Our five-pronged approach focuses on your individual strengths to develop your unique qualities towards making you an exemplary pi- designer.
Shreya Shrivastava
30/01/2025
share
This article delves into the top 10 Indian colleges offering communication design courses in 2025, showcasing how these institutions prepare students for the dynamic field of design. Highlighting the growing significance of communication design in e-commerce, branding, and digital media, the blog explores course details, eligibility, fees, and entrance exams for each college.
Aspiring designers can discover comprehensive programmes at renowned institutes like NID Ahmedabad, IIAD New Delhi, and SID Pune, equipping them with skills in graphic design, animation, and user interface design. This guide is a must-read for those passionate about building a career in a creative yet practical field, where you can find creative solutions to business challenges.
Table of contents
Communication design has emerged as a powerful tool for shaping how we interact with information, brands, and technology. Whether it’s a visually striking advertisement, a user-friendly app interface, or a compelling social media campaign, communication design bridges the gap between creativity and strategy. The global graphic design market, which encompasses communication design, was valued at USD 57.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 78.25 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5%.
But what exactly is communication design, and why should you consider pursuing a course in this field? In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the essence of communication design courses and why they are a game-changer for aspiring designers.
Communication design is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on crafting visual messages and experiences to convey information effectively. It encompasses graphic design, branding, user interface (UI) design, animation, and multimedia storytelling.
The ultimate goal is to create designs that not only look good but also communicate effectively. In India, the e-commerce sector's rapid expansion further fuels the demand for skilled communication designers; The market is projected to reach $200 billion by 2026.
As industries increasingly rely on design to convey their messages effectively, the need for skilled professionals in this field has grown exponentially. If you’re passionate about combining your artistic flair with strategic thinking, pursuing a course in communication design is the perfect step.
But with so many options available, where do you start? To help you navigate this journey, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Indian design colleges offering outstanding communication design courses in 2025.
NID Ahmedabad is a renowned design institute in India, offering diverse programmes in design education and research.
The B.Des. Foundation Programme at NID focuses on creating professionals adept in design and visual communication. It combines basic design studio courses with studies in Science and Liberal Arts to foster a multidisciplinary understanding of design in relation to environment, culture, human senses, and emotions.
Candidates must have completed or be appearing for their 10+2 examinations in any stream. Admission is based on the NID Design Aptitude Test (NID-DAT), which assesses design aptitude, creativity, and analytical skills.
The Bachelor of Design (B.Des) begins with a year-long Foundation Programme, fostering unlearning and relearning, followed by six semesters of specialised study.
Admission is through the NID-DAT, a two-stage examination comprising a preliminary written test and a mains studio test, followed by a personal interview.
National Institute of Design, Paldi, Ahmedabad - 380007, Gujarat, India.
IIAD in New Delhi offers a comprehensive three-year undergraduate Communication Design course course that prepares students to craft compelling visual narratives across various media platforms.
Graduates of the Communication Design course at IIAD are prepared for careers in various sectors, including advertising agencies, educational institutions, online retailers, and branding divisions of both private and government organizations.
The programme emphasizes the development of a strong portfolio, networking skills, and an entrepreneurial spirit, enhancing employability in the competitive design industry.
The curriculum integrates design practice, thinking, and research, enabling students to develop essential skills in visual storytelling. The programme covers disciplines such as graphic design, animation, storytelling, branding, advertising, and user-experience design.
Applicants should have completed their 10+2 in any stream. Admission is based on the IIAD Design Aptitude Test (iDAT).
The programme is a four-year undergraduate course.
The total fee for the course is around INR 13-15 lakhs.
The IIAD Design Aptitude Test (iDAT) assesses design thinking, creative potential, and logical reasoning.
Indian Institute of Art and Design, B-26, Okhla Phase 1, New Delhi - 110020, India.
SID is part of the prestigious Symbiosis International University and is known for its diverse design programmes.
The Communication Design programme at SID offers specializations in Graphic Design, Video Film Design, Animation Film Design, and User Experience Design. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, fostering creativity and technical proficiency.
Candidates must have passed 10+2 (any stream) or equivalent or 10+3 diploma approved by the State Board of Technical Education. Admission is through the Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED).
The Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) programme is a four-year course.
The total fees are approximately INR 15-18 lakhs.
The Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED) evaluates candidates on design aptitude, creativity, and visual perception.
Symbiosis Institute of Design, Viman Nagar, Pune - 411014, Maharashtra, India.
