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Indian Institute of Art and Design Entrance Exam Exam Pattern 2026
Indian Institute of Art and Design Entrance Exam Exam Pattern
IIAD Entrance Exam 2026: Overview
The Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), New Delhi, conducts its own entrance exam every year across four phases. Students take either the iDAT for design programmes or the iMAT for management programmes — the two tests are separate and not interchangeable.
Both exams are available in online and offline modes. Neither exam carries negative marking.
IIAD Entrance Exam 2026: Key Details
| Particulars | iDAT (Design Courses) | iMAT (Management Courses) |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), New Delhi | |
| Exam Mode | Online and Offline | |
| Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes | 2 hours |
| Total Marks | 200 | 100 |
| Number of Sections | 2 | 3 |
| Negative Marking | No | |
| Medium of Exam | English | |
| Phase 4 Exam Date | May 30, 2026 | |
| Official Website | iiad.edu.in | |
Exam Pattern for iDAT 2026
The iDAT 2026 is a 200-mark, 2-hour 30-minute exam with two timed sections. The exam is held on May 30, 2026.
- Section 1: Logical Reasoning — 100 marks, 30 minutes.
- Section 2: Creative Thinking & Visual Aptitude — 100 marks, 2 hours.
After the iDAT written test, candidates must complete Part B: Studio Simulation. This is a 2-hour group exercise assessing creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Exam Pattern for iMAT 2026
The iMAT 2026 is a 100-mark, 2-hour exam covering three areas. The exam is held on May 30, 2026.
- Language Proficiency
- Logical Reasoning
- Creative Thinking
The iMAT written test is followed by a Personal Interview for final selection to management programmes.
Marking Scheme 2026
No negative marking applies to either the iDAT or the iMAT. Wrong answers and unattempted questions both score zero marks.
Exam Dates and Phases
Both iDAT and iMAT run in 4 phases across the year. Phase 4 on May 30, 2026 is the final phase of the 2026 cycle.
NATA Exemption for Interior Architecture & Design
Students applying for Interior Architecture & Design with a valid NATA score are exempt from the iDAT written test. They proceed directly to Portfolio Evaluation.
Official Website
The direct link to the IIAD official admissions website 2026 is iiad.edu.in/admissions.
IIAD Entrance Exam 2026: Exam Pattern Overview
The Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) entrance exam consists of two separate written tests: iDAT and iMAT. The iDAT is for design programmes, while the iMAT is for management programmes.
Both tests are conducted in online and offline modes. There is no negative marking in either test.
iDAT (Design Aptitude Test) — Exam Pattern 2026
The iDAT 2026 is a 200-mark written test divided into two sections. The total duration is 2 hours 30 minutes.
| Section | Subject / Area | Question Types | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | Logical Reasoning | MCQs, One-Word Answers | 100 | 30 minutes |
| Section B | Creative Thinking & Visual Aptitude | Drawing Tasks, Writing Tasks, MCQs, Visual Tasks | 100 | 2 hours |
| Total | — | — | 200 marks | 2 hours 30 minutes |
The iDAT written test is Part A. After clearing it, students must complete Part B: Studio Simulation, a 2-hour group exercise for 10–15 students who build a 3D model using provided materials. This round assesses creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation.
iMAT (Management Aptitude Test) — Exam Pattern 2026
The iMAT 2026 is a 100-mark, 2-hour test covering three areas. MCQ-based areas carry 70 marks; writing tasks carry 30 marks.
| Parameter | iDAT (Design Aptitude Test) | iMAT (Management Aptitude Test) |
|---|---|---|
| Applicable UG Programmes | Communication Design, Interior Architecture & Design, Fashion Communication, Fashion Design, Animation Film Design, Product Design | Fashion Business Management, Luxury Business Management |
| Applicable PG Programmes | Communication Design, Interior Design & Styling | Luxury & Fashion Business Management |
| Exam Mode | Online and Offline | |
| Total Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes | 2 hours |
| Total Marks | 200 | 100 |
| Sections / Areas | 2 | 3 |
| Negative Marking | No | |
| Second-Stage Assessment | Studio Simulation (Part B) | Personal Interview |
| Phase 4 Exam Date | May 30, 2026 | |
Students applying for Interior Architecture & Design at IIAD who hold a valid NATA score are exempt from the iDAT written test. They proceed directly to Portfolio Evaluation.
