The National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad..

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The National Institute of Design (NID) has revolutionised the concept of design in India and emerged as a multi-disciplinary institute of international repute, promoting design education and research. The institute is an autonomous body, functioning under the department of industrial policy and promotion, ministry of commerce and industry.

NID offers two programmes — graduate diploma in design (GDPD) and postgraduate diploma programme in design (PGDPD). GDPD commences with a two-semester foundation programme, which introduces students to the fundamentals of design. The duration of the programme is four years and specialisation is offered in industrial design, communication design and textile and apparel design. While industrial design covers product, furniture, interior, ceramic and glass design, communication design gives an insight into graphic and animation film design, film and video communication. Textile and apparel design caters to textile design.

Students who have passed or will be appearing for Plus Two or any other equivalent examination are eligible for admission to this course. Admission is based on the entrance test / interviews conducted by the institute. If the student has an edge over technical and related subjects, it is considered to be an additional advantage.

The PGDPD programme is of two and half years’ duration. Candidates with a bachelors degree or an equivalent qualification are eligible for the course. A student can enrol for two programmes at a time.

The course fee is between Rs 1,25,000 and Rs 1,50,000 per year. However, there are provisions for a full or partial tuition fee waiver.

Students of NID have made their presence felt not only within the country but also internationally. According to Shekhar Chatterjee, faculty member, NID students have won several awards, including theWorld of Wearable Art (WOW) 2007 award, New Zealand, AIDA Industrial Design Award for jewellery design, Tokyo, and World Wool Award 2007.

But the achievements do not end here. NID students have also bagged the first prize for designing the presidential trophy for the National Innovation Foundation. Their designs were showcased at the Australia Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week. NID students have also bagged the CMAI National Excellence Award for the “best student designer 2005-07”. The institute has been winning the title for the best in apparel training for the last four years.

Student exchange programmes are a regular feature at NID, says Chatterjee. Guest faculty members are invited from other institutes in India and abroad to expose the students to the various aspects of designing. Recently, a famous Italian furniture design label organised a three-day festival at NID.

The students are all praise for the institute and feel it has changed their lives in more ways than one. Rajshekhar, a student specialising in apparel design and merchandising, says he has been able to understand the different facets of design after interacting with ceramic artists, film and media professionals. He is now involved in designing “protective clothes” for Indian soldiers which will shield them from harsh weather conditions and enable them perform their duty with ease.

Vital Statistics:-

WHAT IS IT? It is a premier design institute in Ahmedabad

WHO’S THE BOSS? Darlie O Koshy is the director

what is the course fee? Between Rs 1,25,000 and Rs 1,50,000 per year

Where is it? Paldi, Ahmedabad 380007 Phone: (079) 2662 3692 Fax: (079) 2662 1167

Sources: The Telegraph (Kolkata, India)