Toy Design: Admission 2025, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Updated on Oct 10, 2024 06:45 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtContent Writer

Toy Design courses are designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the dynamic and creative field of toy design. These programs blend art and engineering, combining artistic creativity with technical proficiency to create toys that are visually appealing and also safe and functional for children of all ages. 

Toy Design courses are offered at UG, PG, and Certification levels. Some popular Toy Design courses include M.Des. in Toy and Game Design, B.Des. in Toy Design, Certificate in Toys & Game Design, etc. Admission to Toy Design courses is majorly based on the merit system, however, colleges like the National Institute of Design conduct entrance exams such as the NID DAT

The eligibility criteria for Toy Design courses vary depending on the course level. Some popular Toy Design colleges in India include CMR University, National Institute of Design, etc. The average course fee ranges between INR 10 - 12 Lakh.

Toy Design students can seek career opportunities in fields like Manufacturing, Government Sports Organizations, Gaming, etc. Some popular job profiles in this domain include Toy Designer, Product Developer, Packaging Designer, 3D Modeler, Toy Engineer and so on. 

The average salary of a Toy Designer is INR 5 LPA in India. Interested candidates can continue reading the article for more Toy Design course details.

Latest Updates for Toy Design Courses:

The National Institute of Design (NID) is accepting online applications for NID DAT 2025 from October 3 to December 3, 2024.

Toy Design Course Details: Highlights

Creating, developing, and manufacturing toys is the creative, multidisciplinary discipline of Toy Design. This method calls for a blend of technical and artistic abilities with knowledge of market trends, safety laws, and child development.

Toy Design course includes both hard materials like plastic, ceramic, metal, and wood as well as soft materials such as cloth, cotton, fibre, rubber, and more. Candidates can see the key highlights of the Toy Design course for their reference:

Parameters Course Details
Toy Design Course Level UG, PG, and Certification
Toy Design Course Duration

UG: 3 Years

PG: 2 Years

Certification: 1 Year

Toy Design Admission Process Both merit and entrance exam-based
Toy Design Entrance Exams NID DAT
Toy Design Course Fee INR 10 - 12 Lakh
Toy Design Top Colleges CMR University, National Institute of Design, etc.
Toy Design Job Profiles Toy Designer, Product Developer, Packaging Designer, 3D Designer, Toy Engineer, etc.
Toy Design Average Salary INR 5 LPA
Toy Design Top Recruiters Brainsmith, Funskool, Funcorp.in, the Toy Association of India, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), Sports Goods Export Promotion Council of India, etc.

Note: This information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Quick Links Related to Toy Design Courses:

Know everything about Design courses

Q:   What does a Toy Designer do?

A:

A Toy Designer is essential to the ideation, development, and production of toys because they combine technical know-how with artistic vision to make engaging and captivating items for their intended market.

  • Idea Generation: It is the process of coming up with creative and inventive concepts for new toys based on consumer preferences, market trends, and play patterns.
  • Drawing and Rendering: To effectively convey design concepts and characteristics, produce meticulous drawings and digital representations.

Q:   Why are Toy Design courses important?

A:

Toy design is a specialisation of design that is not limited to the development of a product. It also involves a quality check for safety standards and scientific research. The toy industry is categorised into action hero figures, plush toys, dolls, arts & crafts, puzzles, games, building sets, outdoor games, electronics and sports toys.

The industry requires a professional who is innovative and has great observational skills. The toy design course is designed to equip students with basic skills and knowledge that revolve around toys, their manufacturing, designing, production and promotion.

Why Study a Toy Design Course?

For several reasons, studying toy design may be a fulfilling and worthwhile endeavour.

Creativity & Innovation: The profession of toy creation demands a great degree of creativity and inventive thinking. Creating toys requires coming up with original and creative concepts that can enthral and engage kids.

Child Development: Toy creation requires a thorough understanding of child psychology and development. An important part of this profession is making toys that help kids develop cognitively, emotionally, and physically in addition to being entertaining.

Market Demand: The toy business is huge and often changing. Understanding customer preferences, industry trends, and upcoming technology can all be gained from studying toy design. Having this insight can help manufacturers make toys that appeal to consumers.

Future Growth: As per the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) analysis report, the Indian Toy Industry is expected to grow by 20% CAGR in the coming years, but is still facing challenges such as small-scale production, lack of innovation and technology.

