Graphic Design in 2025: Admission 2025, Salary, Fees, Course, Syllabus, and Subjects

Published by Shikha Kumari on May 05, 2025

Aspirants often wonder what Graphic design is and its goal. Graphic design is the creative process of combining images, text, and visual elements to communicate ideas and messages effectively. Graphic designers use tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to craft everything from logos and posters to websites, packaging, and advertisements. Their work is crucial for branding and marketing, helping businesses connect with audiences through compelling visuals. Graphic design courses are offered at UG, PG, and doctoral levels. Besides, the certification and diploma programmes in graphic design are also available. Students can pursue undergraduate courses in this field after finishing their 12th grade, while postgraduate options are open to those who already hold a degree in graphic design or a related discipline. 

Graphic Design Admission Process, Top Colleges, Fees, and Career Prospects

Admission to leading graphic design programmes in India is granted through national-level entrance exams such as the NIFT Entrance Exam, UCEED, NID DAT, and Pearl Academy Entrance Exam, or based on a candidate’s performance in their class 12 examinations. The application process usually involves meeting eligibility criteria, registering for the entrance test, submitting required documents, and participating in subsequent selection rounds like studio tests, interviews, and portfolio reviews.

Graphic design courses fees in India vary widely, making it possible for students from different backgrounds to pursue quality education in this creative field. Short-term certification programs can start as low as INR 1,300, while comprehensive graphic design degree programs at top private institutes may cost up to INR 52 lakh. Government colleges generally offer more affordable tuition compared to private institutions, with fees for diploma and undergraduate graphic design degree courses ranging from INR 5,000 to INR 1 lakh. Undergraduate graphic design degree programmes, such as a B.Des in Graphic Design, usually have fees ranging from INR 2 lakh to INR 19 lakh, depending on the college and its reputation. Prestigious institutions like NID Ahmedabad, Pearl Academy, and Srishti Manipal Institute offer graphic design degree courses with fees that can reach up to INR 29 lakh for the entire programme.

Some of the top Indian colleges for graphic design include the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), National Institute of Design (NID), and Pearl Academy. For those preferring online learning, popular platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare, and Alison provide a wide selection of graphic design courses catering to different skill levels and specialisations.

Upon completing a graphic design course, graduates can pursue roles such as Graphic Designer, Picture Editor, Design Manager, Teacher, or Lecturer. Additionally, the field offers diverse opportunities in positions like UX Designer, Web Designer, Editorial Designer, Art Director, Advertising Art Director, and Animation Designer. Entry-level graphic designers in India typically earn an average annual salary of around INR 3.8 lakh, with higher earnings potential as experience and specialization increase.

The graphic design industry in India is expanding rapidly, offering strong placement support and a variety of career paths in both traditional and digital sectors. With the right training and portfolio, graduates can find employment across advertising agencies, publishing houses, IT firms, and independent creative studios.

Why Study Graphic Design in 2025?

• Growing Digital Demand: As digital content consumption rises, skilled graphic designers are in high demand across industries.
  
• Diverse Career Paths: Opportunities abound in advertising, publishing, web design, animation, gaming, and more.
  
• Creative Fulfillment: If you enjoy visual storytelling and digital art, graphic design offers a rewarding and flexible career.
  

Types of Graphic Design Courses

Graphic Design Entrance Exams (2025)

Admission to top graphic design colleges is either merit-based (Class 12 marks) or through entrance exams. Key entrance tests include:

• NIFT Entrance Exam
  
• NID DAT
  
• UCEED
  
• CEED
  
• Pearl Academy Entrance Exam
  

After clearing the exam, candidates may face studio tests, personal interviews, and portfolio reviews.

Top Colleges for Graphic Design in India

Private Colleges:

• Pearl Academy, Delhi
  
• Vogue Institute of Art & Design, Bangalore
  
• MIT-ADT University, Pune
  
• World University of Design, Sonepat
  

Government Colleges:

• National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad
  
• National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi
  
• NIELIT Delhi & Chandigarh
  

Graphic Design Fees Structure

Graphic Design Syllabus & Subjects

The graphic design curriculum is thoughtfully structured to build foundational knowledge and practical skills over multiple semesters. Starting with core design principles and history, students progressively learn essential software tools, digital techniques, and web design fundamentals. This comprehensive approach ensures a well-rounded education that prepares learners for diverse roles in the creative industry. 

• Semester 1: Elements & Principles of Design, Evolution of Design, Film Appreciation
  
• Semester 2: Introduction to Graphic Design, Typography, Image Layout, Corel Draw
  
• Semester 3: Illustration, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
  
• Semester 4: Dreamweaver, Visual Perception, Adobe Audition
  
• Semester 5: HTML/JavaScript, Computer Fundamentals, Flash, Vector Graphics
  
• Semester 6: Internship, Visual Identity Design, 3D Modeling
  

Core Topics:
Color theory, composition, branding, digital tools, web design basics, motion graphics, UX/UI.

Online Graphic Design Courses

Popular online platforms and their offerings:

Graphic Design Career Scope, Job Profiles & Salary

Entry-Level Salary: INR 2–6 lakh per annum (average INR 3.8 LPA for freshers)

Popular Job Roles:

• Graphic Designer
  
• UI/UX Designer
  
• Motion Graphic Designer
  
• Print Designer
  
• Web Designer
  
• Art Director
  
• Multimedia Artist
  

Top Recruiters:

• Vistaprint Inc
  
• Decathlon Group
  
• Deloitte
  
• Accenture
  
• IKEA
  
• EY (Ernst & Young)
  

Graphic Design Scholarships

Graphic design scholarships provide crucial financial support to students aspiring to build a career in this creative field. Available from various institutions, organizations, and online platforms, these scholarships aim to reward talent, creativity, and academic excellence. Whether you are a high school senior, an undergraduate, or a postgraduate student, numerous scholarships in India and abroad can help reduce tuition fees and other educational expenses. Many scholarships consider factors such as entrance exam performance, portfolio quality, academic merit, and financial need. Leading design institutes like Pearl Academy and NID, as well as global platforms like Coursera and Udemy, offer scholarship opportunities to encourage and nurture emerging graphic designers. Many top institutes offer merit and need-based scholarships for Graphic Design courses, including:

• NIFT (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore)
  
• Pearl Academy
  
• Symbiosis Institute of Design
  

Fundamental Principles of Graphic Design

• Balance: Harmonious arrangement of elements
  
• Contrast: Using differences to highlight key areas
  
• Alignment: Clean, organized layouts
  
• Repetition: Consistency and brand reinforcement
  
• Proximity: Logical grouping of related items
  
• Hierarchy: Guiding viewer attention by importance