EXAM SYLLABUS

Indian Institute of Crafts and Design does not specify any particular IICD entrance exam syllabus. However, IICD entrance exam question paper, portfolio submission and the personal interview round will aim at testing the following skills of aspirants:

Portfolio – It is advisable to bring a few samples of your creative work for display during the interview, to allow others to understand your capabilities. It could be anything that you have done by yourself. Sketching, painting, embroidery, photography, worked with material, or have written anything creative, narrative etc.

EXAM PATTERN

The IICD exam pattern consists of multiple stages, starting with General Awareness and Creativity & Perception (Part A), followed by Material, Color and Conceptual Tests (Part B), and ending with a Personal Interview (Part C). This structure evaluates a candidate’s design aptitude, material understanding, and conceptual thinking for admission to Indian Institute of Crafts and Design programmes.

The IICD exam will have three mandatory parts:

1. Part A  - General Awareness, Creativity & Perception Tes

2. Part B - Material, Color & Conceptual Test

3. Part C - Personal Interview

PART A: A question paper will be emailed to the registered candidates along with the Admit Card. The candidates will be required to answer the questions in Word file/ PDF file and submit the same along with the Portfolio as per the schedule given.

PART B: The portfolio should be a compilation of the candidate’s own creative work. Sketching, painting, embroidery, photography, models, explorations with materials, creative writing, etc. may be included in the portfolio. The criteria for evaluation will be: creative ability and skills, observations and perceptions, synthesis and visual interpretation, interest areas, etc. Specifications with regard to the portfolio submission will be conveyed through the email along with the Question Paper.

PART C: The personal interview will be conducted online. The schedule for the same will be intimated through the email. The interview panel will evaluate the individual personality along with the following attributes in the prospective candidates:

1. Aptitude to crafts

2. Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

3. Communication Ability

4. General Awareness about Crafts & Design

5. Overall Personal Achievements in academics and co-curricular activities.

Mode Of Examination

IICD Entrance Exam will be conducted in offline mode.

Medium Of Examination

The exam paper for IICD Examination will be in English language only.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Candidates willing to apply for IICD Examination are required to fulfil certain conditions to be eligible for it. The candidate who does not satisfy the Eligibility criteria like Age, Minimum educational qualification etc., their candidature shall be rejected by the authorities. The candidate’s eligibility for IICD Examination is based on the fulfilment of the following conditions:-

1. Nationality

2. IICD: Age Limit

3. IICD: Educational Qualifications

Nationality

Indian/Foreign/OCI /PIO card holders candidates are eligible to apply.

Age Limit

There is no age limit prescribed format to apply in IICD Entrance Exam.

Education Qualification

The eligibility criteria for admission to various PG degree programmes in Craft & Design at IICD are as following:

Important Notes

1. Selected candidates who are Design/Architecture graduates are directly admitted to 2years M.Des. programmes in the specialization of their preference after clearing the entrance test procedures.

2. Selected candidates who are graduates from any discipline other than Design/ Architecture, are eligible for M.Voc. after completion of 1 Year PG foundation offered at IICD, which means M.Voc. will be 3 years for non-design background graduates.

Reservation of Seats

The reservation policy is as per the UGC norms. Reservation percentages of different categories for admission in IICD are as follows: 27% for OBC, 15% for ST and 7.5% for SC and 3% for PH candidates. In case of insufficient applications from the reserved categories, the seats will be opened to the General category.

IMPORTANT DATES

The Indian Institute of Craft & Design (IICD) has announced the admission schedule for the 2026–27 academic session. The IICD 2026 application form is now available, and interested candidates can check the important dates for IICD 2026 below.

EXAM ANALYSIS

Here is the exam analysis for the upcoming IICD PG Exam 2026, based on the most recent entrance exam cycle conducted by the Indian Institute of Crafts and Design. The analysis includes the previous exam date, timing structure, exam pattern, difficulty level, and expectations for the 2026 admission cycle.