Therefore, at a global level in the Toy Market, India needs sustained new product development, quality and technical enhancements which will help in Competitive Advantage.

Relevant Link Related to Toy Design: 

NID DAT 2024 Toppers - All India Rank, Scores, Interviews

Q:   Are Toy Designers in demand?

A:

Due to their special combination of inventiveness, creativity, and customer preference understanding, toy designers are frequently in high demand. Companies are continuously looking for innovative and captivating toy designs to engage their target audience in a market that is always changing.

Toy Designers are essential to the way the industry develops because of their ability to keep ahead of trends, meet educational demands, and access international markets.

Q:   What is the scope of Toy Design field?

A:

Toy design is a dynamic field with a wide range of potential applications. The following essential components outline the range of toy design:

  • Artistic Expression: Creating toys gives designers a platform to express their creativity and makes it possible to realise their wildest visions and produce engaging kid-inspired items.
  • Wide Variety of Products: The scope encompasses a wide variety of toys that appeal to various age groups and interests, such as educational toys, soft toys, board games, electronic toys, and more.
  • Teaching Aids: The market for educational toys is expanding, giving designers the chance to work on products that help kids learn and acquire new skills.

Toy Design Course Eligibility Criteria

The requirements for enrollment in a course on toy design may differ according to the organisation providing the instruction. On the other hand, you may find that many design courses—including toy design—have certain standard prerequisites.

Remember that these are only guidelines, and you should always confirm the particular requirements of the institution you are considering. 

Course Level

Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate/Certification
  • Class 12 from any stream,
  • With a minimum of 50% aggregate score from a recognized board.
Postgraduate
  • A bachelor's degree in any relevant discipline,
  • With a minimum of 55% aggregate score from a recognized university.

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Q:   I have scored less than 55% in Class 12. Can I get admission to Toy Design course?

A:

Yes, the eligibility criteria to get admission to a Toy Design course is to get at least 50% marks and scoring less than 55% will not recstrict you from getting admission to a Toy Design program. You can also click here and explore Toys Designer Online Courses & Certifications.

Q:   What is the procedure for admission to Toy Design course?

A:

Go through the admission process mentioned below that you might encounter while applying for a toy design course.

  • Certain colleges enrol students based on merit while others admit students on per first come first get basis.
  • Most of the colleges provide admission to toy design courses through a common entrance exam or a separate entrance exam.
  • The entrance exam held by the college might include a written exam or a personal interview.
  • The application process varies from college to college or university to university.

Toy Design Entrance Exams 2024

NID DAT is the only entrance exam conducted for Toy Design courses in India by the National Institute of Design. Interested candidates can see the table below for NID DAT exam details:

Entrance Exam Exam Dates Exam Schedule
NID DAT January 5, 2025 NID DAT Schedule

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

Links useful for Toy Design Courses:

What is NID - Full Form, What it does, NID Exam

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

22 Nov ' 24 - 6 Jan ' 25

NIFT 2025 application form OPEN (Regular fees)

7 Jan ' 25 - 9 Jan ' 25

NIFT 2025 application form OPEN (Late fees)

21 Feb ' 25

SAT Registration Deadline for March Test

25 Feb ' 25

SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a...

24 Dec ' 24 - 5 Jan ' 25

NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) - Issue of Admit Cards

5 Jan ' 25

NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) Date

Q:   What will be the pattern for NID DAT Prelims?

A:

The NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) exam will be conducted on January 5, 2024. 

As per the official pattern, the DAT Prelims exam wil be conducted offline and will be of 3 hours duration. The test will be conducted in English language and include a maximum of 26 questions. The question paper will include both subjective and objective-type questions. The paper will be for 100 marks. Candidate who qualify in DAT Prelims have to next appear in DAT Mains.

The candidate needs to consult the exam pattern along with the syllabus to prepare for the NID that exam. Note that the National Institute of Design also has the authority to make changes to the exam pattern.

Q:   Is the NID DAT exam very difficult to crack?

A:
NID DAT, along with NIFT and UCEED are among the most competitive national-level entrance exams in the country. The fact that there are only 425 seats for the B. Des and 347 seats for the M.Des programme makes it very competitive. But that being said, if the candidate prepares well and with the correct strategy, then the NID DAT exam can be cracked. Among the first things the candidate needs to do is prepare a efficient study timetable, get familiar with the syllabus and pattern, and use good books as reference material.

