Special Guidelines
  • The written tests are conducted in both online (computer-based) and offline modes, allowing candidates to select their preferred format during registration.
  • Unattempted questions and incorrect answers fetch zero marks with no negative marking penalties.
  • Candidates applying for Interior Architecture & Design who possess a valid NATA score can be exempted from the iDAT written test and proceed directly to portfolio evaluation.
  • Use of unauthorized digital gadgets, cellular phones, or cheating aids results in strict disqualification.
  • Candidates must verify specific course prerequisites and phase dates on the official IIAD portal before submitting their applications.
 
Click Here For IIAD 2027 Application Form

IIAD 2027 Exam Pattern FAQs

Q1. Is there any negative marking in IIAD 2027?

Ans. No, there is no negative marking in either the iDAT or the iMAT. Incorrect responses and unattempted questions both receive zero marks.

Q2. What is the format and weightage of the IIAD iDAT exam?

Ans. The iDAT is a 200-mark assessment split evenly into Part A (Written Test worth 100 marks) and Part B (Studio Simulation worth 100 marks).

Q3. Can a candidate choose between taking the exam online or offline?

Ans. Yes, IIAD provides options for both online (computer-based) and offline (pen-and-paper) testing modes across its admission phases, which can be selected during registration.

Q4. Are electronic gadgets or calculators permitted inside the examination hall?

Ans. No, cellular phones, smart devices, and physical calculators are strictly prohibited inside the exam premises.

Q5. What language medium is used for the IIAD entrance examination?

Ans. The entire examination is conducted exclusively in the English language.

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