Our five-pronged approach focuses on your individual strengths to develop your unique qualities towards making you an exemplary pi- designer.
Ashita Kulshreshtha
08/11/2024
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Overview
India has a rich selection of institutes for aspiring product designers, each offering unique strengths, from state-of-the-art facilities to global partnerships. The National Institute of Design (NID) and the Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) are renowned for their comprehensive curricula and industry connections. Other notable options include the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), MIT Art, Design & Technology University, Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID), ARCH College of Design and Business and the World University of Design. These design colleges offer a range of product design courses, from undergraduate to postgraduate levels, covering various aspects of product design, including user experience, industrial design and sustainability. When choosing a college, consider factors such as location, course curriculum, faculty expertise, industry partnerships and placement records
Table of contents:
The world is hungry for innovative products. People today want more than just functionality—they’re drawn to products that feel intuitive, look great and fit smoothly into their daily routines.When Apple introduced the first iPhone, it was not just about communication function, but also about an experience. The iPhone became a global icon not just for its sleek look but for reimagining how we interact with technology—bringing together beauty, simplicity and performance in one compact device.
This is where the role of product design comes in. Product design and development combines design and business to create products that solve user problems and support the company's goals.
Product design courses in India are the gateway to a successful career in this field. Though there is no dearth of design institutes in India, the good ones can be distinguished from average ones by robust infrastructure, qualified faculty, industry-relevant curriculum and placement prospects. If you're looking to be part of the best in product design industry, here are 8 top product design colleges in India to consider in 2025:
National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, is among the highly sought-after institutions, with branches in Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, Jorhat, Bhopal, Vijayawada and Kurukshetra. It is recognised as the 'Institute of National Importance' by the Indian Parliament.
Established: 1961
Location: Paldi, Ahmedabad
Notable Alumni: Anuj Sharma and others
NID, Ahmedabad, offers one of the coveted product design courses after Class 12th and a Master in Product Design for graduates.
Programmes
Duration
Annual Fee (Per Annum)
B.Des in Product Design
4 Years
₹4.22 lakhs
M.Des in Product Design
2 Years
₹4.90 lakhs
Step 1: Online applications open: first week of September 2024.
Step 2: Last date to submit application forms: first week of December 2024.
Step 3: Written exam (DAT Prelims & DAT Mains): first week of January 2025 and last week of April/first week of May 2025
Step 4: Seat Allotment, Payment of Token Fees & Uploading of Documents
Step 5: Provisional Offer Letter
The quality of education at NID Ahmedabad equips students to launch their careers at leading product design firms. Top recruiters include software giants like Microsoft India and SAP Labs India, technology firms such as Nokia Research India, and automotive companies, including Tata Motors.
Key Factors
Details
Location & Campus
100-acre campus in Paldi, Ahmedabad
Recognition
Institution of National Importance by the Act of Parliament
Course Fee Range
₹12.30 - ₹17.02 lakhs per annum
Placements
70% placement rate with an average package of ₹ 9 - ₹12 lakhs per annum
Entrance Exam
Online application, written test
The Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) is a progressive, award-winning design school in New Delhi, known for its innovative, hands-on approach to design education. IIAD's strong international partnerships with renowned institutions like Kingston University, University for the Creative Arts, Nottingham Trent University, Coventry University and Arts University Bournemouth bring global standards to its academic offerings, helping students gain industry-relevant skills and explore opportunities for international study. Through a project-based curriculum and immersive studio environment, IIAD emphasises practical learning and real-world experience, often collaborating with both prominent brands and traditional artisans.
Established: 2015
Location: Okhla Phase-1, New Delhi
Notable Alumni: Anas Shaikh, Aakriti Jain, Komal Bhargava and Seher Krishna, among others.
IIAD offers a four-year undergraduate programme in Product Design.
UG Programme (Product Design)
₹5.47 lakhs
Step 1: Online applications open: first week of September 2024
Step 2: Last date to submit application forms: first week of December 2024
Step 3: Written exam - IIAD Design Aptitude Test (Online/Offline): last week of December 2024
Step 4: Personal Interview: first week of January 2025
IIAD emphasises making students job-ready by helping them build strong product design portfolios, attend masterclasses with expert product designers and other forms of industry exposure opportunities.
85,000 sq ft campus in Okhla Phase-1, South Delhi
Kingston University, London
₹8.26 to ₹18.98 lakhs per annum
94% placement rate
Online application, written test (iDAT entrance exam)
NIFT stands as a pioneer in fashion education, consistently ranking among the world's top 10 fashion institutes. Since its establishment in 1986, it has been the launching pad for some of India's most celebrated designers.
Established: 1986
Location: Hauz Khas, South Delhi
Notable Alumni: Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Rohit Bal, Prabal Gurung and others
The institute provides a wide array of programmes tailored to industry needs, ensuring comprehensive opportunities for aspiring designers.
