Undergraduate Admissions
IVS offers six Bachelor’s degree programmes across various disciplines. All undergraduate students begin their degrees with the Foundation Programme before taking courses specific to their majors. Each undergraduate programme is supported by liberal arts courses that inform students’ work. Undergraduate admissions take place once every year. The entire application process happens online. Applicants are required to fill out the admission form and submit educational documents, before uploading their portfolios in the next stage of the process.
VIEW UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS 2025
Apply to the IVS Undergraduate Programme
Undergraduate admissions take place once every year. The entire application process happens online. Applicants are required to fill out the admission form and submit educational documents, before uploading their portfolios in the next stage of the process.
The Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture seeks to enrol highly motivated and talented students From diverse backgrounds. Applications are considered regardless of age, gender, religion, race, colour, creed, or national origin. Admission to the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS) is granted strictly on merit. After submission of the application and the verification of eligibility, candidates’ final selection is based on an admission test and a final interview.
Online applications for admissions can be submitted through the IVS Online Admission Portal by clicking on the link below:
Admission to IVS undergraduate programmes is a process conducted over two stages.
- Stage 1 - Admission Test: The minimum cut-off marks to clear the admission test are determined each year and will vary across programmes. Only applicants who attain a particular set of marks will qualify for the next stage.
- Stage 2 - Interviews: After in-person interviews are conducted with all eligible candidates, a final merit list is determined. This is based on 70% admission test marks and 30% interview marks.
The basic eligibility criteria for admission to IVS are as follows:
- Intermediate qualifications with minimum C grade (50% marks).
- Foreign qualifications such as Cambridge A-Level, International Baccalaureate Diploma and Career-related Programme, American High School Diploma, Ontario Secondary School Diploma (Canada), etc., equivalent to a minimum grade of C (50%) in Intermediate qualifications. An Equivalency Certificate obtained From IBCC (Inter-Board Committee of Chairmen) must be submitted. For further details, please visit IBCC’s website at www.ibcc.edu.pk
- For Cambridge qualifications, following is required to obtain IBCC Equivalency certificate equivalent to Intermediate qualifications:
o 8 O-Level subjects including English, Mathematics, Pakistan Studies, Urdu, Islamiyat and any 3 elective subjects.
o Any 3 A-Level subjects
o Please note that applicants are responsible for making sure they have passed all of these required subjects. If a subject like Urdu, Islamic Studies, or Pakistan Studies is missing, the IBCC Equivalency Certificate will not be issued and the student will be ineligible for admission to IVS
- Students who have taken their Intermediate or Cambridge A2 level exam in the April-June 2024 session and are awaiting results can also apply. Such applicants need to submit their 1st year Intermediate result and Admit Card of second year (April/May 2024 Session), or AS Level results and statement of entry of A-Level exams (May/June 2024 session). Such applicants will only be given conditional admission and their admission shall be revoked if the above minimum requirements are not fulfilled.
- Students appearing in only ONE subject of Cambridge O/A level in the Oct/Nov 2024 session can apply for admission. However, they will have to sign an undertaking stating that their admission will be revoked if they fail to meet IBCC equivalency certificate requirements in January 2025.
Applicants are required to fill out the online admission form and submit educational documents online.
The following documents in soft copy (with a file size of less than 1 MB) are required to be uploaded on the IVS Admissions Portal. Please keep these documents ready before you begin the online application process:
- CNIC of both parents of the applicant
- Certificate / Marksheet / Transcript of Matriculation Qualification
For O-Levels and other foreign qualifications, Matriculation equivalency certificate From IBCC is mandatory - Certificate / Marksheet / Transcript of Intermediate Qualification
For A-Levels and other foreign qualifications, Intermediate equivalency certificate From IBCC is mandatory
For Applicants awaiting results, the following must be submitted in place of item 3:
- Intermediate (HSSC Part 1) marksheet and Admit Card for Intermediate (HSSC Part 2)
For A-Levels and other foreign qualifications, statement of entry or proof of taking the relevant foreign qualification exam equivalent to Intermediate in the May/June session.