Toy Design Course Syllabus

The syllabus and curriculum for Toy Design courses differ depending on the course level and type. For candidates' reference, here's the syllabus for the Diploma in Toy Design:

Toy Design Subjects Semester I
Introduction to Toy Design Child Development and Play Theories
Materials and Manufacturing Processes for Toys Sketching and Concept Development
Introduction to 3D Modeling for Toy Design -
Toy Design Subjects Semester II
Advanced Toy Design Principles Prototyping Techniques for Toy Design
Advanced 3D Modeling and Rendering for Toys Interactive Toy Design and Technology Integration
Toy Design Subjects Semester III
Advanced Toy Manufacturing and Production Techniques Toy Packaging Design and Retail Presentation
Toy Marketing and Promotion Strategies Entrepreneurship and Business Skills for Toy Designers

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Links recommended for Toy Design courses:

How to prepare for NID DAT 2025 in 3 months

 

Q:   Which are the best books for NID Entrance Exam?

A:
To give oneself a higher chance of securing a good rank in NID DAT, it is important to use good quality books a reference material. Here are some of the best books recommended by experts and previous rank holders to prepare for the NID that exam: NID (B. Des. ). Entrance Books and Test Series by AFAINDIA Basic Rendering by Robert W. Gill Design drawing by Francis D. K. Ching NIFT/NID/IIFT Entrance Exam Guide by RPH Editorial Board In addition to these books, the candidate must also make it a habit to solve sample papers and take mock tests. Mock tests can be taken closer to the exam.

Q:   Are there any specializations in Toy Designing?

A:

Within toy design, students can specialize in specific areas based on their interests and career goals. Some common specializations include:

Plush Toy DesignElectronic and Interactive Toy Design,
Wooden Toy DesignCharacter Design
Game DesignEnvironmental and Sustainable Toy Design
Collectible Toy DesignInclusive Toy Design

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Toy Design Online Courses

Students interested in Toy Design can have a look at the table below to learn some of the online courses. Online Design programmes provide a lot of freedom. Students can study from anywhere in the world and finish their assignments at their speed.

Online Toy Design Courses Course Provider Fees (in INR)

Basic Elements of Design: Design Principles and Design Software

Coursera Free

Digital Design: Creating Design Systems for Easier, Better & Faster Design

Skillshare Free

Introduction to Design Thinking and People-Centered Design - Revised

Alsion Free

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling and may vary.

Know more about:

Online Toy Design Courses

Q:   Are there any online Toy Design courses?

A:

Yes, there any many institutions offering online Toy Design programs such as:

Online Toy Design PlatformCourse Offered
Creative Mentors Animation and Gaming CollegeDiploma in Game Art and Design
AlisonDesign Research and Analysis
UdemyMobile App Design In Sketch 3 UX and UI Design From Scratch
NPTELUnderstanding Design Thinking and People Centred Design
UdemyStructural Steel Design: Learn the Principles of Design

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling and may vary.

Best Toy Design Colleges in India

There are only a few colleges in India that offer Toy Design courses. Candidates are advised to check if the colleges offering Toy Design courses are approved by the UGC (University Grants Commission). Given below are some colleges that offer Toy Design courses at various course levels:

Toy Design Colleges Tuition Fee
National Institute of Design, Gandhinagar INR 11.43 Lakh
School of Design, CMR University INR 10 Lakh

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling and may vary.

Quick Links Related to Toy Design Courses:

NID Courses Fee Structure 2025 (BDes & MDes): Semester-wise & College-wise Fees

1.48 L

Top 20 in India

1 Course
11.43 L

Top 10 in Gujarat

10 L
4.2 LPA

Q:   Which is the best college for Toy Design courses in India?

A:

National Institute of Design are considered the best colleges offering Toy Design courses in India. It offers M.Des. in Toy and Game Design, which is a 2-year PG program, the total tuition fee of which is INR 11.43 Lakh.

