Design Your Future: The Top Graphic Design Colleges in India.
Likhith
August 20, 2025
Introduction
Graphic design stands at the heart of today’s digital world, seamlessly blending creativity with cutting-edge technology to shape how we experience brands, products, and compelling visual stories. If you dream of bringing innovative ideas to life through striking visuals and impactful design solutions, enrolling in one of the top graphic design colleges India offers can be your stepping stone to a rewarding creative career. The design industry in India has experienced unprecedented growth, creating abundant opportunities for skilled professionals who graduate from reputed institutions. In this comprehensive expert guide, we explore the top graphic design colleges India has to offer, providing detailed insights into admission processes, fee structures, and placement opportunities. Our carefully researched analysis of top graphic design colleges India includes essential information about curriculum quality, industry connections, and the flourishing future scope of graphic design careers nationwide.
Table of Contents
Which Are the Top 10 Graphic Designing Colleges in India?
| Rank | College Name | About College | Entrance Exam | Total Fees in Lakhs (Approx) | Average Package | Highest Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad | Premier institute focused on fundamentals and cultural impact in graphic design with high creativity standards. | NID DAT | ₹18 lakhs | Approx ₹9 LPA | Up to ₹15 LPA and above |
| 2 | National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi | Offers BDes in Fashion Communication Design with strong industry interaction and practical exposure. | NIFT Entrance Exam | ₹15 lakhs | Approx ₹7 LPA | Up to ₹12 LPA |
| 3 | Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), Pune | Focuses on technical skills, visual communication, and design thinking with interdisciplinary education. | SEED (Symbiosis Entrance Exam) | ₹19.5 lakhs | Approx ₹9 LPA | Up to ₹15 LPA |
| 4 | Pearl Academy, Delhi/Mumbai | Industry-aligned graphic design programs with creative curricula and multi-campus presence. | Pearl Academy Entrance Exam | ₹28.9 lakhs | Approx ₹6 LPA | Up to ₹10 LPA |
| 5 | Maharashtra Institute of Technology – Institute of Design (MITID), Pune | Comprehensive design education with a graphic design specialization. | MITID DAT | ₹35 lakhs | Approx ₹6 LPA | Up to ₹10 LPA |
| 6 | Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), Delhi | Emphasizes hands-on learning and industry exposure in creative design education. | IIAD Entrance Exam | ₹21 lakhs | Approx ₹5 LPA | Up to ₹9 LPA |
| 7 | World University of Design, Sonipat | Offers diverse specializations, including graphic design, with multiple admission exam options. | NIFT Entrance, UCEED, NID DAT | ₹14.8 lakhs | Approx ₹5 LPA | Up to ₹9 LPA |
| 8 | SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai | Integrates graphic design with technology and creative studies. | Merit-based / Entrance Exam | ₹2.6 lakhs | Approx ₹4 LPA | Up to ₹7 LPA |
| 9 | Whistling Woods International, Mumbai | Known for media and design courses focusing on creativity and industry relevance. | Institute-specific Entrance Exam | ₹8 lakhs | Approx ₹5 LPA | Up to ₹8 LPA |
| 10 | DY Patil International University, Pune | Modern design program with industry-focused curriculum and collaborations. | Merit-based / Entrance Exam | ₹10 lakhs | Approx ₹5 LPA | Up to ₹8 LPA |
What Is the Future Scope of Graphic Designing in India?
The graphic design industry is booming, driven by India’s expanding digital marketplace, startup culture, animation, advertising, and content creation sectors. Here’s why a career in graphic design is future-proof:
- Rising Demand: From branding to UI/UX and motion graphics, skilled designers are essential for businesses competing online.
- Integration of AI: Designers proficient in AI-driven tools enjoy a distinct advantage and stay ahead of trends.
- Salary Outlook:
- Entry-level designers earn ₹3–₹5 LPA.
- Mid-level professionals can command ₹6–₹8 LPA.
- Senior and UI/UX designers often exceed ₹10 LPA.
- Career Options: Graphic design graduates find roles in advertising, digital media, app design, gaming, animation, and even freelance entrepreneurship.
- If you keep updating your skills—especially in digital arts and new software—the opportunities in this field are vast and growing.
How Do Placements Work at the Top Graphic Designing Colleges in India?
Most top colleges that offer graphic design courses have dedicated placement cells to support students in finding job opportunities. They also provide industry-focused projects, live design assignments, and internship programs that give students real-world experience while they study. These practical experiences help students build strong design skills, create an impressive portfolio, and understand what companies are looking for. Because of this, students are much more likely to get high-paying and creative roles in areas like advertising, branding, digital media, and UI/UX design after graduation.
How to Choose the Right College for Graphic Design?
When selecting the top 10 Graphic Designing colleges in India, keep in mind:
- Accreditation and faculty experience
- Curriculum relevance to digital trends
- Fees and affordability
- Placement record and industry partnerships
- Campus facilities and creative culture
Make sure to attend counseling sessions, compare course offerings, and connect with alumni to get real insights.
FAQs about Graphic Designing Colleges in India:
Q1: What are the best colleges for graphic design in India?
A: Some of the most recommended institutions are:
NID (National Institute of Design)
NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology)
MITID (MIT Institute of Design)
SID (Symbiosis Institute of Design)
Pearl Academy
IIAD (Indian Institute of Art and Design)
Q2: What should be the course fees for a graphic design course?
A:
Public colleges: ₹2–₹4 lakh per year
Private institutes: ₹3–₹20 lakh (total)
Q3: Which entrance exams are needed?
A: Common entrance exams include:
NID DAT
NIFT Entrance Exam
UCEED
CEED
Institute-specific tests (e.g., Pearl Academy Entrance Exam, MITID DAT)
Q4: How much salary does a graphic designer in India get?
A: Graduates from top colleges can expect ₹3–₹8 lakh per annum as a starting package, depending on their skills and portfolio.
Q5: Are the design colleges in India really worth it?
A: Yes, institutes like NID, NIFT, and IIT Bombay offer excellent ROI due to strong placements and industry recognition. However, some costly private colleges may not provide the same returns — choose based on placement records, fees, and career goals.
Choosing the top graphic design college can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Career Plan B specializes in:
- Personalized Career Counselling: Helping you clarify creative career goals and pick the best-fit college.
- Psycheintel and Career Assessment Tests: Uncovering your unique talents and matching you with suitable courses.
- Admission and Academic Profile Guidance: Streamlining your application, prepping your portfolio, and boosting your selection chances.
- Comprehensive Career Roadmapping: Mapping out a step-by-step plan that includes education, upskilling, and job placement strategies.
With our expert support, you can pursue your passion for design with confidence and clarity.
Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!
Conclusion
Choosing from the top graphic design colleges India represents a strategic investment in your creative future and professional success. These premier institutions provide comprehensive training in both traditional design principles and cutting-edge digital technologies that modern employers actively seek. With India’s design industry experiencing rapid expansion across sectors like advertising, digital media, and e-commerce, graduates from these colleges enjoy excellent career prospects and competitive salary packages. The combination of quality education, industry exposure, and practical experience offered by these institutions ensures students are well-prepared for dynamic design careers. By selecting the right college from this curated list, you position yourself advantageously in India’s thriving creative economy.
Get Matched with an Expert Counselor
Our personalized approach ensures you receive advice and guidance that's specifically suited to your career aspirations.
Request Free SessionCategories
- Featured19
Search With Tags
See Related Post
No featured posts found.