IICD PG Exam 2026 Analysis (Based on Previous Year)

When the Last IICD PG Exam Was Conducted

In the latest admission cycle, the postgraduate entrance exam for programs such as M.Des and M.Voc was conducted on 25 January 2025. The result for the exam was declared on 21 February 2025.

For the upcoming 2026 admission cycle, the entrance test has been scheduled for 20 April 2026.

The exam is conducted for admission into postgraduate design programs at the Indian Institute of Crafts and Design, Jaipur, which operates under Rajasthan ILD Skills University.

Exact Date, Time, and Shift Details (Previous Exam Pattern)

Unlike many entrance exams, the IICD PG entrance exam does not follow multiple shifts or a strict center-based schedule.

Typical process followed:

Admit card and question paper available
16 January 2025

Entrance test response submission deadline
25 January 2025

Candidates download the admit card along with the question paper, complete the tasks, and submit their responses before the deadline mentioned in the question paper.

Because the exam is conducted in take-home format, there are no fixed morning or evening shifts.

IICD PG Exam Pattern

The entrance test generally consists of three stages.

Part A
General Awareness, Creativity, and Perception Test

Part B
Material, Color, and Conceptual Design Test

Part C
Personal Interview

Part A evaluates design awareness and analytical thinking, while Part B focuses on creative ability, conceptual design, and artistic skills.

Shortlisted candidates then proceed to the personal interview round.

Interview Round

Candidates who clear the written stage are invited for a personal interview conducted online.

Interview mode
Usually through video call

Interview duration
Approximately 20 minutes

During the interview, candidates may be asked to explain:

Their design concepts
Portfolio work
Understanding of crafts and materials
Future research interests in design.

Difficulty Level of the Previous Exam

Based on previous exam trends, the overall difficulty level of the IICD PG entrance exam is considered moderate but highly creativity-focused.

General awareness questions are usually straightforward but require knowledge of:

Design concepts
Indian crafts and handicrafts
Art and cultural heritage

The design tasks require strong visualization, originality, and conceptual thinking rather than memorized answers.

Candidates with prior design or architecture background generally find the exam easier.

Good Performance Indicators

The institute does not publish a fixed cutoff score.

Instead, candidates are evaluated based on:

Creativity and originality in design tasks
Quality of sketches and presentation
Concept clarity and idea development
Performance during the interview.

Candidates with unique design concepts and strong portfolios tend to rank higher.

Expected Timeline for IICD PG 2026

Application start
October 2024

Last date to apply
31 March 2026

Admit card and question paper release
5 April 2026

Entrance exam / response submission
20 April 2026

Personal interview
1 May 2026 onwards

Result declaration
15 May 2026.

What to Expect in IICD PG 2026

The exam format is expected to remain similar to previous years.

Important expectations include:

Greater emphasis on craft-based design thinking
Questions related to materials, textures, and cultural design
Creative assignments involving product, textile, or craft design
Portfolio discussion during the interview stage.

Preparation Strategy for IICD PG 2026

Candidates preparing for the exam should focus on:

Practicing concept-based sketching and design ideation
Studying Indian crafts, textiles, and traditional design techniques
Improving material and color understanding
Preparing a strong portfolio for the interview stage.

STUDY TIPS

To excel in the IICD (Indian Institute of Crafts & Design) entrance process, concentrate on strengthening your General Awareness by regularly reading newspapers, sharpening your Creativity and Perception through consistent practice, and preparing thoroughly for the Material, Color, and Conceptual tests. At the same time, identify and articulate your personal strengths for the interview, with a strong emphasis on hands-on exploration of crafts such as painting, textiles, and other creative disciplines.

Few tips for the aspirants which could boost the confidence and built the chances for IICD entrance are as follows:

1. IICD exam is everything about assessing the art inside. The creativity of inside beside evaluating the thinking potential towards craft development.

2. Daily updates can help to cultivate potential and also will help to develop a good level of general knowledge and the awareness on the contemporary issues, which is based through the newspaper editorials.

3. Staying calm with rising waves of ideas will help the candidate during the Perception Test, and also to the other rounds of the selection process. This will help the Part-B and for the interview.

4. The inclination towards the crafts and design, its learning and exploring new applications which are required to score better in the examination.

