National Institute of Design Notable Alumni List, Famous NID Alumni

National Institute of Design Notable Alumni List, Famous NID Alumni

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Sep 23, 2024 01:13 PM IST | #NID DAT

National Institute of Design is a pioneer design institute known for its creativity and innovation in the designing industry. Over the years, NID has successfully produced some of the best designers in the country who are also representing India globally. Notable National Institute of Design alumni have made remarkable contributions across various design disciplines representing the premier institute’s creativity. This article talks about the inspiring stories of notable alumni of NID, their achievements, life insights, and more. So, here we have brought you a comprehensive NID alumni famous list, read ahead and learn all the important information about the notable National Institute of Design alumni.

List of NID Alumni Famous

Some of the popular or notable alumni of NID is mentioned below. Candidates willing to know notable National Institute of Design alumni can check the list along with their achievements, life insights, and more.

Dayanita Singh

Dayanita Singh is one of the notable National Institute of Design alumni. Singh was born on March 18, 1961 in New Delhi. She is a renowned photographer whose primary format is the book. She completed her graduation from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, majoring in Visual Communication. She later went to study Documentary Photography at the International Center of Photography in New York City. Singh has published a total of fourteen books. This NID alumni famous photo portfolio includes Zakir Hussain, Myself Mona Ahmed, Privacy, Chairs, Go Away Closer, Blue Book, and Dream Villa, among others.

Indian Institute of Art & Design Admissions 2025

Associated with FDCI, CII & IIFTI | Merit-cum-means scholarships to deserving students

BITS Design School B.Des Admissions 2025

B.Des Admissions open for 2025 | 186K+ Alumni

Also check:

NID DAT BDes 2025 Complete Guide
NID DAT BDes eBook gives in-depth information about the entrance test including the list of courses offered by NID, exam pattern, seat matrix, section-wise analysis, preparation strategy and more.
Download EBook

Lekha Washington

Lekha Washington is another notable alumni of NID born on April 30, 1984. Lekha is an Indian actress, product designer, and artist. She primarily works in Tamil and Telugu language films and also in a few Hindi films. Speaking of her educational background, she attended Good Shepherd Convent, Chennai, and then earned a degree in Fine Arts at Stella Maris College, Chennai. Furthermore, she first enrolled in the Lifestyle Product Design at National Institute of Design, but later changed to the Film and Video Communication course. This NID alumni famous portfolio includes her works in many films such as Kadhalar Dhinam (1999), Yuva (2004), Kamina (2013), Dynamite (2015), and many more. She owns her own product design company called “Ajji” based in Mumbai.

Harun Robert

The NID Ahmedabad alumni is Harun Robert who was born on December 28, 1978 in Delhi. He is a trained animation filmmaker. Robert attended National Institute of Design Ahmedabad and College of Art, Delhi. He is currently active on various social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube with his channel “Artguyrob” and “Mad Stuff With Rob.” He also appears on Disney India’s new show “Imagine That.” Moreover, Robert was the creative director and host of popular television show “Do it yourself (DIY) M.A.D".

Ishu Patel

Among the NID alumni famous list, another popular name is Ishu Patel. He is an Indian-Canadian animation film director, producer, and educator. He spent his twenty-five years of life at the National Film Board of Canada where he developed animation techniques and gave a new shape to his themes and vision. Ishu was born in Gujarat, India on April 20, 1942. He is also a NID Ahmedabad alumni. He received the 2009 Award of Excellence in Animation.

Browse Top Design Colleges by Location

Sujata Keshavan

Sujata Keshavan is an Indian graphic designer born in 1961. In 1984, she earned her graduation at National Institute of Ahmedabad. She went on to do a master's degree at Yale University in graphic design. This notable alumni of NID is a founder of Ray and Keshavan, a brand design firm located in India. Furthermore, Sujata is the only Indian graphic designer to be honoured twice as the Graphic Designer of the Year at the annual Advertising and Marketing awards.

Rahul Mishra

Among the National Institute of Design notable alumni, Rahul Mishra stands different. Rahul Mishra is an Indian fashion designer from Delhi. He was born on November 7, 1979. He did his post-graduation in apparel design from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. He got the opportunity to showcase at the Haute Couture Week in Paris as the first Indian designer. He has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the International Woolmark Prize (2014), the MTV Youth Icon of the Year (2008), Best Womenswear Designer (2012), etc.

