How to choose a design entrance mentor (an honest checklist)

We run a coaching institute, so take this with the obvious pinch of salt. But we also spent years as students on the other side of the table, and this is the list we wish someone had given us.

Ask who is teaching, specifically

Not “IITians and NIDians” — names, ranks, and which section they teach. A mentor who scored 70+ in Part B will teach Part B differently from a fine‑arts graduate who has never sat the exam. Both can be good; you should know which one you are getting.

Ask how Part B is reviewed

This is the question that separates institutes. If drawings are “checked” with a score and no comments, or reviewed once a month, your Part B will not move. Ask to see an example of a reviewed answer sheet.

Ask for results you can verify

Names, ranks and colleges — and ideally students you can message. A wall of unnamed “AIR 12” badges is not a result. Every result on our site has a name and a college for this reason.

Ask what happens when you miss a class

Life happens. Live classes should be recorded and the recording should be available the same day. Ask how long you keep access.

Try before you pay

• Sit a demo class and watch how doubts are handled.

• Attempt one of their mocks and see what the review looks like.

• Talk to a mentor on a call. Fifteen minutes tells you a lot.

If a place refuses any of these, that is your answer. If it says yes to all of them, you are probably in good hands — whether that is us or someone else.