Best Graphic Design Courses in Kolkata in 2024

The digital age has brought about an unprecedented demand for skilled graphic designers, making the pursuit of this craft more appealing than ever. As we explore the educational landscape of Kolkata in this blog, we will discover numerous options, each offering a gateway to the world of graphic design that awaits your exploration.

Whether you're an aspiring artist ready to bring your vision to life, a budding designer eager to refine your talents, or a professional looking to advance your career, Kolkata's courses are poised to meet your aspirations. Join us as we navigate through this vibrant tapestry of graphic design education in Kolkata.

Content:

1. AND Academy: Certificate, Diploma & PG Diploma in Interior Design
2. Hi-Tech Animation: Graphic Design Course
3. MAAC: Program in Graphics, Web Designing & 2D Animation
4. Arena Animation: Graphics, Web Design & Development with Digital Marketing
5. Dreamzone Institute: Diploma in Graphic Design
6. Imagic: NSOU Graphic Design Diploma Course
7. Moople Institute of Animation and Design: Graphic Design Course
8. Red Apple Learning: Graphic Design & UI/UX Designing Course

1. AND Academy: Certificate, Diploma & PG Diploma in Interior Design

Nurtured under the distinguished wings of the Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), Delhi, and in collaborative resonance with the Kingston School of Art, London, AND Academy is a beacon of design brilliance. It exclusively dedicates its endeavours to the enrichment of aspiring designers, spanning both novices and seasoned professionals. AND Academy boasts meticulously tailored curricula, teaching design fundamentals and avant-garde techniques while seamlessly weaving in the knowledge of contemporary industry trends.

What sets AND Academy apart is not only the wisdom it imparts but the nurturing ethos that paves the path to professionalism, irrespective of one's educational or occupational backdrop. Within the domain of Graphic Design, AND Academy offers a variety of courses:

16-week Certificate course in Graphic Design: Crafted with flexibility in mind, this course offers evening and weekend classes, ensuring a seamless blend with your schedule. Its syllabus unfurls through three comprehensive modules, delving into the essence of graphic design, both for digital and print media. Graduates of this course emerge fully equipped to venture into the realms of print and digital design.

32-week Diploma in Graphic Design: Marking a stride towards complexity, this course serves as a progression from the certificate course. It delves deeper into the intricacies of design, encompassing form, type, brand identity, and brand communication. An entire module is devoted to honing the student's portfolio, aligning it with contemporary industry standards.

1-year PG Diploma course in Graphic Design (part-time): Ideal for those seeking a part-time commitment with unwavering depth, this program unfolds over 300 hours of live sessions. It combines theoretical underpinnings with hands-on learning, delving into advanced facets such as motion graphics and branding concepts.

36-week PG Diploma course in Graphic Design: This full-time odyssey comes with a guarantee of career progression. With a comprehensive curriculum spanning over 400 hours of live instructor-led sessions, it plunges students into the practical intricacies of graphic design, nurturing proficiency across diverse verticals within this creative field.

Curious about the educational offerings within our courses? You'll be even more captivated when you explore a selection of the remarkable projects completed by our enrolled students:

1. Brand Identity Design by Bibin S
2. Print and Publication Projects by Sai Prasad Chandran
3. Brand Identity Design by Dushyant Singh

Pros:

• Acquire industry-recognized certifications.
• Flexible course options with the ability to switch from Diploma to Certificate.
• Live sessions foster peer learning and expert guidance.
• Comprehensive curricula cultivate a profound understanding of graphic design.
• Online courses offer scheduling flexibility.
• Robust career-focused initiatives encompass LinkedIn profile development, CV crafting, and networking with recruiters.

Cons:

• Live sessions demand adherence to fixed schedules.
• Courses entail a substantial practical component, necessitating dedicated time.
• The PG Diploma demands full-time engagement, with no part-time alternatives.

