When it comes to design education in India, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are well-known for enhancing creativity through innovation and technical expertise. IITs are preparing the next generation of world-class designers, through offering various design programs at both UG and PG levels. In this blog, we’ll guide you through all the design programs offered at IITs across India, including their eligibility, fee structure, and more.
Design Programs Offered at IITs
Choosing design programs offered at IITs opens up a world of creative and technical possibilities. With world-class faculty, global exposure, advanced design labs, and fantastic placement records, IITs are shaping the design leaders of tomorrow. If you aspire to blend art, technology, and innovation, an IIT design program could be your dream destination.
Following are the design programs offered at IITs across India with rankings:
| Rank | IIT Institute | Design Program Offered |
| 1 | IIT Bombay | B.Des, M.Des, PhD |
| 2 | IIT Guwahati | B.Des, M.Des, PhD |
| 3 | IIT Hyderabad | B.Des, M.Des, PhD |
| 4 | IIT Delhi | B.Des, M.Des, PhD |
| 5 | IIT Roorkee | B.Des, M.Des, MIM, PhD |
| 6 | IITDM Jabalpur | B.Des, M.Des, PhD |
| 7 | IIT Indore | B.Des |
Eligibility Criteria for IIT Design Programs
- B.Des Program (Undergraduate)
- As per the criteria, students must have passed 12th class in any stream for IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Hyderabad; physics, chemistry and mathematics compulsory for IIT Guwahati and IIT Roorkee
- For pursuing B.Des from IITs, a UCEED entrance exam score is mandatory.
- The age limit for the B.Des program is born on or after October 1, 2000, with a 5-year relaxation for SC/ST/PwD.
- M.Des Program (Postgraduate)
- For the M.Des program at IITs, a student must hold a bachelor’s degree in Design/Engineering/Architecture or an equivalent.
- A valid CEED entrance exam score is mandatory.
- For final selection in the M.Des program at IITs, students are required to have a strong and compelling portfolio and to go through personal a interview round.
- Ph.D. in Design
- As per the criteria, a student must qualify for CEED, GATE, or an equivalent entrance exam to pursue a Ph.D in design from IITs.
- A student must hold a master’s degree in Design/Engineering/Architecture/Technology.
- Students will be examined on the basis of PI and Statement of Purpose (SOP).
Admission Process for IIT Design Programs
- B.Des Admission: The Bachelor of Design program is a full-time 4-year design program offered at IITs and involves a written exam, the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED). The main focus areas of the program are product design, communication design, interaction design, animation, UX/UI design, and systems innovation. For the admission process, first register yourself for the UCEED exam, appear, and get a UCEED rank. The admission is primarily based on the UCEED merit list and the candidate’s score. Apply to various IITs across India through a centralized portal. After applying, wait for the final seat allotment rounds.
- M.Des Admission: The Master of Design program is a full-time 2-year course design program offered at IITs through the Common Entrance Exam for Design (CEED), which involves a written exam followed by portfolio submission and an interview. The specializations offered are industrial design, visual communication, interaction design, mobility and vehicle design, and human-centered design. Candidates are required to register for CEED online. After appearing for and cracking the CEED entrance exam, shortlisting as per the set criteria will be conducted, followed by the portfolio submission and personal interview round.
- Ph.D. Program: IITs offer full-time and part-time Ph.D. programs through CEED/GATE scores and institute-specific interviews. The main focus areas are research in emerging technologies, human-computer interaction (HCI), sustainable design, and AI in design. Apply online to the respective IIT with your CEED/GATE score. If shortlisted, you will be called for a written exam and/or an interview. Your admission to the Ph.D. program at IITs will be based on your performance in the entrance exam, written test, personal interview, and other relevant criteria.
