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Candidates aspiring to become a graphic designer after class 12 can enrol across the specific degree, certificate, or diploma programs that place an emphasis on the overall development of candidates' graphic designing abilities. Aspirants can also opt for a master of arts (MA) in graphic design or MDes in graphic design for better opportunities and exposure.
The average annual salary of a Graphic Designer in India is INR 3 LPA with the highest salary being INR 6.5 LPA. The monthly income of a graphic designer in India ranges between INR 21,498 to INR 23,139. Check: Graphic Designer Govt Jobs
Diploma in Graphic and Web Design, BDes in Graphic Design, MDes Graphic Design, BSc in Animation and Graphic Design, Certificate Course in Graphic Design, etc. are some of the popular graphic design courses for candidates looking to become graphic designers in India. Candidates can also opt for certificate and diploma courses that cover the fundamentals of the graphic designer profession and teach them the essential skills for launching a lucrative career. TCS, Deloitte, Google, Amazon, Accenture, etc. are some of the top employers offering Graphic Designer Jobs in India. The average annual Salary of a Graphic Designer at IndiGo is INR 14.72 LPA.
Table of Contents
- How to Become a Graphic Designer after 12th: Quick Facts
- Eligibility to Become a Graphic Designer after 12th
- Steps to Become a Graphic Designer after 12th
- Courses to Become a Graphic Designer after 12th
4.1 Entrance Exams
How to Become a Graphic Designer after 12th: Quick Facts
| Eligibility | Class 12 |
| Qualifications | A degree in Graphic Design or Animation and Multimedia |
| Starting Salary (INR) | INR 2.40 LPA |
| Average Salary (INR) | INR 3 LPA |
| Highest Salary (INR) | INR 10.3 - 14.72 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | TCS, Deloitte, Google, Amazon, Accenture |
Eligibility to Become a Graphic Designer after 12th
In order to become a graphic designer, specific eligibility criteria are required to be met. Additionally, different companies have varying eligibility standards. The following are typical requirements for becoming a graphic designer:
- Candidates must have cleared class 12 with a minimum of 45% to 50% of marks from a recognized board. Some institutions also allow a candidate who has passed class 10, for a diploma in graphic design.
- Candidates must have cleared a 10+2 or 10+3 diploma with a minimum of 45% to 50% marks for a BDes in graphic design. Additionally, candidates may also be required to take entrance exams like SEED (for SID) and MH CET, CUCET, or any other examination conducted by the relevant universities.
- Candidates must have cleared 10+2 with a minimum of 45% to 50% marks from any stream in order to be eligible for a bachelor of arts (BA Hons) in graphic design and visual communication.
- Candidates must have cleared 10+2 with a minimum of 45% to 50% marks from the science stream in order to be eligible for a bachelor of science (BSc) in graphics, advertising, and digital design.
- Candidates must have cleared graduation or equivalent degree in design to be eligible for an MDes in graphic design. Additionally, candidates may also be required to take entrance exams like AIEED, SEED, or any other test of design ability followed by a studio test and/or an individual interview.
- Candidates must have cleared class 12 or class 10 for a short-term certificate course in graphic design.
| Course | Eligibility | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Graphic Design | 10+2 | 1 Year to 3 Years |
| BDes in Graphic Design | 10+2 or 10+3 diploma, SEED (for SID) and MH CET, CUCET | 4 Years |
| BA Hons in Graphic Communication Design | 10+2 in any stream | 3 Years |
| BSc in Graphic, Advertising and Digital Design | 10+2 in the science stream | 3 Years |
| MDes in Graphic Design | Graduation, AIEED, SEED | 2 Years |
| Certificate Course in Graphic Design | 10 or 10+2 | 6 Months to 1 Year |
Steps to Become a Graphic Designer after 12th
To become a graphic designer, candidates can directly apply to graphic design colleges or private training institutes in India. Candidates have the option of enrolling in full-time degrees, short-term certification, or diploma programs. The basic steps that can be taken to become a graphic designer in India are as follows.
- Pursue a relevant course - To become a graphic designer, a candidate can pursue a degree or certificate course in Graphic design. This can generally be pursued after qualifying for higher secondary (10+2).
- Apply for Graphic Design colleges/institutes - Candidates must be admitted to degree colleges or training institutes in order to learn and develop the skills necessary to become an established graphic designer.
- Improve understanding of Graphic Design Tools - Graphic designers commonly use a variety of design software namely Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe PhotoShop, Adobe Illustrator, and InDesign. One must learn and improve the understanding of these basic tools to get started.
