Graphic design is a field that blends creativity, visual communication, and technology to create images, branding, layouts, and digital art. In India, demand for skilled graphic designers is growing across industries — advertising, digital marketing, UI/UX, publishing, media, and more. But getting the right education matters. If you’re searching for the Top 10 Colleges for Graphic Designing in India, or want to compare their fees, this article is for you. We also cover graphic designing courses online for flexibility seekers.
When choosing a graphic design college, factors like faculty, infrastructure, industry tie‑ups, placement record, curriculum, and cost all matter. Below is a curated list of ten institutions—some government, some private—that are among the best for graphic design (or related design) in India at present.
What Makes a College “Top” for Graphic Designing?
Before we list, here are key criteria used:
Quality of design faculty and studios
Exposure to practical projects, internships, portfolios
Infrastructure (labs, software licenses, printing, workshops)
Industry connections, placement record
Reputation and alumni success
Affordability / fee structure
Also, offering both offline and graphic designing courses online is an advantage in today’s flexible education scenario.
Top 10 Graphic Designing Colleges in India with Fees & Highlights
Here is a list of Top 10 Graphic Designing Colleges in India, along with approximate fees, strengths, and unique features. (Note: Fees are indicative and may change; always check latest from official college sources.)
| Rank | College Name | Location | Approx Total / Annual Fee* | Highlights & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad | Gujarat | ₹11–15 lakhs (for full B.Des or M.Des) | NID is often considered the gold standard in design education. It has rigorous entrance and strong alumni network. |
| 2 | Industrial Design Centre (IDC), IIT Bombay | Mumbai | ~ ₹2.0–2.5 lakhs/year | Part of IIT Bombay, IDC offers great exposure to design research and cross-disciplinary projects. |
| 3 | National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi | Delhi | ~ ₹2.3 lakhs/year (for design programs) | Well known for fashion & communication design, strong industry placements. |
| 4 | Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design & Technology | Bangalore | ~ ₹5–6 lakhs/year for design courses | Focuses on innovative, interdisciplinary design education. |
| 5 | MIT Institute of Design (MIT‑ADT) | Pune | ₹3.5–4 lakhs/year (approx) | Good reputation; collaborates internationally. |
| 6 | Pearl Academy | (Mumbai / Delhi / multiple campuses) | ~ ₹5–6 lakhs/year (for B.Des) | Well known private design institution strong in applied degrees and industry tie-ups. |
| 7 | World University of Design | Sonipat, Haryana | ₹12–14 lakhs total (for full program) | Relatively new but focused exclusively on design, good infrastructure. |
| 8 | UPES School of Design | Dehradun | ~ ₹20+ lakhs (for full course) | Strong in combining design with technology and energy sectors. |
| 9 | Lovely Professional University (LPU) | Jalandhar, Punjab | ~ ₹7–10 lakhs total | Large private university with reasonable costs and facilities. |
| 10 | Vogue Institute of Art & Design | Bangalore | ₹1 to 6 lakhs (varying) | Good option in South India with flexible design offerings. |
* “Fee” here may refer to total program cost or aggregated cost across semesters; check college websites for partitioned yearly fees.
Some Additional Notes on Fees & Courses
According to a fee compilation, Pearl Academy’s graphic design / communication design offerings may cost ~ ₹28.71 lakhs across full courses.
Srishti’s design / art and tech programs show cost ~ ₹13.05 lakhs in total.
NID’s M.Des in Graphic Design is listed at ~ ₹12.30 lakhs in certain sources.
Some simpler / smaller design colleges or diploma programs cost much lower (few lakhs).
Some government or semi-government institutes charge relatively lower fees.
Thus, when you compare Top 10 Colleges for Graphic Designing in India with fees, you will see a wide spread—from high-end design institutes to more affordable ones.
Eligibility & Entrance Exams for Graphic Designing Colleges
To apply to these top graphic design colleges, here are common requirements:
Educational Qualification: 10+2 (or equivalent) from recognized board, in any stream (arts, science, commerce).
Minimum Marks: Often ≥ 50% or equivalent, though it may vary.
