Getting rejected from NID/NIFT on the first attempt may not be the easiest feeling. It will leave many of you wondering whether to drop a year for NID or NIFT.
It allows you time to develop creative skills, enhance aptitude, drawing skills, portfolio skills, and also to strategize for the exam. However, a year out of college is not an option for all. And whether or not to take this option depends on several factors related to your past efforts and future objectives.
Why Students Consider Taking A Drop Year?
There can be several reasons for taking a gap year before reappearing for the entrance test. Some may have started preparing later, did not realize the level of difficulty of the exam, and may not have practised enough.
Some candidates would have narrowly missed getting into the institute of their choice.
The first attempt itself also gives you the experience of giving the exam, which helps in easier NID repeater preparation and NIFT repeater preparation.
Is One Attempt Enough?
One attempt is sufficient; however, it need not always be the case. A second attempt at NID and a second attempt at NIFT would prove more powerful, as the students know the pattern of the test, time management, and areas of weakness.
However, the objective is not merely attempting but doing it better the next time. One-on-one portfolio mentorship is another way in which students could improve their portfolio work.
Understanding the Competition
NID and NIFT are highly competitive exams, although being competitive must not affect your choice. Check your previous performance in the exam.
If you are close to your objective, then one more attempt could do you good. But if you fell short, then find out where. The plan for your NID dropper strategy or NIFT repeater score improvement should tackle your problem areas.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Taking a Drop
1. Did You Prepare Seriously Last Time?
Had you been consistent in drawing, aptitude, creativity, and mock tests? If not, your drop year can help you develop your skills better.
In case you have already prepared well enough, find out what is different about your next effort. The same old strategy is hardly going to get you anywhere.
2. How Close Were You to the Cut-Off?
Your previous score/ranking can be evidence here. If you are near the cut-off, then another try becomes more likely for success. Otherwise, see where your problem lies – whether preparation, pace, creativity, or anxiety.
3. Can You Stay Disciplined for a Full Year?
It gives you time but demands discipline on your part. You would need a proper schedule, practice, mock tests, etc.
4. Are You Financially and Emotionally Ready?
Think about coaching, material requirements, art material requirements, mock test costs, and portfolio costs. Also, think about the emotional stress involved when seeing your friends start college, and you are preparing again.
Wondering if a gap year can improve your NID/NIFT preparation?
UAF helps repeaters build skills, confidence, and a stronger design portfolio.
Pros of Taking a Drop Year
A properly planned gap year could prove to be a great way to prepare for CAT/GAT, Drawing, Observation, Creativity, Design Thinking, and Portfolio.
Proper planning through an NID repeater batch or a NIFT repeater batch will ensure proper practice and feedback.
If you require basic concepts, then taking up a foundation course for design entrance exams would also be an option.
Cons of Taking a Drop Year
There is an opportunity cost involved, as you have another year left before joining college. A gap year could put an additional financial burden and uncertainty, and lead to burnout.
It is not guaranteed that you will get admission by taking a drop year. Hence, when deciding whether dropping a year for NIFT is worth it, the answer depends upon how much you know that you can improve yourself.
What Do Successful Repeaters Do Differently?
Successful repeaters don’t just study more; they study better.
- Fixing Previous Mistakes – Correct past errors. Review your past performance.
- Following a Structured Study Plan – Plan your preparation well: Segregate preparation into learning, practice, mocks, and revision. Getting professional coaching can also help you prepare better.
- Taking Mock Tests Regularly – Practice through mock tests: Enhance speed, accuracy, and time management.
- Building Observation & Creativity Daily – Practice creativity on a daily basis: draw, observe surroundings, and think creatively while solving day-to-day problems. A good NID dropper strategy should have a visible impact.
Alternatives to Dropping a Year
A full drop isn’t the only alternative you have. Other alternatives may be pursuing another design course, online courses, joining a foundation course for design entrance exams, or studying along with college.
Before making any decision, you should also read up on life after NIFT: what graduates earn and career options in design.
When Should You Definitely Consider a Drop?
A drop year would work if you lacked preparation, started late, took unnecessary chances, or almost achieved your objective.
This would become highly important if designing happens to be your ideal profession and if you have an achievable 10-12 month plan in place.
When Should You Avoid Taking a Drop?
Don’t take a drop just because you feel disappointed or because it is expected of you to get admission to NID or NIFT.
In case you are not sure about the design or cannot give consistent preparation, or if you already have a course you really like, going ahead can be the right decision.
Not sure whether to repeat for NID/NIFT?
Get focused guidance and structured preparation at Urmi’s Art Forum to make your next attempt count.
Conclusion
Thus, should I drop a year for NID or NIFT? Well, there is no one answer for everyone.
A drop year is beneficial when it entails a plan, discipline, goal-setting, and, most importantly, commitment. A year without a plan and just another round of the same preparation will be a waste of time.
Take your previous attempt as feedback, and if you understand why things went wrong and now have an alternative approach, your drop year may turn into an investment in your career. Contact our experts to understand your drop year better and get professional help in preparing.
FAQs
1. How much can my score improve?
Improvement is unpredictable and varies from candidate to candidate.
2. Will a drop year affect me negatively?
No, but how you spend the year is important.
3. Full drop or college while preparing?
Take a full drop year when you need intensive preparation. Otherwise, you may choose a backup course.
4. What is the price of a drop year?
You have to consider coaching, materials, portfolio costs, and the lost opportunity to continue your education.
5. How to avoid burnout?
Plan your routine realistically, take breaks, track progress, and have some spare time for yourself.
Komal Ullal
Ms. Komal Ullal, a recipient of the prestigious President’s Award and Co-founder of UAF, is an expert in student profiling, enhancing artistic skills, mentoring in design thinking and an inspiring women entrepreneur. With an impressive collection of 577 awards—including 196 trophies and 109 medals—earned in drawing and painting at both national and international levels, she was featured in the Limca Book of Records in 2007 as the youngest achiever of such accolades. Her passion and dedication continue to inspire budding artists and designers worldwide.
