SEED Exam: The Ultimate Guide to the Portfolio Review

A comprehensive guide for design aspirants on the Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED), including detailed information on the portfolio requirements, PRPI round, and key tips for admission to the Symbiosis Institute of Design.

Aspiring design students, are you ready to take the next step toward a creative career? The Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED) is your gateway to the prestigious Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID). While the written test is the first hurdle, the Portfolio Review and Personal Interaction (PRPI) round is where your creativity truly shines. For regular updates follow Only Education News.

Understanding the SEED Exam

The Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design is a 60-minute online, proctored test comprising 60 multiple-choice, image-based, and comprehension-based questions. The exam evaluates your aptitude in several key areas:

Visual Sensitivity & Judgement: This section tests your ability to interpret and understand visual information, from colors and geometry to spatial relationships.
Observational & Perceptual Skills: It assesses your capacity to observe details beyond the obvious and draw logical conclusions.
Creative & Problem-Solving Abilities: Here, you'll be asked to visualize, relate images, identify problems, and propose innovative solutions.
General Awareness: This includes basic knowledge of art, craft, culture, design, and the environment, both Indian and global.
Basic Science & Mathematics: Expect questions that apply fundamental science and math concepts (up to the 10th standard) to everyday objects and activities.

A key advantage of the SEED exam is that there is no negative marking, so you are encouraged to attempt every question.

The Portfolio Review and Personal Interaction (PRPI)

Candidates who successfully qualify for the SEED exam are then shortlisted for the Portfolio Review and Personal Interaction (PRPI) round. This is a crucial phase of the admission process, as your final selection is based on the cumulative performance in the written exam, your portfolio, the PRPI task, and the personal interaction.

The SEED Portfolio: What to Include

Your portfolio is your chance to showcase your unique skills, passion, and creative journey. It should be a curated collection of your best works, reflecting a variety of techniques and media. The Symbiosis Institute of Design specifies a digital portfolio, which should be compiled into a PowerPoint presentation of up to 15 slides. This presentation must then be converted into a PDF file with a maximum size of 5 MB.

Your portfolio can include:

Sketches and Illustrations: Showcase your fundamental drawing skills. This can include anything from object and human sketches to illustrations with mixed media.
Digital Artwork: Include any work created using software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or other digital design tools. This demonstrates your proficiency with modern design practices.
Collages and 3D Articles: Present photographs of your 2D collages and 3D objects, such as sculptures, fabric products, or functional gadgets. High-quality images of your work are essential for a clear representation.
Photography: Showcasing a small series of photographs can highlight your compositional skills, eye for detail, and visual storytelling abilities.

Remember, the list is not exhaustive. You are encouraged to include any work that best represents your passion and potential. Your portfolio should not only display your final products but also hint at your creative process.

The PRPI Task and Personal Interaction

In addition to the portfolio review, candidates must also complete a PRPI task. This task is shared with you a few days before your scheduled online PRPI slot and must be uploaded a day prior to the session. This task is designed to assess your on-the-spot creative and problem-solving skills.

The Personal Interaction is essentially an interview where you discuss your portfolio, your interests, and your motivation for pursuing a career in design. It’s an opportunity for the faculty to get to know you as an individual and assess your communication skills and suitability for the program.

Tips for Aspirants

Start Early: Begin preparing your portfolio well in advance. This gives you time to experiment with different mediums and refine your best work.
Document Your Process: Don't just show the final piece. Include process sketches, mood boards, and prototypes to demonstrate your thought process and dedication to a project.
Practice for the PRPI: Rehearse talking about your portfolio pieces, explaining your creative choices and the story behind each work. Be prepared to answer questions about your inspirations, future goals, and current affairs in the design world.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the official SID website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding application dates, portfolio submission deadlines, and PRPI schedules.