NID Entrance Exam: Shortlisted candidate shares prep strategy to clear NID DAT

NID DAT Prelims shortlisted candidate, Ankita Bose shares prep tips to crack NID entrance exam for Graphic Design as well as Animation Film Design courses.

A Fashion Design graduate from National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Ankita Bose secured a score of 71.8 and got shortlisted for Animation Film Design and Graphic Design specialisation.

Currently working with Future Group as a Senior Executive in the Design department, Ankita shares that she did not expect to get shortlisted for the NID Studio Test round. Talking about her prep strategy, she revealed that she did not undergo any formal coaching to clear NID DAT 2016 and prepared for the exam by simply going through questions that she came across the internet.

Ankita loves “to read and sketch, both using traditional dry mediums or digital medium” and this avid interest in design is a key factor that helped her crack NID DAT 2016.

Read on to know how Ankita Bose cleared NID DAT 2016 for MDes admissions.

Q. Which design specialisation did you apply for in NID Entrance Exam?  

A. I applied for Animation Film design and Graphic Design.

Q. When should one start preparing for the exam?

A. I didn't really prepare for the exam as such. It's more about your aptitude, interests and observation skills rather than any specific preparations. Honestly, I started preparing just a couple of weeks prior to the exam and as stated above, I only looked up previous year questions that I could find on the internet.

Q. Did you refer to any important books or study material?

A. I went through some question papers only, nothing else.

Q. Are there any important topics to score well?

A. Mostly you need to be aware of the current affairs and have a fair idea about general knowledge, as these are the only topics that are independent of your aptitude.

Q. Any preparation tips for NID DAT from your experience?

A. One just needs to keep an open mind and hone their observation skills.

Q. What as per you are the mistakes one should avoid while preparing for the exam?

A. Not strategically planning how you're going to manage time during the exam and also not practicing your sketching skills enough.  

Q. How did you manage time while giving the exam?

A. I made a target to finish Part A within 1 hour 15 minutes and dedicated rest of the time for Part B.

Q. What mistakes should one avoid while giving the exam in order to score well?

A. One mistake to avoid is not paying enough attention to Part B, as each question carries 10 marks and one needs to spend some thinking how to solve the question at hand, so ample amount of time should be given to them.

Q. Which as per you was the most difficult part of the NID DAT exam?

A. As per me the difficult part are questions related to general knowledge and current affairs and also Part B.

Q. Is there any section that plays the “deciding factor” for getting shortlisted in the exam?

A. I'm not quite sure about this one, but according to me, it would be Part B, which actually tests your creative ability and thought process.

Q. What is your plan of action for Studio Test and Interview round?

A. I will be building my portfolio around the disciplines that I have applied for and will try and keep myself updated with the latest affairs.

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