Srishti Manipal offers a comprehensive communication design programme with an interdisciplinary approach.
The Communication Design programme encourages students to explore various media and methodologies. The curriculum includes graphic design, visual narratives, interactive media, and strategic branding, promoting innovation and critical thinking.
Applicants should have completed 10+2 or equivalent in any stream. Admission is based on the Srishti Entrance and Aptitude Test (SEAT).
The undergraduate programme is four years long.
The total course fee ranges between INR 12-15 lakhs.
Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology, N5 Campus, CA Site No. 16, Yelahanka New Town, Bengaluru - 560064, Karnataka, India.
Acharya School of Design offers a blend of traditional and contemporary design education.
The programme focuses on visual communication, covering areas like graphic design, advertising, branding, and digital media. The curriculum is designed to develop creative problem-solving skills and technical proficiency.
Candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent in any stream. Admission is based on the Acharya Design Entrance Test (ADET) and a personal interview.
The Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) programme spans four years.
The total fee is approximately INR 10-12 lakhs.
The Acharya Design Entrance Test (ADET) evaluates design aptitude, creativity, and logical reasoning.
Acharya School Of Design, Acharya Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rd, Thammenahalli Village, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560090
ISDI Mumbai is recognized for its industry-centric approach and collaboration with global institutions, providing students with a contemporary design education.
The Communication Design programme at ISDI is a four-year undergraduate course that helps students better understand audiences and use a variety of innovative techniques across a range of media to reach out and make a difference. The programme enables students to achieve the creative transition between words and pictures, to tell compelling stories through persuasive experiences.
Applicants should have completed their 10+2 education in any stream from a recognized board. Admission is based on the ISDI Challenge, which includes a design aptitude test and a personal interview.
The Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) in Communication Design is a full-time, four-year programme.
The total tuition fee for the course is approximately INR 25.04 lakhs.
Prospective students must undertake the ISDI Challenge, designed to assess creativity, design thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
Indian School of Design and Innovation, One India Bulls Centre, Tower 2A, 6th Floor, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400013, Maharashtra, India.
Sushant School of Art and Architecture is renowned for its comprehensive design programmes and emphasis on practical learning.
The Communication Design programme aims to create design professionals for the communications industry, with a deep understanding of the processes and types of communication that influence current as well as future trends.
Candidates must have completed their 10+2 education in any stream from a recognized board. Admission criteria may include a design aptitude test and a personal interview.
The Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) in Communication Design is a four-year undergraduate programme.
Admission procedures typically involve a design aptitude test followed by a personal interview to assess the candidate's suitability for the programmes.
Sushant School of Art and Architecture, Sushant University, Sector 55, Golf Course Road, Gurugram - 122003, Haryana, India.
Dr. DY Patil School of Design is part of the esteemed DY Patil University and offers innovative design programmes with a focus on industry readiness.
The Communication Design programme integrates traditional design principles with modern digital techniques. The curriculum covers graphic design, visual storytelling, interactive media, and branding, preparing students to excel in various communication platforms.
Applicants should have completed their 10+2 education in any stream from a recognized board. Admission is based on a design aptitude test followed by a personal interview.
The Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) in Communication Design is a four-year full-time programme.
The total course fee is approximately INR 12-14 lakhs.
Prospective students are required to appear for a design aptitude test conducted by the institution, followed by a personal interview to assess their creative and analytical skills.
Dr. DY Patil School of Design, DY Patil Knowledge City, Charholi Budruk, Via Lohegaon, Pune - 412105, Maharashtra, India.
Pearl Academy is an institution offering design, fashion, and media courses with a strong emphasis on industry exposure and global perspectives.
The Communication Design programme at Pearl Academy focuses on developing visual communication skills through graphic design, advertising, branding, and digital media. The curriculum encourages creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning through projects and internships.
Candidates must have completed their 10+2 education in any stream from a recognized board. Admission is based on the Pearl Academy Entrance Exam, followed by a personal interview.
The Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Communication Design is a three-year full-time programme.
The total fee for the course is approximately INR 10-12 lakhs.
The Pearl Academy Entrance Exam assesses design aptitude, creativity, and logical reasoning, followed by a personal interview to evaluate the candidate's suitability for the programme.
Pearl Academy, A-21/13, Naraina Industrial Area, Phase II, New Delhi - 110028, India.
UPES School of Design offers specialized design programmes with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and industry collaboration.