B.Des in Fashion Design
₹3.19 lakhs
M.Des in Fashion Design
₹2.72 lakhs
BF.Tech in Apparel Production
Certificate Programmes
3-5 days to a week
₹3.15 lakhs
Step 1: Online applications open: The first week of December 2024
Step 2: Written exam (GAT & CAT): First week of February 2025
Step 3: Situation test/Personal interview for shortlisted candidates
Step 4: Final merit list based on combined performance
Their strong industry connections translate into exceptional career opportunities for students. Leading recruiters include luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Armani, fast fashion giants such as H&M and Zara, and prestigious Indian labels including Sabyasachi and Raw Mango.
7.5-acre campus in Hauz Khas, South Delhi
Ministry of Textiles
₹2.85 -₹3.15 lakhs per annum
95% placement rate with an average package of ₹8 - ₹12 lakhs
Written test, situation test, interview
MIT Art, Design & Technology (ADT) University is an autonomous private university that is part of the MIT Group of Institutions. It aims to deliver world-class, value-based education while ensuring the holistic development of students.
Established: 2016
Location: Rajbaug Loni Kalbhor, Pune
Notable Alumni: Girish A. Wagh, Manoj Patil, Rahul Mehendale, among others
Courses Offered
MIT ADT University, Pune, offers a 4-year Bachelor of Design (B.Des) course and a two-year Master of Design (MDes) with a specialisation in Product Design.
Bachelor of Design(B.Des)
₹6.52 lakhs
Master in Design (M.Des) in Product Design
Step 1: Online applications open: first week of October 2024
Step 2: Written exam (MIT- Design Aptitude Test): First week of April 2025
Step 3: Studio Test and Personal Interview for shortlisted candidates
MIT- ADT University has a robust Central Corporate Relations, Training and Placement Cell (CN CRTP) that bridges the institution and the industry ecosystem. Some of its past recruiters include technology companies such as Microsoft, IBM, and Infosys, lifestyle brands such as Loreal, and automobile brands such as TVS, Rolls-Royce and Mercedes Benz.
125-acre campus in Rajbaug Loni Kalbhor, Pune
University Grants Commission
₹6.52 lakhs - ₹8.49 lakhs per annum
Placement rate of 82.8% with an average package of ₹6.5 lakhs per annum
Written test, studio test, personal interview
Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology is part of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) branch campus in Bengaluru. MAHE is recognised as the Institute of Eminence by the Government of India, which provides the institute with a world-class infrastructure and access to global opportunities via the university's networks.
Established: 1996
Location: Yelahanka, Bengaluru
Notable Alumni: Jasmeen Patheja, Shilo Shiv Suleman, among others
The institute offers various programs in product design to cater to the objectives, budgets, and time bandwidths of students.
Bachelor of Design
₹7.36 lakhs
Master of Design
₹6.65 lakhs
Professional Diploma Programme
1 year
₹5.04 lakhs
Step 1: Application Open- The first week of January 2025
Step 2: Written Exam (SMEAT)- The first week of April 2025
Step 3: Pay Fees- Last week of April 2025
Though the institute does not have a placement cell, it does offer some job recommendations to students via its strong industry connection.
Approximately 10,000 sq ft campus located in Yelahanka, Bengaluru
National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)
₹6.65 lakhs - ₹7.36 lakhs per annum
30-40% placement rate with a median salary of ₹4 lakhs
Written test
Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID), Karnavati University aims to provide high-quality design education aligned with the evolving landscape. Their focus is on fostering innovation-led design practices, equipping students with the skills and mindset to meet the requirements of the dynamic design industry.
Established: 2012
Location: Uvarsad, Gandhinagar
Notable Alumni: Jay Chauhan, Aayushi Agarwal
The institute offers an intensive B Des (Hons) in product design and an M Des with a specialisation in Industrial Design.
B Des (Hons.)
₹ 6.2 lakhs per annum
M Des
₹ 5.5 lakhs per annum
Step 1: Application Open- Till the first week of January 2025
Step 2: Written Exam (UID-DAT)- The last week of April 2025
Step 3: Pay Fees
UID - Karnavati University has instituted a Corporate Resource Centre, which helps students kickstart their careers after completing their courses. It allows them to interact and engage with industry professionals during the placement drives, which helps them build a vibrant network. Some of the past recruiters include automobile companies such as Tata Motors, lifestyle brands such as Wrangler and Arvind Fashions and luxury brands such as Tarun Tahiliani and Steve Madden.
Approximately 33-acre campus located in Uvarsad, Gandhinagar
₹6 lakhs - ₹ 8 lakhs per annum
100% placement rate with an average package of ₹8-₹12 lakhs per annum
ARCH College of Design and Business was established under the aegis of the ARCH Educational Society and aims to transform the quality of design education worldwide.
