Bachelor of Design (BDes) in India: Top Colleges, Specializations, Career Scope and Salary in 2025

A Bachelor of Design (BDes) is a four-year undergraduate program that blends creativity with practical skills, preparing students for careers in design-driven industries like fashion, UI/UX, product design, interior design, graphic communication, and animation.

Admission is through competitive exams such as UCEED, NID DAT, and NIFT, with top institutes including NID, IITs, and NIFT. Graduates enjoy diverse career opportunities, with starting salaries ranging from ₹3 LPA to ₹6.5 LPA, and significant growth potential in top recruiters like Google, Amazon, Myntra, and Tata Motors, making BDes one of the most rewarding creative career paths in India.

Bachelor of Design (BDes): Course Details, Colleges, Career Scope, and Salary in India

Design is no longer just about art—it’s about solving problems, innovating for the future, and creating experiences that impact people’s daily lives. A Bachelor of Design (BDes) degree bridges creativity and industry needs, preparing students for thriving careers in multiple domains.

From fashion runways to cutting-edge tech companies, BDes graduates are shaping industries with their skills. At AUBSP, we present a detailed guide to help you understand the BDes program, its specializations, admission process, top colleges, career scope, and salaries.

What is a Bachelor of Design (BDes)?

A Bachelor of Design (BDes) is a four-year professional undergraduate degree that nurtures creative thinking, visual communication, and problem-solving abilities. Unlike traditional academic courses, BDes emphasizes practical learning through studios, workshops, and live projects.

Students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also build a strong design portfolio—an essential for landing jobs in competitive industries. The program also promotes interdisciplinary learning, blending technology, art, and innovation. Graduates step into roles where design shapes branding, products, services, and experiences.

Specializations and Curriculum of BDes

The BDes curriculum is structured to give students a strong foundation in design principles during the first year, followed by opportunities to specialize. Students engage in studio-based learning, group projects, and internships, ensuring they understand both creative and industry perspectives. Each specialization offers distinct opportunities and career paths, making it vital for students to choose based on their passion and career aspirations.

UI/UX (User Interface & User Experience) Design

UI/UX is one of the fastest-growing fields, thanks to the digital revolution. A UI/UX specialization focuses on creating intuitive and visually appealing digital products like apps, websites, and software platforms. Students learn Human-Computer Interaction, Information Architecture, Wireframing, Prototyping, and Usability Testing. Since businesses across sectors want user-friendly designs, UI/UX designers are highly valued. With India’s booming startup culture, opportunities are vast, ranging from fintech apps to global e-commerce platforms.

Product/Industrial Design

Industrial design specialization combines engineering with creativity to develop functional, user-centered products. Students study Ergonomics, CAD modeling, Prototyping, Manufacturing Processes, and Material Science. The aim is to design products that are not only practical but also aesthetic and market-ready. Career options include working in consumer electronics, automobiles, household goods, and even healthcare equipment design. Global corporations like Philips, Apple, and Tata Motors actively seek industrial designers.

Graphic & Communication Design

This field is perfect for students passionate about visual communication and storytelling. A specialization in Graphic Design covers Typography, Illustration, Branding, Packaging Design, and Digital Media. Graphic designers create visuals for advertising, corporate branding, and digital campaigns. With digital platforms dominating marketing strategies, this field promises endless opportunities in agencies, publishing houses, and in-house corporate design teams.

Fashion Design

Fashion Design specialization blends creativity with technical knowledge, teaching students everything from sketching and textile science to garment construction and sustainable fashion. Courses also focus on market trends and entrepreneurship, enabling graduates to build personal labels. India’s fashion industry is growing rapidly, with rising opportunities in apparel exports, luxury fashion houses, and e-commerce brands like Myntra, Ajio, and international players such as Zara and H&M.

Interior Design

For students fascinated by spaces and architecture, interior design is a popular choice. The curriculum emphasizes Space Planning, Lighting Design, Material Selection, and Green Building Practices. Interior designers work on residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, ensuring spaces are functional and aesthetically pleasing. As India’s real estate and urban development sectors expand, demand for interior designers is set to rise steadily.

