The Bachelor of Design (BDes) is a four-year undergraduate programme spread over eight semesters, offering practical and technical knowledge in design. The course combines theory and hands-on projects to prepare graduates for various design-related careers. Students can specialise in areas such as Fashion Design, Product Design, Industrial Design, and Fashion Communication. Eligibility requires completing 10+2 from a recognised board with at least 50 per cent marks, with some relaxation for reserved categories.
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Key Attributes of BDes Course:
Bachelor of Design (B.Des) is a four-year undergraduate programme that teaches students the fundamentals and advanced aspects of design. It covers fields like fashion, product, industrial, and communication design, combining theory and practical projects. The course prepares students with creative, technical, and professional skills for various design careers.
The full form of BDes is Bachelor of Design, which is a design-related undergraduate specialised degree programme. BDes admission process and BDes fees differ from one college to another. Several colleges have entrance examinations for admissions, while others offer admissions based on a 10+2 merit system.
The Bachelor of Design (BDes) is a four-year undergraduate degree focused on creativity, innovation, and design applications across industries. Admission is based on merit or entrance exams, and the course opens diverse career opportunities. Below are key highlights, including eligibility, duration, exams, fees, and job opportunities:
| Particulars | Values |
|---|---|
Course Type | Degree |
B.Des Course Level | Undergraduate |
B.Des Course Duration | 4 years |
B.Des Eligibility | 10+2 from a recognised board |
B.Des Admission Process | Merit-based or entrance examination |
B.Des Entrance Examination | AIEED, UCEED, NID DAT, NIFT Entrance Exam |
B.Des Average Fee | Rs. 4 lakhs to Rs. 14 lakhs |
B.Des Job Profiles | Fashion designer, Graphic designer, Fashion stylist, Art director, Design manager |
B.Des Average Salary | Rs. 4.5 LPA (Fashion Designer) |
B.Des course eligibility criteria are quite similar for every institute. However, admission to the B.Des course depends on various factors; therefore, candidates must be aware of these guidelines. In the table below, we have provided the eligibility details for the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) course.
Particulars | Eligibility Parameters |
|---|---|
Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree from a recognised institute in India |
Minimum eligibility requirements | 50 per cent aggregate score (5-10 per cent relaxation for reserved category applicants) |
Age limit | For National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)-
|
The admission process for the Bachelor of Design course differs depending on the institute. However, many design institutes admit students based on entrance examinations. NIFT Entrance exam, NID DAT, UCEED, and AIEED are popular entrance examinations.
Step 1- Eligibility Criteria- Candidates who have fulfilled the eligibility criteria can apply for admission. Students can check the official website of the institute or the programme brochure.
Step 2- Application Form- Students are advised to carefully fill out the application form with all the relevant details. Candidates can get the form either through an online mode or the programme brochure.
Step 3- Appear for the Entrance Examination- Candidates should appear for the relevant entrance examination. NIFT, NID DAT, and AIEED are popular entrance examinations.
Step 4- Cutoff- After the declaration of exam results, a merit list will be prepared, and students will be allotted colleges depending on their exam results.
Step 5- Personal Interview and Group Discussion- Apart from entrance examinations, many institutes also conduct personal interviews, group discussions or aptitude test sessions.
Step 6- Pay the course fees and submit the required documents- Students should pay the course fees and submit the required documents to conclude the admission process.
Also Read: How to Create a Portfolio for Admission into Design Schools
Admission to BDes programmes depends on various national-level, university-level entrance examinations, such as UCEED, NID DAT, AIEED, and NIFT Entrance Examinations. In the table below, we have mentioned the details of the entrance examination.
| Exam Name | Conducting Body | Exam Result |
|---|---|---|
Arch College of Design & Business | ||
IIT Bombay | ||
National Institute of Design | ||
National Testing Agency |
The Bachelor of Design (B.Des) course is available in different modes to accommodate varying needs. Students can opt for full-time programmes with regular classes and hands-on projects, or choose part-time/distance learning options that allow flexible study schedules, online materials, and occasional campus sessions for practical work and examinations.
