How to Handle Stress During the NID Entrance Exam 2025: Expert Guidelines

Summary: Let’s be real: preparing for the NID entrance exam can be stressful. It’s not just about studying hard it’s about managing the pressure, staying motivated, and keeping your cool. And while a little stress can actually help you perform better, too much can leave you feeling overwhelmed and anxious.

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The good news? You can handle it. With the right mindset and a few strategies, you can turn that stress into something productive. Here’s a guide to help you stay calm, focused, and ready to crush the NID exam.

1. Know the Exam Like the Back of Your Hand

You’ve probably heard this before, but it’s worth repeating: know what to expect. The NID entrance exam has two stages:

• DAT Prelims: A written test that checks your creativity, general knowledge, and problem-solving skills.
• DAT Mains: The studio test, where practical skills are tested, followed by a portfolio review and an interview.

The more familiar you are with the exam format, the less scary it becomes. Check out past years’ papers, practice them, and simulate exam conditions at home.

Familiarity reduces anxiety—it’s that simple.

Know more: NID Exam Fee Structure

2. Build a Study Plan That Works for You

No one likes feeling unprepared, and that’s where a solid, realistic study plan comes in. The key is to keep it balanced—don’t try to cram too much into each day.

• Break your study sessions into manageable chunks: mix in sketching, creativity exercises, and general knowledge.
• Take mock tests to practice working under pressure and time
• Set aside time for revision—don’t just keep learning new stuff without reviewing what you’ve already covered.

And most importantly, don’t overdo it. Overloading yourself is a recipe for burnout, which will only add to your stress

Also read: NID Exam Analysis

3.Master Time Management

Time can be one of the biggest stressors during the exam. You might feel like you have a mountain of questions to get through and not enough time to do it. That’s why time management should be part of your study plan.

• When you practise mock tests, time yourself.
• Get a feel for which questions are easy for you and tackle those first.
• If a question stumps you, move on and come back later—don’t get stuck. 

Learning how to manage your time during the exam will help you stay calm and focused, even when the clock is ticking.

Check: NID Exam Answer Key

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4. Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind

This might seem out of place in an exam prep blog, but hear me out. Stress isn’t just a mental thing—it’s physical too. When you’re stressed, your body holds onto tension, and that makes it harder to concentrate.

The fix? Exercise. It doesn’t have to be anything crazy—just get moving.

• Go for a walk,
• Do some stretches, or
• Try yoga to clear your

Physical activity is a proven way to reduce stress, release endorphins (your brain’s happy chemicals), and reset your mind. You’ll come back to your studies feeling refreshed and ready to focus.

Check: NID Eligibility Criteria

5. Use Mindfulness to Stay Grounded

When you feel anxiety creeping in, sometimes all you need is a few minutes to just

breathe. Mindfulness techniques can help keep that exam stress in check.

• Deep breathing: Inhale deeply through your nose, hold it for a moment, then exhale slowly through your mouth. Do this a few times and notice how much calmer you feel.
• Visualization: Picture yourself in the exam room, feeling confident and in Imagine yourself tackling each question with ease. This positive

imagery can really help to build your confidence.

Taking a moment to breathe and reset can work wonders, especially during crunch time.

Also check: List of NID Courses

6. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Sleep

It might be tempting to stay up late and get in “just one more hour” of studying, but it’s a trap. Sleep is absolutely essential to staying sharp, focused, and stress-free. When you’re sleep-deprived, your brain just doesn’t work as well.

Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night, and avoid cramming late into the night. A well-rested brain will help you retain information better and keep anxiety at bay.

Also check: How to download NID Admit card

7. Fuel Your Brain with the Right Food

Food might seem like the least of your concerns right now, but trust me—it matters. What you eat can have a huge impact on how you feel.

• Go for nutritious meals that keep your energy levels up: fresh fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the
• Avoid too much caffeine or sugar—they’ll give you a temporary energy boost, but leave you feeling jittery or crashing later.

A healthy diet will keep your energy and focus levels steady, which means less stress and better concentration.

Check: How to Solve Simple Interest Problems for NID

8.  Cut Yourself Some Slack

One of the biggest sources of stress is self-doubt. It’s easy to get caught up in negative thoughts like, “Am I doing enough?” or “What if I fail?” But here’s the thing: you’re human. Stress is natural, and self-doubt is part of the process.

Instead of beating yourself up, try focusing on your progress. Look at how far you’ve come and give yourself credit for all the hard work you’ve put in. A positive mindset can help you feel more confident and less overwhelmed.

Refer: NID Interview Questions with Answers

9.  Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others

 One major stress trigger is comparing your progress to your peers. It’s tempting to see how others are studying or performing and feel like you’re not doing enough. But this comparison game is a one-way ticket to more anxiety.

 Everyone has their own pace, their own strengths, and their own journey. What works for someone else might not work for you, and that’s okay. Stay focused on your path, and trust that you’re doing what’s right for you.

Learn more: How to prepare for NID Studio Test 2025?

10. Keep Your Eyes on the Big Picture

Finally, when things start to feel overwhelming, remember why you’re doing this. Think about your passion for design, your future at NID, and all the creative projects you’re excited to take on. This exam is a stepping stone—not the final destination.

 Keeping your goals in mind can help you stay motivated and put things into perspective. Yes, the exam is important, but it’s just one part of your journey as a designer.

Conclusion

Stress during the NID entrance exam is totally normal, but it doesn’t have to control you. With good preparation, healthy habits, and a positive mindset, you can handle that stress and use it to fuel your success. You’ve got the skills, the passion, and the determination—now it’s just about staying calm, focused, and confident.

 Good luck, and go ace that exam!