IIAD DAT 2026 Phase 1 topper marks are expected to be released on June 14, 2026, with the highest score likely in the range of 170–185 out of 200, based on previous year trends.

The Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), New Delhi, conducts the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) for admissions to its B.Des programs. Phase 1 of IIAD DAT 2026 tests drawing, design aptitude, and creative thinking across a 200-mark paper. Once results are out, you can check the topper marks and subject-wise scores on the official admissions portal to understand the competition level before Phase 2 shortlisting.

  • IIAD DAT 2026 Phase 1 result and topper marks are expected on June 14, 2026.
  • The exam carries a total of 200 marks across multiple sections.
  • Based on 2025 trends, the highest expected score is 170–185 out of 200.
  • Toppers typically secure above 85% marks in the Drawing and Design Aptitude sections.
  • Students shortlisted in Phase 1 are called for Phase 2 — Portfolio Review and Studio Test.
Direct Link to IIAD DAT 2026 Phase 1 Result (OUT)

Table of Contents

  1. IIAD DAT 2026 Phase 1 Topper Marks Overview
  2. Subject-Wise Performance Breakdown of Toppers
  3. Previous Year Topper Marks Trends
  4. Expected Cut-off Score to Qualify Phase 1
  5. Strategies Used by IIAD DAT 2026 Toppers
  6. FAQs

IIAD DAT 2026 Phase 1 Topper Marks Overview

IIAD DAT 2026 Phase 1 topper marks will be published on June 14, 2026 at iiad.edu.in/admissions. Based on the 2025 exam cycle, the highest scorer in Phase 1 achieved around 178 out of 200. For 2026, the expected topper score range is 170–185 out of 200, depending on paper difficulty. The table below shows the expected performance tiers for IIAD DAT 2026 Phase 1.

Score Range (out of 200) Performance Tier Expected Shortlisting Chance
170–185 Topper / All-India Top Rank Certain
150–169 High Scorer (Top 50) Very High
130–149 Strong Performer High
115–129 Phase 1 Qualifier (expected) Moderate
Below 115 Below Expected Cut-off Low

Subject-Wise Performance Breakdown of Toppers

IIAD DAT Phase 1 is divided into three major sections. Toppers demonstrate exceptional skill in Drawing and Observation, scoring close to full marks in sketching and observational accuracy. The table below shows the expected subject-wise topper score breakdown for IIAD DAT 2026 Phase 1, based on 2025 performance data.

Section Total Marks Expected Topper Score Expected Average Score
Drawing and Observation 80 70–74 48–55
Design Aptitude and Visual Reasoning 80 68–72 44–52
Creative Thinking and Innovation 40 34–38 22–27
Total 200 172–184 114–134

All subject-wise figures are expected based on IIAD DAT 2025 topper data and official marking scheme trends.

Key observations from the subject-wise breakdown:

  • Drawing and Observation is the highest-weightage section. Toppers lose far fewer marks here than average scorers, driven by years of daily sketch practice.
  • In Design Aptitude, toppers answer visual puzzles and pattern-identification questions with near-perfect accuracy and speed.
  • The Creative Thinking section separates good scorers from toppers — originality and practicality of design concepts are both rewarded.

Previous Year IIAD DAT Topper Marks Trends

Reviewing previous year topper scores helps you set a realistic target for Phase 1. The IIAD DAT Phase 1 highest score has remained consistent, ranging between 172 and 182 out of 200 across the 2023–2025 cycles, as shown below.

Year Highest Score (Phase 1, out of 200) Phase 1 Cut-off — General Paper Difficulty
2025 178 ~118 Moderate
2024 175 ~115 Moderate to Difficult
2023 172 ~112 Moderate

Previous year data is indicative and based on available trends. Official records are available at iiad.edu.in/admissions.

Expected Cut-off Score to Qualify Phase 1 in 2026

The Phase 1 cut-off determines who gets shortlisted for the Studio Test and Portfolio Review (Phase 2). Based on 2025 trends, the expected general category cut-off for IIAD DAT 2026 Phase 1 is around 118–125 out of 200. Reserved category cut-offs are typically 5–10 marks lower.

Category Expected Phase 1 Cut-off (2026)
General 118–125
OBC 112–118
SC 105–112
ST 98–108

Cut-off figures are expected based on 2025 trends and are not official IIAD announcements for 2026.

Strategies Used by IIAD DAT 2026 Toppers

Students who score in the top percentile in IIAD DAT Phase 1 follow specific preparation strategies. These insights are based on topper interviews and performance analysis from previous IIAD DAT exam cycles.

  • Daily drawing practice: Toppers commit to at least 2 hours of observational drawing each day — objects, spaces, and human figures — to maximise their Drawing section score.
  • Design awareness: Toppers stay updated on current design trends, product innovations, and visual communication by studying design publications and brand identity case studies.
  • Timed mock tests: In the Design Aptitude section, toppers practise timed mock papers to finish all questions within the allotted time without sacrificing accuracy.
  • Concept originality: For the Creative Thinking section, toppers avoid generic ideas and focus on fresh, functional design solutions — examiners specifically reward originality.
  • Mentor feedback: Most toppers cite consistent mock-test review with a design teacher or mentor as a key differentiator in their final scores.

IIAD DAT 2026 Phase 1 Topper Marks FAQs

Ques. What is the expected highest score in IIAD DAT 2026 Phase 1?

Ans. Based on 2025 trends, the expected highest score in IIAD DAT 2026 Phase 1 is 170–185 out of 200. Official topper marks will be published on June 14, 2026 at iiad.edu.in/admissions.

Ques. What is the section-wise marks breakdown for IIAD DAT Phase 1?

Ans. IIAD DAT Phase 1 has three sections — Drawing and Observation (80 marks), Design Aptitude and Visual Reasoning (80 marks), and Creative Thinking and Innovation (40 marks) — totalling 200 marks.

Ques. What is the expected cut-off for General category students in IIAD DAT 2026 Phase 1?

Ans. The expected cut-off for General category students is around 118–125 out of 200, based on previous year trends. The official cut-off will be released with the Phase 1 result on June 14, 2026.

Ques. When will IIAD DAT 2026 Phase 1 topper marks be declared?

Ans. IIAD DAT 2026 Phase 1 result and topper marks are expected on June 14, 2026. You can check them on the official IIAD admissions portal at iiad.edu.in/admissions.

Ques. What happens after IIAD DAT Phase 1 results are declared?

Ans. Students who clear the Phase 1 cut-off are shortlisted for Phase 2, which includes a Portfolio Review and a Studio Test. Final admission to IIAD B.Des programs is based on combined Phase 1 and Phase 2 performance.

Ques. Which section do toppers score the highest in IIAD DAT Phase 1?

Ans. Toppers typically score closest to full marks in the Drawing and Observation section (80 marks). Consistent daily observational drawing practice is the most commonly cited factor behind top performance in this section.