Graphic Design Courses after 12th – Admission 2026, Duration, Top Institutes, Placements
Published by Shikha Kumari on May 09, 2025
Graphic Design is a course that teaches individuals how to create visual communication by combining images and text to convey a specific message or achieve a particular objective. Candidates who wish to pursue graphic design courses after Class 12 can use this blog as a guide to explore the career option. In this blog, we will discuss graphic design course information, available specializations, a list of reliable design courses, top institutes, and graphic design salary prospects.
Graphic Design Courses Admission Process
To get into graphic design courses, candidates must have completed their 12th grade. Students from any stream, Commerce, Science, or Arts, can pursue graphic design courses after 12th, provided they meet the cutoff criteria for design entrance exams. Moreover, candidates should prepare a portfolio, which is a crucial part of the application process. It showcases their skills in digital art, web/graphic design, and photography. If shortlisted, some institutions may also conduct interviews to assess the candidate’s communication skills and design thinking abilities.
| Component | Description |
| Entrance Exams | National level: NID DAT, UCEED, CEED, AIEED, and state-level exams. NIFT Entrance Exam: Required for admission to the NIFT. |
| Direct Admission | Based on merit or previous academic performance, such as Class 12 marks. |
| Eligibility Criteria | UG Programs: Completion of 10+2 in Arts, Commerce, or Science. PG Programs: Bachelor’s degree in design or related discipline. |
NID DAT Schedule 2026
NID DAT schedule for 2026 examination has been released, the important dates are mentioned in the table below:
| Application opens | 11 September 2025 |
| Last date to apply | 1 December 2025 |
| Correction window | 2 – 4 December 2025 |
| DAT Prelims exam | 21 December 2025 |
| DAT Prelims result (B.Des) | 7 April 2026 |
| DAT Mains exam (B.Des) | April / May 2026 (tentative) |
UCEED Schedule 2026
UCEED notification for 2026 exam was released on 1 October 2025, the exam is scheduled to be conducted on 18 January 2026.
| Notification release | 1 October 2025 |
| Registration starts | 1 October 2025 |
| Last date to apply (regular fee) | 5 November 2025 |
| Last date with late fee | 10 November 2025 |
| Admit card release | 2 January 2026 |
| Admit card correction window | 2 – 8 January 2026 |
| Exam date | 18 January 2026 (Sunday, 9 AM – 12 Noon) |
| Draft answer key release | 20 January 2026 |
| Final answer key release | 28 January 2026 |
| Results announcement | 6 March 2026 |
| Score card download window | 10 March – 31 July 2026 |
| B.Des application for participating institutes opens | 14 March 2026 |
| B.Des application closes | 10 April 2026 |
List of Graphic Design Courses
Graphic design courses can be pursued through certifications, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, or even at the doctoral level. For your reference, we have provided a sample list of design courses.
| Degree Type | Eligibility Criteria | Common Entrance Exams |
| Certification/Diploma | Completion of Class 12 (any stream) with 50% aggregate from a recognised board | Direct Admission or Portfolio Evaluation |
| Bachelor’s Degree (B.Des, BFA, BA in Graphic Design) | Class 12 (any stream) with a minimum of 50% from a recognised board | NID DAT, UCEED, NIFT, Pearl Academy Entrance |
| Master’s Degree (M.Des, MFA, MA in Graphic Design) | Bachelor’s in Design/Art/Visual Communication with a minimum 50% aggregate | CEED, NID PG DAT, MITID DAT |
| PhD in Design/Visual Arts | Master’s in Design/Arts from a recognised UGC-approved university with a minimum 50% aggregate | UGC-NET, institute-level entrance + interview |
Graphic Design Courses Top Institutes
Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) and World University of Design are among the top graphic design institutes. In these institutes, Graphic Design course fees can range from Rs 3.6 lakh to Rs 21.92 lakh. We have curated a list of design courses after the 12th, along with their total fees in India.
| Institute Name | Location | Degree/Credential | Total Fees (Rs) |
| National Institute of Fashion Technology | Hauz Khas, Delhi | B.Des | 1.18 L |
| Pearl Academy | Rajouri Garden | B.Des / Certificate | 27.88 L |
| World University of Design | Sonepat | B.Des, M.Des | 2 L – 14.72 L |
| UPES (Admission Office) | Okhla | B.Des, M.Des, MBA (Design Mgt.) | 12.52 L – 20.35 L |
| Apeejay Institute of Design | Mehrauli | B.Des, UG Diploma, M.A. | 2.65 L – 9.1 L |
| Galgotias University | Greater Noida | B.Des | 3.6 L |
| Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) | Okhla | BA (Hons) (Kingston Univ.) | 21.92 L |
| Lovely Professional University (LPU) | Connaught Place | B.Des | 9.6 L |
Graphic Design Courses in Delhi Government
Being the national capital of India, Delhi offers great flexibility in learning modules. Some of the top colleges in Delhi include NIFT and Galgotias University. The fees can range from Rs 1.18 lakh to Rs 21.92 lakh.
Graphic Designing Salary
As a career choice, graphic design offers a lucrative salary range. Candidates usually choose specific job profiles, based on which their annual average salary can be estimated. For instance, a new UI/UX designer can expect around Rs 5 LPA to Rs 17 LPA, whereas a basic graphic designer may earn between Rs 2 LPA to Rs 5 LPA.
| Job Profile | Annual Average Salary (in Rs) |
| Motion Graphic Designer | Rs 3.5 LPA – Rs 7 LPA |
| Print Designer | Rs 4 LPA – Rs 6 LPA |
| UI/UX Designer | Rs 5 LPA – Rs 17 LPA |
| Graphic Designer | Rs 2 LPA – Rs 5 LPA |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I be a Graphic Designer after the 12th?
After the 12th, pursue a certificate, diploma, or undergraduate Graphic Design course. Admission is based on entrance exams like SEED, AIEED, or merit. - What are the 7 types of graphic design?
Web, UI/UX, advertising, motion graphics, packaging, game design, and illustration are common types of graphic design. - Are 12th-grade marks important for graphic design?
While 12th-grade marks are required for some courses, many graphic design programs focus more on creative portfolios and entrance exams. - How To Become a Graphic Designer After 12th?
Options include a BFA in Graphic Design, a BA in Communication Design, or a diploma in Graphic Design, along with software training. - Which course is best for graphic design?
A Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or a BA in Communication Design is ideal, focusing on foundational design skills and software expertise.
About The Author
