Graphic designing courses teach students principles and techniques for visual communication, covering digital media, print materials, branding, and multimedia presentations using software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Students can pursue a certification, a diploma, or a degree in Graphic Design to study Graphic Design at the professional level. The best Graphic Design courses at the UG/PG level are BDes Graphic Design and MDes Graphic Design.
The Top Graphic Design Colleges in India are NID Ahmedabad, Symbiosis Institute of Design, and Pearl Academy. The admission requirements include passing 10+2 exams from the Science/Arts/Commerce stream from a recognized board. Some reputed institutes conduct entrance exams for admission to Graphic Design programs.
Students who want to learn a technical skill or build a professional knowledge of a particular graphic design software, tool, or technology can take Online Graphic Design Courses. Both beginner and advanced level Graphic Design courses online focus on the basics of Graphic Design or a particular software used in Graphic Design.
In addition to a career as a Graphic Designer, students may also look out for alternative career options after Graphic Design, such as UX Designer, Art Director, Editorial Designer, Advertising Art Director, Web Designer, Animation Designer, etc. A Graphic Designer can expect to earn INR 3 – 5 LPA as a fresher. Graphic Designers with over 5 years of work experience can expect to earn INR 10 – 12 LPA.
Table of Contents
- Best Online Graphic Design Courses
- 10 Best Graphic Design Certification Courses
- Top 10 Free Graphic Design Courses
- Types of Graphic Design Courses
4.1 Graphic Design Courses Eligibility
4.2 Diploma Graphic Design Courses
4.5 Graphic Design Courses Fees
5.1 Delhi
5.2 Mumbai
5.3 Kolkata
5.4 Ahmedabad
5.5 Kerala
5.6 Hyderabad
Best Online Graphic Design Courses
The table here lists the 10 best Graphic Design courses Online to help candidates elevate their existing skills and build a portfolio.
| Course Name | Platform | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design Specialization by CalArts | Coursera | Check Course Details! |
| Graphic Design Course by University of Colorado Boulder | Coursera | |
| Graphic Design Masterclass Intermediate - The NEXT Level | Udemy | |
| Learn Professional 2D Game Graphic Design in Photoshop | Udemy | |
| Introduction to Graphic Design | Kadenze | |
| Great Graphic Design | SkillShare | |
| Become a Graphic Designer | LinkedIn Learning | |
| Graphic Design Lecture Notes | MIT OpenCourseWare | |
| Graphic Design Tutorials | Will Paterson's YouTube Channel | |
| Introduction to Graphic Design | Udemy |
10 Best Graphic Design Certification Courses
The table below consists of the best graphic design certification courses:
| Course Name | Platform | Duration | Fees & Course Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising & Graphics | Pearl Academy (West Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore) | 11 months | Check Course Fees and Reviews! |
| Certificate Course in Graphic Design | Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communication, New Delhi | 6 months | |
| Graphic Designing, DTP & Video Editing | School of Open Learning, University of Delhi | 5 months | |
| Online Graphic Design Course | Shaw Academy | 16 weeks | |
| Computer Graphics Boot Camp | Edge by Pearl Academy | 3 months | |
| Budget Graphic Design Course | Shaw Academy | 8 weeks | |
| Visual Element of User Interface Design | CalArts via Coursera | 16 hours | |
| The Language of Design: Form and Meaning | CalArts via Coursera | 8 hours | |
| Fundamentals of Graphic Design | CalArts via Coursera | 15 hours | |
| Intro to Graphic Design with Photoshop | Great Learning | 10 hours |
Top 10 Free Graphic Design Courses
The online platforms that offer free graphic design courses are as follows:
| Course Name | Platform | Course Review |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design Specialization by CalArts | Coursera | Check Course Reviews! |
| Graphic Design Course by University of Colorado Boulder | Coursera | |
| Introduction to Graphic Design | Kadenze | |
| Become a Graphic Designer | LinkedIn Learning | |
| Graphic Design Lecture Notes | MIT OpenCourseWare | |
| Graphic Design Tutorials | Will Paterson's YouTube Channel | |
| Canva Design School | Canva | |
| Visual and Graphic Design Skills Course | Alison | |
| Introduction to Graphic Illustration | Kadenze | |
| Graphic Design Blog | Veerle Pieters |
Types of Graphic Design Courses
The different types of Graphic Design courses that a student can pursue are mentioned below.
