iDAT 2026 Exam Pattern - Check Marking Scheme, Total Marks, Chapter Wise Weightage, Duration

About IDAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Aspirants preparing for IIAD entrance exam must have a thorough idea about the IDAT 2026 exam pattern. The test has 2 parts - written (IIAD Design Aptitude Test) and personal interview or portfolio assessment (Studio Simulation). Further, the written test has 2 sections, namely - Logical Reasoning and Creative Thinking & Visual Aptitude. After attempting the aptitude exam, you have to work through the Portfolio Evaluation/ Personal Interview round (Studio Simulation) round/

IDAT is conducted in online and offline modes as per the preference of applicants. The total duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes, and the questions are a mix of visual and writing tasks, 1-word answers, and MCQs. Those who clear IIAD entrance exam can join UG and PG Design courses at the Indian Institute of Art and Design. Along with the IDAT exam pattern, it is important to know the IDAT syllabus for comprehensive preparation. Refer to the sections below to learn more about the IIAD entrance exam pattern 2026.

Highlights of IDAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Students must check out the highlights of the IIAD exam pattern before getting into the depth of the same. Check below for more details:

IDAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Section-Wise

The IDAT 2026 exam pattern is a combination of a written aptitude test and a personal interaction phase. Below is a detailed overview of the IDAT written exam (Part A) in a tabular format.

The Interview/ Portfolio round/ Studio Simulation (Part B) is organised after the Design Aptitude.

IDAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Important Points

Find some key pointers related to IDAT 2026 exam pattern:

• All questions must be answered. 
• Mark per question is different and is listed next to them. Some carry 1, some 10 or 15 marks, and so on.
• Question type is a combination of objective, subjective, drawings, designing a logo, story-writing, etc. Follow the instructions with each question as they will vary.
• Answers must be marked with a pen and not pencils.
• For drawing, use pencils, pens, or other objects, as instructed and must be in dry colour medium.
• The Studio Simulation is a group-based interaction session designed to give aspirants a real-time experience of working in a design studio. Exam takers are given a creative assignment and are expected to demonstrate their teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills. The activity is conducted in a studio environment and usually lasts for around two hours.
• During the session, IIAD faculty members interact with each participant, observing how they plan, collaborate, and express their ideas. This exercise helps the aspirants understand the learning process in a design school and enables the faculty to assess their design aptitude in a practical and student-focused way.

IDAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Studio Simulation

Students need to appear for the Studio Simulation round after the written entrance exam. It is regarded as the personal interaction round. It is also important to take admission at the IIAD. 

This round is to analyse the exam taker's problem-solving approach, teamwork, creativity, innovation and presentation skills. In this round, you have to showcase your teamwork and creative skills. It is conducted within a group of 10-15 students for a 2-hour duration. Aspirants will be given materials, and they have to prepare a 3D model in the direction of the invigilator.

IIAD Exam 2026 Marking Scheme

Students must note that the marking scheme is based on the IIAD exam pattern 2026 as framed by the IIAD. Being aware of the marking scheme and mark division of different sections will help in a better preparation strategy. Check out more details below:

• Sections: There are two sections in the entrance exam — Creative Thinking & Visual Aptitude and Logical Reasoning.

• Total Marks: Each of the two sections is worth 100 marks, whereas the exam has a total of 200 marks. The exam lasts for two hours and thirty minutes.

• Negative Marking: This test does not have any negative marking scheme. Questions that are left unanswered and with incorrect responses will not be deducted.

• Correct answer marks: One mark will be awarded to applicants for each correct response. Questions involving drawings and descriptions will receive five or more marks.

• Medium: Responses only in the English language will be accepted for an online version of the test.

IDAT Syllabus 2026

Students appearing in the IIAD exam must be aware of the IDAT syllabus, which includes logical reasoning, creative thinking, problem-solving and a personal interview section. The syllabus will help candidates practice, keeping in mind the IIAD exam pattern.