Diploma in Design
Duration: 1–2 Years (varies by institute)
Eligibility: 12th pass (any stream — Arts/HEC/Science background preferred)
Course Type: Diploma (Skill-based Professional Course)
Field: Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Product Design, Communication Design
Objective
To provide practical and creative training in various fields of design, developing artistic, technical, and conceptual skills — preparing students for entry-level careers in design studios, creative agencies, fashion houses, and multimedia industries.
Eligibility & Admission
Eligibility Criteria
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Completed 10+2 (any stream) from a recognized board
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Basic interest or background in art/design is preferred
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No upper age limit in most institutes
Admission Process
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Direct Admission / Merit-based: Based on 12th marks
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Entrance / Aptitude Test: Many design schools conduct creative aptitude tests (like NID DAT, UID, Pearl Academy Test)
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Portfolio + Interview: Some institutes ask for a creative portfolio and personal interview
Curriculum & Subjects
Core Areas You Study
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Fundamentals of Design & Visual Arts
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Drawing & Illustration
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Design Thinking & Concept Development
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Graphic Design (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
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Product / Fashion / Interior Design Basics (depends on specialization)
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Typography and Color Theory
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2D & 3D Design Techniques
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Communication Design & Branding
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UI/UX Design Fundamentals
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Portfolio Development
Practical Training
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Studio-based design projects
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Hands-on workshops and labs
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Live projects with industry clients
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Design exhibitions and portfolio showcases
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Internships at design studios, fashion houses, or creative agencies
Skills You Develop
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Creative and aesthetic sense
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Visual communication and storytelling
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Design software skills (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, SketchUp etc.)
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Problem-solving and design thinking
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Project planning and time management
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Presentation and collaboration skills
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Trend analysis and innovation
Career Pathways
Design & Creative Roles
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Graphic Designer
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Visual Designer
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UI/UX Designer (entry-level)
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Fashion Designer / Fashion Stylist
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Interior Designer / Space Planner
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Product / Industrial Designer
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Textile / Surface Designer
Media & Advertising
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Art Director (with experience)
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Brand Identity Designer
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Packaging Designer
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Social Media Content Designer
Other Roles
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Freelance Designer
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Illustrator / Concept Artist
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3D Modeler / CAD Designer
Future Opportunities & Higher Studies
Further Studies
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Bachelor of Design (B.Des)
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BFA (Applied Arts / Visual Communication)
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B.Sc in Animation / Multimedia / Interior / Fashion Design
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M.Des (after graduation)
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PG Diploma in Graphic / Fashion / Interior Design
International Opportunities
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Design schools abroad (Parsons, RISD, Domus Academy, NABA, RMIT) — require IELTS/TOEFL + portfolio
Salary & Top Recruiters
Salary Range
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Entry-Level: ₹2.5–5 LPA
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Mid-Level (3–5 yrs): ₹6–10 LPA
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Senior-Level (10+ yrs): ₹15–20+ LPA
Top Recruiters
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Design studios (Elephant Design, Lopez Design, DY Works)
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Fashion houses (Manish Malhotra, Sabyasachi, Anita Dongre)
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Media companies (Byju’s, TCS, Infosys, Wipro)
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Advertising agencies (Ogilvy, Dentsu, WPP)
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Interior design firms, product companies, startups
Who Should Choose This Course?
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Passionate about art, creativity, and visual design
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Interested in fashion, interior, graphic, or product design
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Have a keen eye for aesthetics, detail, and trends
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Enjoy hands-on creative work and visual problem-solving