Fees Structure for IIT Design Program
The fee structure for design programs offered at IITs varies as per the program and the city selected. Here’s the detailed breakdown of the fee structure for IIT design courses:
- B.Des Fees Structure at IITs
| Institute | Total B.Des Fees (Approx.) | Breakdown (Tuition + Other Charges) |
| IIT Bombay | Rs. 8.69 lakhs | Rs. 2.25 lakhs/year + hostel, mess charges |
| IIT Guwahati | Rs. 10.70 lakhs | Rs. 2.67 lakhs/year + hostel, mess charges |
| IIT Hyderabad | Rs. 9.06 lakhs | Rs. 2.25 lakhs/year + hostel, mess charges |
| IIT Delhi | Rs. 8.17 lakhs | Rs. 2.05 lakhs/year + hostel, mess charges |
| IIT Roorkee | Rs. 11.21 lakhs | Rs. 2.80 lakhs/year + hostel, mess charges |
| IITDM Jabalpur | Rs. 6.45 lakhs | Rs. 1.61 lakhs/year + hostel , mess charges |
| IIT Indore (new) | Rs. 7-8 lakhs (estimated) | To be officially updated |
- M.Des Fee Structure at IITs
| Institute | Total M.Des Fees (Approx.) | Breakdown (Tuition + Other Charges) |
| IIT Bombay | Rs. 4.60 lakhs | Rs. 1.15 lakhs/year + hostel, mess charges |
| IIT Guwahati | Rs. 5.20 lakhs | Rs. 1.30 lakhs/year + hostel, mess charges |
| IIT Hyderabad | Rs. 4.80 lakhs | Rs. 1.20 lakhs/year + hostel, mess charges |
| IIT Delhi | Rs. 4.50 lakhs | Rs. 1.12 lakhs/year + hostel, mess charges |
| IIT Roorkee | Rs. 5 lakhs | Rs. 1.25 lakhs/year + hostel, mess charges |
| IITDM Jabalpur | Rs. 3 lakhs | Rs. 75,000/year + hostel , mess charges |
- Ph.D Fee Structure at IITs
| Institute | Total P.hD. Fees (Approx.) | Breakdown (Tuition + Other Charges) |
| IIT Bombay | Rs. 1.20-1.50 lakhs (For full program) | Rs. 6,000/semester + hostel, mess charges |
| IIT Guwahati | Rs. 1-1.30 lakhs | Rs. 5,000/semester+ hostel, mess charges |
| IIT Hyderabad | Rs. 1.20 lakhs | Rs. 6,000/semester + hostel, mess charges |
| IIT Delhi | Rs. 1.10-1.40 lakhs | Rs. 5,500-6,000/semester + hostel, mess charges |
| IIT Roorkee | Rs. 1.25 lakhs | Rs. 6,000/semester+ hostel, mess charges |
| IITDM Jabalpur | Rs. 80,000-1 lakh | Rs. 4,000-5,000/semester + hostel , mess charges |
Career Opportunities After IIT Design Programs
Graduating from IIT with a design degree opens up various prestigious and esteemed career paths for design aspirants. Some of the career opportunities are mentioned below:
- Product Design
- UX/UI Design
- Automotive and Mobility Design
- Animation and Game Design
- Industrial Design Consultancy
- Startups and Entrepreneurship
- Research and Academia
- AI and Smart Systems Design
The top recruiters who offer job opportunities after pursuing design courses at IITs are mainly TATA Motors, Samsung, Infosys, Flipkart, Amazon, Zomato, and many more, with starting salaries typically ranging between Rs. 8 LPA and Rs. 20 LPA, depending upon the specialization and acquired skillset.
Design Programs Offered at IITs FAQs
IDC School of Design (IIT Bombay) consistently ranks No. 1 for design education in India.
Students must qualify for the UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design) conducted by IIT Bombay to get admissions into the B.Des program at IITs.
Moderate to High. The UCEED entrance exam evaluates visualization, creativity, logical reasoning, and design aptitude.
Yes, M.Des students are eligible for scholarships and merit-cum-means assistance. For Ph.D students, there is a monthly stipend assistance of ranging from Rs. 37,000/- to Rs. 42,000/-
The CEED qualifying cutoff is around 24-30 marks.
Yes, with a valid CEED entrance exam score, graduates from engineering, fine arts, and related fields can apply for the M.Des program