Popular Private Toy Design Colleges in India

10 L
4.2 LPA
1.48 L

Top 20 in India

1 Course
11.43 L

Top 10 in Gujarat

Toy Design Course Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters

A career in toy design provides a unique combination of inventiveness, creativity, and the chance to make a difference in kids' lives. A vast array of items, from innovative technical devices to instructional toys, are conceptualised by toy designers. Because of the industry's adaptability, designers are free to experiment with various toy categories and age groups.

Know more about Design Careers

A job in toy design is fulfilling and always changing because of the industry's resilience and dynamic nature as well as the satisfaction of adding to children's experiences. The need for fresh, cutting-edge toys is steady, and the toy sector has proven resilient.

Job Profiles Job Description Average Salary
Product Designer They analyze how a new product satisfies market needs and consumer preferences, stay up to date on current industry trends and market conditions, etc. INR 7.8 LPA
Product Developer They create new products from scratch or improve existing ones by working closely with other teams throughout the organization.  INR 9.6 LPA
Packaging Designer They help make a product appealing to potential buyers through its packaging. Their duties might include selecting typefaces, colors, and illustrations for the packaging.  INR 4.2 LPA
3D Designer They use 3D modelling tools and technology to create products and concepts. They often work in a creative environment and need a combination of hard and soft skills.  INR 5 LPA
Toy Engineer They design sketches, assess materials needed, create a prototype, consult on requirements, assist with product testing, and modify to deliver the final product.  INR 3.6 LPA

Note: The salary information is sourced from Ambitionbox.com.

Top Recruiters for Toy Design

Toy Design students can seek employment options in fields like Manufacturing, Government Sports Organizations, Gaming, etc. They get to work with top brands in the Toy Industry in various departments such as Product Development and Innovation, design, Research and Marketing, etc. Here are some top recruiting companies for Toy Design:

Top Recruiters for Toy Design

Skoodle Funskool

Brainsmith

Funcorp.in The Toy Association of India

Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH)

Sports Goods Export Promotion Council of India Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Toy Design links students find useful:

NID Placement 2025: Highest/Average Salary, Participating Companies & Job Roles

Q:   What is the salary of a Toy Designer?

A:

The salary range for Toy Designer varies according to the level of experience. Here is a table representing entry, mid and senior level salaries of Toy Designers in India:

Level

Entry Level

Mid-Level

Senior Level

Salary Range

INR 2.5 lakh to INR 3.9 lakh

INR 3.9 lakh to INR 6 lakh

INR 6 lakh- INR 8.4 lakh

Note: This information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Q:   Which are the top recruiting companies for Toy Design graduates?

A:

Graduates of Toy Design courses can get employment in the companies mentioned below:

Company Name

Description

Funskool India Ltd.

Leading Indian toy manufacturer producing a wide range of toys, games, and puzzles. Possible opportunities for toy designers.

Hamleys (Reliance Brands)

Iconic toy store owned by Reliance Brands in India. Potential opportunities for designers to work on exclusive toy lines.

Simba Toys India Pvt. Ltd.

Part of the Simba Dickie Group, known for producing a variety of toys for different age groups. Potential openings for toy designers.

Frank Educational Aids Pvt. Ltd.

Specializes in educational toys and games. Opportunities may exist for designers passionate about creating learning-centric toys.

United Toys

Manufacturer of various toys, including dolls and action figures. Potential employer for toy designers.

Note: This information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Toy Design Course FAQs

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions related to Toy Design courses:

Q:   Which is the most popular toy brand in India?

A:

Some of the most popular toy brands in India include:

Toy Brand

Description

Funskool

Funskool is a leading Indian toy manufacturer known for its wide range of educational toys.

Hamleys

Hamleys, although a British brand, has a significant presence in India with its flagship stores.

Chhota Bheem

Chhota Bheem is a popular Indian animated series that has spawned a range of merchandise and toys.

Note: This information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Q:   What skills are required to become a Toy Designer?

A:

The skill set required to be a successful Toy Designer includes a passion for the field, an understanding of child psychology, ability to create new concepts & good sketching skills. Designers should have intricate knowledge about materials & toy safety regulations, creating prototypes and determining which material will best fit a particular toy. 

Estimating production costs & retail prices and creating marketable toys for a company acts as a bonus. As part of the process, designers may need to work in a team. Toy Designers can also specialize in one set type of toy like puzzles and games or create toys for a particular age group.