Animation & Film Design

Animation specialization equips students with creative and technical skills for the entertainment, gaming, and film industries. Courses cover 2D/3D Animation, Character Design, Storyboarding, and Visual Effects (VFX). India’s animation industry is booming due to the global demand for animated movies, OTT content, and mobile games. Graduates can work with studios like Pixar, DreamWorks, Disney, and Indian animation giants such as Green Gold Animation.

Admission Process and Top BDes Colleges in India

Admission into top BDes colleges in India is highly competitive. Institutes look for creativity, design aptitude, and critical thinking. The selection process usually involves a design-specific entrance exam, followed by a portfolio review and personal interview. Unlike other professional degrees, BDes focuses more on creative skills than just academic scores.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for BDes programs in India:

• Candidates must complete 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board.
• Minimum 50% aggregate marks are required (varies by college).
• Students from any stream (Arts, Science, Commerce) can apply.
• Strong aptitude in creativity, visualization, and problem-solving is valued.

Popular Entrance Exams for BDes

• UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design): Conducted by IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad).
• NID DAT (Design Aptitude Test): The gateway to prestigious NID campuses.
• NIFT Entrance Exam: For entry into India’s leading fashion design institutes.
• SEED: Conducted by Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID).
• MIT DAT: For admissions to MIT Institute of Design, Pune.

Top BDes Colleges in India

• National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad 🥇
• IIT Bombay (IDC), IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati
• National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) campuses nationwide
• Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), Pune
• Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design, and Technology, Bengaluru
• MIT Institute of Design, Pune

Graduates from these colleges enjoy better industry exposure, higher starting salaries, and global career opportunities.

Career Scope, Job Profiles, and Salary after BDes

The career scope after a BDes degree is vast and rewarding, given the rising demand for design professionals worldwide. BDes graduates are hired across industries—tech, e-commerce, fashion, interiors, advertising, gaming, and more. Salaries vary depending on specialization, college reputation, and portfolio strength, but steady growth is guaranteed with experience.

Highest Paying Specializations

• Product Designer: ₹6.3 – ₹6.8 LPA starting.
• UI/UX Designer: ₹5.5 – ₹6.5 LPA starting.

Other Job Roles and Salaries

• Graphic Designer: ₹3 – ₹3.5 LPA starting.
• Fashion Designer: ₹4 – ₹4.5 LPA starting.
• Interior Designer: ₹2 – ₹2.5 LPA starting, with higher earning potential over time.

Salary Growth Over Time

• Mid-Level (2–5 years): ₹6 – ₹12 LPA.
• Senior-Level (5+ years): ₹12 LPA and beyond, with leadership roles and international opportunities.

Top Recruiters of BDes Graduates

• Technology & IT: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Adobe, Infosys, TCS.
• E-commerce: Flipkart, Myntra, Amazon.
• Automotive: Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra.
• Retail & Fashion: Zara, Titan, IKEA, Raymond.
• Consulting & Studios: Deloitte, Tata Elxsi, creative agencies, and independent studios.

Why Choose BDes?

A Bachelor of Design is more than a degree—it’s an investment in your future creativity and career. It allows students to combine artistic talent with real-world problem-solving, offering exciting opportunities across industries. With design at the heart of innovation, graduates are not limited to one career path but can branch into multiple sectors. We believe a BDes equips you with the skills to not only get a job but also shape the future of industries through design.

👉 Want to pursue a successful design career? Stay tuned to AUBSP for exam tips, career guidance, and updates on BDes opportunities.

FAQs on Bachelor of Design

What is a Bachelor of Design (BDes)?
A Bachelor of Design (BDes) is a four-year undergraduate degree focusing on creative and technical training in design fields such as fashion, product, UI/UX, interior, animation, and graphic communication.

What is the duration of a BDes course?
The BDes course is generally four years, divided into eight semesters, combining theory, practical studio work, and industry projects.

Who is eligible for BDes in India?
Students who have passed 10+2 or equivalent from any recognized board with at least 50% marks are eligible for BDes.

Is there an age limit for BDes admission?
Most institutes do not have an upper age limit, but exams like UCEED may set specific age criteria, usually 23 years for the general category.

Which entrance exams are required for BDes?
The most popular exams are UCEED, NID DAT, NIFT Entrance Exam, SEED, and MIT DAT, which test creativity, aptitude, and problem-solving.

