From Balance Sheets to Biodegradable Designs: How I Conquered the NID Entrance as a Commerce Student

The smell of old ledger books is something I will never forget. For years, my life was defined by the strict columns of T-accounts, the meticulous balancing of balance sheets, and the rigorous logic of financial management. As a commerce student, my path seemed pre-ordained: a degree in finance, perhaps an MBA, and a career in a skyscraper in Mumbai. But inside me, there was a different kind of hunger—a hunger to create, to solve, and to design. My name is Rohan, and this is the story of how I broke the mold, traded my calculator for a sketchbook, and secured a seat at the National Institute of Design (NID) for Product Design.

The Identity Crisis: Commerce vs. Creativity

Growing up in a middle-class family, stability was the keyword. I was good at math and logic, so commerce felt like the safest bet. However, while my peers were discussing stock market trends, I was busy sketching the ergonomics of the chairs in our classroom. I found myself obsessing over waste—how much plastic we consumed, how poorly designed our everyday packaging was, and how the world was drowning in non-biodegradable clutter. I felt like an imposter. By day, I was studying the complexities of Corporate Law and Taxation; by night, I was experimenting with cornstarch and dried leaves to create sustainable packaging prototypes. The self-doubt was paralyzing. I kept asking myself: ‘Can a commerce student really compete with those who have been training in art schools for years?’ ‘Will NID even look at a portfolio from someone who spends his mornings calculating depreciation?’

The Turning Point: Discovering myentrance.in

The transition wasn’t easy. I was lost in a sea of design jargon—perspective drawing, color theory, gestalt principles, and lateral thinking. I had the passion, but I lacked the roadmap. That changed when I stumbled upon myentrance.in. At first, I was just looking for a few sample papers, but what I found was a treasure trove that became my lifeline. The platform didn’t just give me materials; it gave me a strategy. I remember the first Mock Test I took on myentrance.in. I failed miserably. I couldn’t finish the sketching section on time, and my theoretical answers were too ‘business-like.’ But instead of giving up, I used their detailed breakdowns of Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Those breakdowns were a revelation. They taught me how to think like a designer, not just an artist. I learned that NID isn’t just looking for a pretty drawing; they are looking for a problem-solver. The online resources at myentrance.in became my daily bread. I would spend hours analyzing how successful candidates tackled the DAT (Design Aptitude Test). The platform’s mock tests were incredibly accurate, mimicking the actual pressure and complexity of the NID entrance. It was through these tests that I realized my commerce background wasn’t a weakness—it was a unique lens. I could combine financial viability with sustainable design.

Building a Portfolio with a Purpose

With the guidance I received from the community and resources at myentrance.in, I began to build my portfolio. I decided to focus on what I was truly passionate about: sustainability. I developed a series of eco-friendly packaging solutions for everyday consumer goods. I used my knowledge of finance to calculate the cost-effectiveness of these materials, proving that ‘green’ design didn’t have to be expensive. One of my key projects was a modular shipping box made from mushroom mycelium that could be composted in a garden after use. Every time I hit a creative block, I would head back to the ‘Inspiration’ and ‘Expert Tips’ sections of myentrance.in. Their insights on how to present a portfolio—how to tell a story through your work—were instrumental. They taught me that the examiners wanted to see my process, my failures, and my iterations, not just a polished final product.

The Battle of the DAT and the Studio Test

The day of the NID DAT was a blur of adrenaline and anxiety. But as I flipped through the paper, a sense of calm washed over me. Many of the question patterns were familiar because I had practiced them relentlessly on myentrance.in. When it came to the creative section, I didn’t panic. I used the time-management techniques I had honed during my mock exams. Following the DAT, the Studio Test was another mountain to climb. Here, we had to work with physical materials. Thanks to the DIY guides and material-handling tips I found on the myentrance.in blog, I felt prepared to handle clay, wire, and paper in ways I never thought possible. During the interview, the panel was intrigued by my commerce background. Instead of being defensive, I explained how my understanding of supply chains and cost structures allowed me to design products that were not only beautiful but also feasible for the real world. I saw them nodding in approval when I spoke about the ‘circular economy’—a concept I had refined through the academic articles shared on myentrance.in.

The Victory and Beyond

When the results were announced, I stared at the screen for a long time. My name was there. Rohan: All India Rank [Rank] for Product Design. I had done it. I had bridged the gap between two seemingly opposite worlds. Looking back, I realize that the struggle was necessary. The late nights, the charcoal-stained fingers, and the constant balancing act between finance and design made me who I am. But I also know that I couldn’t have navigated this maze alone. To every commerce, science, or arts student out there who feels like a misfit: your background is your strength. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t cross over into design. All you need is a clear vision, a lot of grit, and the right resources. For me, myentrance.in was that missing piece of the puzzle. It turned my chaotic ambition into a structured path to success. If you are serious about NID, don’t just study hard; study smart. Use the mock tests, dive into the PYQs, and believe in the unique story you have to tell. See you at NID!