Top Graphic Design Schools in India 2025: Fees, Eligibility, Admission, Seats

Top Graphic Design Schools in India 2025: Fees, Eligibility, Admission, Seats

9 mins read1 Comment
Tasbiya
Tasbiya Khan
Senior Executive
Updated on Oct 3, 2024 16:15 IST

In India, the demand for skilled graphic designers has skyrocketed in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, transforming graphic design schools into essential hubs of innovation and creativity. As industries increasingly rely on captivating visual communication to convey their messages and capture audiences, aspiring designers are crowding to these institutions, eager to refine skills and carve out successful careers in this bright field.

Graphic Design

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There are about 400+ best colleges for Graphic Design in India. Graphic design is the art and practice of creating visual content to transmit messages or ideas effectively. It combines elements like layout, color, imagery, typography, etc. to convey information in a visually appealing way. Graphic designers work across various methods, including print (such as brochures, posters, and magazines) and digital platforms (like social media, websites, and apps).

Top Graphic Design Schools in India: Eligibility Criteria

Q:   Is there any age limit for appearing in NIFT 2025?

A:

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.

Q:   What is the eligibility criteria for NIFT 2025?

A:

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.

Q:   How many candidates appear for NID DAT?

A:

There is no official notification on the number of applicants for NID DAT 2024.

However, as per unofficial sources, around 15,000 applicants appeared in the NID DAT 2024 (Prelims) exam. Note that only shortlisted candidates were eligible to appear in DAT Mains. The DAT Prelims was held on December 24, 2023.

If the National Institute of Design releases the exam statistics for the NID DAT exam, the details will be updated here. Note that the current session of the NIFT exam is conducted by the NTA. Now considering the NTA releases the exam stats, including the number of applicants registered, appeared, qualified - it is likely the details will also be released for the NIFT 2024 exam.

Graphic Design programme is a professional degree with average duration of 4 years that helps students improve their technical and artistic talents. In order to get admission to the best Graphic Design colleges in India, you need to qualify certain eligibility criteria Only candidates who meet the qualifying requirements will be eligible to proceed to the admission stage in the best colleges for Graphic Design in India.

Course Level

Eligibility Criteria

Graphic Design UG

Aspirants who have cleared their Class 12 from any stream (Science/ Commerce/ Arts) can pursue a Graphic Design courses after 12th, at the graduation level.

Graphic Design PG

Aspirants should possess a bachelor’s degree in design

Graphic Design Certification Courses

There is no specific requirement for many Graphic Design certificate courses. However, candidates are recommended to pursue Graphic Design 

Must Explore: Who is a Graphic Designer?

Top Graphic Design Schools in India: Admission Process 2024

  1. Identify top graphic design colleges based on rankings, course offerings, faculty, infrastructure, and placement records.
  2. Check eligibility criteria, which typically include completion of Class 12 with minimum percentage of 50%.
  3. Qualify entrance exams such as NID DAT, NIFT Entrance Exam, or UCEED.
  4. Check the results of the entrance exam on the college website or through official announcements.
  5. Attend counseling sessions (if applicable) for seat allocation and choose your preferred course and college based on available options.
  6. Confirm your admission by paying the required fees and complete any additional documentation required by the college.

Read More: Graphic Design Syllabus

Read More: Graphic Design Career

Top Graphic Design Schools in India

Here are some of the best graphic design schools in India, highlighting their key features:

  1. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi:

Explore more Design exams with upcoming dates

NID DAT 2025 Registration Date

3 Sep '24 - 6 Dec '24

NMIMS DAT 2025 Online registrations

7 Dec '24

SAT Test December Date

7 Dec '24

ADEPT 2025 Application START date

18 Dec '24

IIAD 2025 - Application Submis...

20 Dec '24

SEED 2025 Online registration

16 Aug '24 - 25 Dec '24

UCEED 2025 Issue of Admit Cards

3 Jan '25

NIFT 2025 application form OPE...