Duration:

• Certificate in Graphic Design: 16 weeks (part-time)
• Diploma in Graphic Design: 32 weeks (part-time)
• PG Diploma in Graphic Design: 1 year (part-time)
• PG Diploma in Graphic Design: 36 weeks (full-time)

Price:

• Certificate in Graphic Design: INR 60,000 + GST (EMI starting at INR 6,600 per month)
• Diploma in Graphic Design: INR 1,20,000 + GST (EMI starting at INR 7,170 per month)
• PG Diploma in Graphic Design (part-time): INR 1,80,000 + GST (EMI starting at INR 8,463 per month)
• PG Diploma in Graphic Design (full-time): INR 2,20,000 + GST (EMI starting at INR 10,715 per month)

Learn more - AND Academy Graphic Design Courses

2. Hi-Tech Animation: Graphic Design Course

Hi-Tech Animation stands as another distinguished institution offering a Graphic Design course in Kolkata. This establishment not only serves as a professional animation studio but has also expanded its presence from Eastern India to various corners of the nation, including Kolkata. Their commitment to providing on-campus courses signals a dedication to individuals contemplating long-term careers in the graphic design sphere. Consequently, the admission process adheres to stringent criteria, with a preference for applicants possessing prior work experience and a fundamental grasp of Graphic Design. Aspiring students must physically visit the institute and partake in a demo class. Subsequently, the admission process proceeds upon receiving commendable feedback from the instructor.

Pros:

• A comprehensive curriculum that adeptly balances the breadth and depth of Graphic Design.
• Immersive involvement in real-world projects and assignments, fostering practical skills.
• Beneficial industry connections often result in post-course placement opportunities.

Cons:

• The primary focus of the institute and studio lies in the domains of animation and VFX, rather than the entirety of graphic design.
• The absence of online course options and the demanding admission process for offline courses may limit accessibility.

Duration

The duration of this course spans 10 months.

Price

The cost of enrollment for this program is approximately INR 80,000.

Learn more - Hi-Tech Animation: Graphic Design Course

3. MAAC: Program in Graphics, Web Designing & 2D Animation

Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics, commonly known as MAAC, stands as a reputable institution offering a diverse array of courses encompassing 3D animation, visual effects, gaming, multimedia, filmmaking, broadcast, VR, and augmented reality. With numerous centres dispersed throughout India, including Kolkata, MAAC has established itself as a prominent player in the arena of creative education.

One of MAAC's prominent offerings, the DGWA (Program in Graphics, Web Designing, and 2D Animation), places a strong emphasis on Graphic Design, catering to various media formats. This comprehensive program delves into a spectrum of graphic design applications, spanning from illustrating children's books to crafting layouts for tabloids, designing book covers, exploring motion graphics, delving into UI design, creating captivating posters, engaging in traditional animation techniques, and even mastering corporate brand design.

The duration of this live-taught, 1-year course unfolds across three distinct semesters. Each semester is thoughtfully designed to foster expertise in specific facets of Graphic Design, covering graphic and print design, web and interactive design, and 2D animation, respectively. Furthermore, MAAC extends the convenience of online classes for interested students.

Pros

• Demonstrated experience in delivering high-quality Graphic Design training.
• A network of centres conveniently located across different regions of Kolkata.
• Successful course completion results in a well-crafted portfolio, a valuable asset for aspiring designers.

Cons

• MAAC does not provide a job guarantee, a fact explicitly stated on their website.
• Diverse learner backgrounds within some batches, including individuals who may not have commenced high school, could lead to disparities in the classroom, potentially impacting the learning experience.
• The program is designed to offer a broad understanding of Graphic Design rather than delving into its depths.

Duration

The course spans a duration of 12 months.

Price

Enrolling in this program requires a total fee of INR 1,59,300.

Learn more - MAAC: Program in Graphics, Web Designing & 2D Animation

4. Arena Animation: Graphics, Web Design & Development

Arena Animation, a prominent institution renowned for its creative education, presents the Graphics Web Design & Development (GWDD) program, an extensive course designed to mould students into adept design professionals. Exclusively available as an offline offering, this comprehensive program seamlessly integrates Graphic Design, Web Designing, and Web Development, ensuring students acquire a well-rounded skill set that aligns with industry needs.

The curriculum of the GWDD program is carefully crafted, emphasising hands-on learning and the application of industry-endorsed techniques. With a laddered learning approach, students progress from foundational concepts to advanced levels, covering topics such as graphic design, web design, and programming. Regular projects and exposure to the latest software tools ensure that students gain practical experience essential for a successful career in the creative field.

Pros 

• Arena Animation offers hands-on training using the latest industry tools and techniques.
• The program follows a structured progression from basic to advanced levels, allowing students to build expertise gradually.
• Regular projects are integrated into the course to provide practical experience.
• Students have the opportunity to specialise in an area of interest and build a portfolio.
• Exposure to industry interactions and workshops enhances practical learning.

