Likhith · February 28, 2026 
Introduction
Choosing the right university for design is no longer just about creativity. Today, CUET Design & Placements play a major role in shaping a student’s career. With design becoming one of the fastest-growing career domains in India, students are now asking a sharper question — which university truly delivers strong placement outcomes?
When comparing CUET Design & Placements, two names often stand out: Avantika University and UPES Dehradun. Both institutions offer B.Des admission through CUET and claim strong industry exposure. In this blog we will walk you through which university offers better design placements, stronger recruiters, and long-term career opportunities.
Why CUET Design & Placements Matter More Than Ever?
The design industry in India is expanding rapidly. From UX/UI and animation to transportation and product design, companies are hiring creative professionals across sectors. But here’s the truth: skills alone are not enough. Your university’s placement ecosystem can significantly influence your starting point.
That’s why CUET Design & Placements have become critical in decision-making. A good curriculum matters — but so does industry collaboration, internships, and recruiter trust. Let’s examine how these two universities perform where it counts most — placements and industry exposure.
Established Legacy and Reputation
Avantika University
- Established in 2017 and recognized by UGC as a private university in Madhya Pradesh.
- India’s first design-centered university inspired by the MIT Institute of Design philosophy.
- Focuses heavily on interdisciplinary learning and studio-based pedagogy.
- Located in Ujjain with emphasis on innovation and industry integration.
UPES Dehradun
- Established in 2003 and recognized by UGC.
- Offers specialized schools including the School of Design.
- Known for industry-aligned programs and strong corporate partnerships.
- Located in Dehradun with proximity to Delhi NCR corporate hub.
Design Programs Through CUET – What Do They Offer?
Both universities accept CUET scores for selected design programs.
Avantika University – B.Des Programs
As per the official School of Design page:
- B.Des in Industrial Design
- B.Des in Communication Design
- B.Des in UX Design
- B.Des in Fashion Design
Program details:
https://www.avantikauniversity.edu.in/school-of-design.php
Avantika follows a studio-based learning model. Students work on real-world design challenges from early semesters.
UPES Dehradun – B.Des Programs
According to UPES School of Design:
- B.Des in Transportation & Mobility Design
- B.Des in Interaction Design
- B.Des in Animation & VFX
- B.Des in Game Design
- B.Des in Product Design
Program details:
https://www.upes.ac.in/school-of-design
UPES emphasizes sector-specific design education aligned with industry demand.
Overview
| Feature | Avantika University | UPES Dehradun |
|---|---|---|
| Studio-Based Learning | Strong emphasis | Integrated with labs |
| Specialized Industry Tracks | Moderate | Extensive |
| Interdisciplinary Approach | High | High |
| Sector-Specific Programs | Limited | Wider variety |
Placements Opportunities
Avantika University
According to the official placement page:
https://www.avantikauniversity.edu.in/placements.php
Avantika highlights:
- Dedicated Career Development Cell
- Industry internships integrated into curriculum
- Portfolio-based placement support
- Industry mentors from design backgrounds
Recruiters mentioned on the official platform include companies from design studios, startups, and creative agencies.
Avantika’s placement model focuses on:
- Internship-to-job conversion
- Startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem
- Design consultancy roles
Because Avantika is design-focused, recruiters specifically look at portfolios rather than just CGPA. This benefits creatively strong students.
UPES Dehradun Design Placements
Official placement page:
https://www.upes.ac.in/placements
UPES reports strong placement statistics across schools, including design.
Key highlights:
- Dedicated Corporate Resource Centre (CRC)
- Strong industry collaborations
- National and international recruiters
- Structured internship programs
UPES mentions companies across media, gaming, automotive, consulting, and technology sectors.
Placement features include:
- Pre-placement training programs
- Industry immersion semester
- Portfolio development guidance
- Live corporate projects
Overview
| Parameter | Avantika University | UPES Dehradun |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated Placement Cell | Yes | Yes |
| Industry Partnerships | Growing | Extensive |
| Alumni Network Strength | Developing | Established |
| Internship Integration | Strong | Strong |
| Brand Recognition | Emerging | Wider national visibility |
Industry Exposure – Studios or Corporate Immersion?
Both universities promote hands-on learning. But how does that translate practically?
Avantika’s Model
- Studio-based projects
- Design thinking workshops
- Mentorship from industry designers
- Innovation-driven environment
UPES Model
- Industry immersion semester
- Live projects with companies
- Corporate internships
- Sector-specific labs (transport, gaming, animation)
If you aim for niche domains like transportation or game design, UPES offers structured specialization. If you prefer creative exploration and design thinking depth, Avantika offers flexibility.
Does Bigger Brand Always Mean Better Placements?
Not necessarily.
A larger university may attract more recruiters. But design hiring often depends on:
- Portfolio quality
- Practical exposure
- Industry internships
- Personal skill level
For CUET Design & Placements, students must understand that placements in design are skill-driven. The university opens doors — but your portfolio secures the role.
Design Career Opportunities After B.Des
Both universities prepare students for roles such as:
- UX/UI Designer
- Product Designer
- Communication Designer
- Game Designer
- Animator
- Transportation Designer
Design placements in India are expanding across tech startups, e-commerce companies, media houses, automotive firms, and consulting agencies.
How Career Plan B Helps
Career Plan B helps students use mock tests strategically, not randomly:
- Personalized Career Counselling: Guides students on subject focus and realistic engineering pathways.
- Psycheintel & Career Assessment Tests: Identifies pressure handling, accuracy trends, and learning behavior.
- Admission & Academic Profile Guidance: Ensures backup planning alongside JEE without stress.
- Career Roadmapping: Aligns JEE preparation with long-term academic and career goals.
Have any doubts?
Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which university has stronger design placements?
UPES currently shows broader recruiter participation due to its older establishment and larger alumni network.
2. Are internships mandatory in design programs?
Yes, both universities integrate internships as part of their curriculum structure.
3. Is portfolio more important than marks in design placements?
Absolutely. In design careers, your portfolio often matters more than academic scores.
4. What are common recruiters for design graduates?
Recruiters include design studios, media houses, automotive companies, gaming firms, and tech startups.
Conclusion
When comparing CUET Design & Placements, both Avantika University and UPES Dehradun offer strong design education. Avantika stands out for its focused design ecosystem and studio culture, while UPES offers broader specialization and a stronger corporate network.
The final decision depends on your career goals. If you want niche industry exposure and wider recruiter visibility, UPES may appeal more. If you value creative depth and design-driven learning, Avantika can be a powerful choice. Choose not just a campus — choose the environment that helps your creativity turn into a career.