IIAD Entrance Exam 2026: Important Dates
IIAD 2026 admissions run across four phases from December 2025 to May 2026. Each phase has its own application deadline and exam date.
Phase 4, scheduled on May 30, 2026, is the final phase of the 2026 cycle. The Phase 4 admit card is available for download on the official IIAD website ahead of the exam.
| Event | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | Phase 3 | Phase 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | December 2025 | January 23, 2026 | April 15, 2026 | May 22, 2026 |
| Exam Date (Online) | December 13, 2025 | January 31, 2026 | April 24–25, 2026 | May 30, 2026 |
| Exam Date (Offline) | December 14, 2025 | February 1, 2026 | April 25, 2026 | May 30, 2026 |
| Admit Card | Before exam | Before exam | Before exam | Released — download from iiad.edu.in |
| Result | Announced after exam | Announced after exam | Announced after exam | To be announced |
Post-Exam Events After the Written Test
Both iDAT and iMAT qualifiers must appear for a second-stage assessment. The final merit list is prepared after these events are completed.
| Post-Exam Event | Applicable To | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Simulation (Part B) | iDAT qualifiers | To be announced after written test |
| Personal Interview | iMAT qualifiers | To be announced after written test |
| Final Result / Merit List | All students | To be announced |
IIAD Entrance Exam Pattern 2026
The Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) conducts two entrance exams: iDAT and iMAT. The iDAT is for design programmes, while the iMAT is for Fashion Business Management and Luxury Business Management programmes.
iMAT Exam Pattern
The iMAT is a written test of 100 marks with a total duration of 2 hours. There are no per-section time limits for the iMAT.
| Section | Subject / Area | Question Type | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sections 1 & 2 | Language Proficiency & Logical Reasoning | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) | 70 | 2 hours (combined, no per-section limits) |
| Section 3 | Creative Thinking | Writing Tasks (Essay, Story, Letter Writing) | 30 | 2 hours (combined, no per-section limits) |
| Total | — | — | 100 marks | 2 hours |
The written test is followed by a Personal Interview at IIAD's New Delhi campus. This interview is part of the final selection for Fashion Business Management and Luxury Business Management programmes.
IIAD Marking Scheme 2026
The IIAD Entrance Exam 2026 has no negative marking in both iDAT and iMAT. A wrong or unattempted answer costs zero marks, so candidates can attempt every question.
Marks per question depend on the type. MCQs and one-word answers carry +1 mark each. Drawing and descriptive tasks carry +5 marks or more. Each iDAT question displays its individual mark value alongside the question in the paper.
iDAT 2026 Marking Scheme
| Question Type | Marks for Correct Answer | Marks for Wrong Answer | Marks for Unattempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ (Single Correct) | +1 | 0 | 0 |
| One-Word Answer | +1 | 0 | 0 |
| Drawing / Sketching Task | +5 or more (as stated per question) | 0 | 0 |
| Descriptive / Writing Task | +5 or more (as stated per question) | 0 | 0 |
iMAT 2026 Marking Scheme
| Question Type | Marks for Correct Answer | Marks for Wrong Answer | Marks for Unattempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ (Language Proficiency & Logical Reasoning) | +1 to +10 (varies by section) | 0 | 0 |
| Writing Task (Creative Thinking) | Assessed holistically out of 30 | 0 | 0 |
For the offline iDAT, drawing responses require pencil, pen, or dry colour as specified per question. For the online iDAT, written responses must be in English. Drawing submission follows IIAD's online instructions issued with the admit card.
IIAD Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2026
The iDAT and iMAT each assess distinct skills matched to their programme requirements. The iDAT's Logical Reasoning section is the most time-pressured part of the exam — 100 marks in just 30 minutes. Section B gives you 2 hours for creative and visual tasks. The iMAT distributes 100 marks across language, reasoning, and creative writing.
