If you’re looking to pursue a degree course in the field of graphic design but are unable to zero in on a good college, you’ve come to the right place. This holistic blog is here to walk you through a list of the top Graphic Design colleges in India and also help you choose one.
Graphic Design , much like other disciplines, values formal training in the field before you set out to establish a career in it. While you could take any route to gain this training, 3 to 4-year-long degree courses from leading Graphic Design colleges remain an excellent and holistic option sure to provide the skills and knowledge you need to make a mark in the field.
So which college should you choose for your degree course? Read on for a thoroughly researched list of the top Graphic Design colleges in India that offer such courses, why they are worth your consideration, and how you should go about choosing between them.
Contents:
- 1) Why go to a Graphic Design college?
- 2) Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), Delhi
- 3) National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad
- 4) National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi
- 5) Maharashtra Institute of Technology - Institute of Design (MITID), Pune
- 6) Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), Pune
- 7) Maharashtra Institute of Technology-World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune
- 8) Pearl Academy, Delhi
- 9) SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Chennai
- 10) Whistling Woods International, Mumbai
- 11) DY Patil International University (DYPIU), Pune
- 12) Top Graphic Design colleges in major Indian cities
- 13) Choosing the right Graphic Design College
- 14) Next Steps
Why go to a Graphic Design college?
The call to go to a Graphic Design college would be dependent, in large part, on what stage of the learning journey you’re at and what you’re looking for. If you’ve just finished high school, you may attend one to build a strong foundation and launch a Graphic Design career. Or if you’ve dabbled with some design software but have realised that you need to understand design fundamentals to become an authentic, successful Graphic Designer, that could also be enough motivation to sign up for such a route to learning.
Here are some sound reasons for you to consider a Graphic Design college:
1. To build a strong knowledge foundation
A BDes (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. These courses are well-structured, enabling learners to build their skill set over a period of time, and typically provide plenty of opportunity for hands-on learning through project work and portfolio-building.
2. To improve career prospects
When it comes to the job market, someone with a degree in Graphic Design from a reputed college is likely to hold higher value as opposed to a self-taught designer. This is because degree courses expose students to a wider variety of real-world projects , in turn leading to a stronger and more diverse graphic design portfolio . For the same reasons, those with a degree are also more likely to bag higher-paying graphic design jobs.
3. To learn beyond operating software
Graphic Design colleges have holistic curricula that go beyond teaching learners how to operate software. While there’s no doubt that being thorough with graphic design software is essential, it isn’t the end-all and be-all of what it takes to be a successful graphic designer. Colleges understand this and focus instead on the fundamentals behind learning to think and work like a graphic designer, of which software is only a small part.
4. To enhance creativity and collaboration
Graphic Design colleges often house like-minded individuals who are all keen on honing their creative side. A degree course provides you the opportunity to constantly interact with such peers and also collaborate with them on multiple projects. This experience comes in quite handy when you eventually step into the field as a graphic design professional and need to work with a team of varied individuals with different ideas about how a design project should be approached.
You probably agree by now that a Graphic Design college providing a degree course is a good route to take for entry into the field, and are surely keen to know more about these colleges. So, without further ado, let’s move right into the list you’re here for.
Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), Delhi
With close to a decade of experience in delivering high-quality design education, IIAD, Delhi operates in partnership with Kingston School of Art (KSA), Kingston University, London. The institute is committed to offering future-relevant design degrees in India, while at the same time allowing students to build a rich network of connections in the global design community.
IIAD’s BA (Honours) Communication Design course boasts a teaching faculty comprising highly established design professionals and a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses all aspects of communication design - graphics, publication, animation, and even UI UX. The course is also quite particular about exposing students to the concept of networking, in turn enabling them to pursue an entrepreneurial career journey or even work independently.
As one of the most well-known graphic design colleges in India, IIAD’s commitment to design education goes much beyond the brick-and-mortar concept, and the fact that it has already supported the genesis of a high-quality design upskilling school only goes to prove the same. Further leveraging its strong design industry network, IIAD has built an enviable track record of placing its graduates in stimulating and rewarding job roles.
