B.Des. Courses: Why They’re No Longer Just About Design — and Why It Matters

B.Des. and its contribution to the creatives
B.Des. and its contribution to the creatives

Blog / May 12, 2025

B.Des.Design CourseB.Des. Course Details


Have you ever wondered why the interface of your favorite e-commerce app feels so intuitive? Or how a well-designed logo can evoke trust and recognition in an instant? From the ergonomic design of a smartphone to the user-friendly interface of a food delivery app, design is seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, influencing our choices and experiences.

Today, design has transcended its traditional boundaries. It's no longer confined to aesthetics; it's a strategic tool that drives innovation, enhances user experiences, and solves complex problems. Whether it's creating sustainable packaging solutions, designing inclusive public spaces, or developing intuitive digital interfaces, design plays a pivotal role in shaping our environment and interactions.

The product design and development services market in India is projected to reach USD 2,713.9 million by 2030, with a CAGR of 10.9% from 2023 to 2030. The statistics highlight the expanding opportunities in the design sector, making B.Des. courses a compelling choice for aspiring professionals. 

If you have a passion for creativity, problem-solving, and innovation, pursuing a B.Des. course can be your gateway to a fulfilling and dynamic career. Let's delve deeper into what these courses entail and how they can shape your future.

How B.Des. can shape your future

Reference: https://graphicold.com/

Table of Contents

  • What is B.Des.?
  • B.Des. Course Details
  • Why Choose B.Des.?
  • Types of B.Des. Courses
  • B.Des. Specializations
  • B.Des. Duration
  • B.Des. Fees
  • B.Des. Eligibility Criteria
  • B.Des. Entrance Exams in India 
  • B.Des. Entrance Exams Tips
  • B.Des. Admission Process
  • B.Des. Syllabus
  • B.Des. Subjects
  • B.Des. Important Books
  • Skills Required for B.Des. Students
  • Is a B.Des. Degree Worth It in 2025?
  • Scope of B.Des. in India
  • Career Opportunities after B.Des.
  • B.Des. Salary in India
  • How to Choose the Best University for B.Des.
  • Where Ideas Take Shape: B.Des. Course @ Shiv Nadar University
  • Conclusion
  • FAQs

What is B.Des.?

B.Des. courses (Bachelor of Design) are structured undergraduate programs aimed at nurturing the next generation of creative thinkers, problem solvers, and design professionals. These programs blend theoretical foundations with hands-on learning, helping students build a strong understanding of aesthetics, functionality, and user-centered design.

Spanning various creative fields such as graphic design, fashion, industrial design, communication, and user experience, B.Des. programs are designed to sharpen both technical expertise and artistic vision. With a strong emphasis on innovation, research, and real-world application, students are trained to approach challenges with a fresh perspective and practical solutions that meet evolving industry needs.

B.Des. Course Details

Feature

Details

Full Form

Bachelor in Design

Level

Undergraduate

B.Des. Course Duration

4 Years

Eligibility

10+2 with a minimum of 50% marks

Entrance Exams

UCEED, SNUSAT, NID DAT, AIEED, and other university-specific tests

Specializations

Multiple (Product, Fashion, etc.)

Admission Mode

Entrance Exam + Portfolio + Interview

Course Fees

INR 6 Lakhs - INR 25 Lakhs for the whole course

Salary

INR 5 Lakhs - INR 15 Lakhs LPA

 

Why Choose B.Des.?

Selecting a B.Des. course is not only a way of pursuing a creative study program; It is stepping into a world of call for innovative performance with as much positive contrasting impression. Here are the reasons why it is a good route for anyone who wants to be a designer:

  • High Industry Demand: As companies and organizations pay attention to the experience, concept, and novelty of the product, there is employment opportunity for design expertise in fields ranging from technology, fashion, media, and product design.
     
  • Creative, Collaborative Workspaces: A large number of graduates with a B.Des. degree work in different innovative settings that encourage the sharing of ideas, such as design studios or tech start-ups.
     
  • Fusion of Art, Technology & Purpose: The course encourages students to combine visual expression with technical tools and problem-solving to create meaningful, functional designs.
     
  • Innovation & Independent Thinking: Students are taught to question, analyze, and find ways of coming up with solutions to suit society as well as the users.
     
  • Practical, Real-World Learning: Internships, as well as workshops and other practical projects, ensure that the students face real-life problems once they step out of the classroom.
     

A B.Des. course empowers students to become design thinkers, creators, and leaders, ready to influence industries and improve lives through design.

Types of B.Des. Courses

There are various formats in which B.Des. courses are offered:

  • Full-time B.Des. (4 years)
  • Integrated B.Des. + M.Des.
  • Diploma to Degree pathways

These allow students to choose the format that best aligns with their career goals.

B.Des. Specializations

Students can pursue various specializations, including:

  • Experience Design (UI-UX) 
  • Product-System Design
  • Visual Communication Design
  • Fashion Design
  • Interior Design
  • Interaction Design
  • Textile Design

B.Des. Course Duration

The B. Des. course duration is typically 4 years, divided into 8 semesters. Each semester focuses on a mix of theory, practical work, and industry exposure.