22 Nov '24 - 6 Jan '25

AIEED 2025 Exam Date

10 Jan '25

DEED 2025 Exam Dates (Phase 1)

10 Jan '25

National Institute of Fashion Technology is an autonomous institute offering courses in fashion, technology, and management. Its head office is located in New Delhi, India.

NIFT Delhi offers B.Des, B.FTech, M.Des and MFM courses in a wide range of specialisations. All the courses are offered across various streams, namely Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ), Design, Business & Management Studies, etc.

  1. Pearl Academy, Delhi:

Q:   Is Maths required for NIFT?

A:

It is not compulsory to have studied Maths in Class 12 to appear for NIFT Entrance Exam. However, some questions from Mathematics are asked in the NIFT GAT section. Therefore, it is always beneficial to have some knowledge about the subject. The NIFT question paper for GAT will include questions from sections like logical and analytical reasoning, general awareness, verbal reasoning, and English . General knowledge questions may include topics like fashion industry, both local and global, and news of political and economic importance. The GAT paper will be conducted in a computer-based mode and will be for 120 minutes.

Q:   What is the entrance exam for MDes course admission at NIFT Delhi?

A:

National Institute of Fashion Technology admit candidates to MDes programme based on merit in the national-level design entrance test conducted by the institute. Candidates seeking admission to this PG course need to take part NIFT exam (CAT), which is conducted in offline mode. Candidate should check NIFT Entrance Exam pattern, preparation tips, and more.

Q:   Can I get NIFT Delhi without an entrance exam?

A:

No, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) only offers admission basis of candidates' performance in the NIFT entrance exam. Conducted by NIFT Delhi, the National Institute of Fashion Technology entrance exam is the only accepting exam for admission to NIFT Delhi for several UG, PG and UG Diploma courses. The final selection is based on Situation Test and Personal Interview. 

Q:   What is NIFT 2024 opening and closing ranks of NIFT Bengaluru for open category?

A:

The NIFT Bengaluru admission cut-offs are now available for Round I, II, and III.

The cut-off has been released for all the 18 participating colleges.

To check the cut-off, you need to go to the https://admissions.nic.in/ portal.

Under eServices, select OR-CR.

The roundwise NIFT 2024 cut-off or closing rank (All-India Quota) for the open category for NIFT Bengaluru for the 3rd Round are given below:

  • Round I - 29 (opening rank), 234 (closing rank)
  • Round II - 208 (opening rank), 236 (closing rank)
  • Round III - 256 (closing rank)

Q:   What happens if I fail to qualify NID DAT 2025 (Prelims)?

A:

The results of the DAT Prelims will include the qualifying status of the candidate. If the candidate fails to qualify in DAT Prelims, he or she will not be eligible to appear in DAT Mains.

Note that the Desing Aptitude Test (DAT) conducted by the National Institute of Design (NID) has two sub-exams: DAT Prelims and DAT Mains.

Both the exams are mandatory.

Also, the final merit list is prepared by giving weighatage to DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. So, if a can candidate fails to qualify DAT Prelims or doesn’t appear in DAT Mains, the candidate will be disqualified from the admission process.

Pearl Academy Rajouri Garden is one of the top Fashion institutes in India. Pearl Academy of Fashion Delhi offers UG, PG, and other courses to students. These courses are provided across the Fashion DesignInterior Design, and various other streams. Pearl Academy Delhi provides BDes and MDes as flagship courses.

  1. Symbiosis Institute of Design, Pune:

Symbiosis Institute of Design Pune was established in 2006 as a constituent college of Symbiosis International Deemed University. SID Pune offers B.Des, and M.Des courses in a wide range of specialisations. These courses are provided across Communication Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Design, and various other streams. 

  1. Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), Delhi:

Indian Institute of Art and Design was established in 2015 in New Delhi. IIAD offers UG and PG courses in Fashion Design, Communication Design, Fashion Communication, Interior Architecture and Design, and Fashion Business Management. IIAD Delhi offers BA, MA, BBA courses in a wide range of Design specialisations.