Mode of B.Des | Details | Colleges |
|---|---|---|
Full-Time B.Des | Traditional four-year programme with regular classes, studio sessions, and projects. Ideal for students dedicating themselves full-time to studies. | NIFT Delhi, NID Ahmedabad, IIT Bombay, Amity University |
Part-Time B.Des | Flexible programme with fewer weekly class hours. Suitable for working professionals attending limited in-person sessions alongside work. | Pearl Academy, MIT Institute of Design, Centre for Creative Arts and Design, Jain University, Bengaluru |
Distance B.Des | Self-paced learning through study materials provided by the institution. Minimal campus visits, often only for exams or workshops. | IGNOU, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Venkateshwara Open University, Papum Pare |
Online B.Des | Digital programme combining virtual lectures, assignments, and assessments. Accessible from anywhere. | Amity Online, Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning |
There are multiple specialisations in Bachelor of Design degrees, such as Animation, Fashion Design, and Product Design. Major BDes specialisations are discussed below:
The Bachelor of Design (B.Des) degree is widely recognised internationally, providing graduates with opportunities to work or pursue higher studies abroad. Prestigious institutions like the Open University in the UK highlight professional design skills that are valued globally. B.Des graduates can seek careers in countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia, where design roles offer competitive salaries and exposure to diverse industries. (Sources: Open University, UK; Times of India; World University of Design)
B.Des graduates can improve their career prospects by pursuing professional certifications that complement their design skills. These certifications help in gaining specialised knowledge, staying updated with industry trends, and increasing employability in areas such as fashion, product design, animation, and digital media. Choosing relevant certifications can provide an edge in competitive design roles.
(Source: NIFT, Adobe, Coursera, Udemy, Autodesk)
The B.Des cutoff is the minimum mark that a student must get to be admitted to a university. Every course and the university has a separate cutoff. Cutoffs are determined by factors such as the difficulty of the entrance exam, the number of candidates, prior year cutoff trends, and the course's popularity. Separate cutoffs are released by universities that provide B.Des (Bachelor of Design) degrees for the next batch.
The Bachelor of Design (B.Des) is gaining popularity among students in India. As of 2023, nearly 1,594 colleges offer B.Des programmes across the country. These courses cover specialisations such as Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Product Design, and Animation. The increasing number of institutes reflects the rising interest in creative fields and the growing career opportunities in the design industries. (Source: ANU.edu.in)
The Bachelor of Design (B.Des) course is offered across premier design institutes in India, with seat availability varying by institution. Government-funded and private colleges have different capacities based on infrastructure and faculty. Rising demand for design education has encouraged institutes to expand their intake in recent years. Below is a table showing approximate seat intake at the top B.Des colleges:
College/Institute | Approximate Seats |
|---|---|
NIFT (All campuses) | 3,218 |
NID (All campuses) | 425 |
Participating IITs (UCEED) | 245 |
MIT Institute of Design | 60 |
NSAPD (Nitte University) | 60 |
(Source: Official websites of NIFT, NID, IITs, MITID, NSAPD (2023))
The B.Des syllabus differs across universities, but certain subjects remain common to all specialisations. It combines design theory, practical projects, and creative applications to build strong foundations in design. Below, we have provided the B.Des syllabus from Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow.
The first year of the B.Des course introduces students to the basics of design. Subjects include design thinking, drawing, materials, and communication skills. These courses help learners build creativity, visualisation, and technical foundations. The first-year syllabus focuses on preparing students for advanced design concepts in the later years.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
Introduction to Design | Design Thinking |
Materials and Processes in Design | Indian Air and Craft |
Creative Visualisation Techniques | Form Studies |
Elements of Design | Rendering & Illustration |
Communication Studies in Design- I | Principles of Design |
Design Drawing | Physical Ergonomics |
- | Technical Communication |
In the second year of the B.Des programme, students focus on applying design concepts through practical projects and workshops. Subjects include design management, CAD, model making, and communication studies. This stage builds technical knowledge, ethics, and creativity, helping learners develop problem-solving and project-handling skills for real-world design applications.