People may also check:

Pearl Academy B.Des Admissions 2025

No. 1 Design & Fashion Institute by ASSOCHAM, India Today, Outlook and The Week rankings

Symbiosis Institute of Design | B.Des/M.Des 2025

Pre-placement as well as placements offered

Aditya Vikram Sengupta

Aditya Vikram Sengupta, a notable National Institute of Design alumni, was born on 6 September 1983 in Kolkata. He is an Indian film director, cinematographer, and graphic designer. After completing his schooling at St. Xavier’s Collegiate School, he enrolled at the prestigious National Institute of Design in Paldi, Ahmedabad. In 2014, he released his debut film Asha Jaoar Majhe or Labour of Love, which debuted at the 11th Venice Days section of the Venice International Film Festival. He received the National Award for Best Debut in India for this incredible work.

Aditya Pande

Aditya Pande, another notable figure among the National Institute of Design notable alumni list is an Indian contemporary artist. He was born in 1976. He was born in Lucknow but raised in Chandigarh. In 2001, he graduated from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. He had his first solo show, “A to Zoo,” at Chatterjee and Lal, Mumbai in 2008.

M.P. Ranjan

M.P. Ranjan’s full name is Mundon Pandan Ranjan, was born in 1950 in Madras, Tamil Nadu. He was an Indian Designer and educator. He is well-known for his book Handmade in India: A Geographic Encyclopedia of Indian Handicrafts. It is about Indian arts and crafts that he edited along with his partner and fellow design pedagogue Aditi Ranjan. Unfortunately, this famous NID alumni died on 9 August 2015 at the age of 65.

Orijit Sen

Orijit Sen is an Indian graphic artist and designer. This NID Ahmedabad alumni is known for his graphic novel River of Stories published in 1994 by Kalpavriksh which is considered as the first graphic novel of India. in 1990, he co-founded a collaborative studio and store for artists, designers, and craftspeople called “People Tree.” Moreover, he is a co-founder of The Pao Collective.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is NID famous for?

NID is famous for its top-quality, innovative design courses offered by its different campuses across India.

2. Is NID a government college?

Yes, National Institute of Design is a central government institute.

3. What is the salary of NID students?

According to the 2023 placement, a student got an average salary package of INR 15 LPA, where the highest package offered was INR 35 LPA.

4. Which is the top NID in India?

NID Ahmedabad always holds the first rank among all the NID campuses across the country.

5. Does 12th marks matter for NID?

No, a candidate just has to pass in all subjects, the admission is based on only the NID entrance exam score and studio test/personal interview. However having a 50% aggregate would be safe while applying to top colleges.

Articles

Upcoming Design Exams

Application Date:23 August,2024 - 28 February,2025

Application Date:24 August,2024 - 16 January,2025

Application Date:29 August,2024 - 31 December,2024

View All Design Exams

Certifications By Top Providers

My SQL Basics
Via Great Learning
Master Data Management for Beginners
Via TCS iON Digital Learning Hub
VLSI Physical Design
Via Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
C++ Foundation
Via PW Skills
Udemy
 1087 courses
Coursera
 505 courses
Edx
 330 courses
Vskills
 157 courses
Swayam
 135 courses

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

University of Essex, Colchester
 Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ
University College London, London
 Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT
The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
 Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Post Code EH8 9YL
University of Bristol, Bristol
 Beacon House, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1QU
University of Nottingham, Nottingham
 University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD

Questions related to NID DAT

Have a question related to NID DAT ?

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 !

No, diploma or polytechnic students are generally not eligible to apply for the NID DAT exam.
The eligibility criteria for NID DAT typically requires a 10+2 qualification or its equivalent. This means you must have completed your higher secondary education to be eligible for the exam.

I hope this information helps.


Stages of the Exam:

The PG NID entrance exam typically consists of two stages:

  • Prelims: This written test might include objective and subjective questions to assess your design aptitude, creativity, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of design principles.

  • Mains: Candidates who qualify in the prelims are called for the mains stage, which usually involves a studio test, design exercises, and sometimes a personal interview. The specific format might vary depending on the chosen M.Des. specialization.