Popular Toy Design UG Courses

Following are the most popular Toy Design UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Toy Design PG Courses

Following are the most popular Toy Design PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 months ago

Within toy design, students can specialize in specific areas based on their interests and career goals. Some common specializations include:

Plush Toy DesignElectronic and Interactive Toy Design,
Wooden Toy DesignCharacter Design
Game DesignEnvironmental and Sustainable Toy Design
Collectible Toy DesignInclusive Toy Design

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The skill set required to be a successful Toy Designer includes a passion for the field, an understanding of child psychology, ability to create new concepts & good sketching skills. Designers should have intricate knowledge about materials & toy safety regulations, creating prototypes and determini

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Toy design is a specialisation of design that is not limited to the development of a product. It also involves a quality check for safety standards and scientific research. The toy industry is categorised into action hero figures, plush toys, dolls, arts & crafts, puzzles, games, building sets, outd

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Go through the admission process mentioned below that you might encounter while applying for a toy design course.

  • Certain colleges enrol students based on merit while others admit students on per first come first get basis.
  • Most of the colleges provide admission to toy design courses through a common

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, there any many institutions offering online Toy Design programs such as:

Online Toy Design PlatformCourse Offered
Creative Mentors Animation and Gaming CollegeDiploma in Game Art and Design
AlisonDesign Research and Analysis
UdemyMobile App Design In Sketch 3 UX and UI Design From Scratch
NPTELUnderstanding Design Thinking and People Centred Design
UdemyStructural Steel Design: Learn the Principles of Design

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling and may vary.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

National Institute of Design are considered the best colleges offering Toy Design courses in India. It offers M.Des. in Toy and Game Design, which is a 2-year PG program, the total tuition fee of which is INR 11.43 Lakh.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, the eligibility criteria to get admission to a Toy Design course is to get at least 50% marks and scoring less than 55% will not recstrict you from getting admission to a Toy Design program. You can also click here and explore Toys Designer Online Courses & Certifications.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

A Toy Designer is essential to the ideation, development, and production of toys because they combine technical know-how with artistic vision to make engaging and captivating items for their intended market.

  • Idea Generation: It is the process of coming up with creative and inventive concepts for new

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Toy design is a dynamic field with a wide range of potential applications. The following essential components outline the range of toy design:

  • Artistic Expression: Creating toys gives designers a platform to express their creativity and makes it possible to realise their wildest visions and produce e

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Graduates of Toy Design courses can get employment in the companies mentioned below:

Company Name

Description

Funskool India Ltd.

Leading Indian toy manufacturer producing a wide range of toys, games, and puzzles. Possible opportunities for toy designers.

Hamleys (Reliance Brands)

Iconic toy store owned by Reliance Brands in India. Potential opportunities for designers to work on exclusive toy lines.

Simba Toys India Pvt. Ltd.

Part of the Simba Dickie Group, known for producing a variety of toys for different age groups. Potential openings for toy designers.

Frank Educational Aids Pvt. Ltd.

Specializes in educational toys and games. Opportunities may exist for designers passionate about creating learning-centric toys.

United Toys

Manufacturer of various toys, including dolls and action figures. Potential employer for toy designers.

Note: This information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The salary range for Toy Designer varies according to the level of experience. Here is a table representing entry, mid and senior level salaries of Toy Designers in India:

Level

Entry Level

Mid-Level

Senior Level

Salary Range

INR 2.5 lakh to INR 3.9 lakh

INR 3.9 lakh to INR 6 lakh

INR 6 lakh- INR 8.4 lakh

Note: This information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Due to their special combination of inventiveness, creativity, and customer preference understanding, toy designers are frequently in high demand. Companies are continuously looking for innovative and captivating toy designs to engage their target audience in a market that is always changing.

Toy Des

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Some of the most popular toy brands in India include:

Toy Brand

Description

Funskool

Funskool is a leading Indian toy manufacturer known for its wide range of educational toys.

Hamleys

Hamleys, although a British brand, has a significant presence in India with its flagship stores.

Chhota Bheem

Chhota Bheem is a popular Indian animated series that has spawned a range of merchandise and toys.

Note: This information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else

On Shiksha, get access to

  • 63k Colleges
  • 966 Exams
  • 616k Reviews
  • 1450k Answers