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
Architectural Studies in Design - I, Space | Design Management - I |
Model Making and Hand Tools Workshop | Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing -II |
Universal Human Values and Professional Ethics | Tinkering Studio |
Design Project – I, Simple Product Design | Environmental Science |
Communication Studies in Design- II | Kinetic Art and Automate Design |
Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing -I | Nature and Form |
Design Documentation – I | Design Project – II, Display & Control Design |
Cyber Security | - |
In the third year of the B.Des course, students deepen their design expertise with advanced subjects like branding, sustainable design, and research methodology. They work on complex design projects focusing on user interface and product design. This stage sharpens creativity, research skills, and industry readiness through electives and workshops.
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
Creative Narration | Product Branding and Identity |
Design Management – I | Materials and Processes in Design - II |
Architectural Studies in Design – II, Connectivity and Mobility | Elective - III |
Design Project – III, User Interface Design | Design Project – IV, Technically Complex Product Design |
Humanities and Social Studies | Design Research Methodology - II |
Design Research Methodology - I | Sustainable Design |
Design Workshop | Elective - IV |
Constitution of India | The Essence of Indian Traditional |
In the fourth year of the B.Des course, students focus on professional practice, industrial training, and advanced projects such as systems thinking and packaging design. The final semesters emphasise practical exposure, design documentation, and a degree project, preparing students for careers or higher studies in specialised design fields.
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
|---|---|
Professional Practice in Design | Design Degree Project |
Packaging Design | - |
Industrial Training | - |
Design Project – V, Systems Thinking in Design | - |
Elective - V | - |
Design Documentation-II | - |
BDes course fees vary depending on the institution. For Bachelor of Design admissions, private universities may charge a high B.Des course fees, whereas government colleges may charge low B.Des course fees. The average fee for the B.Des degree ranges between Rs. 4 lakhs to Rs. 14 lakhs.
The B.Des course offers career opportunities in multiple fields such as fashion, product design, interior design, animation, and graphic design. Graduates can work in industries ranging from lifestyle and retail to technology and media, or even start their own design ventures.
Industry Relevance of B.Des- Design graduates are in high demand across industries like e-commerce, branding, advertising, digital media, and UI/UX. Companies value creative skills to improve products, user experiences, and visual identity, making design a crucial part of business growth. (Source: FICCI Report on Creative Economy 2022)
Future Trends of B.Des- Emerging fields such as AI-driven design, AR/VR, and sustainable product design are shaping the future of the industry. As India’s design market grows, especially in digital spaces, graduates can expect increasing opportunities in global and domestic markets. (Source: Anant National University; The Design Village)
After pursuing a BDes degree programme, students can choose from various career opportunities based on their specialisations. Some of the career options are mentioned below, along with their average salaries and brief descriptions:
Job Profiles | Job Description | Average Salary (LPA) |
|---|---|---|
Fashion designers create clothing and accessories that blend creativity with functionality. They work with fabrics, colours, and trends to design unique collections. | Rs. 4.5 LPA | |
Graphic designers develop visual content for digital and print platforms. They use typography, images, and layouts to communicate ideas effectively. | Rs. 4.4 LPA | |
Fashion Stylist | Fashion stylists curate outfits and looks for clients, photoshoots, and media events. They ensure that fashion choices align with current trends and individual style. | Rs. 4.4 LPA |
Art Director | Art directors oversee the visual style of magazines, films, advertisements, and campaigns. They guide creative teams to maintain consistent design aesthetics. | Rs. 10 LPA |
Design Manager | Design managers coordinate design projects from concept to completion. They balance creativity with business goals, ensuring efficiency and quality. | Rs. 15.5 LPA |
Source: AmbitionBox
Choosing between a Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) depends on students' career goals. While B.Des focuses on design, technology, and practical applications, BFA focuses on creativity, aesthetics, and fine art practices. Below is a comparison to help students decide.
