B Des (Bachelor of Design): Admission 2025, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Career Scope

BDes stands for Bachelor of Design. It is one of the most popular design and designing courses that can be pursued by students after 10+2. It is a four-year programme that provides technical knowledge to the participants in various fields relating to the fashion industry, apparel industry, leather industry, Knitwear Design, Accessory Design, etc.

Students who enrol in a BDes study have experience in the design profession through internships, occasions, and exhibitions held both domestically and abroad. After completing the course, students with a BDes degree can immediately begin their careers. To improve their chances of landing better jobs, they could complete an internship with top designers in their field. Check Popular Colleges for BDes.

Candidates can pursue a profession in design at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels in order to become designers. Students with a creative flare are particularly interested in pursuing careers in design. The fact that this field is so broad and provides a wealth of chances for students with varying aptitudes, backgrounds, and abilities only serves to enhance the attractiveness of design employment.

The process of designing includes making a plan or specification for the building of an object, or system, for the implementation of an activity or process. It is a creative and problem-solving activity that entails comprehending user demands, coming up with answers through brainstorming, prototyping those solutions, and testing them. Read  Top Design Specialisations.

Candidates who want to work in the fashion sector should study a BDes course. It is one of the most popular specialisations in the Design industry. Candidates who wish to pursue a profession as a fashion designer should enroll in a BDes programme. Similarly, students who want to work in architectural firms should pursue a course in interior design.

Individuals who wish to be entrepreneurs, particularly in the fashion industry, should pursue B Des. Also, candidates pursuing the course must have or attained certain skills to make a career in the design field. The essential skills include an eye for detail, quick learning abilities, and profound knowledge of the design industry. 

Both are undergraduate degrees, but Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) is completely different from BDes because of the following reasons:

If you have a strong interest in design, you should pursue a B.Des., which is primarily a practical degree. It is a dynamic, user-focused career field that requires strong research and analytical abilities, as well as creativity and patience to obtain industry experience before anticipating a high salary offer.

In response to your inquiry, it is impossible to determine whether B.Des is a challenging or easy course. Your perspective determines this. Design is for you if you're interested in learning how to solve problems in an objective manner.

Both domestically and internationally, bachelor of fashion design programmes have a lot of potentials. Additionally, the term ‘fashion’ does not just refer to clothing but also to other items like jewellery, shoes, and accessories. After completing this course, candidates can work as Fashion Designers, Fashion Stylists, Fashion Marketing Manager, Fashion Merchandiser or Brand Manager. They can utilise their networking skills in order to create marketing campaigns and reach their target audience. 

BFTech stands for Bachelor of Fashion Technology, while BDes stands for Bachelor of Design. Although both Fashion Design as well as Fashion Technology are a part of the same stream. But there is a fundamental difference between the two. Fashion Design deals with creating new design pieces which can be apparel, accessories or fabric.

On the other hand, Fashion Technology deals with applying Science and technology to create fabrics from materials available in the market. Fashion Technology as a field emphasizes the techniques and equipment used to produce fashion products. Thus,  Fashion Technology involves the use of various techniques and equipment for the production as well as management of fashion goods that are produced.

After completing BDes, you can find work as a Fashion designer, Graphic designer, Fashion stylist, Art/Set director, and Design manager. You can also opt for postgraduate courses such as MDes (Master of Design) or MA in Design. After completing BDes, many students also pursue short-term certificate courses or Diploma courses in the fields of Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Styling, Visual Merchandising, Creative Pattern Making, Accessory Design, and UI/UX Design.

Both these professional undergraduate degrees are in the creative field, but BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) is different from BDes because of the following points:

Here are a few things you can consider doing before opting for a BDes college:

• Research the BDS course and the college you are interested in.
• Make sure you meet the entry requirements for the course and the college. 
• Prepare for the entrance exams, if applicable. 
• Familiarize yourself with the BDS syllabus and curriculum. 
• Make a study plan and set aside time to study for the BDS course. 
• Develop good study habits and practice time management. 

The eligibility criteria may differ depending on the course opted by the candidate. For instance, candidates seeking admission to the B. Des course needs to have passed 10+2 exam from a recognised institute and should be less than 24 years as of August 1, 2025. Relaxation of 5 years in the upper age limit applies for candidates belonging to SC, ST and PwD candidates.

The age limit varies from college to college. In general, the upper age limit to apply for B.Des course is 20 years.

As per the prescribed eligibility criteria, open category candidates seeking admission to the B.Des programme must be born on or after July 1, 2005. So, you are not eligible for admission.

Note that even General-EWS categories have the same criteria as general or open category. 

However, in case of SC, ST, and OBC-NCL candidates, there is a relaxation of 5-years in the upper age limit. Further, PwD candidates are eligible for 5-year exemption.

