iDAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria - Check Age Limit, Marks Required, No of Attempts, Important Factor

About IDAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD) prescribes the eligibility criteria for admission to its design programmes through the IIAD Design Aptitude Test (iDAT). The requirements differ slightly for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants. You must carefully check the educational qualifications and aggregate marks required, and if they vary based on the reservation category.

For undergraduate programmes, you must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination in any stream, Science, Commerce, or Humanities, with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks from a recognised board such as CBSE, ISC, State Board, IB, or any equivalent Indian or international board. Students appearing for Class 12 exams or awaiting results can also apply.

For postgraduate admissions, applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university or institute. Those in their final year or yet to receive their results are also eligible, provided they can submit proof of qualification during the admission process. Aspirants must verify the complete eligibility details in the official brochure before applying to IDAT. Applications not meeting the prescribed criteria may be rejected by the institute during document verification.

Check the sections below to learn more about the iDAT 2026 eligibility criteria for undergraduate and postgraduate design courses.

IDAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria for UG Design Courses

IIAD eligibility criteria issued by the Indian Institute of Art & Design for undergraduate or bachelor-level design courses are provided below. 

• You must have passed your class 12 in any stream (Science, Commerce, Humanities, Arts) from a recognised board. 
• The minimum aggregate of 50% must be attained by you if you want to apply to IIAD. 
• Moreover, if you are awaiting your Class 12th results, you are also eligible to apply for admission at the institute. 
• You can also apply if you are appearing for your Class 12 exam in the current academic year.
• The offered UG courses include B.Des Communication Design, B.Des Animation Film Design, B.Des Interior Architecture and Design, B.Des Product Design, B.Des Fashion Design and B.Des Fashion Communication.

If you belong to an approved Indian or International higher secondary board, you are eligible to appear for the IIAD 2026 exam. Check out more boards that are accepted by the institute for UG design courses:

• Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE)
• Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• Indian State Boards

IDAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria for PG Design Courses

Check the IDAT 2026 course-wise eligibility criteria below for PG:

• Graduates from any stream can apply for PG Design programmes.
• You must have completed graduation from an approved institute/ university.
• Students in the final year of their degree examination or those waiting for results can also apply.

IDAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Lateral Entry Admissions

Lateral entries are for candidates who want to join the programme in between academic sessions. Those who are planning to get admitted to IIAD through lateral entry must note that this process is quite easy if they fulfil all the eligibility criteria. 

Once approved, you can start studying at IIAD in their second year if you have completed their first year of design diploma or degree programme from any national or internationally recognised design college. Admission will be granted based on their performance in the personal interview and portfolio presentation rounds.