Pranav Kulkarni
Industrial Design, IDC IIT-Mumbai
Trusting the Process During a Drop Year
Prashant, a Delhi-based student originally from Rajasthan, made a bold move—he took a full drop year to focus on NID. With a previous rank of 197, he believed he could do better. His parents were supportive, even though they didn’t fully understand design. That faith gave him strength. Prashant used the drop year to build a stable foundation and sharpen his preparation. He worked on time management and made sure to seek regular feedback. This time, he secured AIR 34, proving that smart strategy, dedication, and belief can truly change the game.
Feedback, Teamwork and Learning from Failure
Prashant’s biggest mistake in his first attempt was avoiding feedback. He didn’t share his work openly, which limited his growth. In his second attempt, he changed that completely. He started sharing his sketches and ideas within his peer group. Even feedback from juniors helped him improve. The reviews gave him confidence, clarity and new ways to think. He realised that design isn't about being perfect—it's about being open, flexible, and practical. Whether it was model making or drawing tasks, he focused on smart thinking, learning from past errors, and building a habit of discussing and improving.
Practical Thinking Over Perfection
For Prashant, studio tests were a challenge in the beginning. He recalled being blank for 20 minutes during one test, but instead of panicking, he trained himself to think from the examiner’s point of view. He started analysing questions not just creatively but practically—like how to make a strong model without glue. His preparation included thinking of alternatives, understanding materials, and focusing on real-world usability. His final advice for future aspirants is to be in a peer group, never skip reviews, and always stay calm. It’s okay to fail or feel stuck—as long as you bounce back with clarity and purpose.
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