Exam Tips for CAT Section of NID, NIFT, UCEED, CEED entrance exam

Expected Paper Pattern

Based on past papers, the weightage of CAT section in the paper will be –

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NID

60 / 100 marks.

For MDes – Discipline Specific questions.

NIFT

100 / 200 marks.

About 3-4 questions.

UCEED

100 / 300 marks.

New question added on Design Aptitude.

CEED

100 / 200 marks.

5 questions on 5 different topics.

Expected Topics & Questions

Based on past papers, questions from following topics can be expected:

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Topics	Type of Questions Expected
1. Sketching	Scenes from different points of view, 3D forms & objects, Product drawing.
2. Visual Design	Ad, Poster, Signage, Doodling, Mascot, Characters, Comics.
3. Illustration	Storyboarding, Sequential drawing, Patterns, Abstract / Color Composition.
4. Creativity	Imaginary situations, Alternate uses, Story telling, Creative writing.
5. Problem Solving	Problem identification, Problem Solving, Product design / redesign.

Example Questions:

NIFT CAT

Drawing any one of the following to complete the scene: 2 humans (or) 1 human & 1 animal (or) 2 animals.

UCEED Design Aptitude

Shown in the image below is an example of a bus-stop during busy hours. Draw and annotate FIVE distinct design problems in this context.

NIFT CAT

Design a comic strip of 5 boxes on any one of the following topics given below:
1. My journey to Mars on Chandrayaan
2. My visit to the World Cup Final
3. Me as half animal, half human

(OR)

Illustrate any one of the following processes given below in 5 boxes:
1. Landing of an airplane
2. Folding of a formal shirt
3. Making instant noodles

UCEED Drawing

You are sitting on your study table. Your table is right next to the window. You are attending a school online lecture on your laptop. Your laptop, books and other materials are spread out on your table. The teacher has asked you a question, which you are trying to answer. Your younger sibling is trying to distract you and is playing mischief. You are trying to keep him quiet and away from the screen. Your house help is cleaning the room and watching the drama.

Imagine and sketch this scene from the point of view of the house help, in proper perspective and with appropriate details.

Assessment Criteria vs Tips

Here are tips to make your answer stand out based on the assessment criteria.

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Assessment Criteria	Tips to Stand Out
1. Original & Interesting ideas	Try asking these questions to generate ideas → What if? How else? Why not?
2. Visual & Aesthetic Sense	Less is More. Create a balanced composition. Use colors effectively. Use Less Text.
3. Sketching & Drawing skills	Get 3Ps right in your sketch→ Perspective, Proportion, Point of View.
4. Does it address the issue	Read the question. Use common sense. Ensure that your solution addresses the problem given.

Let’s compare 2 solutions:

Question: Design a poster on the topic: “Save the Girl Child”

Option 1: Idea stands out. Better use of colors. More balanced composition. Better quality of presentation. Text enhances the design.

Option 2: No real idea. Poor use of colors. Composition does not stand out. Very basic quality of presentation. Text required to explain design.

Tips to Prepare

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

1. Practice live sketching & coloring

daily 15 mins



2. Solve past 5 years papers

(check solved papers from SILICA)

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3. Think out of the box

What if? How else? Why not? Technique!

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Exam Tips for CAT Section of NID, NIFT, UCEED, CEED entrance exam

Expected Paper Pattern

NID

NIFT

UCEED

CEED

Expected Topics & Questions

Example Questions:

Assessment Criteria vs Tips

Let’s compare 2 solutions:

Tips to Prepare

1. Practice live sketching & coloring

2. Solve past 5 years papers

3. Think out of the box

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Attend a Demo Live Class

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Free Sample Papers

Self Study Materials

Entrance Exam Coaching

Online Coaching

Design Resource

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