In case of the B. Des and B.FTech programmes, the candidates should be less than 24 years as on July 1 of the admission year. There is relaxation of 5 years for candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwD categories. However, there is no age limit for applying to the postgraduate programmes at NIFT. When applying for admission to design courses at the NIFTs, the candidate must also carefully go through the academic requirements. Note that even if a candidate qualifies the NIFT Entrance Exam but doesn't meet the prescribed eligibility criteria, he or she will not be considered for admission.

To be eligible for the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) program at NIFT, you must have finished your 10+2 education with a recognised board such as CBSE, ISC, or any state board. You must be under 24 years old as of August 1st of the year of admission, with a 5-year age relaxation for SC, ST, and PWD candidates. In addition, you must take and pass the NIFT entrance exam, which is administered by the National Testing Agency.

No, a work portfolio is not mandatory to fulfil the B.Des course eligibility criteria, though some colleges may require it depending on the specialisation you choose. The Bachelor of Design course is offered in many specializations, and having a work portfolio prepared only strengthens your application.

Yes, you can pursue a regular B Design course even if you have completed your Class 12 through distance education, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria set by the college, i.e., to pass Class 12 or its equivalent from a recognised board with a minimum of 50% aggregate score and also you should be not more than 24 years of age on the date of admission.

Some tips to help candidates get into a reputable BDes college are as follows:

• Candidates must graduate from an accredited college with a high percentage in their upper secondary education.
• When applying to reputable colleges, prospective students should have a work/design portfolio ready.
• If a student has a high score on any of the entrance exams, they can get into a good college. Because there are fewer seats available for BDes students in government colleges, students who score higher have a better chance of getting into prestigious institutions like MITID, NID, IIT-IDC, NIFT, and others.

For students who wish to develop a global network and acquire a global perspective, international BDes may be worthwhile. Benefits of studying abroad for a BDes include the following:

• Global Perspective: Students can take in the local culture and experiences while also learning from the design entities they collaborate with.
• Global Network: Students can make friends and collaborate with people all over the world.
• Industry Links: Through projects and internships, BDes programs frequently offer industry links.

The National Institute of Design examination is divided into 2 phases.

• First, you have to fill out the Design Aptitude Test form which is generally available after October from the National Institute of Designs' official website, and then they will send you to admit card through the post.
• The first phase is the Design Aptitude Test examination. If you clear this exam then they will call you for the second phase which is the studio test, in this, you have to make models from any given material.
• And at last, you will be interviewed by the National Institute of Design examination with your portfolio (best of your drawing).
• If you clear these 2 phases then they will give you a merit rank on the base of your mark, and then counseling.

You must have a 10+2 or equivalent qualification with a minimum aggregate of 50%. You must have appeared for the NID DAT (Design Aptitude Test) conducted by NID. NID DAT Exam has 2 rounds – NID Prelims & NID Mains.

Here are some important you should keep handy during B Des admission process to avoid any delays:

• Class 10 and 12 marksheet
• Valid ID Proof (passport/adhaar/PAN Card, etc.)
• Passport size photographs
• Migration Certificate

No, Group Discussion or Personal Interview rounds are not mandatory in the BDes admission process of every college. There are more than 450 B Des colleges in India and the admission process of almost every college differs depending on their set criteria.

However, if you're seeking admission to the top BDes colleges such as NIDs, NIFTs, or IITs, you may need to prepare for these rounds as they generally conduct them to assess and select candidates for the BDes program.

Design Aptitude Test (DAT) is a popular design entrance test organised by the renowned National Institute of Design (NID). NID is renowned for its creative approach to design education, rigorous academic standards, and contributions to the design community. Gaining admission to NID might lead to a variety of job options in the design sector. 

The purpose of the test is to evaluate a candidate's ability for design, creativity, aesthetic sensibility, and problem-solving abilities. It consists of phases such as DAT Prelims and DAT Mains, offering a thorough assessment of a candidate's skills. Click to learn more about DAT preparation.

The  Indian Institute of Design (NID) and the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) are both design courses that can allow admission to BDes courses. Candidates can choose between UCEED and NID as per their suitability.

NID is one of India's most esteemed design schools. It is well-known and has a track record of turning forth talented designers. NID has campuses spread around India and provides a Bachelor of Design (BDes) programme. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay administers the UCEED entrance exam to candidates seeking admission to the BDes programme at IITs and select other institutions. Although UCEED is a relatively recent entrance exam for design courses, the IITs are well known for their engineering programmes.

Yes, Pearl Academy conducts its own entrance exam. Aspirants must take the Pearl Academy Entrance Exam (also known as the PAF Entrance Exam) and pass it in order to be considered for admission to any of the design college's programmes. This is followed by a round of personal interviews. Pearl Academy assesses applicants as part of the admissions process based on their aptitude, sense of creativity and aesthetics, professional focus, degree of dedication and energy, capacity for self-expression, potential as a team member, eligibility to follow the programme, and communication skills. The General Proficiency Test (GPT), Design Aptitude Test (DAT), and Media Aptitude Test MAT are the sub-exams for the Pearl Academy 2024 admission exam.