iDAT: Section A — Logical Reasoning (100 Marks, 30 Minutes)
| Topics Covered | Question Types | Section Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Patterns, Number Series, Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Spatial Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Figure-Based Problems, Data Interpretation | MCQs, One-Word Answers | 100 | 30 minutes |
iDAT: Section B — Creative Thinking & Visual Aptitude (100 Marks, 2 Hours)
| Topics Covered | Question Types | Section Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freehand Drawing, Observational Sketching, Logo Design, Visual Composition, Colour Theory, Design Awareness, Story Writing, Creative Brief | Drawing Tasks, Writing Tasks, MCQs, Visual Tasks | 100 | 2 hours |
iMAT: Language Proficiency & Logical Reasoning (70 Marks)
| Topics Covered | Question Types | Section Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms; Verbal, Numerical, Spatial, and Abstract Reasoning; Pattern Recognition, Critical Thinking | MCQs | 70 |
iMAT: Creative Thinking (30 Marks)
| Topics Covered | Question Types | Section Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Essay Writing, Story Writing, Letter Writing, Creative Expression and Communication | Writing Tasks | 30 |
Language Proficiency and Logical Reasoning are assessed together via MCQs in the iMAT, combining for 70 marks. Creative Thinking (30 marks) is assessed subjectively on clarity, originality, and coherence of written responses.
IIAD Entrance Exam Question Types 2026
The IIAD entrance exam uses different question types, not just MCQs. The iDAT is different from standard tests because it checks creative and visual ability through drawing, sketching, and writing tasks.
iDAT 2026 Question Types
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): Single correct answer; each carries +1 mark. These appear in both Section A (Logical Reasoning) and Section B (Creative Thinking).
- One-Word Answers: Short factual responses requiring a single-word reply; each carries +1 mark. Common in Logical Reasoning for design vocabulary and pattern identification.
- Drawing and Sketching Tasks: Freehand sketches, logo design, product sketching, and visual compositions; each carries +5 marks or more. Assessed on creativity, accuracy, and originality. Use pencil, pen, or dry colour as directed per question.
- Writing Tasks: Story writing, creative briefs, and visual descriptions; each carries +5 marks or more. Assessed on language quality, imagination, and coherence. Online responses must be in English.
- Visual Tasks: Colour exercises, visual pattern identification, and design layout tasks; marks vary per question as indicated in the paper.
The exact number of questions in the iDAT is not fixed. Each question states its individual mark value in the paper. Read all questions before you begin to plan your time across high-mark and low-mark questions.
iMAT 2026 Question Types
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): Cover Language Proficiency and Logical Reasoning; carry the combined 70-mark section. MCQ mark values vary by subsection, typically ranging from 1–10 marks per question.
- Writing Tasks: Essay, story, or letter writing forms the entire 30-mark Creative Thinking section. Assessed holistically on language quality, creative thinking, and clarity of expression.
IIAD Entrance Exam Pattern: Changes in 2026 vs Previous Year
The IIAD entrance exam pattern has remained consistent between 2025 and 2026. No significant changes to the structure, duration, total marks, or marking scheme of either iDAT or iMAT have been announced for 2026.
| Parameter | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| iDAT Total Marks | 200 | 200 |
| iDAT Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| iDAT Sections | 2 (Logical Reasoning; Creative Thinking & Visual Aptitude) | 2 (Logical Reasoning; Creative Thinking & Visual Aptitude) |
| iDAT Section A Time | 30 minutes | 30 minutes |
| iDAT Section B Time | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| iMAT Total Marks | 100 | 100 |
| iMAT Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| iMAT Assessment Areas | Language Proficiency, Logical Reasoning, Creative Thinking | Language Proficiency, Logical Reasoning, Creative Thinking |
| Negative Marking | None | None |
| Exam Mode | Online and Offline | Online and Offline |
| Number of Exam Phases | Multiple phases | 4 phases (Dec 2025 – May 2026) |
| Second Stage — iDAT | Studio Simulation | Studio Simulation |
| Second Stage — iMAT | Personal Interview | Personal Interview |
Since the IIAD 2026 exam pattern is unchanged from 2025, students from previous application cycles can use the same preparation strategy without adjustments.
How to Prepare Based on IIAD Entrance Exam Pattern
Your preparation for IIAD 2026 should be built around the actual structure of the iDAT and iMAT. The pattern rewards creative ability, visual thinking, and language precision more than rote learning.
There is no negative marking in the exam. You should always attempt every question.
IIAD Entrance Exam Preparation Tips
Build Speed for iDAT Section A (Logical Reasoning)
Section A of the iDAT gives you only 30 minutes for 100 marks. You need to solve questions quickly.
- Practise number series, spatial reasoning, analogies, and coding-decoding daily.
- Work until you can solve each question type within seconds.
Focus Most Preparation on iDAT Section B
Section B, Creative Thinking & Visual Aptitude, carries 100 marks over 2 hours. This section deserves most of your preparation time.
