IIAD Entrance Exam Syllabus 2026: Important Topics, Preparation Books

IIAD Entrance Exam Syllabus 2026: Important Topics, Preparation Books

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IIAD Entrance Test Exam Date:13 Dec' 25 - 13 Dec' 25

Sumeet SudarshanUpdated on 11 Sep 2025, 02:30 PM IST

Indian Institute of Arts and Design Delhi prescribes the IIAD 2026 entrance exam syllabus on its official website - iiad.edu.in. The IIAD DAT syllabus 2026 tests the candidates on their language, logical reasoning, and creative thinking. Candidates interested in applying for the entrance exam must be aware of the IIAD DAT syllabus, as it provides a comprehensive guide to the important topics covered in the design entrance exam for IIAD Delhi. The institute will conduct the IIAD DAT entrance exam in both online and offline modes. In this article, get complete details of the IIAD DAT entrance exam syllabus, including important topics, exam pattern, and more.

This Story also Contains

  1. IIAD DAT 2026 Syllabus
  2. IIAD Entrance Exam Syllabus Topics
  3. IIAD Exam Pattern 2026
  4. IIAD Preparation Books 2026
IIAD Entrance Exam Syllabus 2026: Important Topics, Preparation Books
IIAD DAT Syllabus

Through the IIAD DAT entrance exam, candidates will be admitted into the UG and PG design programmes of IIAD Delhi. The institute offers design specialisations in various areas such as fashion design, interior architecture and design, user experience design, product design, and more.

IIAD DAT 2026 Syllabus

The IIAD DAT 2026 syllabus is a comprehensive guide for candidates preparing for the entrance exam. The IIAD DAT syllabus covers various sections that assess the candidates’ aptitude for design and their analytical skills.

Here are the key sections of the IIAD DAT 2026 syllabus:

  • Observation & Memory: This section tests the candidates’ ability to observe, recall, and articulate their observations.

  • Visualisation & Representation: This section assesses the candidates’ ability to visualize and represent their ideas graphically.

  • Creativity & Imagination: This section evaluates the candidates’ ability to think out of the box and come up with unique solutions.

  • Cultural Awareness: This section tests the candidates’ awareness of Indian and global culture, art, and design.

IIAD Entrance Exam Syllabus Topics

It is important for the students to know about the topics important for the IIAD entrance exam. The IIAD 2026 entrance exam syllabus is divided into different sections. Each section focuses on a specific skill set that is crucial for a career in design. Here is a detailed breakdown of the sections and the topics covered under each:

Name of Section

Topics

Observation & Memory

Recall and Articulation of Observations

Visualisation & Representation

Sketching, Rendering, Shading, Perspective, Composition, Color Theory, Layout

Creativity & Imagination

Out of the Box Thinking, Unique Solutions

Cultural Awareness

Indian and Global Culture, Art, and Design

Also Check:

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IIAD Exam Pattern 2026

The IIAD DAT exam pattern consists of two parts: Part A - Design Aptitude Test (iDAT) and Part B - iDAT Studio Simulation. Both parts are mandatory for all candidates who wish to apply for the undergraduate programmes in design offered by IIAD. The exam pattern is designed to assess the candidates’ logical reasoning, creative thinking, visual aptitude, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. The exam is a mix of writing tasks, visual tasks, MCQs and one-word answers. IIAD entrance exam sample papers can help students understand the pattern better. The following table summarises the main features of the IIAD Exam Pattern.

IIAD Exam Pattern 2026 Overview

Part

Duration

Mode

Marks

Part A - iDAT

2.5 hours

Offline or Online

100

Part B - iDAT Studio Simulation ( According to courses)

2 hours

Offline or online

100

IIAD Preparation Books 2026

The right preparation books can make a significant difference in candidates' performance in the IIAD DAT 2026. These IIAD entrance exam preparation books provide comprehensive coverage of the syllabus, numerous practice questions, and useful tips and strategies. Some recommended books for IIAD DAT preparation are given in the table below. Along with the books it is advised for the students to solve as many IIAD entrance exam sample papers as possible which will help them score better in the IIAD entrance exam.

IIAD DAT Books 2026

Subject

Book Name

Author

Logical Reasoning

A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning

R.S. Aggarwal

Creative Thinking

Cracking the Creativity Code: Zoom in/Zoom out/Zoom in Framework for Creativity, Fun, and Success

Arie Ruttenberg

Visual Aptitude

The Design of Everyday Things

Don Norman

Problem-Solving

Problem-Solving 101: A Simple Book for Smart People

Ken Watanabe

Drawing Test

Drawing: A Complete Guide

Giovanni Civardi

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the IIAD DAT ?
A:

The IIAD DAT is the Design Aptitude Test conducted by the Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) for admission to its undergraduate and postgraduate courses in design.

Q: What are the main sections of the IIAD DAT 2026 syllabus?
A:

The IIAD DAT syllabus has sections on logical Reasoning, Creative Thinking, & Problem Solving. There is also a Drawing Test section.

Q: What is the exam pattern for IIAD DAT?
A:

The IIAD DAT exam consists of two parts: Part A - Design Aptitude Test (iDAT) and Part B - iDAT Studio Simulation. Both parts are mandatory for all candidates.

Q: What are some recommended books for IIAD DAT 2026 preparation?
A:

Some recommended books include “A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning” by R.S. Aggarwal, “Cracking the Creativity Code” by Arie Ruttenberg, and “The Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman.

Q: How can I prepare for the IIAD DAT?
A:

Candidates should familiarise themselves with the syllabus and exam pattern, refer to the recommended books, solve previous years’ question papers, and take mock tests to improve their time management skills.

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