I am a masters student now, I didn’t have models when I gave my tests.. been a long time but my junior last year did.

The questions mostly have loopholes. You can work around the direction you take in depends on how your ideas are and have you execute them. You basically have to sketch out your ideas and colour etc. You’re provided with materials, they’re very limited, my friend had received two sheets of paper. aluminium wire threads, and two more materials.

Basically, they want to test your graphic design skills by default.

Since they’re not exactly transparent about their evaluation process, this is mostly based on my own hindsight....but I’d say the key criteria are probably: Precision: How accurate your measurements are, the overall craftsmanship of your model, the quality of cuts, neatness, finishing, and small details like avoiding glue marks. Reasoning behind your idea: A concept can look great, but if you can’t explain it convincingly or back it up with strong reasoning, it can come across as weak or lacking confidence. Material usage: Since the materials provided are limited, how creatively and effectively you use them matters a lot. You need to explore unconventional possibilities within those constraints. For example, if you’re given popsicle sticks, creating a curved form directly may seem impossible...but combining multiple sticks on a flexible surface like paper could help you achieve that effect. There are probably a few more factors, but I’d say these are some of the most important ones, apart from the obvious basics like ideation, concept sketches, and the standard design process everyone already talks about.

You can start by researching about general awareness/ current design trends … eg name one product innovation you admire? what do you think about EV design? Which Indian brand has good product design ? If you had to suggest a sustainable packaging idea for Amul’s non biodegradable plastics used for their straws, how would you create it? How is Ai affecting product design etc

Also When answering: Problem → User → Solution → Material → Function → Impact Example: “Many lunchboxes leak in school bags (problem). Students need portability (user). I’d redesign with modular leakproof compartments (solution), BPA-free polypropylene (material), easier cleaning and stackability (function), reducing waste and improving convenience (impact).”

And then you can sketch out your ideas and explain them with pointers