Is doing B.Des from DTU any good?

I’m really enjoying my B.Des at DTU. The course curriculum is up-to-date and mostly relevant, but I do feel like they should update it more frequently due to the fast-paced changes in design technology. The internship prospects seem great—there are even startup incubation programs that provide paid internships, which is a big plus. Placements are pretty good; I’ve heard of students landing jobs at companies like Microsoft and Google. The fee structure is a bit tough, though. You have to pay around 15-16 lakhs for the entire course upfront, which can be a stretch. But overall, if you’re passionate about design, DTU is a solid option.

This paragraph was written on 18–12-2020. I am from the second batch of this course. DTU, formerly known as Delhi College of Engineering, has started offering B.Des now. Many people on this site are saying that it’s new, so don’t join. But remember, everything was new at some point! In today’s fast-paced world, nothing stays new for long. It’s just a matter of time. In India, we have a shortage of design colleges. Students are struggling and preparing for design colleges for 2 to 3 years, and even then, they aren’t getting in. Many believe that only NID and IIT matter. The competition is fierce, and it’s nearly impossible for colleges to judge accurately. For instance, if you are asked to draw the same drawing twice, you would get different results. So, would you judge yourself so minutely, based on parameters like light, shading, shapes, etc.? It’s about design, not fine arts.

What you want from a design college:

• FACULTIES: You will have IITians, NIDians, professors from architecture, and world-class colleges like the Royal College of Art, UK. (Check the brochure!) They are truly exceptional. You can actually find your gurus here.
• VALUE: You will be getting a degree from a reputable institution.

I can say that pursuing a B.Des from DTU is a good move if you’re interested in design. The course is comprehensive, starting with a solid foundation year where you learn various aspects of design. The faculty is mostly supportive, guiding us to reach our potential. I’m particularly looking forward to the internships in my third year.

The placement scene is decent, with some students getting impressive packages. Just a heads-up—the fees are around 2.5 lakhs per year, which adds up to about 15-16 lakhs over four years, plus hostel and food costs. Despite the financials, the campus life is vibrant and full of opportunities!

Short Answer - Nope. Not just yet. Not for the next 5 years at least.

Long answer - There are many, MANY reasons why DTU isn’t a good option for B.Des.

• This is the first course that the entire Department of Design at DTU will be offering. Just because a college excels in engineering doesn’t mean it will be good for other courses.
• DTU is still in the process of hiring professors and assistant professors. The selection was scheduled for July 4, 2018. How effective do you think the faculty and their coordination will be if they’re being hired just a month before the program starts?
• The dean comes from a reputed arts college. However, the days when design was solely about art are long gone. A technical background is essential.
• IIT Bombay decided not to conduct placements for their first graduating batch of the B.Des course because they want to encourage self-sufficiency and creative thinking among their students. IITB can afford this approach, as IDC, Powai is one of Asia’s best design colleges and has a strong reputation. Other colleges like Srishti follow similar practices, and DTU can do the same whenever they choose. The key point is that IDC and Srishti are well-established.

Doing B.Des from DTU is quite promising! I'm currently in my first year, and the curriculum has been really solid. We’re learning everything from product design to industrial design, which gives us a strong foundation. The best part is that you can choose your specialization later. The faculty is mostly helpful, although some can be a bit strict. I’m excited about the internship opportunities that kick in during the third year. I’ve heard that placements are decent, especially for interaction design students, with some packages going up to 1.8 crores, although the average is around 10-12 lakhs. Campus life is lit, especially with fests like Engifest. Overall, I think it’s a good choice!