NID Preparation Books & Materials: Top Picks by Industry Experts

Posted On: 24 June 2025 | 04:16:am

The National Institute of Design (NID) Entrance Exam is one of the most prestigious and competitive design entrance tests in India. Each year, thousands of aspiring designers compete for limited seats at NID’s elite campuses. With such high stakes, choosing the right NID preparation books and study material is critical to gaining an edge in both the Prelims (DAT) and the Mains (Studio Test & Interview).

This expert guide from NIDCoaching.org — a leading platform offering trusted NID coaching, NID online coaching, and NID Studio Test coaching — dives deep into the best books and resources to help you ace the NID Entrance Exam in your first attempt.

📚 Overview of NID Entrance Exam

Before we explore book recommendations, let’s quickly recap the NID exam structure.

🔹 NID DAT Prelims

• Objective & subjective format

• Tests creativity, visual perception, general knowledge, design awareness

🔹 NID DAT Mains

• Studio Test: Hands-on tasks involving 3D modeling, material handling, observation, and problem-solving

• Personal Interview (for some courses)

Understanding this format helps you choose relevant NID study material for every stage of the exam.

✅ Why the Right Books Matter in NID Preparation

Your success in the NID Entrance Exam depends not just on talent but also on:

• Right conceptual clarity

• Daily practice and ideation

• Mock test strategy

• Creativity with purpose

That’s where carefully curated NID preparation books and resources make the difference.

📖 Best Books for NID DAT Prelims Preparation (UG/PG)

Let’s start with the NID DAT Prelims — the first filter and one of the most challenging stages.

1. Design Drawing by Francis D.K. Ching

Why It’s Recommended:
This book is a visual Bible for design aspirants. It teaches spatial perception, form, and line quality—skills directly tested in NID DAT Coaching and the entrance.

Use it for:

• Understanding perspective and volume

• Learning shadow, texture, line dynamics

2. NID Entrance Exam Guide – R.S. Aggarwal & Arihant Publication

Why It’s Recommended:
Tailored for design entrance exams, this guide includes multiple-choice questions, sketching tips, visual reasoning, and sample papers.

Use it for:

• Logical reasoning

• Mental ability and quantitative sections

• Past-year question papers

3. NIFT/NID/IIFT Admission Guide by Surendra Kavimandan

Why It’s Recommended:
Covers aptitude, design awareness, and general knowledge. Ideal for quick revision and mock practice during the last two months.

4. Art Fundamentals: Theory and Practice by Otto Ocvirk

Why It’s Recommended:
Improves your knowledge of color theory, balance, composition—fundamental for visual communication, branding tasks, and creativity-based questions.

5. Wucius Wong – Principles of Form and Design

Why It’s Recommended:
A deeper dive into aesthetic structures, patterns, design elements. Highly recommended by top NID Preparation Coaching experts.

🔍 Bonus Resource:

Google Arts & Culture App + Pinterest Boards
Track design history, movements, logos, color palettes, and typography. Use visual platforms for creative referencing and ideation.

✍️ Best NID Studio Test Preparation Books & Materials

The NID DAT Mains (Studio Test) is where creativity becomes physical. Students often lose marks because they haven’t practiced model-making or material handling. Use these resources to sharpen your skills:

1. NIDCoaching.org’s Studio Test Kit

Why It’s Unique:
Exclusive kit with 3D model materials (clay, wire, paper, etc.), video tutorials, and mentor evaluations.

Use it for:

• Time-bound mock tasks

• Material handling familiarity

• Story-based model creation

2. Sketching for Product Designers by Koos Eissen

Why It’s Recommended:
Focuses on concept sketching, human ergonomics, rendering techniques. Great for product design candidates and M.Des aspirants.

3. Rapid Viz by Kurt Hanks

Why It’s Recommended:
Simple yet effective exercises to improve speed sketching and idea visualization—essential for Studio Test ideation rounds.

4. YouTube Channels + NID Coaching Mocks

• NIDCoaching.org’s YouTube channel for Studio Test demos

• Learn how to create working models with household items

🧠 Best General Knowledge & Design Awareness Resources

The NID Entrance Exam includes sections on design awareness, branding, and current affairs. Here are the best resources:

1. India Year Book (Government of India)

• Covers current events, economic policies, design reforms

• Great for general awareness and essay writing

2. DesignBoom + Dezeen (Online Blogs)

• International design trends, architecture, sustainability

• Use it to stay updated and build design vocabulary

3. NIDCoaching.org Weekly GK Capsules

• Curated GK for design aspirants

• Focused on art history, logos, Indian handicrafts, and trends

💡 Tips for Choosing NID Study Material Wisely

There’s a lot of material online and offline, but not all of it is useful. Here’s how to select the best:

🧰 NIDCoaching.org’s Study Material Kits

Trusted by thousands of aspirants, NIDCoaching.org’s Study Kits are curated by alumni and industry professionals. These kits include:

• Topic-wise CAT and GAT mock tests

• Sketchbooks, creative templates

• Studio test practice materials

• Time-bound task sheets

• Video lessons and PDF theory guides

🌟 What’s Included in Our Full Kit?

• Prelims Practice Workbook (Drawing, Reasoning, GK)

• Studio Test Practice Kit

• Portfolio & Interview Prep Guide

• 24/7 mentor support through Telegram group

📅 Sample 3-Month Preparation Plan Using These Materials

🧑‍🎓 Success Stories of Toppers Using These Materials

Riya Sharma, NID Ahmedabad (B.Des Visual Comm.)

“I followed only 3 main books + the full kit from NIDCoaching.org. It saved me time and helped me focus on quality practice.”

Kunal Desai, NID Gandhinagar (Product Design M.Des)

“Koos Eissen’s book + Studio Test Kit from NIDCoaching.org helped me stand out. I cracked the model-making task like a pro!”

🙋 FAQs on NID Study Material and Books

Q1. How many books should I refer to for NID Prelims?
Stick to 3–4 quality books + mock papers. Don’t overload—quality matters more.

Q2. Do I need separate material for DAT Mains?
Yes. The Studio Test is hands-on, so you need specific practice materials like clay, craft tools, and mock test prompts.

Q3. Are coaching materials enough to crack NID?
Yes, if they include theory, practice, and mock tests—especially when backed by expert feedback.

Q4. Can I prepare for NID through online coaching?
Absolutely. With platforms like NIDCoaching.org offering live classes, downloadable resources, and studio test training, you can prepare from anywhere.

🔚 Conclusion: Study Smart with the Right Materials

Your NID success story begins with choosing the right tools and strategies. With proper books, practical studio test material, and expert guidance through NID coaching, your creative potential can be transformed into performance.

Don’t waste time juggling irrelevant books. Choose proven, expert-recommended NID study material that aligns with the syllabus, helps build skills, and prepares you for real-time challenges.