Prelims Exam Pattern (General Expectations):

Here is a general idea of what the prelims might cover, though the specific weightage and question types can vary:

  • Design Aptitude: This section might assess your visual thinking, observation skills, ability to identify patterns, and spatial reasoning. Expect questions on visual perception, mental ability tests, and basic design principles.

  • Discipline-Specific Test (for some programs): Certain M.Des. specializations might have a separate test focusing on the specific design discipline.

  • General Aptitude Test: This section might include questions on analytical reasoning, verbal ability, and general knowledge.

Mains Exam Pattern (General Expectations):

The mains exam format is more program-specific, but might involve elements like:

  • Studio Test: This hands-on test assesses your design skills, creativity, and ability to translate ideas into visual form. The specific task or materials used can vary depending on the chosen specialization.

  • Design Exercises: You might be presented with design challenges or problems to solve creatively. This assesses your approach to design thinking and problem-solving.

  • Personal Interview (for some programs): Some specializations might have a personal interview to assess your motivation, interest in the field, and understanding of the program.

I hope it helps!

View All
Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

3 Jobs Available
Animator

An animation career is one of the most interesting career options in the creative field. The primary job of careers in animation is to create multiple images, known as frames, that results in an illusion of movement called animation when displayed in a quick sequence. Students should pursue Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Visual Arts to opt for an animator career path. Individuals who opt for a career as an animator typically specialize in one of the media and may further concentrate on a specific area, such as characters, scenery, or background design. Animators typically use computer software to do such work.

2 Jobs Available
Fashion Designer

Fashion designers are creative professionals who transform ideas into stylish and wearable clothing and accessories. Using a combination of artistic flair and technical skills, they sketch designs, choose fabrics, and oversee the production process. Fashion designers stay aligned with trends, adapting their creations to suit the evolving tastes of the audience.

Fashion designers make trendy designer clothes, stay updated with the trends, using various modern elements into their designs. They are always coming up with new ideas and turning their creative visions into clothes people can wear. Their creations allow people to express themselves through what they wear, showing their unique style and identity.

2 Jobs Available
Interior Designer

Interior designers create various spaces, from indoor to outdoor, they provide a pleasing home environment, as well as, make the environment beautiful. It is the job of interior designers who study the art of transforming a space into what the client wishes for. Interior designers work with a wide variety of clients, starting from small house owners to big corporations. 

As part of the interior design career, individuals should also be aware of certain inspection regulations. Interior designing is to enhance the interior of a building to achieve an aesthetically pleasing environment. This is a part of both science and arts to make a certain place healthier and more peaceful for the people.

2 Jobs Available
Product Designer

Individuals who opt for a career as product designers are responsible for designing the components and overall product concerning its shape, size, and material used in manufacturing. They are responsible for the aesthetic appearance of the product. A product designer uses his or her creative skills to give a product its final outlook and ensures the functionality of the design. 

Students can opt for various product design degrees such as B.Des and M.Des to become product designers. Industrial product designer prepares 3D models of designs for approval and discusses them with clients and other colleagues. Individuals who opt for a career as a product designer estimate the total cost involved in designing.

2 Jobs Available
Graphic Designer

A graphic designer career designs products, displays, posters, hoardings, logos, and marketing materials. Graphic designers can get employment in publications, advertising and marketing firms, and much more. A graphic is a form of vision that can be associated with art, imagination, or expression. A graphic designer creates eye-catching images by combining layout, colour theory, and graphics.

A graphic designer combines technical skills with artistic vision to provide visual content. He or she develops layouts for books, brochures, advertisements, and websites using design tools. A graphic designer closely collaborates with teams or clients to comprehend project specifications and brand standards.

2 Jobs Available
Industrial Designer

The concepts for manufactured products such as cars, home appliances, electronics and toys are developed by industrial designers. They combine art, business and technology to produce daily goods that people need. Individuals who opt for a career as Industrial Designers operate in a number of industries. Ironically, manufacturers employ only 29 per cent of industrial designers directly. Students can pursue Visual Communication to become Industrial Designer.

2 Jobs Available
Visual Merchandiser

A visual merchandiser is a professional who makes it look astonishing by utilising his or her designing skills. Visual merchandising contributes to awareness and brand loyalty among consumers. An individual, in visual merchandising career outlook, plays a crucial role in fetching the attention of customers and bringing them to the store. 

2 Jobs Available
Back to top