The DJ Academy of Design (DJAD) was set up by the GK Charity Trust in Coimbatore. The National Institute of Design is a collaborating partner for the postgraduate programme in design fundamentals. The DJAD is a member of the International Council of Societies for Industrial Design. The academy also has a collaboration with the Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore.

Nearly all the senior faculty members, who handle most of the courses at the DJ Academy of Design, have prior experience in teaching at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. Practising design professionals are part of the visiting faculty. The campus houses a well-equipped library and resource centre, a computer lab, studios and a sports and recreation centre. There are separate furnished hostels for girls and boys. There is also a canteen that is open all day.

The DJ Academy of Design offers a four-year undergraduate programme with specialisations in industrial design and communication design. The academy also offers a two-year postgraduate course with specialisation in product design.

Admission announcements are printed in the leading national dailies in mid-November. Application forms can be downloaded from the website (www.djad.in). You can send a demand draft for Rs 900 (in favour of DJ Academy of Design and payable at Coimbatore) along with the application to the institute, Pollachi-Coimbatore Highway, PO Othakalmandapam, Coimbatore-641032.

Eligibility

For the undergraduate programme, the candidate should have passed Plus Two from a recognised Board and should not be less than 23 years of age.

Entrance Exam

All the applicants who fulfil the minimum eligibility requirements will be called for the admission tests. The tests will be conducted at centres in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Calcutta, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Pune and will consist of four design aptitude tests. The entrance exam for the undergraduate programme in design is usually held in the first week of February.

Pattern of exam

The objective of the test and the interview is to ascertain your perception, aptitude and creativity. The tests include a colour test, one on observation and drawing skills and an assessment of your practical knowledge in design. Based on the scores obtained, shortlisted candidates will be called for the second round of tests. All those who attend this phase will have to attend a workshop and a personal interview in Coimbatore in May. Each member of the interview committee grades every candidate (from A+, that is, 100 points to D, which indicates 30 points) and the final merit list is based on these scores.

How to prepare

The design aptitude tests require practice of 3D and figure drawing as well as observation and analytical skills. Therefore, not only should you have artistic ability but also general awareness and good communication skills as you have to deal with descriptive words. To prepare for the entrance exam, you can refer to books like the Upkar and Arihant guides for design, which are available in all major bookshops. You could also get some expert guidance from a fine arts teacher.

sample test paper

You are given an object. Study and analyse it from the point of function or use, material and number of parts. This is to be done in the form of three-dimensional drawings and sketches.
(i) Function/ use (drawing/ sketches and words)
(ii) Materials (describe in words)
(iii) Number of parts (drawing/ sketches and words)

Imagine that the object chosen by you is enlarged 10 times, 30 times and 50 times its actual size. Convey through sketches and brief descriptions, one possible use or function for each of the enlarged objects.

Indicate five distinct uses of the same object other than its original or intended use explaining these uses through sketches and descriptions.

Imagine that the object is enlarged twenty times and suggest five possible uses of the enlarged object.

Use this object to communicate a relevant message to the youth in the form of an illustrated poster with a suitable slogan.

Note: Small objects such as a plastic clip, tap, mirror, razor or pencil sharpener are usually given for this exercise.