
AIEED Exam Pattern 2026 assesses creativity, logic, design skills, and general awareness through two written stages: GAT and CAT, followed by a video, portfolio, and personal interaction round. It is conducted in both online and offline modes, and there are 110 questions, amounting to a total of 500 marks.
GAT tests reasoning, awareness, and design sensitivity, while CAT assesses creativity, problem-solving, and design thinking. The final interaction round checks articulation, focus, and quality of a portfolio. Knowing this pattern, candidates can prepare in a focused manner for each testing stage.
The ARCH College of Design and Business sets the AIEED 2026 exam pattern. This pattern covers the test structure, sections, and marking system. The exam has a total of 110 questions in its written part. It tests a wide range of skills. Key details about the AIEED 2026 exam pattern:
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AIEED 2026 Exam Pattern Overview |
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NIFT Exam Component |
Details |
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Total Written Questions |
110 questions |
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Total Sections |
Creative Ability Test (CAT), General Ability Test (GAT), Video/Portfolio/Personal Interaction (PIRP) |
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Total Marks |
500 marks |
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Stage-Wise Mark Allocation |
GAT - 100 marks, CAT - 200 marks, PIRP - 200 marks |
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Questions per Written Stage |
GAT - 60 questions, CAT - 50 questions |
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Exam Mode |
Online (English only) & Offline (Hindi + English) |
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Exam Duration |
CAT – 3 hours, GAT – 2 hours, PIRP – 0.5 hours |
The AIEED 2026 exam pattern uses a total of 500 marks. The written tests, GAT and CAT, account for 300 marks combined. The Video, Portfolio, and Personal Interaction round is worth 200 marks.
The exam questions appear in both Hindi and English for offline mode. Online test takers must answer in English. There is no negative marking in the AIEED exam pattern. Incorrect answers only lose their assigned marks. No extra deductions happen for wrong responses.
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Section |
Marks |
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GAT + CAT (Written Tests) |
300 |
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Video + Portfolio + Personal Interaction |
200 |
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Total Marks |
500 |
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Negative Marking |
No |
The AIEED exam has three distinct stages. Each stage evaluates different skills crucial for design education. Candidates must pass the earlier stages to move to later ones.
The General Ability Test (GAT) is the first stage. It is an online computer-based test. Candidates must submit videos or portfolios seven days before the exam.
The Creative Ability Test (CAT) is the second stage. It is for candidates who pass the GAT. This online test usually happens within three days of the GAT.
This is the final round for qualifying candidates. It takes place virtually via Skype.
Total Duration: 30 minutes.
Marks Allocated: 200 marks.
Evaluation Focus: General articulation skills, composure, depth of thought, focus, and the range of work in the portfolio.
The ARCH College of Design and Business evaluates candidates based on specific criteria. These parameters ensure a holistic assessment of design potential.
GAT Testing Parameters: This section assesses design sensibilities. It checks logical reasoning and awareness of global issues. Concept comprehension and design-related awareness are also important.
CAT Testing Parameters: This section focuses on articulation skills, both written and visual. It evaluates design thinking and lateral thinking. Creative problem-solving and awareness of design principles are key.
Video, Portfolio, and Personal Interaction Parameters: This stage assesses composure and focus. General articulation skills are observed. Depth of thinking and the diversity of work in the portfolio are evaluated.
Students should check the AIEED 2026 syllabus to know what topics will come in the exam. It helps them prepare better and understand what they need to study. The AIEED sample papers also include questions from all these topics.
Personal Interaction & Portfolio Review
Situation Test & Group Discussion