- Practise observational sketching, colour composition, logo thumbnails, and short creative writing every day.
- High-mark drawing questions reward sustained practice more than any other question type.
Attempt Every Question
There is no penalty for wrong answers in both iDAT and iMAT. Wrong answers score zero.
- Never leave anything blank.
- Even an imperfect sketch or a partially completed essay earns more than a skipped question.
Use the Correct Stationery for Offline iDAT Drawing Tasks
Drawing questions specify the material to use, such as pencil, pen, or dry colour. Practise with these materials ahead of the exam.
- Being comfortable with the materials makes you faster on exam day.
- For the online version, follow IIAD’s submission guidelines sent with your admit card.
Strengthen Vocabulary and Grammar for iMAT
Language Proficiency and Logical Reasoning carry a combined 70 marks through MCQs in the iMAT. Build your language skills daily.
- Read English newspapers daily.
- Practise grammar rules, synonyms, antonyms, and comprehension passages.
Practise Timed Writing for iMAT’s Creative Thinking Section
The 30-mark writing section rewards clarity, structure, and originality. Write regularly in the week before the exam.
- Write one essay, story, or letter every day.
- Aim to plan and complete a 300-word response in under 25 minutes.
Prepare for Studio Simulation as a Separate Stage
The iDAT’s Part B group exercise tests teamwork, rapid prototyping, and presentation alongside creativity. These skills need practice before exam day.
- Practise articulating design ideas quickly.
- Work on collaborating effectively in a group.
IIAD Entrance Exam Pattern FAQs
What is the total marks for IIAD iDAT 2026?
The IIAD iDAT 2026 carries a total of 200 marks. Section A (Logical Reasoning) carries 100 marks and Section B (Creative Thinking & Visual Aptitude) carries the remaining 100 marks.
The total exam duration is 2 hours 30 minutes.
What is the difference between iDAT and iMAT?
The iDAT (Design Aptitude Test) is for students applying to design programmes such as Communication Design, Fashion Design, and Animation Film Design. The iMAT (Management Aptitude Test) is for students applying to Fashion Business Management and Luxury Business Management.
You take only one test — the one that matches your chosen programme at IIAD.
Is there negative marking in IIAD 2026?
No, there is no negative marking in either the iDAT or the iMAT 2026. Wrong answers and unattempted questions both receive zero marks.
You should attempt every question in the exam, as there is no penalty for incorrect responses.
How long is the IIAD iDAT 2026 exam?
The iDAT 2026 is a 2-hour 30-minute (150-minute) written test. Section A on Logical Reasoning is allocated 30 minutes, and Section B on Creative Thinking & Visual Aptitude is allocated 2 hours.
After clearing the written test, you complete Part B: Studio Simulation (approximately 2 hours).
What types of questions appear in iDAT 2026?
The iDAT 2026 includes four question types. Each question in the paper states its individual mark value alongside the question instructions.
| Question Type | Marks |
|---|---|
| MCQs | +1 mark each |
| One-word answers | +1 mark each |
| Drawing and sketching tasks | +5 marks or more |
| Descriptive or writing tasks | +5 marks or more |
When is the IIAD Entrance Exam 2026 Phase 4?
IIAD Entrance Exam 2026 Phase 4 — covering both iDAT and iMAT — is scheduled for May 30, 2026. It is available in both online and offline modes.
It is the final phase of the 2026 admission cycle. The Phase 4 admit card is available for download on the official IIAD website.
What is Studio Simulation in the IIAD exam?
Studio Simulation is Part B of the iDAT admission process. It is a 2-hour group activity conducted in groups of 10–15 students at IIAD, New Delhi.
Students are given materials and a creative brief to build a 3D model or complete a design assignment. IIAD assesses creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation skills in this round.
How many phases does the IIAD 2026 exam have?
IIAD 2026 has four phases. Students can apply and appear in any phase they choose.
| Phase | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | December 2025 |
| Phase 2 | January–February 2026 |
| Phase 3 | April 2026 |
| Phase 4 | May 30, 2026 |
Can I take the IIAD 2026 exam online?
Yes. Both iDAT and iMAT are available in online (computer-based) and offline (pen-and-paper) modes for every phase. You choose your preferred mode at the time of registration.
For the online iDAT, written responses must be in English, and drawing tasks follow IIAD’s digital submission instructions.