- User Interface Graphic Design
- Visual Identity Graphic Design
- Motion Graphic Design
- Packaging Graphic Design
- Advertising Graphic Design
- Publication Graphic Design
If students want to pursue a degree in Graphic Design, they have the option to pursue the following courses: Read: Software Used in Graphic Designing
Graphic Design Course Eligibility
Students after passing the class 12 exam can do a Graphic Design course at the undergraduate, diploma, or certification level. Students from any stream (Science/Commerce/Arts) are eligible to pursue Graphic Design courses; however, the additional requirements may vary depending on the type of degree, students opt for and also the colleges they’re applying to.
The Graphic Design course admission process involves clearing design aptitude tests (SEED, AIEED, CUCET, MH CET, etc.), studio test rounds, and personal interviews. Check: Graphic Design Entrance Exams
| Course | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Diploma in Graphic Design | Passing marks up to 45 - 50% in 10+2 from a recognized board |
| BDes Graphic Design | 10+2 or 10+3 diploma from a recognized board with a minimum aggregate of 45 - 50%. Admission is based on entrance exams like SEED (for SID) and MH CET, CUCET, or any other examination conducted by the respective universities. |
| MDes Graphic Design | Graduation in design or any other relevant stream from a recognized board with a minimum aggregate score as asked by the university. Admission is based on entrance exams conducted by the university such as AIEED, SEED, or any other design aptitude test followed by a studio test and personal interview. |
| Graphic Design Online Courses/Certifications | No eligibility criteria as such; anyone who is interested can apply directly for these courses. |
Diploma in Graphic Design
A diploma in Graphic Design is a fast-paced and comprehensive UG/PG course where students get to learn the practical skills and tools required to start a career as a Graphic Designer. A diploma in Graphic Design can be done after 12th or graduation. The table mentions the top colleges that offer diplomas in Graphic Design or related streams and program fees.
| Course Name | Top Colleges | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Graphic Design | INSD New Delhi | INR 1,05,610 |
| Post Graduate Diploma in Graphic Design | KSWU Bijapur | INR 7,720 |
| Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design | RISU Jaipur | INR 70,000 |
| Diploma in Visual Communication Design | Vels University, Chennai | INR 2,07,050 |
| Diploma in Visual Communication Design | Parul University, Vadodara | INR 77,000 |
| Advanced Diploma in Advertising & Graphic Design | WLCI School of Fashion, Pune | INR 3,51,133 |
| Diploma in Graphic Design – Corporate Identity | INR 4,35,100 | |
| Advanced Diploma in Media, Graphics and Animation | VEDA Pune | INR 1,80,000 |
| Diploma in Graphic and Web Designing | INR 1,00,000 | |
| Advanced Post Graduate Diploma in Graphic Design | INR 85,000 |
BDes in Graphic Design
- BDes Graphic Design is a popular UG degree in Graphic Design.
- The duration of the BDes Graphic Design course is 4 years.
- The program covers the theory and practical skills including fundamentals of 2D & 3D design, drawing, art, visual communication, Graphic Design tools, etc.
- A candidate must pass the 10+2 exam from any stream to be eligible to apply for a BDes Graphic Design course. The minimum percentage requirement is 50%.
The table mentions the Top BDes Graphic Design Colleges in India and the annual program fee.
| College | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| LPU Jalandhar | INR 1,20,000 |
| MIT-WPU Pune | INR 3,50,000 |
| Chitkara University, Patiala | INR 1,80,000 |
| SID Pune | INR 4,40,000 |
| Apeejay Stya University, Gurgaon | INR 2,60,000 |
| Parul University, Vadodara | INR 2,50,750 |
| PDM University, Haryana | INR 88,200 |
| Mody University, Sikar | INR 2,59,000 |
| Sushant University, Haryana | INR 4,02,700 |
| Ajeenkya DY Patil University Pune, Maharashtra | INR 3,50,000 |
MDes in Graphic Design
- MDes Graphic Design is a popular PG degree in Graphic Design.
