Common Mistakes to Avoid in NID Studio Test 2026

Common Mistakes to Avoid in NID Studio Test 2026

Ritika JonwalUpdated on 03 Jun 2025, 01:19 PM IST

Congratulations students, on clearing the first round of the NID Exam. As we move closer to the Final stage (Studio Test), this is your chance to demonstrate your creativity, originality, and passion for design thinking. NID Exam 2026 is tentatively scheduled for January, 2026. This article will celebrate your success with tips to help you avoid some common mistakes that are usually made by students in the DAT Studio Test. With the right strategies and tips to optimize your performance for bringing out your best in the NID Exam.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in NID Studio Test 2026
Common Mistakes to Avoid in NID Studio Test

Some Common Mistakes to Avoid in NID Studio Test 2026

Here are some tips and strategies that students can use in their preparation for the NID Studio Test and score high.

  1. Let the Concepts Lead

Not thinking, “Why” does it matter? Keeping ‘Why” in mind. How should each element you are integrating support your concept? The most common mistake is forgetting the “Why” part of the question before jumping to any execution.

Before beginning, frame a simple one-line idea about what you suggest, sketching and finally building. Think “Idea first”, execution second for a successful approach.

  1. Embracing Adaptability

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Challenge : What to do. This is not working as I thought it would!

Design challenges often make us confront surprises, where sometimes aspirants tend to lose confidence and compromise the idea & its presentation in case of any ambiguity. If your first idea doesn’t work or fit the context, shifting gears to respond creatively without getting restless is the only way out.

  1. Limitation for Material Skills

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Struggling with neatness while handling clay, wire foam board, etc. for model making is very common. Understanding the material and based properties is critical to understanding their strengths and weaknesses. Anyone interacting or manipulating the material for the first time may face challenges in the following aspects.

  • Making joint Connections

  • Clean Cutting, Disassembly, etc.

  • Organising the Overall Workable Model

Before appearing in the exam, try sample questions and previous year's Model-making based questions to enrich your dexterous skills. Practise open-ended questions that could help you boost spontaneous acting!

  1. Avoid Murky Ideas

Not getting what to do? Sketch your dilemma. Let’s try to understand the same with some examples as shown below:

avoid-murky-ideas

Often, while sketching or communicating ideas, students forget to mark, label, etc. It is crucial to effectively communicate without undermining the requirement for highlighting the functional statics of the idea.

“Great Concept/idea is not only about creation but also about communication”.

  1. Poor Sense of Scale and Proportion

Often, during studio tests, students struggle to produce sketched or modelled outcomes with the right proportions, which creates an awkward imbalance of size. This gives an impression of an individual's lack of attention or aptitude. This skill set is crucial for reflecting a correct understanding of the real-world dimension and contextually fitting in the real world.

In everyday life, try to understand the proportional understanding of objects, humans, and interaction (human-opening door handles).

  1. Untidy Finish and Presentation of Work

Rushed finishing and inappropriate handling of materials in model-making give an unprofessional final look. Let’s Try to understand the reference model:

untidy-finish-and-presentation-of-work

Keep at least 10-15 minutes to clean edges and smooth surfaces and check neatness. Carry a masking tape, sandpaper, cutter and extra glue to fix minor flaws spontaneously.

  1. Forgetting the User or Human-Context

As designers, our focus is on real-life scale solutions that fit the user's needs contextually. Always Think, “Who will use it”?

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Let’s try to understand this with examples of scissors, where the user is a kid and a grown-up person, which are two different use case scenarios and their application based on the understanding of the end-user and application.

  1. Avoid Fixing on One-Idea

Students waste a lot of time trying to achieve the idea that comes to their mind, which is primarily impractical or less feasible. Also, the first idea is a very generalised approach that may be very common with everyone, without any uniqueness.

It is advised to brainstorm at least 2-3 ideas through quick ideation and “simplify the approach” for more practical and feasible ideas in the given time and material limits. “Always try to score 2-3 ideas , before fixing to one as the proposed solution”

  1. Missing Key-Instructions

Ignoring specific instructions often leads to negative marks, disqualification and losing marks; this is a repeated challenge usually faced by students appearing in the Studio Test Exam due to nervousness or hurry.

Commonly missed details or specifics are as follows:

  • Not reading the instructions carefully, like not using the colours

  • Wrong or unintended use of material for model-making

  • Missing Questions of Specific Instructions

  • Marking Related instructions

  • Representation or Any other instructions

It is advised to recheck the rules or instructions before final submissions quickly.

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Conclusion

In any design aptitude test, examiners are looking for originality; some Frugality, ideas flowing mind to hand. Focus on the process, clarity and creativity, ideas. Remember, simplicity, storytelling, time management, and User Empathy is your greatest ally. Each step to refine these core skills will bring you closer to standing out in your NID Studio Test 2026 or any design entrance examination.