What sets it apart: The affiliation to a university of global repute goes a long way in ensuring graduates not only bag the most coveted career opportunities but are also equipped to pursue further education in an international university if they choose to.
Duration: 4 years
Course Fee: Approx ₹ 21 lakhs
National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad
Established as an answer to the need for a wider representation of Indian identity, culture, and art across all walks of life, NID, Ahmedabad continues to be one of the most prestigious Graphic Design colleges in India. Since its inception, the design college has expanded its presence to Gandhinagar and Bengaluru and has also been declared an Institution of National Importance.
The BDes in Graphic Design offered by NID Ahmedabad trains students to develop aesthetic judgement alongside fluency in all the fundamentals of graphic design. The curriculum and course structure focuses on ensuring students take up a variety of projects in their choice of sub-domains within the realm of graphic design. Additionally, this degree course in graphic design entails a detailed study of historical, cultural, social, and ethical aspects that often have an influence on the design space.
What sets it apart: NID, Ahmedabad offers only 19 seats for its BDes in Graphic Design, enabling it to maintain a high teacher-student ratio.
Duration: 4 years
Course Fee: Approx ₹ 15 lakhs
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi
NIFT barely needs an introduction to anyone acquainted with design and fashion in India. NIFT Delhi not only provides high-quality education, but also plays an important role in the areas of design development, promotion of handlooms and handicrafts, and provision of human resources to the textile and apparel industry.
With a slightly different offering from the other colleges listed in this article, NIFT’s BDes in Fashion Communication Design places primary emphasis on Space Design, Fashion Media, and Fashion Thinking, along with Graphic Design. NIFT takes a practice and application-based approach to teaching this course and tops it up with opportunities to interact with industry experts, industry-linked projects, and field visits.
What sets it apart: NIFT’s BDes in Fashion Communication Design prepares students to deal with the challenges a graphic designer is bound to face in a world where technology and communication are constantly evolving.
Duration: 4 years
Course Fee: Approx ₹ 6 lakhs
Maharashtra Institute of Technology - Institute of Design (MITID), Pune
MITID,Pune holds close to two decades of experience in nurturing design students and collaborates with reputed universities across the world. The institute’s strong suit lies in its teaching methodology and the experience of its mentors and faculty.
MITID’s BDes in Graphic Design delves into every aspect of communication design, be it the theoretical and conceptual parts or the skill and tech-based aptitude that every graphic designer needs. Aside from covering the basics, like typography, illustration, photography, packaging, and print design, the curriculum also empowers students with skills related to visual effects and the design-related elements of emerging virtual experiences.
With research forming the core of every module, this degree course in graphic design also provides considerable exposure to strategic design thinking and tech-based learning.
What sets it apart: The course not only trains learners in critical graphic design skills, but also encourages students to keep empathy at the centre of every design solution they provide, in turn teaching them about Social Impact Design.
Duration: 4 years
Course Fee: Approx ₹ 20 lakhs
Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), Pune
Symbiosis International (Deemed University) is a multi-disciplinary centre of learning and the parent institute of Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), Pune. Building on the well-established pedigree of Symbiosis, SID believes in delivering design education that is at par with international standards and ensures that graduates are competent enough to make a mark in the professional graphic design space.
SID’s BDes in Communication Design curriculum focuses on preparing students for the challenges they’d likely face when professionally employed as communication designers and graphic design professionals. Students also learn the importance of taking a problem-solving approach to communication design, enabling them to develop a knack for recognising and filling any gaps in communication through their design solutions. The curriculum covers Graphic Design, Video Film Design, Animation Film Design, and User Experience Design.
What sets it apart: Aside from covering the whole gamut of skills a graphic designer needs, this course actively instils interpersonal and leadership skills among students.
Duration: 4 years
Course Fee: Approx ₹ 16.5 lakhs
Maharashtra Institute of Technology-World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune
MIT-WPU, Pune has quickly established itself as one of the premier options among Graphic Design colleges in India. Powered by the values of integrity, inclusion, and excellence, this institute sticks to a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach when it comes to learning design.