As per the FDDI 2025 exam pattern, the question paper of FDDI AIST 2025 for the B.Des and BBA programs will include a total of 150 multiple-choice questions. These questions will be spread over four sections. The test duration will be 3 hours.

Here is the detailed pattern for FDDI AIST 2025 exam.

NTA will commence the CUET registrations 2025 tentatively in first week of February 2025 at cuetug-ac.ntaonline.in. Candidates will be able to fill the online CUET application form online when released. Candidates will be able to enter the personal, educational and CUET subject details to appear for the exam. Candidates must pay the CUET application fee to complete the registration process.

There are SIX participating institutes of UCEED 2024.

IIT Roorkee has newly joined the list of UCEED 2024 participating colleges.

These participating institutes offer a combined intake of 225 (up from 205 seats in the previous edition) seats for the B. Des programme. Admission to the B. Des programme will be based on UCEED 2024 merit. Of the five participating institutes, IIT Jabalpur has the highest intake at 66 seats. Meanwhile, IIT Bombay, which is the most sought after college has an intake of 37 seats. Note that the seat intake has been divided into various categories like Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, and PwD.

Below are some of the subjects taught in LPU BDes Fashion:

• Elements of Design
• Fashion Studies
• Free Hand Design Drawing
• Introduction to Design Tools
• Material Handling
• Photography and Styling

When you join a BDes programme, you learn about the fundamental concepts of Design in the first year. You would not be expected to have any previous knowledge or background in the field of Design. In many colleges the first semester is common for all BDes specialisations. You would learn subjects like Introduction to Design,  Elements of Design,  Creative Visualization Techniques,  Design Drawing,  Design Thinking,  Principles of Design,  Physical Ergonomics and Rendering & Illustration.

Here are some recommended books for BDes students:

Bachelor of Design programme includes subjects that are creative and artistic and will help students to make a career in their respective fields. Their core subjects are a combination of theory and practical knowledge of design.

Some of the core subjects involve Representation Techniques, Tinkering studio, Applied Science for Design, Elements of Design, Form, Order and Structure, and Principles of Visual Design.

Yes, there's a set of optional subjects offered to B Des students that they can choose from and study along with their specialisation subjects. Some of the common BDes optional subjects include Mobility and Vehicle Design, Universal Design, Design of Medical Equipment, Graphics and Animation, Interaction Design, Videography and Filmmaking, and Typography. 

Lab or practical subjects for every BDes college and specialisation may differ, however, here are some practical subjects you can expect:

Computer Basic 
Drawing & Rendering 
Exposure to Materials
Freehand Drawing
Technical Drawing 
Technically Complex Product Design
User Interface Design

BDes Product Design is one of the most well-liked BDes courses since it combines art and technical skills, which are in high demand right now. For successful modelling and vision of any product, many top tech and automotive companies hire Product Design graduates in their design and development teams. They make the products more attractive and improve the functionality of these products. They ensure that various teams in the field of product designing are collaborating closely with various departments.

A Knitwear Design course includes the study of wools, yarns and other materials required to create finished knitted clothing. They get knowledge on how to employ machinery, tools and technology to create certain designs and outfits. The Knitwear Design course places a strong emphasis on acquiring skills and knowledge in pattern creativity, knitting and sewing, creating full-length clothing and mediating clothing styles. Knitwear designers play an important part in developing the newest trends and adjusting to changing consumer tastes in the fashion industry, which is always changing.

Your interests, professional aspirations, and the unique advantages of the school you are considering are some of the factors that will influence your decision regarding the "best" specialization in a Bachelor of Design (B.Des) program. The following are some typical BDes program specializations and possible career paths:

• Fashion Design
• Graphic Design
• Product Design
• Interior Design
• Animation & Multimedia
• UI/UX
• Textile Design

In a Bachelor of Design (BDes) program, the cost of specialization can vary depending on the institution, location, and the specific field of design. However, some BDes specializations tend to be more expensive due to the resources, technology, and industry demand associated with them.

Below are a few of the specializations that are often considered more expensive:

• Industrial Design
• Interaction/UI/UX Design
• Animation Design
• Fashion Design
• Interior Design
• Game Development Design

Bachelor of Design in Interior Design is a four-year programme which focuses on the methods and principles of understanding human behaviour and designing living spaces as per the demands of the customers.

Candidates pursuing this course understand the interior and exterior set-up of any infrastructure to design interior spaces. This course deals with topics such as Lighting Design, Sustainable Design, Space Planning and Layout, Materials and Finishes, etc. Candidates can pursue this course for a successful career in Interior Design.