After submission of the online application and the verification of eligibility, candidates will be asked to appear at the IVS campus for an in-person Admission Test. Students scoring the minimum cut-off marks in the test will be short-listed for the second stage i.e. an interview. The IVS Admission Test is divided into four sections as follows:
- Section A – Drawing
The drawing section will test the applicant’s ability to translate three-dimensional objects into a two-dimensional form. The applicant must demonstrate observational skills as well as creative decision-making abilities to showcase a unique approach to the question posed. Candidates will be assessed on their observational skills, which involve accurately capturing details, proportions, and spatial relationships From three-dimensional subjects onto a flat surface. Moreover, candidates must exhibit good decision-making skills during the drawing task. This means making careful choices in how they compose their drawings, the perspectives they choose, and line quality they use to express the subject's essence in a distinct and engaging manner.
- Section B – Creative Visualization
Imaginative thinking is a prerequisite for creative expression. The originality of these expressions will reflect the visual perception and thought process of applicants, who will be assessed on their ability to think out of the box. They will be asked to reimagine the given visual prompts in a unique and unexpected context while maintaining pre-set conditions, and to express their ideas through creative drawing and text.
- Section C – English Reading and Writing
In this section, applicants will be provided a set of information that can include excerpts From essays, lists, maps, tables, and other types of text, and will have to answer questions based on it. They will be required to interpret the information to write concise, structured answers in formal English. Rather than merely identifying a right or wrong answer, applicants should justify their interpretation or opinion persuasively with evidence. One question will require applicants to draw From their personal experience. Recommended answer lengths (30-150 words) will be specified for each question.
- Section D – Logical Thinking
This section tests the ability of candidates to analyse and solve logical problems by working through a set of rules or prompts, and also by using mathematical concepts. It will comprise of questions that test logical reasoning capabilities by using methods like identifying patterns, analysing arguments, drawing conclusions, interpreting relationships, and identifying analogies/ anomalies. The section could also include questions that use graphics, shapes, drawings, tables, and patterns.
Interview
The Admission Interview is the final step towards securing admission to IVS. It is also a great opportunity for us to get to know candidates and find out more about them and why they want to study with us. Our interview panel assesses candidates in the following areas:
- Interest, commitment and passion to study and succeed in the programme of first choice
- Awareness and knowledge of programmes of first and second choice
- Reflective, genuine, and critical engagement in response to questions asked
- Contributions, aspirations, and capacities as a prospective member of the IVS community
- General disposition and poise, level of confidence, and ability to communicate
Merit List
Candidates eligible to apply for admission to IVS will have to clear two stages, which include the Admissions Test and the Interview. The final merit list will be determined based on 70% admission test marks and 30% interview marks scored by the applicants.
Successful applicants will be given admission into the programme of their choice. Students who did not get entry into their first-choice programme will be redirected to their second preference if they qualify for that programme. Applicants on the waitlist will be informed if seats become available.
Admission to IVS is not a right, but an invitation extended after pooling assessment on various facets of an applicant’s potential and fit. The Admissions Committee bases its decision on a careful review of the performance on various aspects of the admission process, as well as the credentials submitted by the applicant and appropriateness for the requirements of the IVS programme to which an applicant seeks admission. IVS reserves the right to deny admission on the basis of these deliberations without needing to offer any explanation. Non-acceptance of an applicant is neither a negative reflection on the applicant’s chances for completion of similar studies at another institution, nor does it preclude the applicant’s eventual admission to IVS at a later date.
Once applicants have been invited to join the incoming class at IVS, enrolment is considered complete only once all academic and other requirements are fulfilled, and registration, tuition and other fees are paid by the due date. Students must show original documents at the time of registration and submit copies for IVS records.
Admission Processing Fee Online
(non-refundable)
Rs. 10,000.00
Admission fee
Payable on Registration (non-refundable)
Rs. 75,000.00
Fee per semester
(refundable as per rules)
@ Rs 16,900 per credit hour (for 18 CH in 1st semester) payable on Registration (refundable as per rules)
Rs. 304,200.00
Security Deposit
Payable on registration (refundable)
Rs. 50,000.00
*IVS reserves the right to review its tuition and other fees annually to cover inflation and other costs.
Admissions are currently closed. The next round of admission for the Academic Year 2026 (classes commencing from January 2026) will start in June 2025. The Admission Timeline will be updated in April/May 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — Undergraduate Admissions
Consider these answers your first source of information regarding admissions.
The following undergraduate programmes are offered at IVS:
The Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) is a 5 year (10 semesters) long programme whereas all the other undergraduate programmes are of 4 years (8 semesters) duration.