B.Des. Fees

Type of Institution

Estimated Total Fee (INR)

Remarks

Government/Public Universities

INR 6 – INR 8 Lakhs

More affordable, limited seats, competitive entrance exams

Private Design Colleges/Universities

INR 10 – INR 25 Lakhs

Higher fees, but often offer better infrastructure and global exposure

Specialized Design Institutes 

INR 6 – INR 12 Lakhs

Highly reputed, strong industry connections, and placement support

 

B.Des. Eligibility Criteria

To enroll in a B.Des. course, candidates must:

  • Complete 10+2 from a recognized board
  • Have a minimum aggregate score of 50%
  • Some institutions may require a background in the arts or design

B.Des. Entrance Exams in India

Common entrance exams include:

  • UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design)
  • SNUSAT (Shiv Nadar University’s Entrance Examination for UG Courses)
  • NID DAT (Design Aptitude Test)
  • AIEED (All India Entrance Examination for Design)
  • Other University-Specific Tests

B.Des. Entrance Exam Tips

Success in B.Des. entrance exams thus need creativity, strategy, and consistency. Below are some tips that will guide you to put your best performance:

  • Enhance Drawing & Visualization Skills: As expected, most design exams try to assess visual ability. Sketch every day, try to look at things from different angles, and work on sharp, simple illustrations.
     
  • Solve Previous Years’ Papers: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern by practicing old question papers. It helps identify common question types and improves accuracy.
     
  • Master Time Management: Some questions are time-sensitive, and to properly answer them, one must do so within a given period of time. Mock tests are really useful when it comes to boosting the speed of your writing without a decline in creativity.
     
  • Develop a Strong Portfolio: Though not always a requirement, having samples in the form of a portfolio of your best work bolsters an interview or second round.
     
  • Stay Informed on Design Trends: Read design blogs and news feeds, know personalities of famous designers, and be aware of modern tendencies in UX design, fashion industry, branding, and sustainable design – all of them enhance your creativity and can give hints on how to answer interview questions.

B.Des. Admission Process

Stage

Description

Entrance Exam

Appear for national or university-level design entrance tests 

Portfolio Submission

Submit a curated collection of your best creative work (if required)

Personal Interview / Studio Test

Participate in interviews or hands-on studio tests to assess creative thinking

Final Selection & Fee Payment

Receive the offer letter, confirm admission by submitting documents, and pay fees.

 

B.Des. Subjects

Key subjects in B.Des. courses and skills developed through them:

Core Subjects

Skills Developed

Fashion History, Marketing, Sustainable Fashion

Creative thinking, Marketing strategies

Typography, Web Design, Advertising Design

Visual communication, Branding expertise

Colour Theory, Ergonomics, Materials Science

Spatial awareness, Technical drawing skills

Product Engineering, Design Research, Manufacturing Methods

Problem-solving, Technical proficiency

Character Design, Animation Techniques, Visual Effects Software

Creative storytelling, Technical animation skills

 

B.Des. Important Books

  • "Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman
  • "Thinking with Type" by Ellen Lupton
  • "Elements of Design" by Gail Greet Hannah
  • "Sketching" by Koos Eissen
  • "Interaction of Color" by Josef Albers

Skills Required for B.Des. Students

To thrive in B.Des. courses, students should possess a mix of artistic flair and practical abilities:

  • Creativity & Artistic Vision: As with any creative discipline, great imagination and creativity are critical when it comes to designing ideas.
     
  • Visual & Spatial Awareness: For things like product or interior design, it’s important that one understands proportions, layouts, and how the space is balanced.
     
  • Problem-Solving Approach: This way, designers have to become problem-solving individuals through the creation of designs that are pleasant to the eye and effective in addressing practical problems.
     
  • Communication & Teamwork: The communication skills remain important in concept development and in dealing with colleagues and clients in case of studio-based and other projects.
     
  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with digital design tools (like Adobe Creative Suite, CAD software, etc.) enhances execution and productivity.

Is a B.Des. Degree Worth It in 2025?

Absolutely! In 2025, a B.Des. Degree remains as relevant as ever, as industries in technology, fashion, digital media, product design, and user experience seek creatives. It has grown to become not only an essential requirement in high-fashion and architecture companies but also in startups, big corporations, and social innovation projects. A B.Des. course yields employment security and various career opportunities, besides creativity, innovation, and other opportunities for career progression.

Scope of B.Des. in India

The scope of B.Des. course in India is widening due to new technologies and digitalization. This means that there is an increasing job opportunity in areas such as user design, web design, and even car design. Technology has played a crucial role in the expansion of various professional fields, including internet business, trademarking, and content development, which has paved the way for professional careers in packaging, promotion, and the art of visually telling a story. Startups, established MNCs, and government-led design and innovation projects are interesting sectors where graduates can explore to find attractive jobs; hence, this career option is worthwhile and future-proof.

Career Opportunities after B.Des.

