IIAD becomes UDIT, transitions into multidisciplinary university in Gurugram

The Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD), has transitioned into the University of Design, Innovation and Technology (UDIT) following its formal establishment through an act of the Haryana state legislature. Based in Gurugram, the move marks an institutional shift from a standalone design institute to a multidisciplinary university.

UDIT builds on IIAD’s decade-long experience in studio-based education, expanding its academic scope to include design, technology, and management under one framework, the official press release noted. The university is structured into three schools—Design, Management, and Technology—offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

The School of Design includes disciplines such as fashion, visual communication, and product & interior design. The school of management offers programmes in fashion & luxury business management and technology business management, while the school of technology focuses on computer science, artificial intelligence, and design.

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UDIT: Focus on interdisciplinary, studio-led learning

Speaking on the transition, pro-chancellor Jitin Chadha said the institution aims to “reimagine what a creator’s education can look like,” with a focus on interdisciplinary learning and practical outcomes. The university continues to emphasise studio-led pedagogy, a core feature of IIAD’s academic model.

Pro-vice chancellor Usha Nehru Patel highlighted that “the studio is the core at UDIT,” adding that students engage with real-world problems as part of their learning process.

IIAD said that the transition allows for greater flexibility in curriculum design, enabling movement across disciplines and integration of project-based learning. UDIT has also indicated plans to expand research, academic programmes, and collaborations with industry and global institutions.

The announcement noted that the shift from IIAD to UDIT reflects a broader repositioning within higher education, as institutions increasingly adopt interdisciplinary and practice-oriented models to align with evolving industry demands.