- Intermediate qualification with minimum C grade (50% marks), OR
- Foreign qualifications such as Cambridge A-Level, International Baccalaureate, American High School Diploma, Ontario Secondary School Diploma (Canada), etc, must be equivalent to minimum C grade (50% marks) Intermediate qualifications. Equivalency Certificate From IBCC (Inter Board Committee of Chairmen) is mandatory.
- Equivalency certificate can be obtained From IBCC (Inter Board Committee of Chairmen).
For further details, please visit IBCC’s website at www.ibcc.edu.pk - In case of Cambridge qualifications, minimum 8 O level subjects (including Pakistan Studies, Islamic Studies and Urdu) and three A Level subjects (excluding general paper) are required to get equivalence From IBCC. Please note that applicants are responsible for making sure they have passed all of these required subjects. Otherwise they will be ineligible without an IBCC Equivalency Certificate.
- Only those Pakistani students who have done their O levels and A levels From abroad are exempted From Pakistan Studies, Islamic Studies and Urdu.
A student’s final selection is based on the following two components:
(1) IVS Admissions Test
The IVS Admission Test is the main criterion based on which students are shortlisted for interviews. All students scoring a minimum cut-off marks as determined for each programme qualify for the interview.
(2) Interview
The candidates in each programme who qualify for interview are given admission purely on merit in the order of the final merit list.
The final merit list for each department is determined based on 70% Admissions Test marks and 30% Interview marks.
No, the same admission criteria and Admissions Test are applicable to all programmes.
There are no subject requirements for undergraduate programmes offered at IVS. Students with any subjects / background in intermediate / A-Level qualifications can apply.
There are no subject requirements for applying to the Bachelor of Architecture programme (B. Arch).
Yes, you can. However, you will be given provisional admission based on the condition of clearing Intermediate / A-Level qualifications with minimum 50% marks. Equivalency certificate From IBCC for A-Level qualifications would also be required.
In case you fail or your result does not meet the eligibility criteria, your provisional admission will be cancelled.
Yes, you are eligible to apply provided you submit an equivalency certificate From the Board of your area stating that your diploma is equivalent to Intermediate qualification.
Early admissions at IVS have been discontinued since 2023.
All applicants at the time of admission are required to give two preferences of the undergraduate programme they wish to pursue at IVS. Successful applicants will be given admission into the programme of their choice. Students who did not get entry into their first-choice programme will be redirected to their second preference if they qualify for that programme.
Admissions for IVS undergraduate programmes are announced in the third week of June. The last date to submit the application form is around the end of July each year.
The new academic year starts with the Spring Semester that begins in January (of the proceeding year).
All undergraduate programmes offered at IVS have a common Foundation Year. Therefore, students can apply to change their discipline at the end of first semester of the Foundation Year (Spring semester) but their acceptance into the new programme is not guaranteed. The “Interdepartmental Transfer Policy for Students” will be applied.
Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture is recognised by HEC. For further details visit HEC’s website at
http://www.hec.gov.pk/english/universities/Pages/recognised.aspx
The 5-year professional undergraduate programme in Architecture is accredited by the Pakistan Council for Architects and Town Planners (PCATP).
Yes, all IVS undergraduate programmes are recognised internationally. Many IVS alumni have pursued further education From the world’s leading art, design and architecture institutions and universities.
Yes. Similar courses already taken at an undergraduate level at any institution recognized by HEC are transferable. To apply for credit transfer, detailed course outlines along with the official transcripts must be provided. A faculty committee reviews individual cases and decides whether transfer is possible or not. All credit transfers are processed based on the “IVS Credit Transfer Policy”.
The IVS Admission Test is divided into following four sections:
- Section A – Drawing
- Section B – Creative Visualization
- Section C – English Reading and Writing
- Section D – Logical Thinking
The IVS Admissions Interviews are a great opportunity to get to know candidates and find out more about them and why they want to study with us. Our Interview panel will be assessing the following in candidates:
- Interest, commitment and passion to study and succeed in programme of first choice.
- Awareness and knowledge of programme of first choice.
- Reflective, genuine, and critical engagement in response to questions asked
- Contributions, aspirations, and capacities as a prospective member of the IVS community
- General disposition and poise, level of confidence, and ability to communicate
Yes, outstanding performance in sports and other co-curricular activities, record of community participation and involvement in activities related to the applicant’s chosen profession give students an extra edge in interview ratings.