Cons

• Students dedicated a significant portion of the course to acquiring knowledge in search engine optimization, digital marketing and web analytics in this course
• Arena Animation does not provide a job guarantee for program graduates.
• While the program is comprehensive, it's important to note that Arena Animation's primary focus is on animation and VFX.
• The GWDD program is available only as an offline course, which may not be suitable for students seeking online learning options.

Duration

The course spans a total duration of 488 hours, equivalent to 15 months, with classes held thrice weekly for two hours each.

Price

The course approximately costs INR 1,45,000.

Learn more: Arena Animation: Graphics, Web Design & Development with Digital Marketing

5. Dreamzone Institute: Diploma in Graphic Design

Dreamzone Institute, a reputable institution in the field of creative education, offers a Diploma Course in Graphic Design. This meticulously designed program aims to provide students with the essential skills and knowledge required for success in the dynamic field of graphic design.

The graphic design course at Dreamzone Institute covers a range of fundamental principles and concepts of graphic design, including design theory, image manipulation, colour management, and typography. What sets this course apart is its emphasis on hands-on experience with industry-standard software tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Autodesk 3ds Max. This practical exposure ensures that students graduate from the program well-prepared for the industry, with the ability to transform their creative ideas into compelling visual designs.

Pros

• Comprehensive coverage of fundamental graphic design concepts.
• Extensive hands-on experience with industry-standard software tools.
• Recognition of industry shifts with a curriculum covering 3D design, social media, and UI/UX design.
• Equipping students to create engaging visual content for diverse digital platforms.

Cons

• The course is only available in an offline format, which may not suit individuals seeking online or remote learning options, potentially limiting accessibility
• Dreamzone Institute does not mention a job guarantee or placement assistance for graduates
• While the institute offers workshops, seminars, and industry updates, the information provided lacks specific details about the frequency and depth of these engagements

Duration

The course spans 200 hours.

Price

The course costs approximately INR 90,000.

Learn more: Dreamzone Institute: Diploma in Graphic Design

6. Imagic: NSOU Graphic Design Diploma Course

Imagic, a reputable institution, offers the NSOU Graphic Design Diploma course in Kolkata. This program, certified by Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU), is meticulously crafted to provide students with essential skills and knowledge for a successful career in graphic design. The NSOU Graphic Design Diploma course spans one year and consists of six modules. Students delve into various aspects of graphic design, covering design theory, image manipulation, colour management, and typography. The program also includes hands-on experience with industry-standard software tools, including CorelDraw X8, Photoshop CC22, Illustrator CC22, InDesign CC, and LightRoom CC.

Pros

• Successful graduates receive a 1-year diploma from Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU), a UGC-approved W.B. Government University with an NAAC Grade-A accreditation.
• Imagic ensures 100% job placement assistance upon course completion and graduates can apply for jobs across India and receive unlimited interview calls from Imagic.
• The course fee is payable in monthly instalments for upto 8 months.
• The course is open to candidates with a minimum qualification of 10+2.

Cons:

• The course is exclusively available in an offline format, which may not be suitable for individuals seeking online or remote learning options, potentially limiting accessibility.
• The provided information does not mention a job guarantee.

Duration

 The course spans one year.

Price: 

The course fee is INR 54,500.

Learn more: Imagic: NSOU Graphic Design Diploma Course

7. Moople Institute of Animation and Design: Graphic Design Course

Moople Institute of Animation and Design offers a 12-month Graphic Design Course and primarily conducts offline classes. This program comprises five modules, including training in software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Corel Draw, After Effects, and Cinema 4D. The institute encourages students to engage in real-world projects, providing them with valuable exposure to the graphic and media design industry. Moople's Graphic Design Course offers an extensive curriculum with various modules, making it highly advantageous for students. The training modules cover a spectrum of design aspects, including logo design and animation, icon design, print and digital publication design, and more. Prospective students should be aware that the admission process includes a mandatory physical visit for a demo class.

Pros:

• The course offers an extensive curriculum with various modules
• The institute encourages students to engage in real-world projects, providing them with valuable exposure to the graphic and media design industry.
• They provide students with live industry and studio exposure, allowing them to understand the practical dynamics of the field.