5. IICD targets to the evolution for the creativity of every craftsman and the artisans and the respective courses are designed to shape the world of these creative men.

STUDY PLAN

6-Month Study Plan

Month 1: Understanding & Basics

Go through the IICD syllabus and exam pattern in detail.

Start General Awareness:

Read newspapers daily (current affairs, art, culture, crafts).

Study Indian heritage, handicrafts, textiles, folk art, and design basics.

Begin daily sketching practice (30–45 minutes):

Lines, shapes, objects, light & shadow.

Learn basic color theory and design elements.

Month 2: Creativity & Perception Development

Practice creative drawing and observation-based questions.

Improve visual reasoning and imagination skills.

Work on composition, perspective, and proportion.

Continue General Awareness with focus on art & culture.

Month 3: Material & Conceptual Skills

Practice material handling:

Paper, cardboard, fabric, clay, and waste materials.

Work on concept development using themes.

Learn about traditional materials used in Indian crafts.

Attempt previous years’ questions.

Month 4: Advanced Practice & Speed

Solve full-length mock tests regularly.

Improve speed, creativity, and presentation.

Practice color application and neat finishing.

Analyze mock tests and strengthen weak areas.

Month 5: Revision & Interview Preparation

Revise General Awareness and design fundamentals.

Prepare for the Personal Interview:

Identify your strengths, inspirations, and creative interests.

Prepare explanations for your artwork and concepts.

Create a small portfolio of sketches and craft work.

Month 6: Final Revision & Confidence Building

Focus on quick revision and practice.

Attempt final mock tests under exam conditions.

Refine time management and presentation skills.

Stay calm, confident, and creative.

3-Month Study Plan

Month 1: Basics & Awareness

Goals: Understand exam pattern, strengthen fundamentals, start creativity

General Awareness

Read newspapers daily (art, culture, crafts, current affairs)

Study Indian handicrafts, textiles, folk art, heritage, design basics

Creativity & Perception

Daily sketching (30–45 minutes): shapes, objects, perspective

Practice visual reasoning, observation-based drawing

Color & Design Basics

Learn color theory, composition, balance, and contrast

Tip: Maintain a creativity notebook for ideas and rough sketches

Month 2: Practice & Concept Development

Goals: Improve speed, creativity, and material handling

Creative Exercises

STUDY TIPS

To excel in the IICD (Indian Institute of Crafts & Design) entrance process, concentrate on strengthening your General Awareness by regularly reading newspapers, sharpening your Creativity and Perception through consistent practice, and preparing thoroughly for the Material, Color, and Conceptual tests. At the same time, identify and articulate your personal strengths for the interview, with a strong emphasis on hands-on exploration of crafts such as painting, textiles, and other creative disciplines.

Few tips for the aspirants which could boost the confidence and built the chances for IICD entrance are as follows:

1. IICD exam is everything about assessing the art inside. The creativity of inside beside evaluating the thinking potential towards craft development.

2. Daily updates can help to cultivate potential and also will help to develop a good level of general knowledge and the awareness on the contemporary issues, which is based through the newspaper editorials.

3. Staying calm with rising waves of ideas will help the candidate during the Perception Test, and also to the other rounds of the selection process. This will help the Part-B and for the interview.

4. The inclination towards the crafts and design, its learning and exploring new applications which are required to score better in the examination.

5. IICD targets to the evolution for the creativity of every craftsman and the artisans and the respective courses are designed to shape the world of these creative men.

STUDY PLAN

6-Month Study Plan

Month 1: Understanding & Basics

Go through the IICD syllabus and exam pattern in detail.

Start General Awareness:

Read newspapers daily (current affairs, art, culture, crafts).

Study Indian heritage, handicrafts, textiles, folk art, and design basics.

Begin daily sketching practice (30–45 minutes):

Lines, shapes, objects, light & shadow.

Learn basic color theory and design elements.

Month 2: Creativity & Perception Development

Practice creative drawing and observation-based questions.

Improve visual reasoning and imagination skills.

Work on composition, perspective, and proportion.