No, IVS admissions are only conducted at the IVS campus in Karachi.
IVS has one campus situated at ST-33, Block 2, Scheme 5, Clifton, Karachi.
The admission process at IVS is only conducted once every year. Refer to the detailed Admission Timeline for further details.
No, IVS does not offer any preparatory classes for prospective students. Students with aptitude towards art and design as well as reasonable drawing and analytical skills do not need preparatory classes.
The Admission Processing fee for the online application is Rs. 10,000/- (Rupees ten thousand only).
The total fee payable at the time of admission as IVS is given below:
| Tuition Fee (for 18 CH @ Rs 16,900 per CH) | Rs. 304,200 |
| Admission Fee (non-refundable) | Rs. 75,000 |
| Security Deposit (Refundable) | Rs. 50,000 |
| IT Facility Charges | Rs. 3,000 |
| ID Card Charges | Rs. 1,000 |
| Workshop and Tools Charges | Rs. 500 |
| Student Council Fee | Rs. 500 |
| Total Payable on Registration | RS. 434,200 |
*The above fee structure is for the 2024 academic year. It is subject to review after every academic year. IVS reserves the right to review its tuition and other fees annually to cover inflation and other costs.
Yes, the payment of fees in four instalments is possible as per the IVS Fee Payment Policy (additional charges apply per instalment). Please note that all fees must be cleared before the start of the first semester in January every year.
IVS does not offer self-financing option or quota seat for any particular province. Applications are considered regardless of age, gender, religion, race, colour, creed and national origin; applicants are accepted on pure merit.
Yes, IVS believes in providing equal opportunity to economically challenged students for pursuing their studies at the School. IVS offers need-based Scholarships and Financial Assistance covering between 25% and 100% tuition fees, as determined for each individual applicant.
Once the student has secured admission at IVS, they can apply for financial assistance by submitting a prescribed application form. The financial requirement of each student is carefully evaluated through an established procedure and financial assistance is awarded accordingly.
The continuity of the financial assistance is tied with the student’s academic performance each semester. GPA of 2.30 in the foundation year (semester 1 and 2) and a GPA of 2.50 in the remaining semesters must be maintained to receive financial assistance for the next semester.
The admission at IVS is strictly given on merit. There is no bearing on admission to the School if the candidate is unable to pay the fee. The School is committed to provide financial assistance to students who have secured admission, based on their financial need as established through a prescribed procedure.
Fee refunds are processed according to the following timeline:
- Full (100%) Fee Refund up to the first week of commencement of the semester
- Half (50%) Fee Refund up to the second week of commencement of the semester
- No (0%) Fee Refund after the second week of commencement of the semester
Important Points
- A student must give a fee refund application in writing.
- Fee refund claim is not linked with the class attendance and shall be considered From the date of receipt of the application.
- Please note that Admission Fee of Rs. 75,000/- is non-refundable under any circumstance.
The term ‘Credit Hour’ refers to the instructional or teaching time given to students every week for the entire semester. A 3-credit hour theory course involves 3 hours of instructional time per week, whereas a 3-credit hour studio course involves 6 hours of instructional time per week throughout the semester.
The 5-year (10 semesters) duration undergraduate programme in Architecture has 174 credit hours, whereas all remaining 4-year (8 semesters) duration undergraduate programmes have between 137 and 142 credit hours.
IVS does not have a formal transport arrangement for its students. However, the administration can facilitate students to connect with private transporters operating From various areas of the city to IVS campus.
IVS does not have any hostel facility of its own. However, the School can facilitate suitable accommodation arrangement for female students with known individuals.
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
IVS believes in providing equal opportunity to economically challenged students for pursuing their studies at School. It promotes the philosophy of equal opportunity and education for all in an inclusive learning environment. The financial help is offered in form of Financial Assistance (interest free loan) and Scholarships to the new students who have been selected on merit to join or existing students who due to the changed circumstances are finding it difficult to pay their fee.
Financial Assistance and Scholarships
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Academics
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Undergraduate Programmes
- Bachelor of Architecture
- Bachelor of Interior Design
- Bachelor of Textile Design
- Bachelor of Fashion Design
- Bachelor of Communication Design
- Bachelor of Fine Art
- Foundation Programme
- Liberal Arts Programme
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Graduate Programme
- M.Phil in Art and Design
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Continuing Education Programme
- Diplomas, Short Courses and Corporate Training