Particulars | B.Des | BFA |
|---|---|---|
Full Form | Bachelor of Design | Bachelor of Fine Arts |
Duration | 4 Years | 4 Years |
Focus | Product, Fashion, UI/UX, Industrial & Communication Design | Painting, Sculpture, Applied Arts, Performing Arts |
Eligibility | 10+2 in any stream (50 per cent minimum, some relaxations for reserved categories) | Class 12 (minimum marks vary by institute) |
Admission | Entrance exams like UCEED, NID DAT, NIFT, AIEED | Merit-based or institute-specific entrance tests |
Course Focus | Prepares students for modern design industries with technical and practical skills | Develops creativity and artistic expression rooted in fine arts |
Course Outcome | Industry-focused, blending design skills with technology and innovation | Creativity-focused, emphasising artistic skills and traditional fine arts |
Career Options | Fashion Designer, UX/UI Designer, Product Designer, Graphic Designer | Artist, Illustrator, Art Director, Curator |
Average Salary | Rs. 4–12 LPA | Rs. 3–8 LPA |
Companies hiring B.Des graduates look for a mix of creativity, technical proficiency, and problem-solving skills. They value candidates who can transform ideas into practical designs, understand user experience, and adapt to industry trends. Strong communication, teamwork, and proficiency in design tools are also highly preferred.
B.Des graduates have good placement opportunities in India. Top design colleges like NID Ahmedabad, IIT Bombay, and Pearl Academy report high placement rates, with many students receiving offers from leading companies. Average salaries range from Rs. 8 LPA to Rs. 23 LPA, and exceptional performers can earn higher packages. (Source: ImaginXP)
B.Des is suitable for creative students who want a career in design. Graduates can work in private companies, government offices, or start their own design studio. They can also take up freelance projects or consultancy work. For further studies, students can pursue M.Des, MBA in Design Management, or research programmes like a PhD to grow in academics or leadership roles.
The B.Des salary of an individual in the design field depends on their skills and experience. Different job roles get paid differently by employers. In the table below, we have mentioned a few top companies that hire B.Des graduates.
Fashion Designer in Top Companies | |
Boutique International | Rs. 3.2 LPA |
New Delhi Export House | Rs. 3.8 LPA |
Myntra | Rs. 5.2 LPA |
Pantaloons | Rs. 2.1 LPA |
Graphic Designer in Top Companies | |
Intel | Rs. 19.3 LPA |
American Broadcasting Company | Rs. 14.3 LPA |
Rs. 35.2 LPA | |
Gartner | Rs. 9.4 LPA |
Source: AmbitionBox
National Institute of Fashion Technology, popularly known as NIFT, is highly regarded as one of the best colleges for design. NIFTs are present all over India and offer B.Des in a variety of specialisations.
| Top Colleges | Fees |
|---|---|
Rs. 13.97 Lakhs | |
Rs. 13.97 Lakhs | |
Rs. 13.97 Lakhs | |
Rs. 13.97 Lakhs | |
Rs. 13.97 Lakhs | |
Rs. 13.97 Lakhs | |
Rs. 13.97 Lakhs | |
Rs. 13.97 Lakhs | |
Rs. 13.97 Lakhs | |
Rs. 13.42 Lakhs |
Several private Indian institutes offer the B.Des degree. A private university education is significantly more expensive than a public university education. In the table below, we have mentioned some of the private BDes colleges in India and the BDes course fees.