  1. National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad:

NID Ahmedabad is recognised by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. The college offers UG, PG, and PhD courses to students in MDes and BDes courses. NID Ahmedabad Design College has a state-of-the-art infrastructure.

  1. MIT Institute of Design, Pune:

MIT Institute of Design (MITID) is a private institution which is a part of MIT ADT University. The institute offers UG, PG, Diploma and PG Diploma programmes across various specialisations. MIT Institute of Design offers UG, PG, and doctoral-level courses across multiple specialisations. BDes is the flagship course of MIT institute of Design. 

  1. World University of Design, Sonepat:

WUD is established by the Haryana Private Universities Act, 2006 with the right to confer degrees under Section 2(f) and 22(I) of the UGC Act. All degrees of WUD are UGC approved. WUD provides UG, PG, and diploma programmes in various courses include BDes, BBA, BArch, BA (Hons), BVA, BPA, MDes, MSc, MBA, MVA, and MPA.

  1. School of Design, UPES Dehradun:

UPES is ranked 46 under the 'University' category by NIRF 2024. UPES School of Design offers UG and PG courses to students. These courses are provided across the Design and various other streams. The School of Design, UPES offer various courses in Graphic Design include BDes and MDes.

Top Govt. Graphic Design Schools in India

The table below shows the government colleges for Graphic Design in India along with their tuition fees along with their eligibility/entrance exams:

Public/Govt. Colleges

Tuition Fee

Eligibility/Exams

NIFT Delhi Admission

INR 1 lakh

Eligibility: Pass in Class 12 or in graduation

Exam: NIFT Entrance Exam

NID Ahmedabad Admission

INR 12 lakh – INR 17 lakh

Eligibility: Pass in Class 12 or in graduation

Exam: NID Entrance Exam

CSJM - Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University Admission

INR 24,000

Eligibility: Pass in Class 12 or in graduation

Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University Admission

INR 5,000

Eligibility: Pass in Class 12 or in graduation

NIELIT Delhi Admission

INR 5,000 – INR 7,000

Eligibility: Pass in Class 12 or in graduation

Read More: Graphic Design Admission

Top Private Graphic Design Schools in India

The table below shows the top private Graphic Design colleges in India along with their tuition fees along with their eligibility/entrance exams:

Private Colleges

Tuition Fee

Eligibility/Exams

Pearl Academy Delhi Admission

INR 3 lakh

Eligibility: Pass in Class 12 or in graduation

Exam: Pearl Academy Entrance Exam

SID Pune Admission

INR 19 lakh

Eligibility: Pass in Class 12 with 50% aggregate

Exam: SEED

Pearl Academy Mumbai Admission

INR 3 lakh

Eligibility: Pass in Class 12 or in graduation

Exam: Pearl Academy Entrance Exam

Pearl Academy Jaipur Admission

INR 3 lakh

Eligibility: Pass in Class 12 or in graduation

Exam: Pearl Academy Entrance Exam

World University of Design Admission

INR 2 lakh – INR 13 lakh

Eligibility: Pass in Class 12 or in graduation with 50% aggregate

Exam: NIFT Entrance Exam, NID Entrance Exam, etc.

Private vs Government Graphic Design Schools in India

Here's a table outlining the key differences between private and government graphic design colleges in India:

Aspect

Private Graphic Design Colleges

Government Graphic Design Colleges

Affordability

Generally higher fees; varies by institution

Typically lower fees; subsidized by the government

Infrastructure

Often modern with updated facilities

Varies; some have good infrastructure, others may lack

Placement Opportunities

Tends to have strong industry connections

Good placement, but varies by institution

Admission Process

May have entrance tests or portfolio reviews

Usually requires entrance exams or specific criteria

Class Size

Often smaller, allowing for more personalized attention

Generally larger classes, which may affect attention

Extracurricular Activities

May offer more varied extracurricular

Varies, but often includes traditional arts and culture

Entrance Exams for Admission to Graphic Design Schools in India: Fees and Admission

