NID Entrance Exam Preparation

For (Design Aptitude Test), there isn't much that you can do. Firstly, and most importantly, you should have an aptitude for design. NID papers are designed in such a way that only those who have a creative side will be able to clear it. The question paper is a mix of creativity, logical thinking and general knowledge. You need to be aware of the latest happenings in the world. Cramming up yearbooks won't help you, seriously. Instead make a habit of reading the newspaper every day.
After clearing that, you'll have to prepare for the studio test and the personal interview. The studio test judges you on your material handling and of course creativity. You could be provided any material, like clay, terracotta, cardboard anything and from a set of themes, you may have to design something of your choice. Since it is time bound, you have to be real quick and efficiently use the materials provided to you.
The personal interview is where the faculty evaluates you in person. They may ask you about your hobbies, interests and even talent. They may even ask you to sing if you're a singer. If you have a history of artwork, you get to showcase it to them. Whatever you have done till now, be it a random sketch or doodle, bring it along. But make sure it's your own work otherwise you may get caught and it's not that difficult for them to do so. Make sure that your portfolio stands out. It should speak for you and define you. Don't try to include or steal somebody else's ideas. Be unique and come up with something from your side. Follow your instinct.
For all this, you can join some coaching institute which will help you ENHANCE your creative side. There are a lot of coaching institutes like BRDS, Skyblue, Silica, Pahal Design and the list goes on. But I would suggest you go ahead with BRDS because they have the maximum selections every year and also the material provided by them is good. Even if you don't wish to join any coaching institute, that's okay. I have friends who have cleared NID without joining any coaching and who even after joining such institutes haven't cleared any of the design entrances.
Lastly, don't stress about the exam much! Stress makes you think less creatively and that is something you wouldn't want to happen on the day of exam. For the interview, don't worry at all. Be confident and be yourself.

The Design Aptitude Tests will be conducted in two stages:
Stage 1: Design Aptitude Test (that) Prelims
Stage 2: Design Aptitude Test (that) Mains
The Design Aptitude Test (that) Prelims primarily evaluates each candidate on the following abilities:
Knowledge
Comprehension
Analysis
Creativity
Visualisation
The that Prelims consists of two parts:
Part I: Multiple-choice questions marked out of 70 points. This part has questions with one or more than one correct answer. The responses of this part will be recorded on an OMR sheet and evaluated digitally.
Part II: Subjective questions marked out of 30 points, with responses to be provided in visual and/or written formats.
The Design Aptitude Test (Prelims) consists of an examination for three hours duration and will be marked out of 100 points.
This is a pen-and-paper test conducted at the same time on the same day across all test centres.
The question paper is in English.
All questions are compulsory.
There is no negative marking.
Based on the that Prelims scores, separate merit lists shall be prepared for each category (OPEN, OBC-NCL, SC, ST & PwD). Shortlisted candidates only will be eligible to appear for the that Mains exam.
Design Aptitude Test (Mains):
Based on the scores obtained in the that Prelims, eligible candidates will have to appear for the that Mains.
that Mains for M.Des.:
The that Mains for this programme consists of two parts:
Studio Test:
This may consist of tests in different formats such as drawing/sketching, hands-on model making, group discussions etc. This test will be marked out of 100 points and will be conducted in English.
Interviews:
The interviews will be conducted separately for each discipline, immediately after the Studio Test, at the same centre.
that Mains for B.Des.and GDPD:
The that Mains for these programmes may consist of tests in different formats such as drawing/sketching, hands-on model making, group discussions, presentations etc. These will be marked out of 100 points and will be conducted in English. The test centre will be NID Ahmedabad. In order to be considered for the merit list, a candidate must have appeared for all the tests in both the that Prelims and the that Mains.