  • Think First, Then Make: Always plan your approach briefly before executing.
  • Prioritise Simplicity + Clarity: Clear, neat designs resonate better with examiners.
  • Manage Your Time Smartly: Respect each phase: plan, create, refine.
  • Explore Materials: Even simple materials can tell great stories when cared for.
  • Tell a Story Through Your Design: Your design should communicate an idea, feeling, or solution.
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Questions related to NID DAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to NID DAT ?

Hi daksh

As 563 rank in nid dat exam cannot guarantee admission in designing college but it could be a good chance to explore some campus as if you are not from general category as category role plays an important role . But now you can do one thing focus on your strengthening your protofile or preparing for the studio test (bdes) or interview (mdes).

Thanks.

No, IPU (Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University) does not accept NID DAT Prelims score for admission to the B.Des (Bachelor of Design) program.

Instead, IPU conducts its own entrance test or may consider CUET (UG) scores for B.Des admissions, depending on the latest admission guidelines. Always refer to the university's official prospectus for the year you're applying to for the final admission criteria.

NIT DAT (https://www.shiksha.com/design/articles/nid-admissions-2025-colleges-accepting-nid-entrance-exam-scores-for-bdes-mdes-courses-blogId-13097)

Hello,

Yes, it's possible to prepare for the NID DAT 2025 exam on your own, even with limited time, by following these steps:

  1. Understand the Syllabus : Focus on key areas like design principles, creativity, visualization, and observation skills.
  2. Solve Previous Papers : Practice with past NID DAT papers to understand question types and patterns.
  3. Time Management : Dedicate daily hours to sketching, problem-solving, and revision.
  4. Strengthen Drawing Skills : Practice daily to improve speed and accuracy.
  5. Use Online Resources : Utilize free tutorials, sample papers, and design blogs.
  6. Mock Tests : Take regular mock exams to assess progress and manage time efficiently.

Hope it helps !

Hello,

There are numerous websites which give free study material and classes to prepare for entrance exams NID DAT, UCEED, or NIFT. Here are a few popular ones:

YouTube: YouTube has many educators as well as institutes, which have been uploading free video lectures on important topics, on aptitude for design, and how to give these exams. Useful content can be found in the channels "Design Coach" and "NID Preparation".

You can download free courses offered on websites like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy on the topics of design principles, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Official Websites: Both NID and UCEED and also NIFT would usually release sample papers and previous question papers for self-preparation.

Study Groups: One can join online forums or social media groups which are dedicated to NID, UCEED, and NIFT preparation for peer-to-peer learning assistance.

The resource utilization would bring in good preparation for the exams and, therefore, increase in confidence.

Hello,

Preparing for the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) entrance exam involves focusing on several key areas. Here’s a structured approach to get you started:

1. Understand the Exam Structure

Familiarize yourself with the NIFT entrance exam format:

  • General Ability Test (GAT): Tests general knowledge, current affairs, and quantitative ability.
  • Creative Ability Test (CAT): Assesses your creative and visual ability through sketching and design-based questions.
  • Situation Test (for B.Des): Evaluates your ability to create a design from given materials.
  • Group Discussion and Personal Interview (for M.Des/MFM): Tests your communication skills, understanding of the fashion industry, and design knowledge.

2. Gather Study Materials

  • For GAT: Use general knowledge books, current affairs magazines, and quantitative aptitude guides.
  • For CAT: Practice sketching and drawing regularly. Books on design and creativity can be useful.
  • For Situation Test: Practice creating models from various materials and understanding design principles.
  • For GD/PI: Prepare by staying updated on fashion trends, industry news, and developing a strong portfolio.

3. Create a Study Plan

  • Daily Study: Allocate time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Weekly Goals: Set goals for completing practice papers and revising key concepts.
  • Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to simulate the exam environment and improve time management.

4. Enroll in Coaching Classes (if needed)

Consider joining a coaching institute that specializes in NIFT preparation. They can provide structured guidance, practice tests, and expert feedback.

5. Work on Your Portfolio

If you’re applying for design courses, develop a strong portfolio showcasing your creative work. Include sketches, designs, and any relevant projects.

6. Refer to Previous Years’ Papers

Solving past years' question papers helps you understand the exam pattern and types of questions. It also aids in identifying important topics.

7. Stay Updated

  • Follow fashion industry news to stay informed about trends and innovations.
  • Read relevant books and articles about design and fashion.

8. Practice Creativity

Engage in activities that boost your creativity, such as drawing, painting, or crafting. Keep experimenting with new ideas and techniques.

By focusing on these areas, you'll build a solid foundation for the NIFT entrance exam. Good luck with your preparation!

You can also refer to the following articles to better understand the NIFT examination and its preperation strategy :-

1. https://design.careers360.com/articles/how-prepare-for-nift-entrance-exam

2. https://design.careers360.com/exams/nift-entrance-exam


Hope it helps !