- Create a Portfolio - After having a strong grasp of graphic designing skills, one must develop a portfolio to include their personal and professional projects. The portfolio will serve as a potential aid to showcase their skills to future employers and clients.
- Apply to Graphic Design jobs and postings - Candidates should routinely monitor the websites of companies for job openings and submit their applications accordingly. Their resume needs to be modified to match the criteria of the recruiters they are applying to. Some of the top recruiters of graphic designers in India are TCS, Deloitte, Google, Amazon, Accenture, etc.
Also Read:
| Top BDes Graphic Design Colleges | Top BA Graphic Design Colleges | Top Diploma in Graphic Design Colleges |
Graphic Design Courses after 12th
Graphic Design courses after class 12 generally consist of degree courses or certificate and diploma courses through which students build up knowledge in fundamental aspects of the graphic designing field. Candidates can go for full-time courses like BSc, BA, BDes, or MDes in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Communication Design, Advertising, etc., or a short-term certificate or diploma course.
The following table lists the specifics of the most popular courses:
| Degree | BDes Graphic Design | BSc Animation and Graphic Design | MDes Graphic Design | Post Graduate Diploma in Graphic Design |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Class 12 | Class 12 | Graduate with 50% marks | Graduate or 4 Year- Diploma |
| Entrance Exams | SEED (for SID) and MAH BDesign-CET, CUCET | NATA, CEED, NID, GATE | UPES DAT, AIEED, ALCI Aptitude Test | CAT, MAT, CEED, GMAT |
| Top Colleges | Pearl Academy West Campus, Symbiosis Institute of Design, MIT Art, Design and Technology University, Chitkara University, Apeejay Stya University | Silver Oak University, Vogue Institute of Art and Design, Lovely Professional University, Dr SNS Rajalakshmi College of Arts and Science, Chandigarh Group of Colleges | MIT Art, Design and Technology University, IIT Jodhpur, RIMT University, Auro University, Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth | Jai Narayan Vyas University, DOT School of Design, HSA Degree College, JECRC University, PA Inamdar College of Visual Effects Design and Arts |
| Course Fees | INR 1,80,000 - INR 7,24,000 | INR 2,30,000 - INR 6,00,000 | INR 92,300 - INR 3,98,000 | INR 2,44,000 - INR 11,79,000 |
| Average Salary (INR) | INR 4 LPA- INR 7 LPA | INR 3 LPA- INR 5 LPA | INR 4 L - INR 21 L | INR 3.77 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | TCS, Deloitte, Google, Amazon, Accenture | Vistaprint, Capgemini, Multia, WebandCrafts | Indegene, Cognizant, Vervelogic | MyGov, Teleperformance, Krish India Design, Xee Design |
Entrance Exams
The majority of applicants are admitted to graphic design programs based on merit. Students must take entrance tests like the SEED, MAH BDesign-CET, CEED, AIEED, etc. to be admitted to full-time programs. The table below includes information on some of the top entrance tests.
| Entrance Exams | Application Deadlines | Exam Dates | Declaration of Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEED (SID) 2024 | November 30, 2023 | January 7, 2024 | Last week of April 2024 (Tentative) |
| MAH BDesign-CET 2023 | July 11, 2023 | April 30, 2023 | July 20, 2023 |
| CUCET 2024 | March 30, 2024 | May 21-May 31, 2024 | July 2024 |
| NATA 2024 | 1st week of April, 2024 | April 2024 | May 2024 |
| CEED 2024 | November 2023 | January 2024 | March 2024 |
| NID DAT 2024 | October 2023 | January 2024 | March 2024 |
| GATE 2024 | October 13, 2024 | February 3, 4, 10, 11 | March 2024 |
| UPES DAT 2024 | - | April 2024-July 2024 | September 2024 |
| AIEED 2024 | June 2024 | April 2024-May 2024 | May 2024 |
| CAT 2024 | September 2024 | November 2024 | January 2025 |
| MAT 2024 | June 2024 | May 2024 | June 2024 |
| GMAT 2024 | Any time of the year | June 2024-August 2024 | After completion of the exam |
Top Graphic Designer Colleges
Graphic design courses are offered by many top colleges in India. The table below includes information about some of the top colleges for graphic design courses in India.
