IIAD Entrance Exam 2027: Registration Open, Exam Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus and Cutoff

The IIAD Entrance Exam 2027 is conducted by the Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), New Delhi, for admission to its undergraduate B.Des programmes in Communication Design, Interior Architecture and Design, Fashion Design, Fashion Communication, and Fashion Business Management, as well as postgraduate courses. The exam is held in multiple phases — usually three phases between December and April — and for the 2027 cycle, registration is now open. The written test for design courses is called iDAT (IIAD Design Aptitude Test), while the test for Fashion Business Management is called iMAT (IIAD Management Aptitude Test).

• Registration Open: IIAD Entrance Exam 2027 registration is currently open at apply.iiad.edu.in. The application fee is INR 2,500. Last year (2026 cycle), the final deadline to apply was April 15, 2026 — so you have several months ahead, but applying now lets you appear in Phase 1 (expected December 2026).
• Phase 1 Exam: Phase 1 of IIAD DAT 2027 is expected in December 2026. Last year, Phase 1 was held on December 13 and 14, 2025, in online and offline modes. Appearing in Phase 1 gives you the earliest chance to secure your seat and also leaves Phase 2 and Phase 3 as backup attempts.
• Phase 2 Exam: Phase 2 of IIAD DAT 2027 is expected in late January or early February 2027. In the 2026 cycle, Phase 2 was held on January 31 and February 1, 2026. This is the second opportunity within the cycle if Phase 1 does not go as planned.
• Studio Simulation / GD-PI: After clearing the written iDAT, design course applicants must appear for a Studio Simulation — a 2-hour group activity at the IIAD campus in New Delhi where teams build a 3D model in response to a design problem. Fashion Business Management applicants appear for a Group Discussion and Personal Interview instead. This round is held at IIAD’s campus, so plan travel if you are outside Delhi.

What is IIAD Entrance Exam 2027?

The Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) is a private design institute in Okhla Industrial Area, New Delhi, established in 2010. It offers integrated design education combining studio practice with industry exposure. The IIAD Entrance Exam is an institute-level test — it gives admission only to IIAD’s own programmes, unlike centralised exams like NID DAT or UCEED that are used by multiple colleges.

The exam is held in multiple phases throughout the academic year, which is a key advantage. You can register and appear in Phase 1 (December), Phase 2 (January–February), or Phase 3 (April), depending on when you feel ready. Both online and offline modes are offered, with offline centres in cities like New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.

After the written test, shortlisted candidates are called for a second-round selection — either a Studio Simulation (for design courses) or a Group Discussion and Personal Interview (for fashion management). Your final merit rank is based on performance in both stages combined, so neither the written test nor the selection round alone determines admission.

IIAD Entrance Exam 2027 Key Highlights

IIAD Entrance Exam 2027 Important Dates

IIAD runs three exam phases for the 2027 admission cycle. Registration is currently open. Phase 1 is expected in December 2026, Phase 2 in late January or early February 2027, and Phase 3 in April 2027. The official 2027 phase-wise schedule has not yet been announced. All dates below are based on the 2026 cycle pattern and should be treated as reference estimates until IIAD publishes the confirmed 2027 calendar.

All dates marked "Expected" are projections based on the 2026 cycle schedule. IIAD will publish the official 2027 exam calendar on iiad.edu.in. Check the portal regularly for the confirmed schedule.

Source: IIAD Official Admissions Page

IIAD 2027 Eligibility Criteria

IIAD’s eligibility conditions are straightforward and open to students from all academic backgrounds. Before you apply for the IIAD Entrance Exam 2027, check the criteria carefully for the level of programme you are targeting.

Eligibility for B.Des (Undergraduate) Programmes

• You must have passed Class 12 (10+2) or an equivalent examination from any recognised board in India.
• You can be from any stream — Science, Commerce, Humanities, or Arts. There is no stream restriction.
• You need a minimum aggregate of 50% marks in Class 12.
• Students currently in their final year of Class 12 and those awaiting their results are also eligible to apply.
• IIAD does not specify an upper age limit for B.Des admission.

Eligibility for Postgraduate Programmes (MBA / M.Des)

• You must hold a graduation degree in any stream from a recognised university or institute in India.
• A minimum of 50% marks in graduation is required.
• Students in their final year of graduation can apply provisionally — your admission will be confirmed only after your graduation results are submitted.

