Guide to NID Studio Test: Preparation, Tips, and Test Patterns

At the forefront of the National Institute of Design (NID) admission process stands the Studio Test, a pivotal assessment that gauges the creative potential of candidates aspiring for both B.Des and M.Des programs. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the nuances of the Studio Test, offering invaluable insights, preparation strategies, and an in-depth analysis of the test patterns.

Understanding the Significance of NID Studio Test

The Studio Test, a hands-on evaluation conducted in-person, serves as a critical platform for candidates to demonstrate their artistic prowess and captivate the discerning eyes of the jury. Emerging as the gateway to NID's esteemed design programs, the Studio Test holds immense importance in shaping the final merit rank of candidates, thus warranting meticulous preparation and strategic approach.

Unraveling the NID Studio Test Structure

DAT Mains: A Two-Pronged Approach

The NID DAT Mains unfolds in two distinct phases: one tailored for B.Des aspirants and the other for M.Des contenders. While B.Des candidates undergo the Studio Test exclusively, M.Des applicants undergo both the Studio Test and a subsequent personal interview, accentuating the multifaceted evaluation process employed by NID.

NID Studio Test Schedule Overview

Mark your calendars with precision, as the schedule for DAT Mains unfolds with defined timelines:

- B.Des Studio Test: April 27-28, 2024

- M.Des Studio Test: March 3 - April 6, 2024

Weightage Allocation

The final merit rank computation for NID DAT 2024 integrates both DAT Prelims and DAT Mains scores, with varying weightage for B.Des and M.Des programs:

Exam Tips - NID Studio Test:

Expected Test Pattern:

The NID studio test is conducted at NID campuses. It includes multiple practical tests.

1. Doodling / Sketching Test:

15 min Test on creative doodling or live sketching.

E.g. draw 30 meaningful visuals from 30 scribbled lines or go outdoors and sketch a live scene or a vehicle.

2. Sensory Test:

15 min Activity involving audio, visual and touch based test.

E.g. students have to recollect details from a 30 sec video or recognize sounds from an audio clip or identify the object just by touching.

3. For BDes - Model Making Test:

2 hour Test. Students have to build a working 3D model using the materials given. E.g. Use the following materials- card paper,ice cream sticks, plastic spoon, rubber bands, straws, strings, wire and create a toy based on the principle of catapult. The catapult action should be able to fling a small plastic ball in the air for about 5 feet.

4. For MDes - Discipline Specific Tests:

For MDes, the studio test questions will be discipline specific. E.g. for Transportation & Automobile Design, the test may include sketching a vehicle. For Animation, the test may include sketching 4 poses of a live human action. For Strategic Design Management, it may be solving a business problem and coming with a strategy

Assessment Criteria:

1. Doodling Test: Originality, uniqueness and aesthetic value of the visual.
2. Sketching Test: 3Ps- Perspective, Point of view, Proportion. Quality of the line drawing.
3. Sensory Test: Accuracy of the recollection and identification.
4. B.Des Model Making Test: Whether the model works, use of all materials, stability of the model, visual aesthetic of the model, concept and idea.
5. M.Des Discipline Specific Test: Whether the solution addresses the given brief

Exam Tips - Portfolio, Interview, SOP:

Tips for Design Portfolio:

A portfolio is like a resume, so the jury can know about the student. It is unique to each student. Almost anything creative can be included in a portfolio. There is no standard template for a portfolio. Here are some Do's and Don't's.

10 unusual works that can be added to a Portfolio:

1. A poem or story you wrote
2. Random doodles during school lectures
3. A music piece you played or sang
4. Photos/Movies that tell some story
5. Sketches of 20 different human hands
6. Poster on social issue that moves you
7. Your kathak dance short / reel
8. Clothes/Objects you upcycled
9. A wall you painted at home or school
10. Legos or Toys that you have built

Tips for Personal Interview:

NID, NIFT, IIT do not conduct personal interviews for B.Des programs. But most Design colleges have them as part of their selection process. Here are some tips:

1. Be yourself. Be confident about who you are. Do not try to be someone else to impress. They just want to know you.

2. Be prepared with answers to: Why do you want to learn design? Why with us? Why this particular design discipline?

3. Turn your interview into a conversation. You can also ask questions about the college, the programs they offer and design in general.
4. Don't be arrogant or over confident. They want students who are eager to learn. Be humble when you answer questions.

5. Be truthful. Do not lie or make up things at any cost. They will catch it. They just want to know who you are. They are not looking for any specific type of student.

6. There is no fixed list of questions which are asked in an interview. The interview is a flowing conversation. The next question depends on the earlier answer.

7. They may ask you questions about yourself, your career choice, your life experiences, your portfolio works, your other creative talents, world issues etc.

Tips for Statement of Purpose (SOP):

A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a written statement that tells the Admission Jury about you. They use the SOP along with results of your Written Exam, Studio Test, Portfolio and Interview to build their view about you as a candidate for admission. Here are some tips:

Be Yourself: Do not seek too much external guidance / tips. Let the thoughts come from you, not from someone else.

Be Honest: Do not lie. Do not make up stories. Be authentic and honest.

Reflect & then Write: Think deep (reflect) about the questions given by the design college for the SOP. Only after that start writing.

The Writing Style: Avoid slang or complicated words. Keep it simple, easy to read, short

sentences but giving a clear message.

Length of SOP: Generally they tell the maximum number of words. Stick to it.

Be Humble & Eager to Learn: Avoid appearing like a "know it all", "have already done a lot". 

Appear humble, curious and eager to learn.

Proof Read and Get Feedback: Proof read your final SOP.

Deciphering the NID Studio Test

Exploring Test Components

Within the realm of DAT Mains Studio Test, candidates encounter a diverse array of tasks designed to assess their creative acumen:

- Doodling exercises

- Clay modeling

- 3-D model making

- Wire molding

- Psychometric test

- Story illustration

- Personal interview

- Thematic appreciation

Question Dynamics

The Studio Test unfurls two primary question categories, each serving distinct evaluation purposes:

- Type 1: Emphasizes Observation Skills

- Type 2: Tests Conceptualization Abilities

Recommended Reading List

Embark on a journey of enlightenment with these seminal works tailored to nurture your design intellect:

- Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug

- The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman

- Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things by Don Norman

- 100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People by Susan Weinschenk

- Universal Principles of Design by William Lidwell

- Creative Confidence by Tom Kelley and David Kelley

NID DAT 2024 M.Des Studio test Schedule  Dates

Candidates can access the NID 2024 M.Des studio test and interview dates for various courses at several campuses on the NID M.Des calendar. Check the table below: