How to prepare for design entrance tests like NID, NIFT and UCEED?
Introduction – Design as a Career Path
Education prepares you for life ahead. It provides an opportunity to hone your skills and get the proper knowledge in the area that you decide to master. If you have a flair for creativity and various aspects of design excite you, you can pursue designing as a career. It is competitive and demanding, but your passion can fuel the path ahead.
Technology and design go hand in hand. There is a lot to learn, and it is an artistic and fulfilling field. Many different design professions may interest you. Think carefully about them and make an informed choice about the area you want to specialize in.
To prepare for entrance exams like NID (National Institute of Design) and NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology), or UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design) you can follow these steps:
- Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus: Understand the structure of the exam, including the number and types of questions, the time limit, and the topics covered in the syllabus.
- Study the syllabus thoroughly: Read and practice related topics like visual perception, drawing skills, design aptitude, 3D visualisation and spatial ability, design theory, colour, elements and principles of design, perspective, sketching, and general knowledge and current affairs.
- Practice previous years’ papers: This will help you get a feel of the exam and also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Improve your sketching and drawing skills: Regular practice can help improve your skills and speed.
- Work on your creativity and observation skills: Start observing things around you and practising your sketching skills. Keep a sketchbook handy and try to capture anything that catches your attention.
- Stay updated on current design trends: Follow design – magazines, websites, and blogs, and attend workshops and exhibitions, to expand your knowledge and stay updated.
- Time Management: Make sure you allocate enough time for each section during the exam.
- Focus on building your portfolio: Highlight your best works and projects to showcase your creativity and design skills.
- Seek guidance and feedback: Join a coaching institute or get feedback from friends and family on your work to improve.
- Stay healthy and focused: Ensure that you get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet to keep your mind and body in top shape.
Remember, preparing for entrance exams like NID and NIFT requires consistent hard work, dedication, and a passion for design.
Colleges and Entrance Tests
India has some of the finest colleges and institutes that train you to excel in this stimulating domain. Here are some of the top design colleges in India:
- National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati
- Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), Pune
- Department of Design, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Chennai
- Industrial Design Centre (IDC), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai
- National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi
- Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore
- Wigan & Leigh College, Delhi
- Department of Design, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
- MIT Institute of Design, Pune
- Pearl Academy, Delhi and Mumbai
- Nirma University Institute of Design, Ahmedabad
Note: This list is not in any particular order and is based on various factors such as reputation, faculty, infrastructure, and placement record.
Before you are eligible to pursue an undergraduate course in these colleges, it is worthwhile to enrol in a reputed junior college. An intermediate college like the Sri Amogha Junior College (SAJC) can be a stepping stone for students striving toward a degree course in design and fashion. If you aspire to secure admission to reputable institutes like NIFT, NID, or IIT, the right junior colleges can help you gain substantial knowledge. These junior colleges can prepare you well for fashion and design-oriented courses. They will also give you a fair idea about the undergraduate course that you will be pursuing. You will receive exposure to various topics and disciplines, which can help you decide on the ideal course for you.
About NID
The National Institute of Design (NID) is a premier design school in India. Its main campus is in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and is recognized as one of the leading design institutions in the country. NID offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in design and is known for its interdisciplinary approach to design education. The institute is focused on fostering creativity and innovation among its students, and its curriculum covers a wide range of design specializations, including product design, graphic design, communication design, and more. NID has a rigorous selection process, and admission is based on an entrance exam followed by a studio test and personal interview. A degree from NID is highly regarded in the design industry, and NID graduates are in high demand by top companies in India and around the world.
The top two campuses of the National Institute of Design (NID) are:
- Ahmedabad Campus: This is the main campus and is located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in design.
- Bengaluru Campus: This campus is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka and offers postgraduate programs in design.
Both campuses have state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated faculty that provides students with an interdisciplinary approach to design education.
About NIFT
The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is a premier fashion design institute in India. It was established in 1986 and has its headquarters in New Delhi with campuses across the country. NIFT offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in fashion design, management, and technology. The institute is known for its rigorous curriculum and its focus on industry-relevant education, which includes hands-on training and projects, internships, and industry collaborations. NIFT is considered one of the best fashion design schools in India, and its graduates are highly sought after by top fashion companies both in India and internationally. Admission to NIFT is based on an entrance exam followed by a situation test and a personal interview.
About UCEED
UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay for admission to undergraduate design programs offered by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER). UCEED is a 3-hour computer-based exam that tests a candidate’s aptitude for design, visualization and spatial ability, observation and design sensitivity, environmental and social awareness, and language and communication skills. The exam is conducted annually and is a mandatory requirement for admission to various design programs offered by IITs and IISERs. A high score in UCEED can open up opportunities for admission to top design schools in India, providing a strong foundation for a successful career in the design industry.
Before you get into one of these prestigious design colleges, check out junior colleges that can help you understand what lies ahead. Institutes conduct entrance tests to select candidates for design courses. These entrance tests are designed to measure your aptitude. They gauge your readiness for a professional course. Ace these tests by preparing well.
Recommended Study Material
Check the syllabus to be covered for the entrance test. Browse the study material based on the syllabus. Select the recommended study material that covers the entire syllabus. Many publications provide the study material for these entrance tests. You can check the websites of the institutes to which you wish to apply and education websites that guide you in preparing for the tests.
And don’t miss the handbooks of NIFT, NID, and UCEED:
- NIFT Official Handbook –
https://www.nift.ac.in/mumbai/sites/mumbai/files/inline-files/Student%20HandBook%202022.pdf
- NID Official Handbook –
https://admissions.nid.edu/NIDA2023/download/BDes_AdmissionsHandbook2023-24.pdf
- UCEED Official Handbook –
https://www.uceed.iitb.ac.in/2023/assets/downloads/docs/UCEED2023_Information_Brochure.pdf
You can also refer to books on design theory, sketching, observation and visualization skills, and general knowledge and current affairs.
Way ahead
A promising career in the design and fashion industry awaits you. Explore the courses and institutes that can impart the right professional training. Your best way forward is to prepare in advance for a degree in fashion and design. Join a junior college that can give you a boost while preparing for these entrance tests. Check out the intermediate curriculum offered by Sri Amogha Junior College offering you the flexibility to explore a career in fashion and design. It is the best place to lay the foundation for your undergraduate program and prepare for entrance tests like NID, NIFT and UCEED. All the Best!
Check out our special program for Design preparation – D-Axis.