HOW TO CRACK NID DAT 2018

National Institute of Design or NID, is one of the best government institutes in our country which aims to produce quality designers with a holistic approach towards design aesthetic and functionality. The institute offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs for candidates all over. The way you can get into this premier institute - Ace their entrance exam! The Design Aptitude Test (DAT), is an exam design by the Institute which tests you on both your objective and subjective capabilities.

The exam is divided into two sections - DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. The DAT Prelims is a written exam with 70 marks of MCQs and 30 marks of subjective questions. The candidate will qualify for DAT Mains only if he/she keeps up with the cut-off. The written exam is followed by a studio round and an interview. The studio round will involve exercises like model-making, doodling, audio-visual round and group discussions.The examiners focus on the process and the creativity behind your project.

Here are ways by which you can crack the exam:

• Practice sketching on a daily basis - your understanding of everyday objects is extremely important. Speed and accuracy are two important aspects - perfect your drawing skills, be it comic-strip drawing/doodling/caricature or real life anatomical skills.(Sample drawings)

• Develop your observational and visual skills - work on enhancing this skill set by observing everyday objects and questioning their aesthetic and the ways you can change it. Examiners are always on the lookout for students who think out of the box.

• Work with mediums and the prescribed materials (A4 sheet).

• Solve past papers, tentative papers, multiple choice questions (MCQs), aptitude and problem solving exercises. Keep in mind that time is a big constraint- doing papers will get you into the habit of solving the kinds of questions quickly and accurately.

• Study English comprehension passages, basic mathematics (upto 10th standard level) and brush up on your known topics.

• Keep yourself up to date with current affairs -  read the newspaper everyday, subscribe to a general knowledge website or use an app.  Brush up on the basic fine arts history (European and Indian, do research on your respective field, the designers and their contributions.

• Prepare models out of basic materials like thermocol, cardboard, pins, straws, tape, etc.

• Enroll yourself into a coaching institute - get constant feedback, guidance, study material and the best preparation for the exam.(DQ Labs)

With all of these pointers, be sure to have an open and originality while answering these questions.