Continue General Awareness with focus on art & culture.

Month 3: Material & Conceptual Skills

Practice material handling:

Paper, cardboard, fabric, clay, and waste materials.

Work on concept development using themes.

Learn about traditional materials used in Indian crafts.

Attempt previous years’ questions.

Month 4: Advanced Practice & Speed

Solve full-length mock tests regularly.

Improve speed, creativity, and presentation.

Practice color application and neat finishing.

Analyze mock tests and strengthen weak areas.

Month 5: Revision & Interview Preparation

Revise General Awareness and design fundamentals.

Prepare for the Personal Interview:

Identify your strengths, inspirations, and creative interests.

Prepare explanations for your artwork and concepts.

Create a small portfolio of sketches and craft work.

Month 6: Final Revision & Confidence Building

Focus on quick revision and practice.

Attempt final mock tests under exam conditions.

Refine time management and presentation skills.

Stay calm, confident, and creative.

3-Month Study Plan

Month 1: Basics & Awareness

Goals: Understand exam pattern, strengthen fundamentals, start creativity

General Awareness

Read newspapers daily (art, culture, crafts, current affairs)

Study Indian handicrafts, textiles, folk art, heritage, design basics

Creativity & Perception

Daily sketching (30–45 minutes): shapes, objects, perspective

Practice visual reasoning, observation-based drawing

Color & Design Basics

Learn color theory, composition, balance, and contrast

Tip: Maintain a creativity notebook for ideas and rough sketches

Month 2: Practice & Concept Development

Goals: Improve speed, creativity, and material handling

Creative Exercises

Theme-based drawing and storytelling visuals

Practice originality and neat presentation

Material & Conceptual Tests

Experiment with paper, fabric, cardboard, clay, waste materials

Practice concept building using given themes

Indian Crafts Knowledge

Focus on regional crafts and materials

Mocks & PYQs

Attempt previous year questions and short mock tests

Month 3: Revision, Mocks & Interview Prep

Goals: Exam readiness and confidence building

Take full-length mock tests weekly

Revise General Awareness & craft notes

Improve time management and finishing quality

Prepare for Personal Interview

Understand your strengths, inspirations, and creative interests

Prepare to explain your artwork and ideas clearly

Create a mini portfolio (sketches, designs, craft work)

1-Month Study Plan

Week 1: Syllabus Revision & Basics

Revise the IICD exam pattern and syllabus

General Awareness

Read newspapers daily (current affairs, art, culture, crafts)

Revise Indian handicrafts, textiles, folk art, heritage

Creativity & Perception

Daily sketching (45–60 minutes)

Practice observation-based drawing and visual reasoning

Revise design fundamentals (elements, principles, color theory)

Week 2: Practice & Skill Enhancement

Practice creative drawing with themes and stories

Improve composition, perspective, and proportion

Work on Material & Conceptual tests

Paper folding, cutting, basic model-making

Concept development with given topics

Attempt section-wise mock tests

Week 3: Full-Length Mocks & Improvement

Attempt full-length mock tests under time limits

Analyze mistakes and weak areas

Improve speed, neatness, and presentation

Practice color application and finishing

Revise General Awareness notes

Week 4: Final Revision & Interview Prep

Quick revision of GA, crafts, and design concepts

Practice light sketching and creative exercises

Prepare for the Personal Interview

Know your strengths, inspirations, and interests

Practice explaining your artwork clearly

Stay relaxed and confident

OVERVIEW

The Indian Institute of Crafts and Design (IICD) conducts the IICD entrance exam which candidates are provided admission to UG and PG design courses offered by the institute under the aegis of Rajasthan ILD Skills University (RISU). The IICD exam scores will be considered for admission to the 4-year B.Des, 2-year M.Des, and 3-year M.Voc programs offered by the institute.

SELECTION PROCESS

1. The candidate has to opt for the specialisation while filling up the personal and other details in the online registration form, prior to entrance test.

2. The selection of the students for the specialisation will be on the basis of his/ her performance in the foundation semesters and the aptitude shown. The decision will be taken by a committee duly constituted by IICD.