What after CEED 2025? Shift focus to Portfolio

For this, the candidate is advised to use materials individually as well as in combination with the rest of the materials. There are several varieties of modelling clays available. Air drying variety is the best one because it has a consistent texture and preserves the form. Further, the candidate can use these practiced forms as work samples while filling the form or if it turns out exceptionally well, then one is advised to use it in the portfolio as well!

What is a Portfolio?

Candidates are advised to start working on their portfolio immediately after CEED 2025. A designer creates artifacts that are very difficult to describe in words, therefore, to test the suitability of a candidate for a specific design field, IITs, IISc and NID ask the candidates to show their past works during the interview round.

It is expected that the candidate shows the works they have designed in their college, in their company, or as their hobby. The task here is to include such work of art that shows that the candidate possesses the necessary aptitude to undergo the course.

A word of caution: While using your company work, be sure to obtain permission from a suitable authority.

Now, most candidates often need to put a portfolio together. They should first scan for whatever work they have done in the past. Sometimes, decorations made for college festivals, posters, and collages that won prizes, or even t-shirts and caps designed for friends make great additions to the portfolio. Sometimes, during CEED or NID preparation many candidates sketch some innovative design, even this can be shown as a part of the design portfolio. Just make sure that it is designed, i.e., it solves some problem, and not just an artistic sketch such as a sketch of your favorite actor. Make sure that the sketches, models, or prototypes you show in your portfolio are diverse and innovative. Also, it should be noted that in the portfolio, moving works such as a working model or an animated film score much more than a simple pencil sketch.

In conclusion, after completing CEED, besides preparing for NID, the candidates should focus on building the work that they can show in their application form and portfolio. And practice their skills for studio tests and DAT, once they are invited for these.

About the Author:

Prasanna Gadkari is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore. Along with a career in Product Design spanning over eight years, Prasanna has mentored hundreds of aspirants to reach their dream of doing a Master in Design (M.Des) from IITs, IISc and NID. He runs TeaCupBlog, a place where he and other students share their tips and experiences on pro bono basis.