Looking for the best graphic design courses in Pune to enhance your skills or start a career in the field? Read on for our top picks! This list offers options that differ in duration, price, and medium, but one thing is common – with these courses, you'll be better armed to make a mark in the field of graphic design.
If you're ready to embark on an exciting journey towards mastering the art of graphic design, but don’t know where to start, we've got you covered!
We've scoured Pune, albeit virtually, to find the best graphic design courses that will help you master the fundamentals, stay up-to-date with the latest trends, and hone your skills through hands-on projects. Plus, we've made sure to include courses that offer mentorship from experienced professionals, so you'll never feel lost or alone on your journey.
Browse through our carefully curated list to find the perfect fit for your goals and one that aligns with your budget.
- 1) AND Academy: Certificate, Diploma, and PG Diploma
- 2) Frameboxx 2.0: Graphic, Broadcast and Social Media Design Expert Program
- 3) International School of Design: Diploma Graphic Design Course
- 4) MAAC: Program in Graphics, Web Designing & 2D Animation
- 5) Arena Animation: Motion Graphic Design Program
- 6) Zee Institute of Creative Arts: Program in Graphic Design
- 7) Dream Zone: Diploma in Graphics and Web Design
- 8) Times & Trends Academy Chinchwad: Certificate in Graphic Design
1. AND Academy: Certificate, Diploma, and PG Diploma
Backed by the Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), Delhi, which collaborates with the Kingston School of Art, London, AND Academy focuses exclusively on providing upskilling courses in the design fields. Courses cater to both experienced professionals and beginners offering carefully crafted curricula that cover design fundamentals and advanced techniques, while simultaneously introducing the learners to current industry trends.
With the combination of expert guidance and a dedicated career support team, students enrolled in AND’s courses are trained to become professional designers regardless of their educational or professional background. In the field of Graphic Design , AND offers three distinct courses:
- 5-month Certificate course in Graphic Design: Ideal for those looking for a flexible course since classes are held in the evenings on weekends. The curriculum is divided into three modules that teach graphic design fundamentals as well as design for digital and print publications. Students who complete this short course will be fully prepared to pursue careers in print or digital design.
- 9-month Diploma in Graphic Design: A relatively advanced course that builds upon the certificate course’s curriculum and has the students explore a lot more - form and type, brand identity, and brand communication. To top this, the course dedicates an entire module to helping the students build their portfolios in accordance with current industry standards.
- 14-month PG Diploma course in Graphic Design (part-time): A part-time course that comes with a comprehensive curriculum and over 300 hours of live sessions. The programme also includes practical, hands-on learning modules and includes advanced topics like motion graphics and concepts of branding.
- 1-year PG Diploma course in Graphic Design: A full-time course that comes with a Job guarantee. The curriculum is comprehensive and learners are required to attend over 400 hours of live instructor-led sessions. The course, like the rest, offers a serious practical component and ensures that students gain practical experience in a variety of verticals within the realm of graphic design.
Are you intrigued by the curricula offered in our courses? Wait till you take a look at some of the projects undertaken by students enrolled:
- Brand Identity Design Project by Bibin S
- Print and Publication Project by Sai Prasad Chandran
- Brand Identity Design Project by Dushyant Singh
Pros
- Students receive an industry-recognized certification
- Since the two courses are stackable, students can exit the Diploma course after 16 weeks and are awarded a Certificate instead
- All sessions are live, allowing students to benefit from expert guidance and peer learning opportunities
- Each course comes with a comprehensive curriculum that helps learners build a strong understanding of graphic design
- All courses are offered online, which provides flexibility in terms of scheduling
- As part of AND’s placement assistance initiatives, the career-focused courses provide regular sessions on LinkedIn profile building, CV writing, and networking with recruiters
Cons
- Since the instructor-led sessions are not prerecorded, they must be attended at fixed times
- The courses come with a considerable practical component that requires students to dedicate time throughout the course
- The PG Diploma is an intensive course that requires full-time study; hence no part-time options are available for the course
Duration
- Certificate in Graphic Design - 5 months (part-time)
- Diploma in Graphic Design - 9 months (part-time)
- PG Diploma in Graphic Design - 14 months (part-time)
- PG Diploma in Graphic Design- 1 year (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. Frameboxx 2.0: Graphic, Broadcast and Social Media Design Expert Program
Frameboxx 2.0 is an academic institution that provides degree courses and specialisation programmes in animation, gaming, visual effects, graphic design, web design, and photography. The Expert Program in Graphic, Broadcast and Social Media Design is a 10-month course that can be attended both online and offline.