The Communication Design programme emphasizes creating effective visual communication strategies across various media platforms. The curriculum includes graphic design, animation, interactive media, and user experience design, preparing students for diverse roles in the communication industry.
Applicants should have completed their 10+2 education in any stream from a recognized board. Admission is based on the UPES Design Aptitude Test (UPES-DAT) or through valid scores in national-level design entrance exams, followed by a personal interview.
The B.Des. in Graphics and Communication Design is a full-time, four-year programme.
The total fee for the programme is approximately INR 20.53 lakhs.
Prospective students are required to appear for the UPES Design Aptitude Test (UPESDAT), which assesses design aptitude and creativity. This is followed by a personal interview and portfolio presentation to evaluate the candidate's suitability for the programme. Candidates with valid scores in national-level design entrance exams or those meeting specific academic criteria may be exempted from UPESDAT.
UPES School of Design, Energy Acres, Bidholi Campus, Via Prem Nagar, Dehradun - 248007, Uttarakhand, India.
Whether you're just discovering the world of visual and communication design or already diving into its nuances, this FAQ section is here to help! From understanding what communication design is to exploring career paths, course details, and potential salaries, we’ve covered all the essentials. It’s a quick, friendly guide to everything you’ve been curious about. So, whether you're planning your next educational move or exploring professional opportunities, let’s tackle your questions, one at a time.
Communication design refers to the practice of crafting visual messages and experiences to convey ideas, information, or emotions effectively. It combines elements of graphic design, branding, advertising, and digital design to create impactful communication through various media.
Visual communication and design focus on using visual elements like images, typography, and illustrations to communicate messages. It is an integral part of communication design and encompasses disciplines like graphic design, multimedia, and animation.
Yes, communication design is a promising career in India. With the rise of digital media, advertising, and brand communication, there is a growing demand for skilled communication designers in various industries, including advertising agencies, media houses and especially in today’s digitally driven marketing.
Communication design courses typically offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that cover areas like graphic design, typography, user experience (UX), branding, and visual storytelling. Common programmes include:
Some of the top institutes for communication design in India include:
The scope of visual communication design is vast, covering careers in graphic design, accessible UI/UX design, advertising, branding, animation, and multimedia. Communication designers work in industries such as technology, fashion, media, education, and corporate branding.
The best course in communication depends on your interests. For example:
Absolutely. Communication design has a bright future, driven by the need for creative professionals in areas like digital marketing, branding, and UX design. With evolving technologies like immersive design, the demand for innovative and user-centric communication solutions will continue to grow.
Popular entrance exams for communication design courses in India include:
The syllabus for communication design varies across institutions but generally includes:
Leading Indian design colleges stand out for their ability to balance creativity, technical expertise, and industry relevance. These institutions offer dynamic curricula that integrate traditional design principles with modern technological advancements.
Prestigious colleges like NID Ahmedabad and Srishti Bengaluru emphasize hands-on learning, fostering innovation and sustainability. While, IIAD is known for its interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on experiential but practical learning.
These institutions not only equip students with technical expertise but also nurture their creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. With unique specializations, global exposure, and robust industry connections, these colleges prepare graduates to excel in their careers.
-Did you enjoy this read? Author Shreya recommends reading about the journey from tradition to modernity, discover how the handloom industry is weaving a new future for India’s textile heritage.
-Explore how architecture becomes a powerful branding tool, creating immersive spaces that communicate a brand’s story and identity
-A glimpse into creativity with Ms. Indrani de Parker! Hear her insights on the inspiring display works at IIAD's Graduate Show
-Unpack the key differences between visual communication and graphic design, two creative disciplines that shape how we perceive and interact with the world
Stories
What is Interior Architecture & Design?
Did you know that we spend about 90% of our time indoors! We use the built environment, especially interior spaces,…
Learning About the Business of Fashion
The moment one hears the word fashion, one immediately visualises, beautiful clothes, bags, accessories, interesting prints, embroidery and colours, glamour,…
Photography for Beginners: The Bigger Picture of Taking a Picture
The digital age has allowed photography to boom like never before. It’s a massive, commercial industry which is growing explosively…
Design Thinking: Making D-School the New B-School
One of the most exciting aspects of my job is interacting with design aspirants. I love their enthusiasm and their…
Why Good Design is Good Business
Thomas Watson Junior. This quote is often attributed to Thomas Watson Jr., the son of Thomas Watson, the founder of…
enquiry form