Begin with curiosity, not perfect drawings.
You do not need a polished portfolio to start exploring design. Start by noticing what interests you: clothes, objects, illustrations, spaces or the way people use everyday things. Keep a small notebook for observations and questions. The goal at this stage is to build a habit of looking closely.
Give your sketchbook a simple job.
Use one page a day to communicate an observation. Draw a cup from two angles, describe how a bag opens, or tell a short story in three frames. Date your work and add a sentence explaining what you noticed. This makes improvement easier to see than a collection of unrelated finished drawings.
Make room for aptitude.
Creative practice and analytical skills can grow together. Keep a short, regular slot for reading, reasoning and basic quantitative practice. Review mistakes rather than only counting correct answers. A sustainable routine is more useful than an ambitious timetable you abandon after a week.
Explore the destinations.
NIFT, NID and UCEED represent different admission routes and programme choices. Read about the institutions and the kinds of design study that interest you. Check eligibility and admission details in the current official brochures when planning your application; a preparation course does not itself establish eligibility.
Choose support around your school routine.
If you are considering a NIFT foundation course after 10th, ask about class frequency, independent assignments, feedback and expected weekly workload. Bring your school schedule to the conversation. Leave room for rest, exploration and consistent practice.