Design Entrance Exams / Tests: Many colleges require candidates to clear tests like NID DAT, UCEED, NIFT Entrance Exam, internal design exam or portfolio review.
Portfolio / Sketch Test / Interview: Some require submission of creative portfolio, sketching test, or interview rounds.
Duration: Undergraduate (UG) graphic design degrees are often 3‑4 years. Postgraduate (PG) design or specialization courses are 1–2 years.
Why These Colleges Are Considered Among the Top
Legacy & Recognition: Institutions like NID, NIFT, IDC have decades of legacy and strong standing in design education.
Strong Alumni & Industry Connections: Many alumni work in top creative firms, ad agencies, tech firms.
Balanced Curriculum: They offer training in both traditional art/design fundamentals and modern digital tools, branding, user experience, motion graphics, etc.
Exposure & Internships: Projects, live briefs, internships and exhibitions help build real-world experience.
Facilities & Labs: Access to design studios, printing labs, high-end computers, software (Adobe, 3D, animation), prototyping labs.
Online Option: Graphic Designing Courses Online
In recent years, graphic designing courses online have gained popularity. These courses allow flexibility, self-paced learning, and affordability, especially if you can’t relocate or afford full-campus programs. Here’s how they fit:
Advantages of Online Graphic Designing Courses
Flexibility: You can learn from home, set your own schedule.
Lower Cost: Many online courses, certificate programs cost far less than full degree fees.
Access to Global Educators: Some courses are offered by international instructors or platforms.
Good for Supplementing Learning: Even if you join a full-time program, online courses help you master niche skills like motion graphics, UI/UX, illustration, etc.
Immediate Application: You can do real-world projects or freelancing as you learn.
Examples & Platforms
Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare, Domestika often host graphic design and digital art courses.
Indian design training providers (e.g. IIM Skills, Internshala, multimedia academies) also offer online certificate courses in graphic designing.
Many online courses provide portfolio building, feedback from mentors, and community interaction.
Things to Check for an Online Course
Instructor credentials
Project-based assignments
Lifetime access or support
Mentorship and feedback
Software tools needed
Certificate credibility
While online courses can’t fully replace the exposure and campus culture of a top design college, they are excellent supplements or stepping stones.
Tips to Choose the Right Graphic Design College
Match your budget: Especially when comparing the Top 10 Colleges for Graphic Designing in India with fees, pick what’s financially viable.
Visit campuses: If possible, go for open houses or tours to check studios, labs, and student work.
Check alumni & placements: See portfolios and where past students are placed.
Evaluate curriculum: Prefer institutions with updated syllabus covering both print and digital design, motion graphics, UI/UX, branding, etc.
Support for internships & industry tie-ups: Helps in real exposure.
Flexibility & electives: Some colleges let you take electives in animation, web design, user experience etc.
Supplement offline with online: Use graphic designing courses online to gain extra skills, tools, or specialization.
Career Outlook & Scope
Once you finish a graphic design course, especially from a top college, these are potential career paths:
Graphic Designer (print / digital)
UI/UX Designer / Web Designer
Motion Graphics / Animation Designer
Branding & Identity Designer
Art Director / Creative Director
Visualizer or Creative Strategist
Freelance Designer / Studio Owner
Salaries in entry roles might start around ₹3–4 lakhs per annum in many Indian cities, and can rise substantially (₹8–15 lakhs or more) with experience, specialization, or in metro areas. The creative and tech sectors’ growth ensures steady demand.
Summary & Final Thoughts
We have presented a list of Top 10 Graphic Designing Colleges in India along with approximate fees to help you compare.
Always verify current fees, admission criteria, and curriculum from official college websites.
While campus-based education offers immersive learning, graphic designing courses online are a powerful supplement or alternative if you need flexibility.
Choose a college that balances cost, quality, exposure, and opportunities aligned with your goals.
If you like, I can narrow down Top 10 Graphic Designing Colleges in Delhi / NCR or compare online vs offline more deeply. Do you want me to prepare that for you?
Original Content Sources Here - https://vidyalivee.blogspot.com/2025/10/top-10-colleges-for-graphic-designing.html