If you are in Class 12 and your result is still awaited, you can apply and appear for any phase of the IIAD 2027 exam. However, your IIAD seat will be confirmed only after you provide proof of meeting the 50% minimum at the time of document verification during counselling.

Category-wise Reservations

IIAD is a private institute and follows its own seat distribution policy. Government reservation norms applicable to government-aided colleges do not automatically apply here. The category-wise seat breakdown, if any, for the 2027 cycle will be specified in the official IIAD admissions brochure — check iiad.edu.in for the confirmed policy when the 2027 brochure is released.

IIAD 2027 Application Process

The IIAD Entrance Exam 2027 application is fully online. You can register and apply at apply.iiad.edu.in. Since registration is already open, applying now means you can appear in Phase 1 (expected December 2026), and you still have Phase 2 and Phase 3 as additional attempts if needed.

Step-by-Step Application Guide for IIAD 2027

• Step 1 — Register: Go to apply.iiad.edu.in and click "Apply Now". Enter your name, email ID, mobile number, state, city, and preferred course (design or fashion management).
• Step 2 — OTP Verification: Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number to verify your account and create your candidate login.
• Step 3 — Fill the Application Form: Log in and complete all fields — personal details, educational qualifications, and your preferred exam phase and mode (online or offline).
• Step 4 — Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets (or last available marksheet if results are awaited), a recent passport-size photograph on a white background, and your signature.
• Step 5 — Pay the Application Fee: Pay the INR 2,500 application fee online via debit card, credit card, or net banking. This fee is non-refundable.
• Step 6 — Submit and Save: Review all entries before final submission. After submitting, download your application confirmation and save the application number for future reference.

IIAD 2027 Application Fee

The application fee is uniform across all categories and is non-refundable. IIAD does not offer any fee waiver or concession for the entrance exam application.

A single registration for the IIAD 2027 cycle covers your participation in all three phases. If you register now and appear in Phase 1 but want to try again in Phase 2 or Phase 3, you can do so under the same registration without paying additional fees. Confirm this directly on apply.iiad.edu.in when registering.

IIAD 2027 Syllabus

IIAD does not publish a detailed official syllabus. The exam broadly covers Logical Reasoning and Creative Thinking with Visual Aptitude. Importantly, the exam does not test stream-specific school subjects — it tests how you think, observe, and solve problems. No prior formal design training is required to appear for the IIAD Entrance Exam 2027.

Section I — Logical Reasoning Syllabus

• Numerical Series — identifying patterns in sequences of numbers and symbols
• Shapes and Geometrical Figures — spotting similarities, differences, and missing elements
• Coding and Decoding — letter and number code problems
• Analogy Series — identifying the relationship type between given pairs
• Blood Relations — family-tree and relationship problems
• Logical Decisions — statement and conclusion type questions
• Assumptions and Arguments — testing the logical validity of statements
• Data Interpretation — reading tables, bar charts, and pie charts to answer questions
• Puzzles — seating arrangements, ordering, and constraint-based problems

Section II — Creative Thinking and Visual Aptitude Syllabus

• Drawing and Sketching — representing objects, spaces, or imagined scenes quickly
• Observation Skills — identifying details, patterns, and relationships in visuals
• Imaginative Expression — visual storytelling and composing scenes from imagination
• Spatial Awareness — understanding and manipulating 2D and 3D relationships
• Design Observation — reading the purpose and meaning of everyday objects and visuals
• Colour and Composition Basics — visual hierarchy, proportion, balance, and layout
• Cultural and Design Awareness — general awareness of visual culture, design, and everyday environments

iMAT Syllabus — Fashion Business Management

• English Language Proficiency — reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and short essay writing
• Logical Reasoning — same topics as listed for iDAT Section I above
• Creative Thinking — fashion industry awareness, brand communication, and design culture

IIAD has released official sample papers for the iDAT in previous years. You can download these from the official IIAD admissions page at iiad.edu.in/admissions to understand the exact question format and difficulty level.

The iDAT does not test formal design theory or art history from school. A student from any stream — Science, Commerce, or Humanities — can prepare and perform well by practising the core areas of logical reasoning and visual thinking consistently over 2–3 months.

