ICAT Design and Media College

Established in 2006, ICAT Design and Media College is a premier institution specializing in digital media and design arts. The Bengaluru campus, situated in the heart of India's Silicon Valley, leverages the city's status as a global tech and gaming hub to provide students with unparalleled industry exposure.

• Campus Location: Hosur Road, Bengaluru Urban, Karnataka.
• Affiliation: Collaborations with prestigious Indian and International Universities.
• ISO Certification: ISO 9001:2015 certified for quality education standards.
• Industry Connect: Strong ties with over 100+ media houses and tech firms in Bengaluru and beyond.
• Focus Areas: Specialized training in Animation, Game Design, VFX, and UI/UX Design.

For the 2026 academic year, ICAT Bengaluru offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes tailored to the evolving creative economy.

Admission for the 2026 session is primarily merit-based, supplemented by a creative aptitude assessment. The process is designed to evaluate the candidate's artistic potential and technical curiosity.

• Entrance Exam: ICAT Design Aptitude Test (IDAT) 2026.
• Portfolio Review: Mandatory for UG and PG Design courses.
• Personal Interview: Final stage to assess student goals and communication skills.

Important Dates:

• Application Starts: January 15, 2026
• IDAT Phase 1: April 2026
• IDAT Phase 2: June 2026
• Commencement of Classes: August 2026

Note: Check exact dates on the official exam and college websites.

Note: These are approximate figures based on past trends, not official cutoffs. Check the latest official counselling cutoff before applying.

ICAT does not follow a traditional cut-off system based solely on academic percentages. Instead, the IDAT 2026 scores and the Portfolio Evaluation carry the most weight. Generally, a minimum of 50% in 10+2 (for UG) or Graduation (for PG) is required to be eligible for the entrance test.

Note: Placement figures are indicative and not taken from the official placement report of the college. Please confirm with the college.

The 2025 placement season saw high demand for UX designers and game developers, particularly from Bengaluru-based startups and MNCs.

ICAT offers several financial aid options to support talented students for the 2026 intake:

• Merit Scholarship: Based on IDAT 2026 performance and academic excellence.
• Creative Excellence Scholarship: Awarded to students with exceptional portfolios or national-level awards in arts/sports.
• Early Bird Discount: Applicable for students completing the admission process before March 31, 2026.

The most sought-after courses at the Bengaluru campus reflect the city's industrial strengths:

• Game Design & Development: Leveraging the local gaming ecosystem.
• UI/UX Design: High demand from the massive IT and SaaS sector in Bengaluru.
• Visual Effects (VFX): Catering to the booming South Indian and Global film industries.
• Fashion Design: Focusing on tech-integrated apparel and retail management.

Below are the estimated fees for the 2026 academic session. Fees may vary based on university affiliation and specific specializations.

The application for 2026 can be completed in four simple steps:

1. Online Registration: Visit the official ICAT website and fill out the inquiry form for the Bengaluru campus.
2. Application Form: Pay the application fee (approx. INR 1000) and submit the detailed form.
3. IDAT Entrance: Appear for the ICAT Design Aptitude Test online or at the campus.
4. Interview & Fee Payment: Attend the interview and secure the seat by paying the admission fee.

The Bengaluru campus is designed to mimic a professional studio environment rather than a traditional classroom. Facilities include:

• Digital Labs: High-end workstations equipped with industry-standard software (Adobe Suite, Maya, Unreal Engine).
• Green Room: Professional-grade chroma key studio for VFX and film projects.
• Design Studios: Dedicated spaces for sketching, drafting, and manual model making.
• Library: A vast collection of books on art history, design theory, and digital technology.

The college is organized into specialized departments to ensure focused learning:

• Department of Gaming
• Department of Animation & VFX
• Department of Visual Communication
• Department of Fashion & Interior Design
• Department of UI/UX and New Media