What are the best BDes colleges in India?
Top BDes colleges include NID Ahmedabad, IIT Bombay (IDC), IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, NIFT campuses, Symbiosis Institute of Design, MIT Institute of Design, and Srishti Manipal Institute.

What subjects are taught in the first year of BDes?
The first year covers design fundamentals, sketching, history of art and design, basic digital tools, drawing, and creative communication.

What are the top BDes specializations?
Popular BDes specializations include UI/UX Design, Product/Industrial Design, Fashion Design, Graphic/Communication Design, Interior Design, and Animation & Film Design.

Which specialization is best for salary in BDes?
UI/UX and Product Design are considered the best-paying specializations with salaries starting around ₹6 LPA.

What is the average salary after BDes in India?
Fresh graduates earn between ₹3 LPA and ₹6.5 LPA depending on college, specialization, and portfolio quality.

Do BDes graduates get international opportunities?
Yes, BDes graduates can work abroad in industries like fashion, product design, animation, and UI/UX, especially with a strong portfolio.

Which companies hire BDes graduates?
Recruiters include Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Adobe, Flipkart, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Zara, IKEA, Titan, and Deloitte.

What is the difference between BDes and BFA?
BDes focuses on applied design for industries, while BFA emphasizes fine arts and pure artistic expression.

What is the difference between BDes and BArch?
BDes offers multiple specializations across design fields, while BArch is limited to architecture and building design.

What is the difference between BDes and BFTech?
BDes emphasizes creative design, while BFTech (Bachelor of Fashion Technology) is more technical, focusing on garment production and fashion technology.

Can Arts or Commerce students apply for BDes?
Yes, students from any stream—Science, Commerce, or Arts—can apply for BDes programs.

Is maths compulsory for BDes?
Maths is not compulsory for BDes, though some design areas like product or industrial design may use basic geometry.

Do BDes colleges require a portfolio?
Yes, most leading design colleges require a portfolio to assess creativity, drawing, and design skills.

What skills are important for success in BDes?
Creativity, problem-solving, visualization, drawing, digital design knowledge, and communication skills are essential for BDes aspirants.

Does BDes include internships?
Yes, most BDes programs include internships and industry projects to give students hands-on experience.

What is the scope of BDes in India?
The scope is wide, with career opportunities in fashion, UI/UX, interiors, graphic design, animation, branding, and product design.

Is BDes considered a professional degree?
Yes, BDes is a recognized professional degree with global acceptance across design-driven industries.

Can BDes graduates work as freelancers?
Yes, many BDes graduates choose freelancing in graphic design, fashion styling, or digital design to build independent careers.

Can BDes graduates start their own business?
Yes, BDes graduates often start their own design studios, fashion labels, or independent consulting firms.

What is the difference between BDes and MDes?
BDes is an undergraduate course, while MDes is a postgraduate course offering advanced specialization and research opportunities.

Can I pursue BDes without an entrance exam?
Some private institutes offer merit-based admissions, but top colleges like NID, IIT, and NIFT require entrance exams.

Is BDes a good career in 2025?
Yes, with growing demand in digital, fashion, interior, and product industries, BDes remains a highly promising career choice in 2025.

Are scholarships available for BDes students?
Yes, scholarships are offered by NID, NIFT, IITs, and private institutes based on merit, financial need, or entrance exam performance.

What are the job roles after BDes?
Common job roles include UI/UX Designer, Graphic Designer, Fashion Designer, Interior Designer, Animator, and Product Designer.

Can I pursue higher studies after BDes?
Yes, many graduates pursue MDes, MBA in Design Management, or specialized international design courses.

What is the difference between BDes in India and abroad?
BDes abroad offers greater industry exposure, international internships, and advanced technologies, but tuition costs are higher than in India.

Can I study BDes online?
Full BDes programs are not usually online, but short-term online design certifications and diplomas are available to enhance skills.

What is the career growth after BDes?
BDes graduates start with ₹3–6.5 LPA, and with 5+ years of experience, they can earn ₹12 LPA or more in senior roles.

Do BDes graduates need to know software tools?
Yes, knowledge of tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, AutoCAD, Sketch, and Figma is highly beneficial in most design specializations.

Can BDes graduates work in government jobs?
Yes, government bodies and public sector companies recruit designers for urban planning, product innovation, and cultural projects.