IIAD 2027 Admit Card

IIAD releases the admit card separately for each phase of the exam. The Phase 1 admit card for the 2027 cycle is expected in December 2026, a few days before the Phase 1 exam — consistent with the pattern from previous cycles where it was released 3–5 days in advance. Phase 2 and Phase 3 admit cards follow a similar release timeline relative to their exam dates.

How to Download IIAD 2027 Admit Card

• Visit apply.iiad.edu.in and log in with your registered email and password.
• Go to the "Admit Card" section in your candidate dashboard.
• Select the phase for which you want to download the admit card.
• Download and take a printout on A4 paper before the exam day.

Documents to Carry on IIAD 2027 Exam Day

• Printed IIAD 2027 Admit Card (mandatory — entry not allowed without it)
• One government-issued photo ID — Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport, or Voter ID
• A recent passport-size photograph matching the one submitted in the application
• Any stationery specified in the admit card instructions (check carefully for drawing tools)

Admit Card Release Timeline (Expected)

The IIAD admit card is not sent by email or courier. You must download it yourself from the candidate portal at apply.iiad.edu.in. Start checking your portal from about 7–10 days before your exam date so you do not miss the release.

IIAD 2027 Selection Process: Studio Simulation and GD-PI

The IIAD selection process has two stages. Stage 1 is the written test (iDAT or iMAT). Stage 2 depends on the course: Studio Simulation for design courses, and Group Discussion plus Personal Interview for Fashion Business Management. Both stages count toward your final merit rank — you need to perform well in both.

Stage 2A — Studio Simulation (For Design Courses)

Candidates who clear the written iDAT are called for a Studio Simulation at the IIAD campus in Okhla, New Delhi. This round lasts approximately 2 hours and is conducted in small groups of 4–6 candidates, supervised by IIAD faculty.

• The group is given a design problem and basic craft materials — paper, card, wire, tape, or similar items.
• You must create a 3D model as a team response to the problem within the given time.
• IIAD faculty observe and assess each candidate on: creative thinking, making and craft skills, problem-solving approach, teamwork, and ability to articulate ideas.
• At the end of the session, you may be asked to present or explain your group’s model to the faculty.

The studio simulation is designed to test real design thinking under pressure. It is not about perfect drawing ability or knowing design theory — it is about how you think through a problem, work with constraints and teammates, and give a tangible creative response under time pressure.

Portfolio Assessment

If you have a creative portfolio — sketchbooks, photography, graphic work, or art projects — carry it to the Studio Simulation round. While the portfolio may not always be formally scored, it reinforces your creative profile and can strengthen your case, particularly for highly competitive courses like Communication Design and Interior Architecture and Design.

Stage 2B — GD and Personal Interview (For Fashion Business Management)

Candidates applying for Fashion Business Management who clear the written iMAT appear for a Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) at the IIAD campus.

• The Group Discussion tests your communication skills, group dynamics, and awareness of the fashion industry, business trends, and current affairs relevant to the sector.
• The Personal Interview is a one-on-one or panel interaction where IIAD faculty assess your motivation, understanding of the programme, and suitability for a career in fashion business management.
• Your GD and PI performance is added to your iMAT written score to compute your final merit rank.

Both the Studio Simulation and GD-PI rounds are held physically at the IIAD New Delhi campus. If you live outside Delhi, plan travel and accommodation well in advance — these rounds are typically scheduled within 2–3 weeks of the written result for each phase.

Courses and Seats at IIAD

IIAD offers five B.Des programmes and postgraduate courses in Fashion Business Management at its campus in Okhla Industrial Area, New Delhi. The institute has approximately 200 undergraduate seats across its B.Des programmes and around 20 postgraduate seats. Each programme is built around studio practice, industry projects, and hands-on making from the very first year.

IIAD 2027 Courses, Duration, and Annual Fees

Fees shown above are based on the 2025–26 fee structure and are subject to revision for the 2027–28 academic year. Check the official IIAD admissions brochure for confirmed fees at the time of your application.

Source: IIAD Official Website

About IIAD, New Delhi

• IIAD was established in 2010 and is located in the Okhla Industrial Area, New Delhi — a hub for the textile and apparel industries that gives students direct proximity to the industry they will work in.
• The institute has industry partnerships with design studios, fashion brands, media companies, and architecture firms, and integrates real industry projects and mentorships into the curriculum.
• IIAD students work on projects with actual client briefs during their programme, giving them practical design experience well before graduation.
• IIAD graduates have gone on to work with leading Indian and international design firms, fashion houses, communication agencies, and interior design studios.