Established: 2000
Location: Malviya Nagar, Jaipur
Notable Alumni: Ashish Mangwani, Vipin Sharma and others
ARCH College of Design and Business offers various courses in Product Design, integrating disciplines such as human factors, product aesthetics, form studies, studio skills, CAD, and user research to develop products focusing on user-centricity, processes, and sustainability.
B. Des (Product Design)
₹ 4.35 lakhs
M. Voc. Product Design
₹ 3.5 lakhs
Step 1: Application Open: first week of October 2024
Step 2: Written Exam (AIEED) followed by 1:1 interview- Second week of December 2024
Step 3: Pay fees and complete admission formalities: Last week of April 2025
Beyond academics, ARCH College of Design and Business offers mentorship, networking and support to start their careers in design through Campus to Company Initiative or even start their own ventures via Arch Design Business Incubator. Some of the past recruiters include Livspace, luxury brands such as Anita Dongre and Manish Mehrotra and lifestyle brands such as Benetton and Vero Moda.
Approximately 80,000 sq ft campus located in Malviya Nagar, Jaipur
₹3.5 lakhs- ₹4.35 lakhs per annum
100% placement rate with an average package of ₹ 4-6 lakhs per annum
Written test and interview
The World University of Design is India's first and only university dedicated to design. It emphasises cutting-edge, transdisciplinary programs in the creative domains of Fashion, Design, Communication, Art, Architecture, Media, Management, and Humanities.
Established: 2018
Location: Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonepat
Notable Alumni:
The World University of Design offers B. Des and M.Des programs, which equip learners with technical skills through hands-on, practical work, presentation and pitching skills, and knowledge of the product design process.
B. Des with specialisation in Product Design
₹ 3.68 lakhs
M.Des
₹ 4.02 lakhs
Step 1: Applications Open - First week of October 2024
Step 2: Written Exam (WUDAT) - Fourth week of May 2025
Step 3: Appear for Campus Interview - First week of June 2025
Step 4: Offer for Admission
World University of Design prepares students for the job market by offering graduation projects and placements. Past recruiters include Amazon, Ogilvy, and Reliance Brands.
Approximately 12-acre campus located in Rajiv Gandhi Education Society, Sonepat
₹3.68 lakhs- ₹ 4.02 lakhs per annum
100% placement rate with an average package of ₹ 5.3 lakhs per annum
Choosing the right college should be a well-thought-out process. To make a suitable choice, one must consider factors such as career objectives, budget, time bandwidth, and location. Placement should not be the sole criterion when choosing the best college. One must also consider other factors such as faculty credentials, curriculum, practical exposure, and infrastructure to zero in on the perfect choice.
Product design is the process of ideating, creating and iterating products to solve users' specific problems or address particular market requirements. Understanding the requirements of the end user is the key to a successful product design. A product designer is responsible for the design process of the product from concept to completion. They work with cross-functional teams of engineers, product managers and researchers to create products that meet user needs, maximise their experience and achieve business goals. Various types of product design include user experience design, engineering design, and system design, among others. Examples of notable product designs include Fitbit and Apple.
The impact of design in everyday life is prominent. It can be felt through even simple designs like that of a kitchen knife and a door handle. Good product design enhances user experience and boosts sales. It also attracts more customers by differentiating the product from the competition, positively impacting the firm's reputation.
A bachelor's degree in industrial or product design from top product design colleges in India is the gateway to a career. The basic eligibility criteria typically includes 10+2 with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks. Most colleges require aspirants to take an entrance test to gain admission. Creating a good portfolio for the design entrance exam is a must.
Dilip Chhabria, Parul & Mooshir Vahanvati, Anjali Rana and Ishrat Sahgal are some of the famous product designers in India. Other unconventional designers who are excelling in the discipline of product design are Ashiesh Shah, Paul Sandip
A product designer must possess a diverse skill set to fulfil his responsibilities. To understand how to design a product, they should have strong research skills to understand the market. They should be adept in prototyping, from working on product design sketches to developing a working model of the product. Other skills such as project management, user experience design, problem-solving and collaboration come in handy for a product designer. They must be updated on the latest trends in product design by reading books for design inspiration and attending industry events.
The starting salary of a product designer is around 3-4 lakhs per annum, which usually increases with experience. Experienced product designers may earn an average of ₹11 lakhs to ₹13 lakhs per annum.
A career in product design provides aspirants with an opportunity to influence how consumers interact with various products and services. It is a promising career for students with a knack for creativity, attention to detail and passion for innovation. A focus on customer experience and stiff competition fuels a high demand for product designers in India.
No, AI cannot replace product design. While AI can perform tasks such as data analysis and photorealistic rendering, it cannot understand emotions and create a human-centric design with empathy and creative insight. However, AI-powered product design tools can enhance the efficiency of professionals by handling certain tasks, such as iterative improvements and early-stage styling. This will enable designers to focus on their core design process.
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