AIEED 2026 Applications Open as ARCH College Confirms Exam Dates

ARCH College of Design & Business has officially announced the dates for the All India Entrance Examination for Design (AIEED) 2026, marking the beginning of the admission cycle for design aspirants. The application process is currently open for candidates aiming for UG and PG design programs. This article provides crucial information on key deadlines, the multi-stage exam pattern, and essential preparation strategies to help you navigate your admission journey. Stay updated on the Creative Ability Test (CAT), General Ability Test (GAT), and the crucial Portfolio and Personal Interaction rounds.

The path to a professional design career begins with the right foundation, and for many aspiring designers across India, that journey leads to the ARCH College of Design & Business in Jaipur. The college has officially kicked off its admission cycle by opening applications for the All India Entrance Examination for Design (AIEED) 2026. This announcement is a vital signal for all 10+2 and graduate students dreaming of enrolling in cutting-edge undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) design programs. With applications open from November 1, 2025, and crucial screening dates now confirmed, it’s time to shift your focus from merely dreaming to strategic planning. AIEED is more than just a test; it is a holistic evaluation designed to identify candidates with the right attitude and aptitude for the dynamic world of design, covering specializations like Fashion, Interior, Product, Jewellery, Graphic, and more. Understanding the timeline and the multi-stage assessment process is the first critical step toward securing your future in the creative industry.

Crucial Dates and Application Procedure

The AIEED 2026 admission process is structured to give candidates ample time to prepare and showcase their abilities. Aspiring students must pay close attention to the confirmed dates to avoid missing any deadlines for this competitive design entrance exam.

• Application Status: The application window is currently open and has been active since November 1, 2025. Candidates are advised to apply well in advance to secure their preferred screening slots.
• Interaction & Counselling (Online): This initial phase is set for November – December 2025. This stage allows for early engagement with the college and understanding the programs.
• Situation Test & Group Discussion (On Campus): The most critical phase of the selection process is scheduled to take place from April 6 to April 18, 2026. This in-person evaluation is mandatory for final admission.
• Batch Commencement: Selected candidates will begin their academic journey with the batch starting on June 15, 2026.

Application Steps (Online):

• Registration: Begin by filling out the basic registration form online with personal details, a valid email, mobile number, and course preference.
• Course & Exam Selection: Choose your desired program (UG/PG) and select your preferred date and slot for the Stage 1 General Ability Test (GAT) if opting for the online mode.
• Details Submission: Fill in your personal and academic information, including Class 10th and 12th details.
• Document Upload: Upload necessary documents, including your photograph and academic mark sheets.
• Fee Payment: Complete the application by paying the prescribed application fee (typically around ₹3000).

Understanding the Multi-Stage AIEED Screening

The AIEED screening process is meticulously structured in multiple stages to comprehensively assess a candidate's design potential beyond rote memory or basic drawing skills. The process focuses on psychological endowments like empathy and perseverance, alongside practical skills.

• Creative Ability Test (CAT): This section, generally weighted higher, assesses the candidate's core design thinking, visual articulation, and creative problem-solving skills.
  • Focus Areas: Design sensibilities, lateral thinking, creative problem solving, and awareness of design principles.
• General Ability Test (GAT): This test evaluates a candidate's foundational knowledge and analytical skills.
  • Focus Areas: Logical reasoning, general awareness (especially design-related and global issues), comprehension, and concepts comprehension.
• Video, Portfolio, and Personal Interaction (PIPR): This final stage is crucial, focusing on the candidate's personality, depth of thought, and body of work.
  • Portfolio of Abilities (PoA): Candidates must present a range of their best work, showcasing their ideas, different mediums, and the process behind their designs (sketches, models, digital work).
  • Personal Interaction: The interview evaluates composure, clarity of focus, general articulation skills, and the student's motivation for choosing design as a career.

 Design Entrance Exam Preparation Strategies

Success in AIEED requires a well-rounded and strategic preparation plan. Since the exam assesses attitude and applied thinking, focusing solely on technical drawing is insufficient.

• Consistent Sketching Practice: Dedicate daily time to sketching. Focus on observation drawing, perspective drawing, composition, and layout. Practice using dry mediums (pencils, pastels) to improve speed and presentation.
• Enhance General Awareness: Regularly read newspapers and design blogs. Stay updated on current affairs, particularly in the fields of art, design, technology, and social issues. This directly aids in the GAT and Group Discussion sections.
• Develop Design Thinking: Practice solving open-ended problems creatively. Focus on generating multiple solutions for a single prompt, as the test often rewards creative problem-solving and user-centric thinking. Topics like redesigning everyday objects or conceptualizing spatial designs are highly relevant.
• Build a Strong Portfolio: Start curating a diverse portfolio now. Include projects that demonstrate your ability to think conceptually, your proficiency in different mediums, and your perseverance. Quality and the story behind the work are more important than sheer quantity.
• Time Management with Mock Tests: Solve previous year's papers and take full-length mock tests under timed conditions. This helps in improving speed, accuracy, and developing a strategy to allocate time efficiently across the different test sections.

Conclusion

The opening of AIEED 2026 applications by ARCH College of Design & Business marks the starting line for a promising career in the creative world. Success depends not just on clearing the exam but on demonstrating a genuine passion for design and an ability to think critically and creatively. Begin your structured preparation immediately, understand the demands of each screening stage, and meticulously prepare your portfolio to present your unique creative vision. Don't wait; secure your future by applying for AIEED 2026 and starting your focused preparation journey today.

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