The IIAD 2026 Phase 1 design aptitude test (iDAT) was conducted on 24 – 25 April 2026 in online and offline modes. Results are declared phase-wise and shared with candidates on their registered email IDs, after which shortlisted applicants move to the Studio Simulation or Interview round. The Indian Institute of Art and Design Entrance Exam (also called IIAD DAT / iDAT / IIAD Entrance Exam) is a prestigious institute-level Fashion and Design entrance exam conducted by IIAD, the Indian Institute of Art and Design, New Delhi — an academic partner of Kingston University, London. IIAD runs rolling admissions across multiple phases each year, so registrations for upcoming cycles may still be open at the official website iiad.edu.in. The IIAD score is used for admission to UG and PG design programmes including Communication Design, Interior Architecture & Design, Fashion Design, Fashion Communication, Fine Arts and Fashion Business Management. Here on aglasem.com you can check the IIAD result, admission process, exam dates, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, and apply-online details, and download the previous year question paper PDF.
Latest: – IIAD 2026 Phase 1 iDAT was held on 24 – 25 April 2026. Phase-wise results are sent to registered email IDs; scroll down for the admission process.
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IIAD 2026
What is IIAD Entrance Exam?
The IIAD Entrance Exam stands for Indian Institute of Art and Design Entrance Exam. Its written component is the iDAT (IIAD Design Aptitude Test), a 2 hour 30 minute test that evaluates drawing and design skills, imagination, observation, creativity and visual communication. It is the institute-level admission test conducted by the Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), New Delhi, for admission to its UG and PG design programmes in the academic year 2026. Aspirants for Fashion Business Management appear in the iMAT (management aptitude test) plus an interview, instead of the iDAT plus Studio Simulation route.
IIAD 2026 Exam Dates
When did IIAD conduct the iDAT? What was the last date to apply for Phase 1? When are results declared and when does the Studio Simulation or Interview take place? All these key milestones are summarised in the IIAD exam date calendar below. Note that the Indian Institute of Art and Design is the official authority for all dates, and because IIAD admits students across multiple phases through the year, you should regularly visit iiad.edu.in for the schedule of the next intake.
| Exam Event | Event Date |
|---|---|
| Start of application (Phase 1) | Ongoing / rolling |
| Last date to apply (Phase 1) | 15 Apr 2026 |
| IIAD iDAT 2026 exam date (Phase 1) | 24 Apr 2026 – Online 25 Apr 2026 – Online & Offline (campus) |
| Declaration of result | Phase-wise, via registered email |
| Studio Simulation / Interview | After written test result |
| Next phase / upcoming intake | As per IIAD |
Important Downloads and Official Links
Here you can find direct links to the latest notifications and official releases for IIAD, ensuring you stay updated.
- IIAD 2026 Notification
- IIAD Application Portal
- Official Website of IIAD
IIAD 2026 Application Form – Apply Online
The IIAD 2026 application form is filled online at apply.iiad.edu.in. The Phase 1 last date was 15 April 2026; because IIAD follows a rolling, multi-phase admission cycle, the portal may reopen for later intakes. Before registering, check the eligibility criteria, then enter accurate details, upload the required documents, and pay the application fee of ₹2,500. Applications submitted offline are not accepted. Keep your login credentials safe to track your application and result.
IIAD 2026 Application Form Direct Link – Click here to apply online for IIAD.
IIAD 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for the Indian Institute of Art and Design Entrance Exam, make sure you satisfy the eligibility conditions:
- Candidates must have passed 10+2 (any stream) with a minimum of 50% marks.
- Class 12 appearing candidates may also apply, subject to meeting the marks requirement on result declaration.
- A valid iDAT score is required for the design programmes; iMAT plus interview applies to Fashion Business Management.
IIAD 2026 Exam Pattern
The IIAD selection process combines a written aptitude test with a practical or interview round. Key highlights of the pattern are:
- Mode: Online and offline (at the IIAD campus, New Delhi).
- iDAT duration: 2 hours 30 minutes; questions are largely MCQ-based and assess design aptitude, drawing, creativity and visual communication.
- Studio Simulation: a practical design task for shortlisted candidates.
- iMAT + Interview: for Fashion Business Management aspirants in place of iDAT + Studio Simulation.
