Budding Deziner: Redefining Design Exam Prep for India’s Gen-Z Aspirants

Founder of Budding Deziner - Ruchika Maheshwari

When you meet Ruchika Maheshwari, founder of Budding Deziner, her energy instantly reflects the creative clarity she’s instilling in India’s new generation of design aspirants. What began as a personal journey soon evolved into a mission — to make design entrance exam preparation more creative, flexible, and student-centered.

Ruchika recalls her own struggle as a design aspirant — navigating through rigid coaching systems that often ignored creativity in favor of rote preparation. “When I started preparing for NID and NIFT, I realized most courses lacked empathy for how students actually think and learn,” she shares. “I wanted to build something that trained them not just for the exam, but for the mindset of a designer.”

That earnest vision gave birth to Budding Deziner, a platform that has now become synonymous with smart, intensive crash courses designed for late beginners and quick learners alike. “So many aspirants join close to exams, feeling lost or underconfident, and our courses prove that with the right strategy, it’s never too late,” she adds.

Her teaching philosophy stands out for its simplicity and depth — “Design thinking first, exam second.” Every session focuses on fundamental design skills like drawing, reasoning, and awareness, but always through storytelling, observation, and hands-on creativity. Personalized mentorship is another pillar. Students receive one-on-one feedback and customized plans that turn uncertainty into confidence.

The impact stories speak for themselves. A student who joined just three months before exams cleared NIFT and entered Fashion Communication, while another cracked NID prelims in his first attempt with a smartly balanced board-and-exam plan. “Strategy and mentorship make all the difference,” Ruchika notes.

However, the journey wasn’t without challenges. Building trust for an online-only platform in a nation used to traditional coaching required patience and consistency. “We focused on transparency, results, and consistent digital presence through reels, YouTube sessions, and free guides,” she explains. “Quality content eventually built credibility.” Maintaining personalization while scaling was another hurdle overcome by creating structured materials and guides that retain the Budding Deziner touch.

Looking ahead, Ruchika envisions Budding Deziner as India’s most trusted design-education ecosystem — bridging creativity, mentorship, and digital learning. “We’re launching full-length programs, books, and eventually an interactive app,” she reveals. “But more than that, I see Budding Deziner as a growing community — a movement making design education modern, accessible, and truly exciting.”

Launched in 2023, Budding Deziner has already guided aspirants across the country, combining creative pedagogy with strategic preparation. Through courses, study materials, and vibrant content, it’s empowering young designers to turn their dreams into reality.

Explore more about Budding Deziner:

🌐 www.buddingdeziner.com

📸 @buddingdeziner on Instagram

📘 Budding Deziner on YouTube