Top Design Courses in India: List of 10 Courses, Entrance Exams & Eligibility Criteria
Swati Kumar2 Sept, 2025
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Top Design Courses in India: In India, there are a total of 2000+ design colleges, out of which 300+ are owned by the government, 1100+ design schools are owned by private organizations, and 120+ are managed by semi-government organizations. To gain admission to the top fashion design colleges, IIAD entrance exam is the most sought-after. The IIAD offers UG and PG design courses at various prominent colleges like IIT, NIT, etc. The courses offered at IIT via IIAD include Fashion Design, Indian Institute of Art and Design Communication Design, and many more.
What are Designing Courses?
Designing courses teach you how to create and improve visual, product, fashion, or digital designs. These courses cover skills like drawing, computer-aided design (CAD), animation, and understanding colors, shapes, and materials. They help students become professionals in fields like graphic design, fashion design, interior design, product design, and more. Designing courses are offered at different levels, from short-term certificates to full degrees.
Design Courses Overview
Design Courses India has evolved significantly, reflecting the dynamic nature of the design industry which now encompasses a broad spectrum of fields. Historically focused on traditional crafts and architecture, the industry has expanded to include modern disciplines such as Fashion Design, Product Design, Interior Design, Textile Design, and Graphic Design. These courses offer a comprehensive curriculum that integrates creative skills with technological advancements. The rise of e-commerce, digital media, and sustainable practices has further diversified career opportunities.| Parameters | Details |
| Design Course Level | UG, PG, Diploma, Certification, and Doctorate |
| Design Course Duration |
|
| Design Course Admission Process | Entrance Exam scores+merit |
| Design Course Entrance Exam | UCEED, CEED, NID DAT, NIFT, etc |
| Design Course Fee | Between INR 50,000 to INR 55 Lakh |
| Top Design Colleges | NIFT, NID, Pearl Academy, Amity University, World Institute of Design |
| Design Average Salary | INR 4-6 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Raymonds, Arvind Garments, Pantaloons, Spykar, etc |
1 Year Design Courses
There are many design courses that last for one year and give quick training in specific design areas. Popular 1-year design courses include:
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Diploma in Graphic Design: Learn skills like logo making, UI/UX design, animation, and software tools like Photoshop and Illustrator.
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PG Diploma in Design Foundation: Especially for beginners, this course covers basics of design thinking, color, form, and materials.
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Interior Designing Diploma: Covers home and commercial space design, focusing on both theory and practical AutoCAD skills.
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Fashion Design Certificate: Teaches basics of fashion trends, textile knowledge, and garment construction.
Design Colleges in India Selection & Eligibility Criteria
The future of design professionals in India is promising, with increasing demand in both traditional industries and emerging sectors like digital media, and sustainable design. Design courses are offered at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels at various design colleges and universities across India, after the 12th. These courses offer various career paths including roles in design firms, freelancing, and entrepreneurship. To pursue design courses, candidates do not need to study any specific subject in their qualifying exam. With the required skills and aptitude, candidates can take any design courses to pursue their dream of becoming a designer.| College Name | Eligibility Criteria | Age Limit | Tuition Fee | Selection Criteria |
| NID Ahmedabad Admission |
|
|
INR 10.68 lakh – INR 14.68 lakh | DAT with |
| NIFT Delhi Admission |
|
Candidates must be less than 24 years as of 1st August of the year of admission | INR 70,800 – INR 12.34 lakh | NIFT Entrance Exam and Merit-Based |
| NIFT Mumbai Admission |
|
Candidates must be less than 24 years as of 1st August of the year of admission | INR 1.3 lakh – INR 11.74 lakh | NIFT Entrance Exam and Merit-Based |
| NID Bengaluru Admission |
|
|
INR 9.97 lakh | DAT |
| NID Gandhinagar Admission |
|
|
INR 9.97 lakh | NID Entrance Exam |
Read More: List of NIFT Colleges in India 2025
Entrance Exams for Design Courses in India
The table below highlights exam dates of some of the design entrance exams. Qualifying these exams ensures candidates can pursue their chosen course from the list of the best design courses in India.| Exam Name | Exam Date |
| UCEED | 19 January 2025 |
| CEED | 19 January 2025 |
| NIFT Entrance Exam | 9 February 2025 |
| NID DAT |
|
| SEED | 12 January 2025 |
| FDDI AIST | 11 May 2025 |
| AIEED |
5-12 January 2025 |
Design courses After 12th
After completing class 12th, students interested in creativity and innovation can pursue various design courses. These programs cover fields like fashion design, interior design, graphic design, product design, and more. Design courses help develop skills in visualisation, problem-solving, and technical tools, preparing students for careers in design studios, creative agencies, and freelance opportunities.