The BDes in Visual Communication Design course offers its learners international credit programmes, guest lectures, and peer learning. The curriculum teaches students how to create visual identities, branding campaigns, and intuitive digital designs that effectively communicate a brand’s philosophy to the audience. The course experience also includes a series of research and innovation projects, interactive sessions with industry practitioners, and multiple internships that enable portfolio creation.
What sets it apart: MIT-WPU’s one-week-long rural immersion programme provides students exposure to grass-root issues and gives them insight into how design enables social innovation.
Duration: 4 years
Annual Fees: Approx ₹ 14 lakhs
Pearl Academy, Delhi
Pearl Academy, Delhi has been offering state-of-the-art design education for several years. The institute has consistently been committed to providing the design space with skilled professionals and supporting the growth of young, creative minds.
The UG in Graphics and Communication Design course comes with an expansive curriculum spanning graphics, illustration, sequential art, typography, image processing, motion graphics, advertising, and branding, as well as editorial and publication design. Alongside the fundamentals of design, this course also trains students in software and the evaluation, building, and analysis of digital products and services.
What sets it apart: This degree course in Graphic Design provides access to a design lab, furthering the interests of students with an inclination towards research in the field.
Duration: 4 years
Annual Fees: Approx ₹ 20 lakhs
SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Chennai
SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) follows a pedagogy that believes in lending practical knowledge and interdisciplinary expertise to students. With a large faculty strength and students from all over the country, SRMIST provides students with a multicultural learning environment and the opportunity to learn from design experts.
SRMIST’s BSc in Visual Communication imparts technical knowledge along with managerial skills, in turn preparing students for the highly competitive graphic design space. The curriculum takes an interdisciplinary approach and teaches not just the basics of visual communication, but also essential knowledge related to other social sciences.
What sets it apart: For students looking to get studio exposure during their degree course, SRMIST’s expert-managed design studios provide an excellent learning opportunity.
Duration: 3 years
Annual Fees: Approx ₹ 3 lakhs
Whistling Woods International, Mumbai
Founded by leading Indian filmmaker Subhash Ghai, Whistling Woods International (WWI), Mumbai offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma courses in all disciplines of Film, Communication, and Creative Arts. WWI partners with Rajiv Gandhi National Institute for Youth Development (RGNIYD) and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) for all its courses that are between 1 to 4 years long, ensuring that graduates receive degrees from two of the most prestigious institutes in the country.
WWI’s BDes in Visual Communication Design follows a curriculum that builds a strong foundation of graphic design fundamentals in the first year and then moves to intensive project-based semesters, eventually culminating into a portfolio. Frequent masterclasses and workshops by successful visual communicators across the world also form a major chunk of what the course has to offer.
sets it apart: In the later semesters, students can choose among electives in the areas of Motion, Interaction Design, and Spatial Design.
Duration: 4 years
Annual Fees: Approx ₹ 17 lakhs
DY Patil International University (DYPIU), Pune
DYPIU, Pune is a state-private university committed to providing a learning environment that is equal parts inspirational and experiential. Though relatively new in the education space, DYPIU brings with it the legacy and collaborations of the DY Patil Group which has long been a frontrunner in the Indian education space.
The institute’s BDes in Graphic Design covers all aspects of the technical and practical knowledge one needs to excel in the field, while also providing an introduction to Film-making, Storytelling and Narratives, Applied Ergonomics, Grid and Layout, and Advanced Typography, among others. The first two years of the course comprise compulsory foundational courses after which students can choose to specialise in a track of their choice- either Graphic Design or UX UI Design.
What sets it apart: The curriculum is designed to be relevant to the industry as well as society.
Duration: 4 years
Annual Fees: Approx ₹ 8.5 lakhs
Top Graphic Design colleges in major Indian cities
Now that you’ve gotten a walkthrough of the best Graphic Design colleges in India, you might be wondering what the top Indian cities have to offer in this regard. Well, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a city-wise list of the top colleges for Graphic Design.