Cons:

• The institution's primary emphasis is on animation and motion graphics. This may impact the depth of graphic design content for those seeking specialised training.
• Moople predominantly offers its courses in an offline format, which may not be suitable for individuals preferring the flexibility of online learning.
• Moople's admission process is rigorous and requires students to physically visit the institute for a demo class, which might pose challenges for applicants residing outside of Kolkata.
• There is no job guarantee.

Duration:

The duration of this course spans 12 months.

Price

The course approximately costs INR 1,00,000.

Learn more: Moople Institute of Animation and Design: Graphic Design Course

8. Red Apple Learning: Graphic Design & UI/UX Designing Course

Red Apple Learning is a distinguished institution in the field of design education, renowned for offering a Diploma in Graphic & UI/UX Designing. This intensive and offline program covers a wide spectrum of design aspects, including brand designing, web and app designing, graphical illustrations, photo/image editing, game asset creation, concept design, package design, and advertisements. The curriculum is meticulously crafted to ensure students are well-prepared for the multifaceted demands of the design industry. While the course primarily adopts an offline format, providing hands-on learning experiences, the exact duration may vary based on the intensity of the modules.

Pros:

• The course stands out for its inclusive curriculum, offering students a diverse skill set that enhances their career prospects.
• An exceptional feature at Red Apple Learning is the provision of pre-placement offers to selected students right from the date of admission, ensuring job opportunities within Red Apple Learning's production house or associated production houses across India.
• The institute provides students with invaluable mentorship from industry veterans actively engaged in live national and international projects.

Cons:

• The program has a focus on UX UI Design as well which might not be ideal for those who want to receive education in graphic design exclusively
• The institute primarily conducts offline classes, which may not be suitable for individuals looking for flexible online learning.
• The exact duration of the course may vary based on the intensity of the modules, which could be a consideration for students with specific time constraints.

Duration

This is a year-long course.

Price

The course costs INR 1,55,000.

Learn more: Red Apple Learning: Graphic Design & UI/UX Designing Course

How should you choose the ideal course for you?

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of some of the best graphic design courses in Kolkata, the next crucial step is selecting the perfect course that aligns with your aspirations and ambitions. Making this choice involves careful consideration of several factors to ensure you embark on a path that suits your career goals and financial situation.

Define Your Career Goals: Begin by clarifying your career objectives. Are you looking to specialise in a particular area of graphic design, such as web design, animation, or print media? Identifying your niche will help you narrow down your options and find a course that offers the relevant expertise.

Budget Considerations: Evaluate your budget. Determine how much you're willing to invest in your education and weigh this against the costs of the courses you're interested in. Keep in mind that some courses offer flexible payment options, scholarships, or financial aid, so explore these possibilities.

Research Extensively: Go beyond the information presented in this article. Dive into the websites of the institutes that pique your interest. Explore their detailed course outlines, faculty credentials, infrastructure, and placement records. Pay attention to reviews and testimonials from current and former students to gain insights into their experiences.

Visit Institutes Personally: Whenever possible, make an effort to visit the institutes in person. This allows you to get a feel for the learning environment, interact with faculty, and assess the facilities. It's a crucial step in ensuring that you're comfortable with the institute's atmosphere and resources.

Attend Seminars and Workshops: Many institutes conduct seminars and workshops that provide a glimpse into their teaching methodologies. Attend these events to gauge the quality of education and the institute's commitment to staying current with industry trends.

Keep an Open Mind: Lastly, keep an open mind. Don't hesitate to explore new areas of graphic design, even if they weren't initially part of your plan. Sometimes, discovering a hidden passion can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career.

In conclusion, choosing the ideal graphic design course in Kolkata for 2024 requires diligence and thorough research. Encourage yourself to explore further, visit institute websites, attend open houses, and speak to faculty members. By making an informed decision, you'll embark on a learning journey that aligns perfectly with your aspirations.

Next steps

We hope this article gives you a good idea of the best Graphic Design Courses in Chennai and can come in handy to make an informed decision. In case you need further assistance, here are some of our resources to help you in your decision:

1. Watch this session by design veteran and AND’s Academic Head, Prachi Mittal, and our Course Lead, Soumya Tiwari.
2. Talk to a course advisor to discuss how you can transform your career with one of our courses.
3. Pursue our Graphic Design courses - all courses are taught through live, interactive classes by industry experts, and some even offer a Job Guarantee.
4. Take advantage of the scholarship and funding options that come with our courses to overcome any financial hurdle on the path of your career transformation.

Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.