| Name of the College | Location | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl Academy West Campus | New Delhi | INR 26,00,000 |
| Symbiosis Institute of Design | Pune | INR 17,00,000 |
| MIT Arts Design and Technology University | Pune | INR 15,80,000 |
| Xavier Institute of Communication | Mumbai | INR 16,000 |
| Lovely Professional University | Punjab | INR 9,60,000 |
| St. Teresa’s College | Kerala | INR 4500 |
| Mody University | Rajasthan | INR 9,40,000 |
Skills Required to Become a Graphic Designer after 12th
Candidates are required to have a combination of skills to become a graphic designer in India. The most important skills required to become a graphic designer are listed below for reference:
| Creativity | Illustration | Photoshop | Coding |
| Visual Communication | Interactive Media | Adobe | Software |
| Typography | Brand Management | Portfolio Management | Color Theory |
| Problem-Solving | Drawing | Designing | Innovation |
| Video Editing | Web Designing | Logo Design | Indesign |
Benefits of Becoming a Graphic Designer after 12th
The profession of graphic design offers the following benefits:
- The freedom to fully express creative abilities and imagination is the main perk of working as a graphic designer.
- The core of the job requires designers to regularly exhibit their creativity. This career enables one to try out creative ideas and concepts.
- Typography, web design, illustration, user experience design, and 3D packaging, are some of the areas where graphic designers can focus their expertise.
- One can work in a number of settings, but many graphic designers also discover that they prefer the independence of running their own freelance firm. This not only allows one to work from home but also choose the preferable rates and working hours.
- Numerous reputable organizations are looking for somebody with strong graphic design skills who can provide eye-catching graphics that match their company's identity and mission.
Salary of a Graphic Designer
The average annual salary of a graphic designer in India is INR 5 LPA. With time and experience, it has been observed that most recruiters raise the salary of graphic designers as well. The salary of a graphic designer is also likely to depend on whether one works as a freelancer or is employed in an industry. As a freelancer, a graphic designer is allowed to demand a favourable amount from a client.
A graphic designer's beginning pay in India ranges from INR 2.5 LPA to INR 10.3 LPA, depending on experience. In the table below, salaries for places that are comparable to a graphic designer are listed.
| Designations | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Motion Graphic Designer | INR 4 L |
| Creative Graphic Designer | INR 4 L |
| Senior Visual Designer | INR 8 L |
| UI, UX, and Graphic Designer | INR 4 L |
How to Become a Graphic Designer after 12th: FAQs
Ques. What are the education requirements to become a graphic designer in India?
Ans. Graphic design as a career can be pursued after class 12 by enrolling in specific degree, certificate, or diploma programs. Aspirants can also opt for a master of arts (MA) in graphic design or MDes in graphic design for better career prospects and exposure.
Ques. What is the age limit to become a graphic designer in India?
Ans. There is no specific age limit per se to become a graphic designer in India. However, candidates may be required to be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for a graphic design course.
Ques. What skills are necessary to become a graphic designer in India?
Ans. The top skills that are required to become a graphic designer in India are Photoshop skills, editing, creativity, visual communication, and software skills, to name a few.
Ques. How can I apply for a job as a graphic designer?
Ans. Candidates can apply for job postings of graphic designers offered by various companies. They should keep looking for job postings on the official websites of the top recruiters of the post.
Ques. Can I work as a freelance graphic designer?
Ans. Yes. One of the most important benefits is that one can work in a number of settings, but many graphic designers also discover that they prefer the independence of running their own freelance firm. This not only allows one to work from home but also choose the preferable rates and working hours.
Ques. What are the career prospects of a graphic designer in India?
Ans. Graphic designers can search for a fulfilling career with room for advancement. They can advance to positions like senior graphic designer or senior visual designer with experience.
Ques. What is the average salary of a graphic designer in India?
Ans. The average annual salary of a graphic designer in India is INR 3 LPA with the highest salary being INR 6.5 LPA. The monthly income of a graphic designer in India ranges between INR 21,498 to INR 23,139.
Ques. Can I do a graphic design course without a science background?
Ans. Yes. There are several graphic design courses available where a science background isn't necessary. Some of these courses are Diploma in Graphic Design, BA Hons in Graphic Design, and Certificate in Graphic Design.
Ques. How to get started as a graphic designer in India?
Ans. Candidates should routinely monitor the websites of companies for job openings and submit their applications accordingly. The first step to becoming a graphic designer is to create a resume and a portfolio. Their resume must be modified to meet the requirements of the recruiters they are applying to. The portfolio will serve as a potential aid to showcase their skills to future employers and clients.
Ques. What are the top recruiters of graphic designers in India?
Ans. Some of the top recruiters of graphic design in India are TCS, Deloitte, Google, Amazon, Accenture, etc.
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