Job Role

Description

UI/UX Designer

Designs intuitive and user-friendly interfaces for websites, apps, and software.

Product Designer

Creates functional and aesthetically appealing physical or digital products.

Fashion Designer

Develops clothing, accessories, and fashion collections for various markets.

Graphic Designer

Craft visual content for branding, advertising, and digital media.

Art Director

Oversees the visual style and direction of campaigns, films, or publications.

Interior Designer

Plans and designs functional, safe, and beautiful interior spaces.

Creative Strategist

Combines creative thinking and marketing to develop brand strategy

 

B.Des. Salaries in India

Job Role

Average Annual Salary (INR)

UI/UX Designer

INR 5 – INR 10 Lakhs

Product Designer

INR 6 – INR 12 Lakhs

Fashion Designer

INR 4 – INR 9 Lakhs

Graphic Designer

INR 3 – INR 7 Lakhs

Art Director

INR 8 – INR 15 Lakhs

Interior Designer

INR 4 – INR 8 Lakhs

Creative Strategist

INR 6 – INR 12 Lakhs

 

How to Choose the Best University for B.Des.

Selecting the right university is crucial for shaping a successful design career. Here’s what to consider:

  • Accreditation & Industry Collaborations: Ensure the university is accredited and has strong ties with leading design firms or industry partners for internships and exposure.
     
  • Curriculum & Specializations: Review whether the curriculum is up-to-date, multidisciplinary, and aligned with current industry needs. Check for a variety of specializations.
     
  • Faculty & Student Work: Look into the qualifications of the faculty and the quality of past student portfolios or capstone projects.
     
  • Campus Infrastructure: A good design school should offer modern labs, studios, prototyping tools, and collaborative workspaces.
     
  • Placements & Alumni Network: Strong placement records and successful alumni in reputed design firms are good indicators of quality education and career support.

Where Ideas Take Shape: B.Des. Course @Shiv Nadar University (Institution of Eminence)

Among the leading institutions offering B.Des. courses, Shiv Nadar University’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences offers a four-year, forward-looking, trans-disciplinary Bachelor in Design program that thoughtfully integrates knowledge and competencies from Social Sciences, Arts, Engineering, and Management into the realm of design. The program was developed following an extensive, year-long consultation with renowned design leaders and experts from both academia and industry. 

B.Des. Specializations @ Shiv Nadar University

The B.Des. program by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences equips students for professional design roles in industry, where they are expected to adapt to various responsibilities while developing deep expertise in a specific area. To facilitate this, the curriculum offers choice-based specialization options, allowing students to select elective courses from the following design domains:

  1. Experience Design (UX/UI): This stream includes a range of 21st-century courses such as user experience design, IoT, interface and information design, intangible interfaces, as well as 3D modeling for virtual and augmented reality. It is designed to equip students with the skills required for industry readiness and future-focused career paths.
  2. Product–System Design: A product is more than just a standalone object—it evolves within a larger context of systems, cultures, and environments. The Product–System Design stream provides courses that encourage a systems thinking perspective, enabling students to design and develop products that seamlessly integrate into their surrounding ecosystem. Key courses in this stream include Smart Product Design, Tangible Interfaces, Mobility Design, and system-oriented product development.
  3. Visual Communication Design: The stream's courses are designed to help students develop the skill set needed to become communication designers with a deep understanding of visual language, its interpretation, and its function across diverse media platforms. This hands-on, practice-based stream includes subjects such as interface design, campaign design, packaging design, and animation.

Labs and Studios @ Shiv Nadar University

  • Product Modelling & Fabrication Studio 
  • Digital Design Studio 
  • Applied Electronics and IoT Lab 
  • Visual Design Studio 
  • 3D Printing Studio 
  • Virtual Reality Lab

The program is available to all candidates who have completed 10+2 (or an equivalent qualification) from any academic stream, with a minimum aggregate of 65% in their top four academic subjects, including English as a mandatory subject. Students currently awaiting results or appearing for their final exams are also eligible to apply, provided they submit the necessary documents meeting the eligibility criteria during the admission process.

Parting Notes

Design isn’t just a skill; it’s a mindset. If you’re ready to explore how creativity meets functionality, then B.Des. courses could be your gateway to a fulfilling and dynamic career. With a world of opportunities waiting, now is the time to turn your passion into a profession. Curious to begin your design journey? Take the first step by exploring the B.Des. program at Shiv Nadar University and unlock your creative potential.

FAQs

Q1: What is the average B.Des. course duration?
A: The course usually spans 4 years across 8 semesters.

Q2: Is a portfolio required for admission?
A: Yes, most institutions require a portfolio showcasing your creative work.

Q3: Can I pursue B.Des. without a background in art?
A: Yes, if you have a strong interest and creative aptitude, many programs welcome students from diverse academic backgrounds.

Q4: What are some job sectors after completing B.Des. courses?
A: Graduates work in design studios, tech companies, advertising agencies, and more.

Q5: Are there good career opportunities in India after a B.Des.?
A: Absolutely. The growing digital and design economy in India offers a wide range of roles across industries.