The curriculum of the course is divided into three modules that follow a software-led methodology and give students a brief overview of design theory and principles before diving into teaching how to use the software programmes. The final module is entirely focused on portfolio development.
This course specialises in teaching graphic design for social media platforms and broadcast media. Among the many broadcast mediums, students learn to design for movies, web series, commercials, documentaries, and TV shows. On the social media front, students learn to design for nearly all mainstream platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and YouTube.
Pros:
- The course is taught by an experienced technical head
- The course is accessible since it is available in both formats - online and offline
- Every live class is recorded and distributed to the students so they can access them later
- The program includes practical projects, allowing students to apply their learning and develop their skills
Cons:
- The institute does not offer a job guarantee which can be a concern for some students who are looking for career placement opportunities after completing the program
- The course curriculum primarily focuses on teaching software
- The course emphasises broadcast and social media design which might limit a student’s exposure to other areas of design
- Does not offer much flexibility in terms of scheduling, posing a challenge for students who need to balance other commitments such as work or family
- The program is only available at select locations and may limit accessibility for students who are not located nearby
Duration:
The course spans 10 months.
Price:
The course costs INR 1,25,000 (including GST).
Learn more: Frameboxx 2.0: Expert Program in Graphic, Broadcast and Social Media Design
3. International School of Design: Diploma Graphic Design Course
The International School of Design offers degree programs, certificate courses, and diplomas in various design fields. One such program is the Diploma Graphic Design course, which is a year-long program divided into two semesters. The first semester covers the fundamentals of graphic design including design principles, typography, and colour theory, while the second semester covers branding, packaging, digital publishing, web design, and UI design. The course is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the field of graphic design.
Pros
- The course is beginner-friendly
- The course includes practical training sessions where students work on real-world projects, helping them to get the necessary exposure
- The institute's online presence is limited, and it may be challenging for students to find information about the course before enrolling
Cons
- There is no placement guarantee for students enrolled in the course
- There is no online option; hence, it is relatively less accessible
- INSD offers very few courses in graphic design, which may not be suitable for students looking for specialised courses
Duration:
The course spans 12 months.
Price:
The course costs INR 1,08,000 (including GST).
Learn more: International School of Design: Diploma Graphic Design Course
4. MAAC: Program in Graphics, Web Designing & 2D Animation
MAAC (Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics) offers courses in various fields, including a year-long course in Graphics, Web Designing, and 2D Animation. This program is entirely synchronous, with online and in-person attendance options. It consists of three semesters, each four months long, covering graphic and print design, online design, and 2D animation respectively. Students learn to design for print and digital mediums, including tabloid layouts, book covers, motion graphics, websites, posters, and corporate branding.
Pros
- MAAC is an industry recognised which adds credibility to the program and potentially provides networking opportunities for students
- Accessible - available in both online and offline formats
- Students are provided with hands-on projects, that culminate into a portfolio, during the course
Cons
- Unideal for students looking for a course exclusively in graphic design
- The course may not cover advanced topics in graphic and web designing
- No job guarantee
Duration:
The course spans 12 months.
Price:
The course costs INR 1,16,000 (including GST).
Learn more: MAAC: Program in Graphics, Web Designing & 2D Animation
5. Arena Animation: Motion Graphic Design Program
Arena Animation is a training facility that offers courses in creative fields. The Motion Graphic Design Program, which covers graphic design, motion graphics, and image and video editing, is a 5-month course available online and offline. The majority of the course focuses on graphic design fundamentals, techniques, illustration for print, design for print and advertising, image editing, and page layout design. Students also learn about cinematography, photography, audio, digital video editing, colour grading, finishing, and digital compositing. At the end of the course, students complete a portfolio project to demonstrate their skills.
Pros
- Arena Animation is a well-known name in the media and entertainment industry and this can help with the student’s professional profile
- Can pursue the course online or offline without observing any changes in the curriculum
- There is a practical component to the course that helps with creating a portfolio
- All sessions are taught live by experienced trainers
Cons
- The course doesn't come with a job guarantee
- The course is short and might pose a challenge to students in terms of comprehension
- The course assumes prior knowledge in graphic design and motion graphics, which may be a drawback for beginners
Duration:
The course spans 5 months.
Price:
The course costs INR 45,000 (including GST).
Learn more: Arena Animation: Motion Graphic Design Program
6. Zee Institute of Creative Arts: Program in Graphic Design
Zee Institute of Creative Art (ZICA) is an animation training academy in India that provides comprehensive training in classical 2D and modern 3D animation. The institute offers a 6-month program in Graphic Design that can be attended online or offline.
The program is built to teach students how to design for various digital and print publications and offers a balanced curriculum of theory and practical application - students are required to complete multiple projects throughout the program to help develop their portfolio.
Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired skills in digital artwork compilation for various applications such as illustrations, advertisements, photography, image editing, press advertisements, magazine artwork, and promotional displays. Additionally, students will have a basic understanding of design and composition.
Pros:
- The program offers a balanced curriculum of theory and practical application
- The course can be attended online or offline, providing flexibility for students to choose the mode of learning that suits them best
- Students are required to complete multiple projects throughout the program, which helps them develop a portfolio of work to showcase their skills to potential employers
Cons:
- The program duration is only six months, which may not be sufficient for some students to fully grasp all the concepts and skills required to become proficient in graphic design
- The curriculum focuses on digital and print publications, which may not cover all aspects of graphic design
- There is no provision for job guarantees
Duration:
The course spans 6 months.
Price:
The course costs INR 55,000 (including GST)
7. Dream Zone: Diploma in Graphics and Web Design
Dream Zone offers a year-long Diploma course in Graphic Design that can be taken online or offline. Students have the option to choose between weekday or weekend schedules. The course curriculum is designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of graphic design, including the relationship between elements of two-dimensional design, such as point, line, plane, scale, hierarchy, layers, and transparency.
With this course, students can expect to build a strong foundation in design and create a variety of design types, including logos, letterheads, and website designs. Additionally, students will learn the basics of designing for the web. The course places a significant emphasis on software, with more than half of the modules dedicated to teaching one software each.
Pros:
- Flexibility - students can attend classes on weekdays or weekends
- Students are provided with an internship, which can be paid or unpaid based on the skill level of the student, at the end of the course at Dream Zone
- Students work on projects during the course, giving them an opportunity to assess their understanding of software operation
Cons:
- This course is unideal for students who only wish to learn graphic design since it also teaches web design
- The course is not very comprehensive; might not be suitable for those who wish to specialise
- No guarantee of employment is extended to the students after the completion of the course
Duration:
The course duration is 12 months.
Price:
The course costs INR 60,000 (including GST)
8. Times & Trends Academy Chinchwad: Certificate in Graphic Design
Times & Trends Academy Chinchwad is a training institute that provides courses in event management, fashion management, and design. The academy offers a 4-month certificate course in Graphic Design, which can be pursued through online or offline modes. The course adopts a software-first approach, and the curriculum consists of 4 modules, each of which is dedicated to teaching a particular software. At the end of the course, students can expect to have gained skills in editing and designing graphics for digital and print media.
Pros:
- The course can be attended in person or online
- Relatively economical course
- Short course - doesn't require students to commit a significant amount of time
Cons:
- The course curriculum might not be as comprehensive
- The curriculum revolves around teaching how to use software programs and might not touch upon other aspects of graphic design
- Not much information on the qualifications and experience of its instructors is readily available
Duration:
The course spans 4 months.
Price:
The course costs INR 28,000 (including GST)
Learn more: Times & Trends Academy Chinchwad: Certificate in Graphic Design
How to choose the right course?
Before enrolling in a course, there are several important factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Goals and Objectives: Determine what your learning goals and career objectives are before taking any course. Are you looking to improve your design skills for personal use or a career in graphic design? Are you simply trying to master the popular graphic design software available today? Understanding your goals will help you choose the right course. A short and elementary course in graphic design will be ideal if you have a passing interest in graphic design. On the other hand, you should consider a comprehensive course with a strong practical component and a dedicated placement cell if you are serious about pursuing a career in the field.
Course Content: Look into the course content and syllabus to make sure it aligns with your goals and interests. Check if the course covers the fundamentals principles, advanced concepts, and design tools you want to learn.
Instructor's qualifications: Check out the mentor’s experience, qualifications, and portfolio to ensure they are well-versed in the field. Get in touch with the course provider’s admissions team to find out more about the course lead’s qualifications.
Mode of instruction: Decide if you prefer in-person classes or online courses. Online courses can be effective and convenient for you if you have geographical limitations.
Course duration: Consider the length of the course and the time commitment required. Make sure you have the necessary time to complete the course and practise the skills you learn.
Cost: Determine the cost of the course and whether it fits within your budget.
Overall, it's essential to choose a course that aligns with your goals and interests, has a team of well-qualified experts, offers a comprehensive curriculum, and fits your schedule and budget.
Tips and Resources
- Watch this session by design veteran and AND’s Academic Head, Prachi Mittal, and our Course Lead, Soumya Tiwari.
- Talk to a course advisor to discuss how you can transform your career with one of our courses.
- Pursue our Graphic Design courses - all courses are taught through live, interactive classes by industry experts, and some even offer a Job Guarantee.
- 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.
