Graphic design is the art of arranging visual elements like typography, images, colors, and shapes to communicate a message effectively. It combines creativity and communication to create designs such as posters, packaging, websites, and more that convey information clearly and attractively. The goal of graphic design is to make information easy to understand while evoking emotions or motivating action through visual storytelling.
Graphic designing degree courses after 12th include undergraduate programs like BDes Graphic Design, BA Graphic Design, and BSc Graphic Design. These span three to four years and cover essential tools, design principles, typography, branding, and digital media techniques. Admission to these courses requires clearing entrance exams such as NID or AIEED or meeting merit criteria. The following table mentions the prominent graphic designing degree courses along with the colleges that provide them.
The following eligibility criteria must be fulfilled in order to get admission to graphic designing degree courses. While many institutions have their own specifications, the general eligibility criteria are common to all.
Bachelor of Design (BDes) in Graphic Design is a four-year undergraduate course that equips students with the skills to create compelling visual content using tools like photography, illustration, and digital software. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including typography, branding, motion graphics, UI/UX design, and packaging, blending creativity with technical expertise. With a mix of theory, hands-on projects, and internships, BDes Graphic Design helps students build a strong portfolio and industry readiness.
BDes Graphic Design courses are offered by some of India’s top design institutes like the National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad, National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Delhi, and Pearl Academy Mumbai. For admission to these institutes, candidates must fulfill the prescribed eligibility criteria. Check out the following table for a list of colleges that provide BDes graphic design courses after class 12th.
BA in Graphic Designing after 12th is a popular three-year undergraduate program that focuses on the artistic and conceptual aspects of visual communication. This course covers subjects like design principles, typography, digital illustration, and multimedia, helping students develop creativity alongside technical skills. With a BA in Graphic Designing, students gain a strong foundation to pursue careers or further studies in the creative industry. Listed below are some of the BA Graphic Design colleges along with their respective fee details.
BSc Graphic Designing is an undergraduate program that focuses on visual communication, digital media, and creative design techniques. Students learn skills in typography, illustration, web design, multimedia, and design software, preparing them for careers in advertising, digital marketing, animation, and creative agencies. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical projects to build a strong design portfolio.
BSc in Graphic Designing is a three-year undergraduate program offered by many reputed colleges across India, focusing on the technical and creative aspects of visual communication. Top colleges like the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, Symbiosis Institute of Design, Pune, and SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, provide comprehensive training in design principles, digital tools, and practical projects. Choosing the right college ensures a strong foundation and opportunities to build a professional portfolio in graphic design. In the following table is a list of colleges that provide BSc in graphic designing courses along with the fee structure.
A Diploma in Graphic Designing after 12th is a short-term, focused program that equips students with essential skills in visual communication and design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and CorelDRAW. These courses last from six months to one year, and are ideal for those looking to quickly enter the creative industry or enhance their artistic abilities. It covers fundamentals such as typography, color theory, branding, and digital illustration, combining practical training with creative exploration.
Diploma courses in Graphic Designing after 12th are offered by numerous reputed institutes across India, providing focused, practical training in design software, visual communication, and creative techniques. With affordable fees and flexible durations, diploma courses help build a strong foundation for creative careers or further studies. Check out the following table to learn about the colleges providing diploma courses after class 12th.
Certificate courses in Graphic Designing after 12th are short-term programs designed to teach the basics of design principles, popular software tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and essential visual communication skills. These courses are ideal for beginners or those wanting to quickly gain practical knowledge and start building a portfolio. Certificate programs are widely available both online and offline, offering flexibility for students with different learning needs. The expected fee structure for certificate courses ranges from Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000, depending on the institute and course duration.
Pursuing graphic design after 12th opens up a wide range of career opportunities in creative industries. Students can work as graphic designers, web designers, UI/UX designers, digital marketers, animators, or branding specialists. With the rise of digital media, e-commerce, and advertising, skilled designers are in high demand both in India and internationally.
Graphic design offers a wide range of job opportunities, such as graphic designer, UI/UX designer, motion graphic designer, web designer, and logo designer, across industries like IT, media, advertising, and publishing. The average salary for a graphic designer is around Rs 3.9 LPA. With experience, the salary can go up to Rs 7–12 lakhs or more, depending on skills, specialization, and location. The salary is influenced by experience, industry, company profile, and the designer’s creative and technical abilities. Check out the following table to know more about the job opportunities with the respective salary structure.