IIAD (IIAD Entrance Exam)

Content Writer Papri Dutta
Updated On Date: Aug 04, 2026

IIAD 2027 Indian Institute of Art and Design

Notification | Exam Dates | Application Form | Eligibility | Exam Pattern | Syllabus | Admit Cards | Cut Off | Results | Counselling

The IIAD 2027 notification will be available starting in September 2026, followed by online application submissions. The last date for the submission of online applications for Phase 1 is in December 2026. The IIAD entrance exam will be conducted tentatively in December 2026 for Phase 1 in online and offline modes.

The Indian Institute of Art and Design Entrance Exam (IIAD DAT) is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to various undergraduate and postgraduate design programs such as Fashion Design, Interior Architecture and Design, Communication Design, and Management programs across participating campuses. Conducted in an online and offline format, IIAD DAT assesses candidates through writing tasks, visual tasks, one-word answers, and multiple-choice questions designed to evaluate creative, visual, and logical proficiency.

IIAD 2027 Exams Highlights

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

IIAD 2027 Exam Dates

Event

Expected Timeline

Online Registration Starts (Phase 1)

September 2026

Registration Closes (Phase 1)

December 2026

Admit Card Availability

A few days before the exam

IIAD 2027 Exam Dates (Phase 1)

Second week of December 2026

Result Declaration

Announced online/via registered email per phase

 IIAD 2027 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for IIAD 2027 vary by program level:

  • Undergraduate Courses (B.Des): Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent in any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts/Humanities) from a recognized board (CBSE/ISC/IB) with a minimum aggregate of 50%. Appearing candidates may also apply.
  • Postgraduate Courses (M.Des / M.A.): Candidates must hold a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Final-year students or those awaiting results are also eligible to apply.
Read More About IIAD 2027 Eligibility Criteria

IIAD 2027 Application Process

The IIAD 2027 application form must be filled out exclusively online via the official website (iiad.edu.in). Candidates must register with basic credentials, upload scanned photographs, signatures, Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, and ID proof in specified formats, and pay the application fee online. The application fee is INR 2,500.

Read More About IIAD 2027 Application Form

 

IIAD 2027 Syllabus

The syllabus is tailored to assess creative capabilities rather than rote learning:

  • Observation & Memory: Testing the candidate's visual retention and attention to detail.
  • Creativity & Visualization: Assessing spatial awareness, design sensitivity, and lateral thinking.
  • Language & Logical Reasoning: Checking communication competency, basic grammar, and problem-solving aptitude.
  • Cultural & Design Awareness: Evaluating general awareness of art, culture, design history, and current trends.
Read More About IIAD 2027 Syllabus

IIAD 2027 Admit Card

The IIAD 2027 admit card is issued digitally prior to the test date. Registered candidates can access and download their hall ticket via their registered email or applicant dashboard. Carrying a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID to the exam center is mandatory. 

IIAD 2027 Exam Pattern

The Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD) entrance for 2027 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

Read More About IIAD 2027 Exam Pattern

IIAD 2027 Result

The IIAD 2027 results are published online phase-wise, and scorecards are sent directly to the candidates' registered email IDs. Qualified candidates are invited to subsequent rounds of the admission process. 

IIAD 2027 Counselling

Post-exam evaluation involves comprehensive rounds:

  • UG Programs: Candidates qualifying in IIAD DAT progress to a portfolio interview round.
  • PG Programs: Candidates are shortlisted via the iMAT exam followed by a personal interview. Final selections depend on overall performance, creative profile, and seat availability.
Read More About IIAD 2027 Counselling

IIAD 2027 Preparation Tips

To prepare effectively for the IIAD 2027 entrance exam, focus on a strategic and well-rounded plan covering all parts of the exam pattern. Here are detailed preparation tips:

  • Understand the Exam Pattern & Syllabus: iDAT covers logical reasoning, creative thinking, visual aptitude, cultural awareness, and problem-solving.
  • Practice Drawing and Sketching: Enhance visualization and representation skills using various mediums.
  • Strengthen Logical Reasoning: Prepare with reasoning books and online tests focused on pattern recognition, analogies, series, deductions, and puzzles.
  • Improve Creative Thinking & Problem Solving: Engage in brainstorming sessions, creative story writing, and problem-solving questions related to design.
  • Use Sample Papers & Mock Tests: Solve previous years’ IIAD papers and mock tests to familiarize with question types and improve time management.
  • Develop a Strong Portfolio: Build a diverse portfolio showcasing original work.
  • Stay Updated on Design & Cultural Trends: Read about current Indian and global art, design movements, and cultural topics.
  • Time Management: Manage 2.5 hours for iDAT and 2 hours for studio simulation efficiently.
  • Maintain a Balanced Routine: Maintain a balanced routine with adequate breaks and physical well-being.
  • Group Activities Preparation: Practice teamwork, communication skills, and participate in collaborative creative exercises.
Read More About IIAD 2027 Preparation Tips

IIAD 2027 Instructions

  • Ensure uploaded documents (photographs, signatures, and academic transcripts) match the layout guidelines.
  • Carry a printed copy of the admit card and an original photo ID (such as a Passport, Voter ID, Driver's License, or [Aadhaar Redacted]) to the examination venue.
  • Report to the designated test center ahead of the scheduled shift time.
  • Strictly adhere to institutional testing protocols and avoid using prohibited items during the assessment.

IIAD 2027 FAQs

Q1. What is the format of the IIAD 2027 entrance exam?

Ans. IIAD DAT is conducted in online and offline modes, featuring a mix of writing tasks, visual/drawing tasks, one-word answers, and MCQs for a total of 100 marks.

Q2. Who is eligible to appear for IIAD 2027?

Ans. Eligibility requires clearing Class 12 with at least 50% aggregate for undergraduate programs, and holding or pursuing a graduation degree for postgraduate tracks.

Q3. How can candidates apply for IIAD 2027?

Ans. Applications are completed online through the official IIAD web portal by submitting personal credentials, uploading documents, and paying the fee of INR 2,500.

Q4. How are IIAD 2027 results communicated?

Ans. Results are communicated directly through the candidate's registered email ID and applicant profile portal.

Q5. What follows the IIAD entrance test?

Ans. Qualified candidates are called for a portfolio evaluation or personal interview round depending on their applied undergraduate or postgraduate design course.