Level Up Your Design Career: Why an M.Des in Graphic Design is Your Next Step
Likhith
August 21, 2025
Introduction
Are you passionate about creativity, visual storytelling, and digital art? If so, pursuing an M.Des Graphic Design career could be the perfect gateway to elevate your professional trajectory in the design industry. With rapid growth in digital media, branding, and user experience design, building an advanced M.Des Graphic Design career has become increasingly valuable for creative professionals.
An M.Des Graphic Design career empowers you to refine your visual communication abilities while opening doors to exciting leadership roles in agencies, corporations, and freelance consulting. This postgraduate specialization transforms your creative passion into a strategic M.Des Graphic Design career that combines artistic excellence with business acumen and industry expertise.
This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about building a successful M.Des Graphic Design career, including top colleges in India, eligibility requirements, curriculum details, fee structures, entrance exam strategies, placement trends, and salary expectations. Whether you’re transitioning from a bachelor’s degree or seeking to advance your existing design career, understanding the complete landscape will help you make informed decisions about your M.Des Graphic Design career path.
Table of Contents
M.Des in Graphic Design – Course Overview & Eligibility
The Master of Design (M.Des) in Graphic Design is a two-year postgraduate course focusing on visual communication, branding, digital media, and design strategy. It aims to deepen creativity and technical knowledge in graphic design, helping students develop a professional visual vocabulary essential for the dynamic design industry.
To apply for an M.Des in Graphic Design, candidates typically need:
- A bachelor’s degree (3 or 4 years) in design or related fields such as Fine Arts, Fashion Design, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Web Design, Textile Design, or any equivalent discipline.
- A minimum aggregate score of 50-55% in the qualifying degree from a recognized university.
- Some institutes have age limits, e.g., National Institute of Design (NID) requires candidates to be born on or after specific dates depending on category.
- Candidates must have completed all subjects and backlogs before the admission deadline.
The exact eligibility may vary slightly between institutes, so it’s advisable to check the specifics for each college.
Which are the top M Des in Graphic Design colleges in India?
India hosts several renowned government and private institutes offering the M.Des in Graphic Design. Some of the most prestigious and sought-after colleges include:
| College Name | Location | Approx. Fees (INR) | Entrance Exam Requirement | Average Placement Package (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Institute of Design (NID) | Ahmedabad | Rs 12.6 Lakh (more details) | NID Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT) | Rs 7,00,000 |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Bombay) | Mumbai | Rs 1.55 lakh (more details) | CEED | Rs 12,00,000+ |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Hyderabad) | Hyderabad | Rs 2.89 lakh (more details) | CEED | Rs 16,50,000 – Rs 20,00,000 |
| National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) | Multiple Campuses | Rs 7–8 lakh | NIFT Entrance Exam | Rs 3,88,000 – Rs 8,00,000 |
| Pearl Academy | Mumbai | Rs 12.22 lakh (more details) | Pearl Academy Exam and Merit-Based | Rs 8,00,000 |
| Amity University | Mumbai, Noida, Lucknow | Rs 2.92 lakh | CUET, Merit-Based | Rs 3,50,000 – Rs 8,00,000 |
What is the syllabus of M Des in Graphic Design?
The M.Des syllabus is designed to build foundational design skills and advanced expertise over four semesters. Key subjects include:
- Fundamentals of Design & Drawing
- Typography & Color Theory
- Illustration and Graphic Design Principles
- Branding and Advertising Composition
- Photography and Still Life Packaging
- Desktop/Digital Publishing
- Interface and Web Design
- Media Strategy and Language of Media
- User Interface Experience and Interactive Presentation
- Digital 2D Animation, Video and Sound Editing
The curriculum integrates theory with hands-on studio practice, digital tools, and creative problem-solving to prepare students for the professional world.
What are the placement and salary prospects after M Des in Graphic Design in India?
| Job Role | Entry-Level Salary | Mid-Level Salary | Senior-Level Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | Rs 4–8 LPA | Rs 8–12 LPA | Rs 15+ LPA |
| UI/UX Designer | Rs 6–10 LPA | Rs 12–18 LPA | Rs 20+ LPA |
| Product Designer | Rs 10–15 LPA | Rs 12–20 LPA | Rs 25+ LPA |
| Creative Director | Rs 15–30 LPA | Rs 25+ LPA | Rs 30+ LPA |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the eligibility criteria for an M.Des?
A bachelor’s degree in design or a related field (architecture, fine arts, engineering, etc.) with at least 50–55% aggregate from a recognized university is required. Admission usually requires clearing entrance exams like NID DAT or CEED.
Q2. Which is the best university or college for graphic designing in India?
Top institutions include:
National Institute of Design (NID)
IIT Bombay – IDC School of Design
IIT Hyderabad
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
Pearl Academy
Amity University
Q3. How do I get into NID for an M.Des, and how should I prepare?
You must clear the NID DAT (Design Aptitude Test), which has a Prelims (written test) and Mains (studio test + interview). Preparation involves:
Practicing sketching, visual communication, and creative problem-solving
Studying design principles, color theory, and perspective drawing
Solving past NID DAT papers and taking mock tests
Q4. What is the average salary after completing an M.Des?
Freshers: ₹4–15 LPA
Mid-career professionals: ₹15–30 LPA
Senior designers / design managers: ₹30 LPA and above (especially in UI/UX, product design, and creative direction roles)
Q5. Is a Master’s in Graphic Design worth it?
Yes — it offers advanced skills, portfolio refinement, industry exposure, better job opportunities, and higher salary potential. Graduates often work with top companies, design studios, and international brands.
At Career Plan B, we guide your creativity toward high-impact careers by:
- Personalized Career Counseling: Understand your aptitudes—whether visual, digital, or multidisciplinary.
- Psycheintel & Assessment: Analyze your potential for design streams using advanced career profiling tools.
- Admission & Academic Guidance: Shortlist ideal colleges, help with entrance preparations, and build winning portfolios.
- Career Roadmapping: Devise a clear action plan for upskilling, internships, and job search tailored to your chosen field.
- Industry Insights: Stay updated with placement stats, job trends, and recruiter expectations for both domains.
Let us help you decide, plan, and succeed—whichever creative destiny you choose!
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Conclusion
Building a successful M.Des Graphic Design career requires strategic planning, continuous learning, and choosing the right educational foundation. The postgraduate degree opens doors to senior design positions, creative leadership roles, and entrepreneurial opportunities that wouldn’t be accessible with just undergraduate qualifications.
Your M.Des Graphic Design career journey should align with your creative strengths, professional aspirations, and market demands. Focus on developing both technical expertise and strategic thinking skills that employers value in today’s competitive design landscape.
Take the next step in your M.Des Graphic Design career by researching top colleges, preparing for entrance exams, and building a strong portfolio. Remember that success in this field combines artistic talent with business understanding, making your advanced degree a powerful catalyst for professional growth and creative fulfillment.
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