- The duration of the MDes Graphic Design course is 2 years.
- The program focuses on topics covered in an undergraduate Graphic Design course but in much more detail.
- In order to be eligible for an MDes Graphic Design course, the candidate must be a graduate from any relevant field like Architecture, Design, Interior Design, or Fine Arts.
- The table mentions the Top MDes Graphic Design Colleges in India and the annual program fee.
| Colleges | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| RIMT University, Gobindgarh | INR 1,35,000 |
| Avantika University Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh | INR 3,88,000 |
| Arch College of Design and Business, Jaipur | INR 4,45,000 |
| Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, Navi Mumbai | INR 1,66,100 |
| National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad | INR 4,10,100 |
| MIT Institute of Design Pune, Maharashtra | INR 3,98,000 |
| MIT Art, Design and Technology University, Pune | INR 6,61,100 |
| The Design Village Noida, Uttar Pradesh | INR 4,50,000 |
| Vishwakarma University Pune, Maharashtra | INR 3,75,000 |
| International School of Design, New Delhi | INR 1,04,000 |
Graphic Design Courses Fees
The average cost of a Graphic Design course depends on various factors like course level, college, institute, and duration. The table mentions the average Graphic Design course fees on the basis of the course level.
| Course Level | Average Graphic Design Course Fees | Top Colleges |
|---|---|---|
| UG/PG Certificate in Graphic Design | INR 3,000 - INR 24,00,000 | Top Certificate in Graphic Design Colleges |
| Diploma in Graphic Design | INR 5,000 - INR 10,000 | Top Diploma in Graphic Design Colleges |
| BDes Graphic Design | INR 2,00,000 - INR 19,00,000 | Top BDes Graphic Design Colleges |
| MDes Graphic Design | INR 2,50,000 - INR 13,00,000 | Top MDes Graphic Design Colleges |
Top Graphic Design Colleges in India
With the increase in the popularity of graphic design, numerous reputed colleges are offering Graphic Design courses after the 12th at different levels such as certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate. Loyola College Chennai, Madras Christian College, St. Teresa's College, Lovely Professional University, and MIT World Peace University are among the top 5 Graphic design colleges. The top state-wise Graphic Design colleges are mentioned in the below sections.
Also Check:
| Graphic Design Courses in Delhi | Graphic Design Courses in Mumbai | Graphic Design Courses in Bangalore |
| Graphic Design Courses in Chennai | Graphic Design Courses in Kolkata | Graphic Design Courses in Pune |
Top Graphic Design Colleges in Delhi
The Top Graphic Design Colleges in Delhi are Pearl Academy (West Campus), Apeejay Institute of Design, and Sushant University. The average fee to pursue a Graphic Design course in Delhi ranges between INR 10,000 – 6,00,000 per year. In terms of career opportunities, a Graphic Designer in Delhi can expect an average salary between INR 3 – 3.5 lakhs per annum. The table mentions details about the best Graphic Design colleges in Delhi including courses offered and course fees.
| College | Course Name | Course Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl Academy (West Campus) | UG Pathway in Graphics & Communication Design | INR 6,41,090 (1st year fee) |
| Apeejay Stya University, Gurgaon | BDes Graphic Design | INR 2,90,200 (1st year fee) |
| Lingaya's Vidyapeeth, Faridabad | BDes Graphic Design | INR 1,29,500 |
| Sushant University, Gurgaon | BDes Graphic Design | INR 4,02,700 (1st year fee) |
| MDes Graphic Design | INR 2,89,100 (1st year fee) | |
| Maharishi University of Information Technology, Noida | Diploma in Animation and Multimedia | INR 1,00,000 |
| Post Graduate Diploma in Graphic Design and UI UX | INR 1,00,000 | |
| JD Institute of Fashion Technology | BDes Graphic Design | INR 1,85,000 (1st year fee) |
| MDes Graphic Design | INR 1,82,280 (1st year fee) | |
| Apeejay Institute of Design | BDes Graphic Design | INR 1,80,000 (1st year fee) |
| PG Diploma in Graphic Design and Packaging | INR 1,22,000 |
Top Graphic Design Colleges in Mumbai
Xavier Institute of Communications, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, St. Paul Institute of Communication Education, etc. are among the prominent providers of Graphic Design courses in Mumbai. Pursuing a Graphic Design course in Mumbai costs anywhere between INR 13,000 - 6,90,000 a year depending on the type of course. A Graphic Designer in Mumbai can expect to earn an average salary of INR 3,05,826 per annum as per the records of Payscale.