| Top Colleges | Fees |
|---|---|
Rs. 6.20 Lakhs | |
Rs. 11.10 Lakhs | |
Rs. 6.92 Lakhs | |
Rs. 5.29 Lakhs | |
Rs. 6.48 Lakhs | |
Rs. 7.42 Lakhs | |
Rs. 4.56 Lakhs | |
Rs. 8 Lakhs | |
- | |
- |
It is less expensive to attend a government-run college than it is to attend a private college. These colleges are well-known throughout India for their high academic standards. In the table below, we have mentioned some of the government BDes colleges in India and the BDes course fees.
| Top Colleges | Fees |
|---|---|
Rs. 8.59 Lakhs | |
Rs. 8.55 Lakhs | |
Rs. 8.54 Lakhs | |
Rs. 9.37 Lakhs | |
Rs. 8.90 Lakhs | |
- | |
- | |
- |
BDes is one of the most sought-after courses amongst students who wish to start a career in design. Some of the career options that can be pursued by BDes graduates are fashion designer, graphic designer, fashion stylist, web designer and design manager. Corporate houses, furniture manufacturing, garment manufacturing units and boutiques are a few places where the designers can work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Bachelor of Design (B. Des.) is a four-year undergraduate design course. The course is offered by many top design institutes of India. Students who are interested in studying this course can apply, and if selected, they can study the technical and practical aspects as well as the uses of design in a variety of fields.
For B.Des admissions, course fees vary by institution type. Private universities generally have higher fees, while government colleges are more affordable. Overall, the cost of a Bachelor of Design degree in India typically ranges from Rs. 4 lakhs to Rs. 14 lakhs.
Top B.Des recruiters are Orient Craft, Snapdeal, Oracle, Pantaloon, Shoppers Stop, Amazon, Benetton, Disney, Mumbai Dyeing, and Pearl Global.
Some of the top B.Des colleges are: NIFT Bangalore, NIFT Chennai, NIFT Hyderabad, IIT Roorkee and MSU Baroda.
Some of the job profiles after B.Des. are Fashion designer, Graphic designer, Fashion stylist, Art/Set director, and Design manager.
Students who have completed high school from a recognised board can gain admission to a B.Des course either through direct college admission or via entrance exams and counselling processes. Additionally, candidates with a design diploma recognised by AICTE are also eligible to pursue a B.Des degree.
The average salary of B.Des graduates is around Rs. 8 LPA.
Some top entrance examinations required for the B.Des degree are AIEED, UCEED, NID DAT, and NIFT.
The skills that are required for a B.Des (Bachelor of Design) degree are Attention to detail, Communication skills, Creativity, Drawing Skills.
On Question asked by student community
Here are top BDes (Fashion Design) colleges in Bangalore:
National Institute of Fashion Technology , Bangalore – Top choice
JD Institute of Fashion Technology
Vogue Institute of Art and Design
IIFA Multimedia
Army Institute of Fashion and Design
Taking a second drop is not an issue if you clear the required entrance exams or meet the eligibility criteria.
FLAME University Pune is a good option for B.Des if you’re looking for a creative and interdisciplinary learning environment . The university offers a well-structured design program combined with liberal arts, allowing students to explore multiple interests It has a beautiful and modern campus with strong academic support and personalized attention due to smaller batch sizes. However, it is more know liberal arts and business programs, so if you want a purely design-focused education, you might also consider institutes like MIT-WPU or Shiv Nadar University. Overall, FLAME is suitable for students who want a broad, flexible design education and can afford the higher fees.
CUET qualifies BDes Fashion Designing students.
The basis for admission is the CUET score.
Hello,
No, for B.Des Fashion Designing , CUET is not always needed.
Some colleges take admission through CUET, but many top fashion institutes like NIFT have their own entrance exam. So, it depends on the college you are applying to. Always check the admission process of that particular college.
Hope it helps !
yes, Indeed, CUET qualifies BDes Fashion Designing students.
Admission CUET score is very important.
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