Candidates who are highly creative and can execute their vision must pursue this course. They must be good at drawing blueprints and must be able to manage the budget of the client as well as his venture. Candidates who are aware of market trends and are adaptable to changing situations must pursue this course and demonstrate their unique creations through interior design. An empty room is often considered a blank sheet on which an Interior Designer can write a beautiful piece of Literature.

No, it can be observed that pursuing Designing in India can be quite inexpensive as most of the colleges have an average tuition fee of less than INR 1 lakh. You can refer to the table below for the best Designing colleges in India that offer quality education with minimal cost:

Hope this helps!

If you complete BDes from IIT Bombay you are more likely to receive good placement prospects. This is because IIT Bombay is one of the top universities in India. IIT B has a solid reputation and a renowned placement department that can help you get placed in top organisations. IIT Bombay BDes alumni have access to a variety of industries, including manufacturing, e-commerce, advertising agency, technological organisations, and design consultancies. IIT Bombay has a wide range of national and international industry connections, which helps its graduates find employment. To link students with possible employers, the institute frequently arranges industry meetings, job fairs, and recruiting drives. Graduates of IIT Bombay's design programmes are in high demand in the industry due to their solid grounding in design concepts, technical proficiency, and problem-solving capabilities.

There are several colleges that offer BDes course with an affordable fee structure. Some of these are as follows:

The National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad is often considered as one of the top design colleges in India and is widely recognised for its excellence in design education. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various design disciplines, including Industrial Design, Communication Design, Textile Design, Animation Film Design, and more. NID has a rigorous curriculum, renowned faculty members, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong focus on design research and innovation. Tabulated below the colleges with their total tuition fee: 

There are many BDes colleges in India offering great placement opportunities to students. Here are some of them:

Note: The information is sourced from the official website/counselling body of the institute/exam.

Here are some of the top distance colleges in India you can opt for BDes program:

Note: The information is sourced from the official website/counselling body of the institute/exam.

The minimum package of a graphic designer in India is about INR 3 LPA to INR 7 LPA. It totally depends on the college you are graduating from.

There are a variety of BDes specialisations under which graduates are hired by their respective industries. For instance, a BDes in Fashion Design graduate can seek employment in Fashion industry. Some of the top Fashion Design recrutiers include Myntra, Nykaa, Meesho, Sabyasachi Couture, etc. 

Similarly every BDes specialisation has their own companies hiring graduates for specific job roles.

The starting pay for BDes Fashion Design graduates ranges between INR 25,000 to 35,000. However, a student's pay is also influenced by their academic performance, the college they attend, and the employer they work for. Based on the work location and experience of the candidates, the average starting salary for BDes Fashion Design graduates is around INR 3.5-6 LPA. The starting pay for fresh graduates is more in cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune and Gurgaon which hosts many top fashion brands. 

Following are the employment areas that offer jobs right after completing B Des Interior Design:

• Architectural Firms
• Interior Design Companies
• Retailers
• Construction Companies
• Designing Consultancies
• Event Management Companies
• Set Designing Companies (for Theatre, TV or Film)
• Exhibition Centers

After completing BDes, you can find work as a Fashion designer, Graphic designer, Fashion stylist, Art/Set director, and Design manager. You can also opt for postgraduate courses such as MDes (Master of Design) or MA in Design. After completing BDes, many students also pursue short-term certificate courses or Diploma courses in the fields of Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Styling, Visual Merchandising, Creative Pattern Making, Accessory Design, and UI/UX Design.

Prospective students at all three academic levels can enroll in BDes programs, which are available in full-time, part-time, and online/distance learning formats. A discussion of the different kinds of BDes courses is given below.

• Full-Time: Applicants must attend classes in person full-time, finish assignments on a regular basis, and sit for offline exams on campus each semester. As part of the course curriculum, they also have to complete practicals and present projects. Additionally, by actively interacting with their teachers and fellow students, they acquire in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in the field.
• Part-Time/Distance: There is a part-time course available for students who are unable to devote themselves to the full-time program or who are employed full-time. The duration of the part-time BDes program is approximately three to five years.
• Online: Students or researchers who are working professionals and are unable to attend full-time or even part-time courses are the target audience for this online course.

Hi, there are hundreds of colleges in India offering BDes courses in various specializations. First of all, you should select the specialisation and then see which college offers that specific specialisation at affordable prices. There are many top government and prviate colleges such as NIFTs, Visva Bharati University, etc., that offer BDes programs in less than INR 1 Lacs course fee.

Apart from this, you can go for distance colleges that are comparatively cheaper than regular colleges or you can even apply for student loan.

I believe it does. The college rating and reputation have a decent weightage on your portfolio. Top-rated colleges offer advanced learning options, better placement opportunities, and so on. Even, many top recruiters around the world require degrees from top colleges like IITs, NIFTs, NIDs, etc., for specific job profiles.