Here is a list of the best Graphic Design Colleges in Mumbai along with their courses and fees.
| Colleges | Course Name | Course Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Xavier Institute of Communications | Certificate Course in Graphic Design | INR 16,000 |
| Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University | BDes Graphic Design | INR 1,66,100 (1st-year fee) |
| MDes Graphic Design | INR 1,66,100 (1st-year fee) | |
| St. Pauls Institute of Communication Education | Certificate Course in Graphic Design | INR 13,000 |
| ITM Institute of Design & Media Oshiwara | BDes Graphic Design | - |
| Frameboxx Animation and Visual Effects | Certificate Course in Graphic Design | - |
| National Institute of Computer Arts | Certificate Course in Graphic Design | INR 16,500 |
Top Graphic Design Colleges in Kolkata
École Intuit Lab, Jadavpur University, ESEDS School of Design, etc. are among the few institutions providing Graphic Design Courses in Kolkata. The fees for the Graphic Design course in Kolkata range from INR 4,000 to 6,25,000. A Graphic Designer in Kolkata can expect to earn INR 2,06,102 annually as a fresher.
Here is a list of Graphic Design Colleges in Kolkata along with their fees and courses list.
| Colleges | Course Name | Course Fee |
|---|---|---|
| WLCI School of Fashion | Advanced Diploma in Advertising and Graphic Design | - |
| École Intuit Lab - French Institute of Design Digital & Strategy | BDes Graphic Design | INR 3,00,000 (1st year fee) |
| CAD Centre, Jadavpur University | Diploma in Animation and Multimedia | INR 94,400 |
| Certificate in Motion Graphic Design using Adobe After Effects | INR 4,130 | |
| ESEDS School of Design | BDes Graphic Design | INR 6,25,000 |
| Certificate in Graphic Design | INR 50,000 | |
| Abesh Innovation Education Training Skill Institute | Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design | INR 49,800 |
Top Graphic Design Colleges in Ahmedabad
NID Ahmedabad is one of the reputed design schools that offer Graphic Design courses in Ahmedabad. Other reputed institutes are Silver Oak University, Khyati Foundation, LJU, etc. BDes Graphic Design, BDes Visual Communication, and Certificate Course in Graphic Design are among the popular Graphic Design courses in Ahmedabad. A Graphic Designer in Ahmedabad can expect to earn INR 2,24,000 annually as a fresher. Explore the table below to find out the list of top Graphic Design Colleges in Ahmedabad.
| College Name | Courses Offered | Course Fees |
|---|---|---|
| NID Ahmedabad | BDes Graphic Design | INR 13,88,000 |
| MDes Graphic Design | INR 10,15,000 | |
| Silver Oak University | Certificate Course in Graphic Design | INR 60,000 |
| BSc Animation & Graphic Designing | INR 4,05,000 | |
| LJU Ahmedabad | BDes Visual Communication | INR 4,80,000 |
| VR Institute of Journalism & Mass Communication | Certificate Course in Graphic Design | INR 30,000 |
| Kalapurnam Institute | Certificate Course in Graphic Design | INR 45,000 |
| Skyblue Institute of Design | Certificate Course in Graphic Design | INR 75,000 |
Top Graphic Design Colleges in Kerala
The Top Graphic Design Colleges in Kerala are St Teresa's College, MES College Marampally, and St Mary’s College. The average fee to pursue a Graphic Design course in Kerala ranges between INR 5,000 – INR 1,00,000 per year. In terms of career opportunities, a Graphic Designer in Kerala can expect an average salary between INR 1.5 – 2 lakhs per annum. The top Graphic Design colleges in Kerala are:
| College Name | Courses Offered | Graphic Design Course Fees in Kerela |
|---|---|---|
| Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam | BA (Animation and Graphic Design) | INR 34,680 |
| St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam | Certificate Course in Graphic design | INR 4,500 |
| Yeldo Mar Baselios College, Kothamangalam | MA (Graphics Design) | INR 75,000 |
Top Graphic Design Colleges in Hyderabad
Explore the table below to find out the list of the top Graphic Design Colleges/Institutes and the average Graphic Design course fees in Hyderabad.
