Interior Design Courses After 12th: Colleges, Fees and Scope
At a glance
| College | City | Entrance Exam | Approx. Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Institute of Design (NID) | Ahmedabad and other campuses | NID DAT | ₹4 lakh to ₹5 lakh |
| Pearl Academy | Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur | Pearl Academy Entrance Exam | ₹3 lakh to ₹4 lakh |
| MIT Institute of Design | Pune | MIT-DAT / UCEED | ₹2.5 lakh to ₹3.5 lakh |
| Sir J.J. College of Architecture | Mumbai | Merit-based | Under ₹1 lakh |
| CEPT University | Ahmedabad | CEED / CEPT entrance | ₹2 lakh to ₹3 lakh |
Interior design courses after 12th are open to students from any stream and typically run as a 4-year Bachelor's degree (B.Des in Interior Design) or a 3-year diploma, requiring a portfolio and, at several top institutes, an entrance exam testing design aptitude, creativity and spatial reasoning rather than academic marks alone.
Who Is Eligible for Interior Design Courses?
Most interior design programmes accept students from any stream, Science, Commerce or Arts, after 12th, with a minimum aggregate typically ranging from 45% to 50% depending on the institute. A portfolio showcasing sketches, design projects or creative work strengthens an application significantly, even where it is not mandatory.
Which Are the Top Colleges for Interior Design in India?
What Do Interior Design Programmes Teach?
- Space planning and spatial design principles for residential and commercial projects
- Materials, furniture design and lighting design
- Computer-aided design (CAD) software and 3D visualisation tools
- Sustainable and green building design concepts
- Client presentation, budgeting and project management skills
What Career Options Exist After Interior Design?
- Residential and commercial interior designer at design studios and architecture firms
- Set designer for film, television and event production
- Retail and hospitality space design specialist
- Furniture and product design roles
- Independent design practice or studio ownership
What Is the Salary Range After Interior Design?
Fresh graduates typically start around ₹2.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh a year at design studios and architecture firms, while experienced designers with 8 to 10 years of experience, particularly those running independent practices or working on large commercial projects, can earn significantly more, often ₹15 lakh to ₹30 lakh a year or more depending on project scale and reputation.
Explore interior design and related design courses, compare design institutes across India, and check entrance exam patterns for NID and CEED before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a design background to apply for interior design courses? expand_more
Is NID DAT compulsory for interior design admission? expand_more
What is the difference between a diploma and a degree in interior design? expand_more
Can interior design graduates work abroad? expand_more
What software should an interior design student learn? expand_more
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