Listed below are the top Graphic Design colleges in India along with their accepted various entrance exams and its total tuition fees:

Top Graphic Design Colleges

Entrance Exams

Tuition Fee

NIFT Delhi

NIFT Entrance Exam

BDes: INR 12 lakh

MDes: INR 6 lakh

MFM: INR 6 lakh

MFTech: INR 6 lakh

Pearl Academy, Delhi

Pearl Academy Entrance Exam

BDes: INR 3 lakh

MDes: INR 1.4 lakh

SID Pune

SEED

BDes: INR 19 lakh

MDes: INR 8 lakh

IIAD Delhi

IIAD DAT

BA: INR 22 lakh

MA: INR 10 lakh

NID Ahmedabad

NID Entrance Exam, Design Aptitude Test (DAT)

BDes: INR 17 lakh

MDes: INR 12 lakh

MIT Institute of Design Pune

MITID DAT

BDes: INR 17 lakh

MDes: INR 9 lakh

WUD

NIFT Entrance Exam, NID Entrance Exam, UCEED, WUD Aptitude Test, etc.

BDes: INR 11 lakh – INR 14 lakh

MDes: INR 7 lakh

BVA: INR 4 lakh

School of Design UPES

NIFT Entrance Exam, NID Entrance Exam, UCEED, UPES DAT, etc.

BDes: INR 22 lakh – INR 44 lakh

MDes: INR 13 lakh

Read More: Top Design Entrance Exams

Quick Links About Graphic Designing Course:

Relevant Links for Graphic Design Courses:

Top Graphic Design Schools in India: Seat Intake

The table below shows the top Graphic Design colleges in India along with their seat intake:

Top Graphic Design Colleges in India

B.Des Seat Intake

M.Des Seat Intake

NIFT Delhi Courses

258 seats

43 seats

SID Pune Courses

207 seats

20 seats

NID Ahmedabad Courses

128 seats

126 seats

MIT Institute of Design Pune Courses

60 seats

-

WUD Courses

460 seats

210 seats

School of Design UPES Courses

960 seats

150 seats

Why pursue a Graphic Design course in India?

Enrolling in a best Graphic Design institute in India provides a multitude of advantages, including access to expert instruction, opportunities for hands-on experience, exposure to industry-standard tools and techniques, and the chance to collaborate with like-minded peers, all of which can significantly enhance one’s creative skills and professional readiness in the competitive design field:

  1. To build a strong knowledge foundation: You'll receive a well-rounded education that covers design principles, typography, color theory, and more, all within a structured curriculum. A B.Des (Bachelor of Design) in Communication Design or Graphic Design is a great option if you are looking to learn the fundamental principles of graphic design and master the discipline. 
  2. To Improve career prospects: In the job market, a candidate with a degree in Graphic Design from a reputable college is generally perceived as more valuable than a self-taught designer.
  3. Exposure to Various Styles: Graphic design exposes you to various styles through diverse projects that allow for experimentation with different aesthetics, from minimalist to vintage. Collaborating with other designers and clients can introduce unique perspectives, while feedback from peers and instructors can highlight alternative approaches.
  4. Internship Opportunities: Many programs have partnerships with companies, helping you gain real-world experience through internships.
  5. Understanding of Theory and History: You'll gain insights into the history of design and its theoretical underpinnings, enriching your overall perspective.
About the Author
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Tasbiya Khan
Senior Executive

A meticulous and motivated individual with bachelor's and master's degrees in Arts (Economics), I am professionally managed and hold great aspirations. I believe in hard work and am always ready to thrive in dynamic... Read Full Bio

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peol solutions

2 months ago

Top graphic design schools in India for 2025 offer diverse programs with varying fees, eligibility criteria, and admission processes. Institutions like the National Institute of Design (NID), National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), and others provide comprehensive courses focusing on design

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