Delhi
- National Institute of Fashion Technology
- Indian Institute of Art and Design
- Pearl Academy
- Sushant University (formerly Ansal University)
- International School of Design (INSD)
Mumbai
- Whistling Woods International
- Pearl Academy
- National Institute of Fashion Technology
- Raffles Design International
- Somaiya School of Design
Pune
- Maharashtra Institute of Technology- Institute of Design
- Symbiosis Institute of Design
- Maharashtra Institute of Technology-World Peace University
- International School of Design
- Vishwakarma University
Bangalore
- JD Institute of Fashion Technology
- Srishti Manipal Institute
- RV University
- Bangalore City University
- Jain University
Hyderabad
- Hamstech College of Creative Education
- National Institute of Fashion Technology
- International School of Design
Choosing the right Graphic Design College
As our lists might have made amply clear, there’s no dearth of good Graphic Design colleges in India. Understandably, this makes it all the more difficult to choose the right college for yourself. So, here are a few things that you should consider, as well as some tips to use when making this choice.
1. Your level of interest: Deciding to pursue a degree course in Graphic Design only when you are positive about pursuing a career in this field. Degree courses not only take up a considerable amount of one’s time but can also be very demanding in terms of effort.
Pro tip: If you’re looking to explore Graphic Design before committing to a degree course, or are a hobbyist, we’d recommend opting for short-term and free graphic design courses.
2. Curriculum: While this might look like an obvious one, it’s often overlooked. Make sure the curriculum covers technical as well as practical aspects of Graphic Design. Ideally, it will not only include the fundamentals and principles but also provide exposure to graphic design projects that could help build your portfolio.
Pro tip: Prioritise the curriculum over the brand value that comes with the name of a graphic design college; in the long run, the skills your college education gave you will likely take precedence over its brand value.
3. Faculty / Mentors: Once you’ve figured that a good curriculum is in place, the next thing you should look through is the quality of faculty/mentors in your shortlisted Graphic Design colleges. Even when a curriculum is top-notch, it could be lost without the right faculty to deliver it. Take into account the teacher-student ratio, the pedagogy and the level of industry experience the faculty has.
Pro tip: Check for the credentials of visiting faculty/experts and also delve into the kind of industry connections your mentors have.
4. Fees and funding options: The costs of degree courses can vary widely when it comes to the top Graphic Design colleges in India. Having said that, most of these colleges offer financial assistance in the form of scholarships and EMIs. Some of these colleges might also offer multiple degree courses in Graphic Design, so a thorough search in line with your budget might go a long way in ensuring you find the course that fits your financial situation.
Pro tip: To get a complete idea of the cost of a course take into account any extra expenses, such as accommodation, travel, etc, that you might incur over and above the fees.
5. Campus placements: The demand for graphic designers has seen an upward trend for a while now, making it a highly competitive space when it comes to securing a good job. Hence, it becomes critical to ensure the college you choose has a strong campus placement track record. Make sure to find out about the companies that visit the campus, as well as the internship opportunities your chosen colleges have to offer.
Pro tip: Speak to college alumni to understand how their placement experience with the college has been and get an idea of the percentage of students that get placed successfully.
6. Infrastructure and location: Graphic Design is a highly hands-on field and it is essential that the college you choose comes equipped with the right kind of design studios and software subscriptions required to support the practical experience you need. Also, location becomes a priority since Graphic Design colleges in India will mostly need you to attend classes on campus since most of these degree courses don’t come with the option to study remotely. Make sure to assess both these factors before zeroing in on a college.
Pro tip: A sprawling and luxurious campus does not always translate into the best infrastructure, so make sure to do an unbiased check when making a choice of college.
Next Steps
If Graphic Design colleges in India still don’t seem like the best option for formal education in the discipline, head over to our Graphic Design Blog for an insight into several other types of courses, of varying durations, learning modes, and costs.
Here are some additional Graphic Design resources you might find useful:
- 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.