IIAD Exam – An Overview
The key details about this entrance exam are as follows.
| Exam Aspect | Aspect Information |
|---|---|
| Name of Exam | IIAD Entrance Exam (iDAT) |
| Full Form | Indian Institute of Art and Design Entrance Exam |
| Also Known As | iDAT, IIAD DAT, IIAD Design Aptitude Test; iMAT for Fashion Management |
| Exam Conducting Body | IIAD |
| Full Name of Body | Indian Institute of Art and Design, New Delhi |
| Level of Exam | Institute Level |
| Official Website of Exam | iiad.edu.in |
| Courses Where Admission Is Through This Test | UG (Communication Design, Interior Architecture & Design, Fashion Design, Fashion Communication, Fine Arts), PG (Fashion Business Management) |
| Colleges / Universities / Institutes Where Admission Is Through This Test | IIAD (partnered with Kingston University, London) |
| Region Of Exam (admission to institutes in these areas are primarily through this test; does not reflect from where students can participate) | Delhi, NCR |
| Type Of Exam | Fashion and Design Entrance Exams |
IIAD 2026 Admit Card
After applying, registered candidates receive the IIAD 2026 admit card / hall ticket before their scheduled iDAT slot. Most important points:
- Release: The admit card is issued shortly before the exam for each phase; check the dates table above and iiad.edu.in for the exact release.
- Download Link: Once IIAD publishes the admit card, the download link appears in your candidate login at iiad.edu.in / apply.iiad.edu.in.
- How to Download: Visit the official website, log in with your IIAD credentials, and download the admit card; carry a printout with a valid photo ID to the test centre.
IIAD 2026 Result
IIAD declares results phase-wise. After the Phase 1 iDAT held on 24 – 25 April 2026, scores and shortlisting outcomes are communicated to candidates. Key points about the result:
- How it is shared: Results are typically sent to the candidate’s registered email ID and/or updated in the application login at iiad.edu.in.
- What it indicates: Your iDAT performance determines whether you are shortlisted for the next round — the Studio Simulation (design programmes) or Interview (Fashion Business Management).
- Next step: Shortlisted candidates complete the Studio Simulation / Interview, after which the final admission offer and fee payment follow.
- Significance: A valid IIAD result is essential for admission to programmes such as Communication Design, Interior Architecture & Design, Fashion Design, Fashion Communication, Fine Arts and Fashion Business Management.
IIAD 2026 Syllabus & Preparation
There is no rigid fact-based syllabus for the iDAT; instead, it measures aptitude for design. Focus your preparation on:
- Drawing & visualisation – freehand sketching, perspective, rendering of objects and scenes.
- Creativity & imagination – idea generation, storytelling and original concepts.
- Observation & visual communication – colour sense, composition, and conveying ideas visually.
- General awareness of art, design and current affairs in the creative field.
Recommended Books for IIAD Preparation
Since the iDAT is similar in spirit to other design aptitude tests, the following design-entrance preparation books are useful for IIAD aspirants:
- Introduction to Design – UCEED | CEED | NID | NIFT
- Question Bank for NID, NIFT, CEED & UCEED (Revised Edition)
- Arihant NIFT NID IIFT Navigator 2026 – Design Entrance Guide
- NIFT CAT | NID DAT Entrance Exam Practice Set (Creative Ability & Aptitude)
IIAD Previous Year Question Paper
Preparing for the Indian Institute of Art and Design Entrance Exam? Practising with sample and previous year papers helps you understand the style of the iDAT. Important points:
- Sample/previous papers reflect the kind of design-aptitude tasks asked in earlier IIAD exams.
- Practising them builds speed in sketching, ideation and visual reasoning under the 2.5 hour limit.
- You can download practice material from aglasem.com to prepare anytime, anywhere.
IIAD 2026 FAQs
The IIAD 2026 Phase 1 iDAT was held on 24 April 2026 (online) and 25 April 2026 (online and offline at the campus). The Phase 1 application last date was 15 April 2026.
IIAD declares results phase-wise. Scores and shortlisting outcomes are shared with candidates on their registered email IDs and updated in the application login at iiad.edu.in.
The iDAT is a 2 hour 30 minute test of design aptitude, drawing, creativity, observation and visual communication, conducted in online and offline modes, followed by a Studio Simulation for shortlisted candidates.
Candidates must have passed 10+2 in any stream with at least 50% marks and hold a valid iDAT score for design programmes. Fashion Business Management applicants appear for iMAT plus interview.
The IIAD application fee is Rs 2,500. Candidates apply online only at apply.iiad.edu.in; offline applications are not accepted. IIAD follows a rolling, multi-phase admission cycle.
The IIAD score is used for UG programmes such as Communication Design, Interior Architecture & Design, Fashion Design, Fashion Communication and Fine Arts, and PG Fashion Business Management.
If you have any questions about IIAD 2026, please ask in the comments below. And if you found this page useful, please share!