| College Name | Courses Offered | Graphic Design Course Fees in Hyderabad |
|---|---|---|
| Arena Animation | 15 months Graphic Design course | INR 1,20,000 – INR 1,60,000 |
| Hamstech | Certificate Course in Graphic Design | INR 50,000 – INR 60,000 |
| Fly High Animation | 6 months Graphic Designing course | INR 18,000 |
| Prism Multimedia – School of Animation & Visual Effects | 3.5 months Graphic Designing course | INR 12,000 |
| International School of Design | Diploma in Graphic Design | INR 60,000 |
Best Graphic Design Training Institute in India
The top 5 Graphic Design training institutes in India are listed below.
Graphic Design Subjects List
The Graphic Design course syllabus comprises fundamentals of Graphic Design, visual design, typography, illustration, layouts, logo design, and advertising design as key subjects. The syllabus and combination of subjects taught in any Graphic Design course will vary depending on duration and the learning outcome.
Explore the table below to get an idea about the basic Graphic Design Course Syllabus.
| Graphic Designing Software & Tools | InDesign |
| Corel Draw | Adobe Audition |
| Typography | Image Layout & Effects |
| Adobe Dreamweaver | Illustrator |
| Vector Graphics for Designers | Introduction to Graphic Designing |
| Photoshop | Adobe Flash |
| Shaping, Design & Illustration | Art & Visual Perception |
| Computer Fundamentals | HTML/ Javascript |
Graphic Design Syllabus: Course-wise
- BDes Graphic Design and MDes Graphic Design are the two most popular Graphic Design Courses in India.
- BDes Graphic Design syllabus is divided into 8 semesters. It focuses on key design and illustration concepts through the study of subjects such as design, media, typography, digital tools, photography, grids, and layouts, and might include seminars, projects, and internships.
- MDes Graphic Design syllabus focuses on Graphic Design subjects in more detail through studying subjects like history and overview of the design, visual design, motion graphics, UI/UX, data interpretation, printing and publication methods, etc.
Career Options After Graphic Design
A graphic designer with 1-3 years of experience can earn up to INR 3.5 LPA, while graphic designers with over 5 years of experience in the field can earn up to INR 6.5 LPA or more. Apart from Graphic Designer, the different career options after a graphic design degree include Art Director, UX Designer, Editorial Designer, Advertising Art Director, Web Designer, Animation Designer, etc. Read More: Jobs After a Graphic Design Degree
| Job Profile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | INR 3.5 – 6.5 LPA |
| Web Designer | INR 2.5 – 3 LPA |
| Art Director | INR 5.5 LPA |
| UX Designer | INR 4 LPA |
| Editorial Designer | INR 2 - 3 LPA |
| Advertising Art Director | INR 6.3 LPA |
| Animation Designer | INR 2.5 LPA |
Salary of a Graphic Designer in India
Explore the table below to learn about the top Graphic Design companies in India and how much they pay Graphic Designers annually. The salaries quoted below are average values based on several employee salary data.
| Company | Annual Salary (Average) |
|---|---|
| Graphic Design Inc. | INR 3 LPA |
| IKEA | INR 2 LPA |
| Vistaprint Inc. | INR 2.20 LPA |
| Digital Freelancers | INR 2.50 LPA |
| Designer Graphics | INR 4 LPA |
| Decathlon Group | INR 3.40 LPA |
| Creative | INR 4 LPA |
| Deloitte | INR 5 LPA |
| Wipro | INR 3 LPA |
| Amazon | INR 4 LPA |
Graphic Design Courses: FAQs
Ques. Can I pursue Graphic Design courses after 10th?
