• Updated on 19 Sept, 2025 by Ankita Banerjee
What's new?
IIAD Delhi conducts its own entrance exam IIAD Design Aptitude Test (IIAD DAT) for UG & PG design admissions.
IIAD DAT 2026 will be held in multiple phases, in both online and offline modes. Candidates can select their preferred exam mode while filling the application form.
Registrations are open till 15 December 2025 (tentative).
Application fee: INR 2,500 (same as previous year).
Payment options: Net banking, credit/debit card, or demand draft (for offline applicants).
IIAD DAT 2026 Exam Pattern: The Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) holds the IIAD Design Aptitude Test (IIAD DAT) for entry into design courses. The test is divided into two segments: iDAT and Studio Simulation. But, students who apply for Fashion Management courses have to appear for the IIAD Management Aptitude Test (iMAT) and a Personal Interview. IIAD DAT 2026 Exam will be conducted on December 13, 2025 (online) and December 14, 2025 (online and offline). Candidates must understand the IIAD DAT exam pattern and syllabus to prepare better for the exam. Read further to know more about the IIAD DAT exam pattern 2026.
Table of Contents
IIAD Exam Pattern 2026 for Design Courses
Candidates applying for design courses at IIAD need to take the IDAT exam. Those who qualify must then attend the Studio Simulation round. The admission process for different courses is as follows:
UG Level Courses
| Course | Admission Process |
| Fashion Design, Communication Design, Interior Architecture & Design, Fashion Communication | iDAT - IIAD Online Design Aptitude Test |
| Fashion Business Management | iMAT - IIAD Online Management Aptitude Test (Part A: Online Test, Part B: Personal Interview) |
PG Level Courses
| Course | Admission Process |
| Fashion Design | iDAT - IIAD Online Design Aptitude Test (Part A: Online Test, Part B: Personal Interview) |
| Fashion Business Management | iMAT - IIAD Online Management Aptitude Test (Part A: Online Test, Part B: Personal Interview) |
Check: IIAD DAT 2026 Application Process
iDAT Exam Pattern 2026
Candidates applying for the Interior Architecture and Design course are exempted from taking the written entrance exam if they have taken the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA). Their admission will be based on Studio Simulation and Portfolio Assessment rounds. iDAT is a written exam that lasts for two hours and thirty minutes. It consists of two sections:
| Section | Subject |
| A | Logical Reasoning |
| B | Creative Thinking & Visual Aptitude |
iDAT Exam Duration & Marks
| Section | Marks | Duration |
| A | 200 | 30 minutes |
| B | - | 2 hours |
Studio Simulation 2026
After the iDAT, candidates must attend the Studio Simulation round. This personal interaction session evaluates creativity, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and articulation. The session lasts two hours and involves 10-15 students working together. Candidates receive materials and a brief, then create a 3D model under faculty supervision.
IIAD 2026 Exam Pattern for Fashion Management Courses
Candidates applying for Fashion Business Management courses must take the IIAD Management Aptitude Test (iMAT), followed by a Personal Interview.
iMAT Exam Pattern 2026
iMAT is a written test of two hours. The test evaluates candidates on language skills, logical reasoning, and creative thinking. It will be conducted at multiple centers across India.
Personal Interview 2026
Candidates who clear the iMAT 2026 must attend a Personal Interview at the IIAD campus in New Delhi. This interview assesses communication skills, motivation, and subject knowledge.
IIAD DAT 2026 Syllabus Overview
To perform well in IIAD DAT 2026, candidates must be familiar with the syllabus. The syllabus includes topics that test logical reasoning, creativity, and visualization skills. Below is a brief overview of the IIAD DAT 2026 Syllabus:
Syllabus for iDAT 2026
| Section | Topics Covered |
| Logical Reasoning | Puzzles, Series, Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Data Interpretation |
| Creative Thinking & Visual Aptitude | Sketching, Visualization, Color Theory, Design Awareness |
Syllabus for iMAT 2026
| Section | Topics Covered |
| Language & Communication | Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Essay Writing |
| Logical Reasoning | Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, Data Interpretation |
| Creative Thinking | Innovation, Business Awareness, Decision Making |
IIAD DAT 2026 Preparation Tips
Proper preparation is key to scoring well in the IIAD entrance exam 2026. Here are some tips:
For iDAT:
- Practice logical reasoning questions daily.
- Improve sketching and visualization skills.
- Solve previous years’ question papers.
- Stay updated on current trends in design.
- Work on color theory and design elements.
For iMAT:
- Read newspapers to enhance communication and business awareness.
- Practice essay writing and comprehension passages.
- Solve logical reasoning and data interpretation problems.
- Be confident in the Personal Interview round.
Read More: IIAD DAT Question Papers
IIAD DAT 2026 Exam Pattern FAQs
What is the IIAD DAT 2026 exam pattern?
IIAD DAT 2026 consists of two parts: iDAT (Design Aptitude Test) and Studio Simulation. Fashion Management applicants must take iMAT and attend a Personal Interview.
What are the subjects in IIAD DAT 2026?
IIAD DAT 2026 has two sections: Logical Reasoning and Creative Thinking & Visual Aptitude.
How long is the IIAD DAT 2026 exam?
The iDAT exam lasts for two hours and thirty minutes, while the Studio Simulation round takes two hours.
Is there any exemption from IIAD DAT 2026?
Candidates applying for Interior Architecture and Design are exempt from iDAT if they have taken the NATA exam.
What is the IIAD iMAT 2026 exam pattern?
The iMAT exam is two hours long and tests language skills, logical reasoning, and creative thinking.
Where is the IIAD DAT 2026 Personal Interview conducted?
The Personal Interview for IIAD DAT 2026 is conducted at the IIAD campus in New Delhi.