Types of Designing Courses
The following are the various design courses that candidates can pursue after the 12th.1. B.Des in Fashion Designing
A Bachelor in Design (B.Des) in Fashion Design is a comprehensive undergraduate program focused on equipping students with skills in apparel design, textiles science, and fashion theory. The course covers areas such as sketching, pattern making, garment construction, and trend analysis. The program prepares students for various roles in the fashion industry like design, merchandising, and brand management.2. B.Des in Graphic Design
A Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design is an undergraduate program that focuses on developing skills in visual communication through digital and print media. The curriculum includes training in typography, layout design, digital illustration, and branding. Applicants with a passion for visual arts, creativity, and design software are the best fit for this course.3. B.Des in Animation
The B.Des in Animation covers 2D and 3D animation techniques, storyboarding, character design, and visual effects. The course immerses students in the art and technology of creating animated visuals for films, games, and digital media. Students with a strong interest in storytelling and visual creativity, along with a basic understanding of animation software opt for this course.4. B.Des in Industrial Design
It focuses on creating and improving functional products and systems, integrating aesthetics, ergonomics, and user experience. The B.Des in Industrial Design course covers product design, material science, manufacturing processes, and sustainable design practices. Career options after pursuing this course include product development, industrial design, and user experience design.5. B.Des in Interior and Furniture Design
The B.Des in Interior and Furniture Design course focuses on equipping students with skills to create aesthetically pleasing and functional interior spaces. The curriculum typically includes design theory, spatial planning, furniture design, material science, and computer-aided design (CAD).6. B.Des in Textile Design
The Bachelor in Textile Design is a specialized undergraduate program focused on the development and innovation of textiles for fashion, interiors, and other applications. The course combines design principles, textile technology, pattern making, dyeing techniques, and digital design. It's ideal for individuals with a strong interest in creative design, an eye for detail, and a passion for working with fabrics and materials.7. B.Des in Product Design
The course focuses on the creation and development of functional and aesthetically pleasing products. It covers design principles, user experience, prototyping, materials science, and manufacturing processes. The program includes hands-on projects and industry placements.8. B.Des in Ceramic and Glass Design
The B.Des in Ceramic and Glass Design is an undergraduate program dedicated to the artistic and technical aspects of working with ceramics and glass. The course includes studies in material properties, design techniques, kiln operation, and glassblowing. Students with a creative mindset, a passion for material craftsmanship, and an interest in developing unique and functional art forms can opt for this course.9. B.Des in Communication Design/Fashion Communication
It is an undergraduate program that merges fashion with media and communication strategies. It includes fashion marketing, branding, visual merchandising, digital media, and public relations. Students learn to create compelling fashion narratives through various platforms and tools.10. B.Des in Jewellery/Accessory Design
The course is focused on the design and creation of jewelry. It includes training in materials, design techniques, gemology, CAD, and manufacturing processes. Students with a passion for craftsmanship, and a strong interest in fashion and accessory design can pursue this course. Design courses in India offer a gateway to vibrant and evolving career paths, blending creativity with technological innovation. As the design industry continues to expand, these programs equip students with the skills needed to thrive in a variety of specialized fields and adapt for future trends.Online Designing Courses
Online designing courses offer flexible learning opportunities for students and professionals interested in fields like graphic design, interior design, fashion design, and web design. These courses provide access to expert instructors, interactive modules, and practical projects, allowing learners to gain essential skills from the comfort of their home and enhance their career prospects.
Which Designing Course is Best for the Future?
Several designing courses are best for a design aspirant in the future, including UI/UX Design, Graphic Design, Animation, Interior Design, Fashion Design, and Game Design. These courses have witnessed a high demand across industries in the last decade. Among these, UI/UX Design and Graphic Design stand out due to the rapid growth of digital platforms and the need for user-centric digital experiences. Candidates can choose any of these courses that align with their interests and growth in the design sector. Some of the most popular designing courses in India are given below.
- Graphic Design
- UI/UX Design
- Game Design
- Transportation Design
- Brand Identity and Visual Communication
How Many Types of Designing Courses Are There?
Designing courses in India spans over a wide range of specializations, catering to diverse creative and technical interests. These include UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate, and Doctoral programs. With the design industry rapidly evolving, students can choose from multiple specializations based on their passion and career aspirations. Explore the various designing courses below offered at different educational levels.
1. BDes
- BDes Fashion Design
- BDes Interior Design
- BDes Graphic Design
- BDes Animation
- BDes Product Design
2. MDes
- MDes Fashion Design
- MDes Interior Design
- MDes Product Design
- MDes Communication Design
- MDes Textile Design
3. Certificate Courses
- Certificate in UI/UX Design
- Certificate in Interior Design
- Certificate in Graphic Design
- Diploma in Fashion Styling
- Certificate in Textile Design
4. Diploma (After 10th, UG Diploma, PG Diploma, PGDM)
- Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology
- Diploma in Interior and Furniture Design
- Diploma in Product Design
- Diploma in Interior Design
- Diploma in Landscape Design
5. Doctorate (PhD)
- Ph.D. in Architecture and Planning
- Ph.D. in Fashion Design
- Integrated PhD in Critical Design Discourse
- Ph.D. in Interior Design
- Ph.D. in Visual Communication
- PhD in Automobile Design
Top 10 Design Courses in India FAQs
Who is eligible for BDes?
What is the exam for design in IIT?
What is B.Des in Fashion Designing?
How many design colleges are there in India?
How do I get admission to design courses in India?
What are the top design courses available in India?
What career opportunities are available after completing design courses?
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