NATA Score Exemption for Interior Architecture & Design
Yes, students with a valid NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) score are exempt from the iDAT written test. This applies to applicants for Interior Architecture & Design at IIAD.
These students skip Part A of the test. They proceed directly to Portfolio Evaluation for admission consideration.
Subjects Covered in iMAT 2026
The iMAT 2026 covers three areas. These are Language Proficiency, Logical Reasoning, and Creative Thinking.
- Language Proficiency: grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, synonyms, antonyms, idioms.
- Logical Reasoning: verbal, numerical, abstract, and spatial reasoning.
- Creative Thinking: essay writing, story writing, letter writing.
Language Proficiency and Logical Reasoning together carry 70 marks via MCQs. Creative Thinking carries 30 marks via writing tasks.
Process After the iMAT Written Test
Students who qualify the iMAT written test are shortlisted for a Personal Interview. The interview takes place at IIAD's New Delhi campus.
Performance in both the written test and the interview together determines final admission. This applies to the Fashion Business Management and Luxury Business Management programmes at IIAD.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
IIAD Entrance Exam 2026: Key Details
The Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) conducts its own entrance exams for admission to its design and management programmes. The exam is held in multiple phases throughout the admission cycle.
There are two separate tests: the iDAT (Design Aptitude Test) and the iMAT (Management Aptitude Test). The test you take depends on the programme you apply for.
iDAT vs iMAT: Which Test to Take
The iDAT is for students applying to design programmes such as Communication Design, Fashion Design, and Animation Film Design. The iMAT is for students applying to Fashion Business Management and Luxury Business Management.
You take only one test, the one that matches your chosen programme at IIAD.
Exam Pattern for iDAT 2026
The IIAD iDAT 2026 carries a total of 200 marks. The total exam duration is 2 hours 30 minutes.
| Section | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Logical Reasoning | 100 | 30 minutes |
| B | Creative Thinking & Visual Aptitude | 100 | 2 hours |
The iDAT 2026 includes four question types. Each question in the paper states its individual mark value alongside the question instructions.
- MCQs: +1 mark each
- One-word answers: +1 mark each
- Drawing and sketching tasks: +5 marks or more
- Descriptive or writing tasks: +5 marks or more
Exam Pattern for iMAT 2026
The iMAT 2026 covers three areas. Language Proficiency and Logical Reasoning together carry 70 marks via MCQs; Creative Thinking carries 30 marks via writing tasks.
- Language Proficiency: grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, synonyms, antonyms, idioms
- Logical Reasoning: verbal, numerical, abstract, and spatial reasoning
- Creative Thinking: essay writing, story writing, letter writing
Negative Marking
No, there is no negative marking in either the iDAT or the iMAT 2026. Wrong answers and unattempted questions both receive zero marks.
You should attempt every question in the exam, as there is no penalty for incorrect responses.
Studio Simulation
Studio Simulation is Part B of the iDAT admission process. It is a 2-hour group activity conducted in groups of 10-15 students at IIAD, New Delhi.
Students are given materials and a creative brief to build a 3D model or complete a design assignment. IIAD assesses creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation skills in this round.
Exam Mode
Yes. Both iDAT and iMAT are available in online (computer-based) and offline (pen-and-paper) modes for every phase. You choose your preferred mode at the time of registration.
For the online iDAT, written responses must be in English, and drawing tasks follow IIAD's digital submission instructions.
NATA Score Exemption
Yes. Students applying for Interior Architecture & Design at IIAD who hold a valid NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) score are exempt from the iDAT written test. They skip Part A and proceed directly to Portfolio Evaluation for admission consideration.
Important Dates for IIAD 2026
IIAD 2026 has four phases. Students can apply and appear in any phase they choose.
| Phase | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | December 2025 |
| Phase 2 | January-February 2026 |
| Phase 3 | April 2026 |
| Phase 4 | May 30, 2026 |
IIAD Entrance Exam 2026 Phase 4, covering both iDAT and iMAT, is scheduled for May 30, 2026. It is the final phase of the 2026 admission cycle. The Phase 4 admit card is available for download on the official IIAD website.
After the Written Test
Students who qualify the iMAT written test are shortlisted for a Personal Interview at IIAD's New Delhi campus. Your performance in both the written test and the interview together determines final admission to Fashion Business Management and Luxury Business Management programmes at IIAD.