How to prepare for NID, NIFT & UCEED/CEED entrance exam?

Design is an exciting and dynamic field, and preparing for the NID, NIFT, and UCEED/CEED entrance exams can be quite a rigorous yet thrilling journey. Unlike many other entrance exams, you don’t have to memorize sagas of data or be able to recite complex theorems. These institutes demand a comprehensive approach that not only embraces creativity but also sharp analytical skills. To ace these exams and pave the way for your design dreams, you will have to develop a solid preparation strategy.

Now that’s different. New. You don’t know where to start. What to do.

But what I can do is give you an idea, a head start.

Let me share some fun and effective tips which helped me and hopefully can help you too, to prepare and give you some material for your entrance exams.

1. Let's First Understand the Exam Pattern

NID entrance exam, NIFT entrance exam, and UCEED/CEED have different exam patterns, so it's important to understand them thoroughly.

NID entrance exam has 2-3 stages: prelims (MCQ and drawing-based), a practical studio test and sometimes a portfolio-interview round.

NIFT entrance exam has prelims (MCQ and drawing-based), studio test, group discussion, and personal interview.

UCEED/CEED has a single written test with multiple-choice questions and numerical answer type questions, followed by 1-2 drawing-based questions.

A cautionary note : exam patterns and their weightages are known to change year by year. So be prepared for anything and keep updating yourself from their respective websites.

2. Becoming 'One' with the Exam Pattern

Explore the syllabus, past papers, and mock papers for each exam. This will help you gain a clear comprehension of the topics and subjects that will be evaluated. Familiarize yourself with the exam format, the number of sections, types of questions, and time allocation

3. Build a strong foundation on design fundamentals

You will learn creative thinking and design in your college. But to reach there you will need to be aware of the basics, the ABCs of design-

- Design elements and principles, such as line, shape, color, texture, balance, proportion, rhythm, and unity.

- Visual communication principles, including hierarchy, contrast, and balance.

- Elements of composition, such as rule of thirds, leading lines, and negative space.

- Design history and famous designers' works.

- Basic principles of design thinking and problem-solving.

Go through books on these topics. And of course, have the internet on your side.

4. Practice Sketching, Drawing and Play with materials

While you don’t need to be a Picasso or Monet at drawing, you need to still acquire that skill to visually represent your ideas. After all, as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.

- Practice sketching and drawing regularly to improve your visualization and representation skills.

- Practice sketching from life, such as objects, people, landscapes, and scenes, with different mediums, such as pencil, pen, and charcoal.

- Explore various materials such as different types of paper, cardboard, clay, wire, and sponge. Imagine yourself as a genius inventor or designer and work on making models of your creations,

- Practice figure drawing, understanding human proportions and perspective, shading, and texture skills.

- Create a sketchbook and maintain a daily sketching routine.

Do a 30-day challenge or a 365-day challenge if that's what would keep you motivated.

5. Develop 'creative thinking and 'problem solving' skills

Design entrance exams often include problems or case studies that challenge you to apply design concepts and think creatively and out of the box. Other than the few ‘chosen ones’, these skills are not magically gifted but developed.

Start with reading case studies and understanding how designers approached and solved real-world problems, both design-related and otherwise. Try analysing those very problems, identify your user needs, and come up with alternative creative solutions. Focus on how you could present both your ideation and solution to the ‘final boss’. You could also work on fictitious problems like what do you think Earth would be like with no trees or create a design for an umbrella to be used in 2070.

Massage those creative muscles by participating in art and design workshops, exhibitions, and competitions, once in a while. Engage in creative hobbies like writing, music, photography, cooking or theatre to develop your creative expression. You will be surprised to learn how much design and these hobbies are related to each other. These will also expose you to a creative crowd.

6. Taking mock tests - the age old practice

Mock tests are an excellent way to simulate the exam environment and assess your preparedness. So sit on your desk, put that timer on, and practice with past and mock papers to improve your time management, familiarize yourself with the exam format, and identify areas where you need to focus more.

7. Talk for Communication Skills

Design is not only about creation but also effective communication. Work on presenting your ideas clearly and convincingly. Try presenting your projects to your parents and friends once in a while. This may also help you receive constructive feedback.

8. Be a Know-it-all

Stay updated on current design trends, emerging technologies, and industry news. Follow design blogs, magazines, and social media accounts to stay informed and improve your general awareness.

9. The disciple of Time Management

Create a study schedule that balances your academic commitments with design exam preparation. Consistency is key. The pain of discipline is better than the pain of regret.

10. Maintain a Positive Attitude

I can’t stress on this enough! Surround yourself with supportive people and focus on improving your skills rather than comparing yourself with others. Watch design documentaries and award-winning films & animations. Converse with alumni and young aspirants like yourself. Keep the final picture in your head and grind.

So, that's a wrap on my inputs on NID, NIFT, UCEED, and CEED prep. Remember to stay focused, be creative, and enjoy the journey. You could always join coaching for such entrances but supplement it with your own individual preparation. Be disciplined and keep exploring.

Best of luck on your entrance exam adventure—may it be the start of an amazing design journey for you!

Level up your design entrance exam prep and get the inside scoop with our other informative blog posts :)

...