Best Books & Study Materials for Interior Design Entrance Exam Preparation 2026
Published by Shikha Kumari on May 13, 2025
Students that take an interior design course learn how to combine aesthetics and usefulness in the creative planning, designing, and decorating of interior spaces. These programs prepare students for employment in residential, commercial, and specialty interior design by teaching them about materials, color theory, space planning, furniture design, lighting, and digital technologies.
The top books and study guides for preparing for the 2026 Interior Design entrance test are listed below, along with commonly asked questions to aid you along the way.
List of books for the preparation of Interior Design Entrance Exam in 2026:
Given below are the best books for interior design entrance exam preparation 2026. attached to the name of the book is the author’s name and the area of focus of that particular book. This will help candidates choose a better for their interior design entrance exam
| Book Title | Author/Publisher | Focus Area |
| Design Drawing | Francis D.K. Ching | Drawing skills, visual communication |
| Basic Rendering | Robert W. Gill | Rendering, shading, visualization techniques |
| Rendering in Pen and Ink | Robert W. Gill | Pen techniques, textures, detailed illustration |
| Perspective Drawing Handbook | Joseph D’Amelio | Perspective, depth, and spatial representation |
| Arihant’s Ultimate Guide for NIFT/NID/IIFT Entrance Exam | Arihant Publications | Aptitude, reasoning, design awareness |
| Guide for NIFT/NID/IIFT | Arihant Experts | Comprehensive entrance exam prep |
| Analytical & Logical Reasoning | RS Aggarwal | Mental ability, reasoning, aptitude |
| Quantitative Aptitude | RS Aggarwal | Numerical ability, quantitative skills |
| Comprehensive English for NID, NIFT, UCEED, CEED, NATA, B.Arch & Other Design Entrance Exams | Designologue | English, comprehension, vocabulary |
| Cracking CEED & UCEED (with Previous Years’ Papers and Mock Tests) | Ashok Goel, Arjun Kamal | Mock tests, previous papers, exam strategies |
| UCEED (B.Des) Entrance Books and Test Series | AFA India | Mock tests, practice questions |
| Living Spaces: 150 Design Ideas from Around the World | Edited by Franco Magnani | Interior design inspiration, global trends |
| Furniture & Interiors of the 1940s/1960s | Anne Bony | Furniture history, period styles |
| International Design Yearbook | Various | Contemporary interior and furniture design |
Additional Study Materials for Interior Design Entrance Exam Preparation 2026
- UCEED/NID/AIEED online learning modules (video lessons, mock tests, PDFs).
- Previous years’ question papers and mock test series from reputed coaching institutes.
- Online apps and e-learning platforms offering design aptitude quizzes and drawing tutorials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What topics are commonly covered in the entrance exam syllabus?
A: Interior design entrance exams usually cover design aptitude, creativity, spatial awareness, drawing skills, general knowledge, logical reasoning, and basic mathematics. Some exams also include color theory and visual perception.
Q2. Are online study materials and apps effective for interior design entrance exam prep?
A: Yes, online study materials and apps are effective if used properly. They provide practice questions, mock tests, video lessons, and drawing guidance. They are best used along with books and regular practice.
Q3. Should I use only one book or multiple resources for preparation?
A: It is better to use multiple resources instead of only one book. One main book can be your base, while other books, online notes, and practice papers help strengthen understanding and variety of questions.
Q4. How important are mock tests and previous years’ papers in preparation?
A: Mock tests and previous years’ papers are very important. They help understand exam patterns, improve time management, and identify weak areas. Regular practice boosts confidence and performance.
Q5. Are drawing skills essential for clearing interior design entrance exams?
A: Yes, drawing skills are important for most interior design entrance exams. Basic sketching, perspective drawing, and creativity are tested. Good practice can significantly improve drawing scores.
Q6. Which entrance exams should I prepare for to pursue interior design in India?
A: Popular entrance exams include NIFT, NID DAT, UCEED, CEED, and institute-level exams. Some colleges also conduct their own aptitude tests. Preparing for multiple exams increases chances of selection.
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