Preparation Tips for IIAD Entrance Exam 2027

The IIAD Entrance Exam 2027 rewards clear thinking, creative observation, and the ability to solve problems visually. With Phase 1 expected in December 2026, you have about 3 months from September 2026 to prepare. Here is a structured approach to cover all components — the written iDAT, the Studio Simulation, and (for iMAT applicants) the GD-PI round.

Preparing for iDAT Section I — Logical Reasoning

• Practise number series and patterns daily. Spend 20–30 minutes each day on number patterns, series, and shape-based logic. Standard aptitude books work well — R.S. Aggarwal’s Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning is widely used for this type of preparation.
• Do timed coding-decoding and analogy sets. These question types become very manageable with 4–6 weeks of consistent practice. Use free online mock test platforms to take sets under time pressure.
• Work through blood relation and statement-argument problems slowly. These require you to think step by step rather than rush — practise slowing down on them during preparation so you build the right habit before the exam.
• Since there is no negative marking, practise attempting every question within the 2.5-hour time limit. Do not leave blanks — even a guess is better than nothing when there is no penalty.

Preparing for iDAT Section II — Creative Thinking and Visual Aptitude

• Draw every day, even if briefly. Spend 20–30 minutes sketching objects around you — a chair, a lamp, your hands, a view from your window. The goal is not technically perfect drawing. It is training your eye to observe and your hand to represent what you see quickly and clearly.
• Build visual awareness through your daily environment. Look closely at logos, posters, product packaging, building facades, and street signage. Ask yourself: why does this look the way it does? What design choices were made and why? This habit sharpens visual aptitude over time without requiring any formal training.
• Practise short creative writing responses. The exam may include writing tasks. Practise writing 5–8 sentences in response to a visual prompt, clearly and imaginatively, within 5 minutes.
• Attempt the official IIAD sample paper. Download the iDAT sample paper from iiad.edu.in and complete it under timed conditions. This gives you a direct sense of the actual question format and difficulty level.

Preparing for the Studio Simulation

• Make things with your hands regularly. Get comfortable working with paper, card, wire, and basic craft materials. Challenge yourself to build a small bridge, a chair, or a shelter from a single A4 sheet of paper. The studio simulation typically involves making under constraints with limited materials and no prior briefing on the problem.
• Practise teamwork and verbal communication. The simulation is a group activity — your ability to listen to teammates, build on their ideas, and explain your own thinking clearly is explicitly assessed. Practise expressing creative ideas in spoken form.
• Organise a creative portfolio. Collect your best sketches, photographs, design projects, or art work in a neat folder to carry to the Studio Simulation session. While not always formally scored, it adds to the impression you make on faculty.

Preparing for the GD-PI Round (Fashion Business Management)

• Follow fashion and retail industry news actively. Read about Indian and international fashion brands, sustainability in fashion, the shift to online retail, and fashion business models. This directly helps in the GD round where you are expected to contribute informed opinions.
• Practise group discussions with peers. Practice GD topics like "fast fashion vs slow fashion", "the impact of social media on fashion", or "sustainability as a business model in India". Assessors look for candidates who can speak clearly, build on others’ points, and contribute substance rather than just volume.
• Prepare clear, honest answers for the PI. Be ready to answer: "Why IIAD?", "Why fashion management?", and "What are your career goals?" Practise your answers out loud — not just in your head — so you sound natural rather than rehearsed.

3-Month Study Plan (September–December 2026)

• Month 1 — September–October 2026: Focus on logical reasoning fundamentals — series, coding-decoding, and analogies. Start daily sketching practice. Download and attempt the IIAD sample paper once without preparation to benchmark your starting level.
• Month 2 — October–November 2026: Increase timed practice sessions for logical reasoning, targeting all major question types. Focus on visual aptitude — build your observation habit and practise drawing under time pressure. Begin hands-on 3D making exercises for studio simulation preparation.
• Month 3 — November–December 2026: Take full mock sessions combining both iDAT sections within 2.5 hours. Review weaknesses from mock attempts and target those areas in the final weeks. For iMAT applicants — increase GD practice frequency and read fashion industry news daily. Finalise and organise your creative portfolio folder before the exam.