IICD Entrance Exam 2026: Eligibility, Dates, Syllabus and Pattern

The IICD Entrance Exam 2026 is a national-level design aptitude test conducted by the Indian Institute of Crafts & Design (IICD), Jaipur for admission to its B.Des and M.Des programmes. The exam is known for its practical, hands-on evaluation style that focuses on creativity, craft sensitivity, material understanding, design thinking, and innovation. Unlike traditional design exams, IICD assesses candidates through written tests, portfolio evaluation, and personal interviews, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their design potential.

About IICD Jaipur

The Indian Institute of Crafts & Design (IICD) is one of India’s leading design institutions dedicated to modernizing and preserving craft traditions. Located in Jaipur, it blends heritage craftsmanship with contemporary design.

The institute emphasizes craft innovation, material exploration, field learning, artisan collaboration, and sustainability. Students engage in real craft clusters, workshops, live studios, and design labs to gain hands-on experience.

IICD Entrance Exam 2026 Highlights

• Exam Name: IICD Entrance Exam 2026

• Conducting Body: Indian Institute of Crafts & Design (IICD), Jaipur

• Courses Offered: B.Des & M.Des in multiple craft and design specializations

• Exam Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper)

• Selection Process: Written Test → Portfolio Review → Personal Interview

• Application Mode: Online

• Exam Level: National

• Official Website: iicd.ac.in

Important Dates for IICD 2026 

• Application Form Release: December 2025

• Last Date to Apply: February 2026

• Admit Card Release: March 2026

• Written Test Date: April 2026

• Portfolio Assessment & Interview: May 2026

• Final Results: June 2026

• Session Commencement: July 2026

Courses Offered Through IICD 2026

Undergraduate – B.Des Courses:

• Soft Material Design

• Hard Material Design

• Fired Material Design

• Fashion Design

• Craft Communication & Design

• Jewellery & Accessory Design

Postgraduate – M.Des Courses:

• Craft Design

• Soft Material Design

• Hard Material Design

• Fired Material Design

• Fashion Design

• Jewellery & Accessory Design

Each course emphasizes craft innovation, studio-based learning, artisan interaction, design fundamentals, and field immersion.

Eligibility Criteria for IICD 2026

For B.Des:

• Must have passed 10 2 from any recognized board.

• Students appearing for Class 12 exams in 2026 are also eligible.

For M.Des:

• A bachelor’s degree in Design, Fine Arts, Craft, Architecture, Technology, or equivalent field.

• Final-year graduation students may apply.

IICD Entrance Exam 2026 Application Process

Candidates must complete the online application through the official IICD website.

Steps to Apply:

1. Register using email ID and mobile number.

2. Fill out the application form with academic and personal details.

3. Upload required documents (photo, signature, certificates, portfolio samples).

4. Pay the application fee online.

5. Submit and download the confirmation copy.

Expected Application Fee:

• Indian Students: ₹1,750

• Foreign/NRI Students: ₹3,500

Exam Pattern for IICD Exam 2026

The exam is divided into multiple components that test both theoretical and practical design skills.

Stage 1: Written Test

The exam includes two major parts:

Part A: General Awareness, Creativity & Perception Test (GAP/CPT)

This section evaluates:

• Creativity and idea development

• Basic drawing skills

• Visualization and perception analysis

• Logical thinking

• Awareness of crafts, design, and culture

• Problem-solving abilities

Question Types:

• Sketching tasks

• Visual interpretation

• Craft-based problem-solving

• Creative writing

• Short descriptive answers

Part B: Material Handling & Creative Ability Test

This section assesses how well students understand and use materials.
Candidates may receive materials like cloth, paper, card sheets, clay, thread, etc.

Parameters Evaluated:

• Craftsmanship

• Stability and structure

• Originality

• Material understanding

• Aesthetic sense

• Time management

This is a hands-on practical task that tests real creative instincts.

Selection Process for IICD Exam 2026

The selection process involves three evaluation stages, ensuring candidates are assessed holistically.

Stage 1: Written Test

Students must score the minimum qualifying marks to move ahead. This stage measures:

• Natural creativity

• Craft aptitude

• Drawing and observation skills

• Innovative thinking

Stage 2: Portfolio Assessment

Shortlisted candidates must submit or present a portfolio.

Ideal Portfolio Includes:

• Hand-drawn sketches

• Craft-based artwork

• Handmade items

• Photography

• Material explorations

• Models or prototypes

• Process documentation

• Digital or traditional art

Evaluators Look For:

• Originality

• Consistency

• Creative depth

• Understanding of materials

• Design process clarity

• Personal ideas and storytelling

Stage 3: Personal Interview

Conducted by design faculty and experts.

Interview Focus Areas:

• Motivation for pursuing design

• Familiarity with crafts and materials

• Understanding of cultural and craft traditions

• Ability to communicate ideas

• Future goals and design perspective

• Explanation of portfolio pieces

Results for IICD Exam 2026

IICD publishes results in phases:

Types of Results Released:

1. Written Test Result

2. Final Merit List (after Portfolio Interview)

3. Waiting List (if applicable)

How Results Are Accessed:

• Candidates log in via the official website

• Results include selection status, marks/weightage, and ranking

• Selected students receive an Admission Offer Letter

Admission Process for IICD 2026

Detailed Steps:

1. Download the provisional admission offer.

2. Pay the admission fee within the deadline.

3. Submit/upload required documents.

4. Confirm acceptance of the seat.

5. Attend orientation and induction.

6. Begin the academic year as scheduled.

Documents Required:

• Class 10 & 12 Marksheets (for B.Des)

• Graduation Certificates/Marksheets (for M.Des)

• Transfer/Migration Certificates

• Passport-size photographs

• Identity Proof

• Portfolio (final version)

• Category Certificate (if applicable)

Important Notes:

• Admission is strictly merit-based.

• Missing fee deadlines may lead to seat cancellation.

• Waitlisted candidates are admitted based on availability.

• Physical presence during the first week is mandatory.

IICD Fee Structure 2026 

B.Des Fee Range:

• Tuition Fee: ₹2,15,000 – ₹2,50,000 per year

• Additional Charges: ₹40,000 – ₹60,000 per year

M.Des Fee Range:

• Tuition Fee: ₹2,50,000 – ₹2,80,000 per year

• Other Charges: ₹45,000 – ₹65,000 per year

Fees may be updated by IICD for the 2026 session.

IICD Entrance Exam 2026 Preparation Tips

• Improve sketching and visualization through daily practice.

• Build a strong, original portfolio with handmade work.

• Learn about Indian crafts, heritage, and artisan communities.

• Practice material handling tasks with common craft materials.

• Study design basics such as form, structure, color, and composition.

• Observe everyday objects and analyze their design and function.

• Stay updated with design trends and craft innovations.

Career Opportunities After IICD

Graduates can build successful careers in:

• Craft Design

• Product and Accessory Design

• Textile & Soft Material Design

• Jewellery Design

• Fashion & Lifestyle Product Development

• Craft Entrepreneurship

• Sustainability & Artisan Cluster Development

• Design Consultancy

• Export Houses, NGOs, Craft Revival Organizations

• Creative Startups and Studios

IICD alumni work across the craft industry, design studios, artisan sectors, and creative enterprises.