Ans. Yes, you can pursue Graphic Design online from a training institute or virtual learning platforms after class 10 but to pursue a degree in Graphic Design, you need to complete class 12. While there are many perks of pursuing an online Graphic Design course after 10th such as the opportunity to learn at your own pace and affordable tuition fee it cannot be compared to a degree in Graphic Design. A Graphic Design degree allows you to learn theory and work on a number of projects through a classroom-based learning mode. You will also get placement assistance.
Ques. Does doing an online course help in pursuing a career in Graphic Design?
Ans. Yes, doing an online course in Graphic Design will definitely help you to learn the basics of Graphic Design like layout design, colour theory, etc. But to prove your expertise, you need to work on the ideation and creation of projects. After doing an online Graphic Design course you can start working on client projects on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, etc. This will help you add value to your resume.
Ques. What should I learn to become a Graphic Designer?
Ans. Graphic Design is a vast domain with lots of specializations available. Most Graphic Designers pursue a career focused on one area of specialization. Following are the areas of specialization that an aspirant can consider.
- Logo and corporate identity design
- Print communication and publishing including newspaper and magazine cover designing
- Motion Graphics
- Web Designing
Ques. Is freelance Graphic Design a good option?
Ans. Freelancing is a great option to start your career as a Graphic Designer. The only catch here is that you need to have a good portfolio that demonstrates your knowledge and expertise in this field. You can register on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr and work on client projects. Freelancing allows you to work remotely and at your own pace, also, you get paid on an hourly basis or on the basis of project requirements.
Ques. What is the best way to learn Graphic Design? What are some good sources on the web?
Ans. The best way to learn Graphic Design is to enroll in an online training institute. It is better to pursue an online course in Graphic Design from a training institute because it offers practical-based learning and instructor guidance. The key Graphic Design skills that you should look forward to learning while opting for any online Graphic Design course are:
- Photoshop
- Illustrator
- InDesign
- HTML
- UX/UI Design
Some good sources to learn more about Graphic Design are:
- Coursera
- Udemy
- Skillshare
- Online YouTube Channels/Blogs
- Canva
Ques. Which is the best free Graphic Design tool?
Ans. Canva is one of the best free tools for novice designers. All you need to use Canva is an email address. Here are some of the reasons why Canva is the best free Graphic Design tool.
- The basic version of Canva is absolutely free and there are enough features for novice Graphic Designers to learn the basics of Graphic Design.
- Canva requires no background knowledge or experience. It has a library of stickers, fonts, and color schemes that you can use in just a few clicks.
- Canva has templates for every social media platform. You can just customize it according to your needs.
- Canva has the option to work as a team. It allows you to share your work with other people and let them edit or make changes to your work.
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There are many Free Certification courses in Graphic Designing offered online. Some of the top platforms that offer such courses are Alison, Great Learning, Skillshare, Coursera, Shaw Academy, etc.
The BA Animation and Graphic Design course fee of Sacred Heart College, Ernakulam is INR 2.38 lakhs. Students pursuing this course must pay an amount of INR 95925 in the first year and an amount of INR 70925 annually for the next two years.
To be eligible for admission to M.Des Graphic Designing courses you must have a master’s degree in Architecture, Design, Interior Design, Fine Arts or a relevant field from a recognized university. The minimum mark requirement and admission selection process differ from one college to another.
The top institutes that offer M.Des Graphic Designing courses in India include RIMT University Gobindgarh, Avantika University Ujjain, Arch College of Design and Business, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, National Institute of Design, MIT Institute of Design Pune, MIT Art, Design and Technology University, the Design Village Noida, etc.
The minimum eligibility to get admission to Diploma in Graphic Designing courses is to pass Class XII in any stream from a recognized board. Admission to diploma courses is generally based on the merit of the qualifying examination passed.