Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD)

The Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), established in 2015, has recently evolved into the University of Design, Innovation and Technology (UDIT). The institute’s vision is to challenge traditional paradigms of design education through a "thinking through making" philosophy, which prioritizes hands-on, project-based learning. Its goal is to bridge the gap between industry and academia, nurturing graduates into "Pi-designers"—lifelong learners and adaptive professionals equipped with both deep technical expertise and broad multidisciplinary skills. By fostering a learner-centric environment, the institution aims to empower students to find their unique creative purpose and develop innovative solutions for complex societal challenges.

IIAD emphasizes a rigorous inquiry-based approach, integrating real-world contexts and industry collaborations into its curriculum. Through its academic partnership with Kingston School of Art, London, it provides a globally recognized education that prepares students for the competitive international design landscape while remaining rooted in the Indian cultural and professional context.

Key Details:

• Ranking: Recognized as a 'Leading Design College' by The Economic Times and awarded 'Best College of the Year 2022' by Silicon India.

• Campus: A 5-acre campus in Gurugram (UDIT) and an 85,000 sq. ft. custom-built facility in Okhla, New Delhi, featuring modular design studios, material workshops, and photography labs.

• Collaboration: Academic partnership with Kingston University, London; memberships with FDCI, ADI, IIID, CII, and IFFTI.

• Faculty: Comprises practicing professionals and industry experts, maintaining a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio for personalized mentorship.

• Infrastructure: Includes advanced Mac labs, garment construction labs, a digital resource center with over 4,000 access points, and dedicated exhibition spaces.

• Hostel: Separate residential facilities for boys and girls located in East of Kailash, equipped with 24/7 security, AC rooms, and shuttle services.

Courses & Academics

The academic curriculum at the Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) is built upon a learner-centric "thinking through making" philosophy. This multidisciplinary approach prioritizes hands-on, project-based learning to bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practice. Students engage in rigorous inquiry-based studies that integrate real-world contexts, ensuring they develop deep technical expertise alongside a broad understanding of design ecology and sustainable systems.

IIAD follows a research-led teaching style, emphasizing conceptual depth and critical analysis. The pedagogy is characterized by a "Foundation Year" that aids the transition from traditional schooling to an exploratory design environment. Students benefit from an intensive studio-based culture and mandatory "Learn On-site" internships, which facilitate industry interaction and professional development. This collaborative environment nurtures "Pi-designers"—professionals equipped with both a wide range of design skills and a specialized niche.