How to Become a Product Designer in India: Salary, Jobs, Interview Questions, Scope

Product design is a highly creative and dynamic field that involves conceptualising and developing innovative products that cater to the needs and desires of consumers. A product designer is responsible for transforming ideas and concepts into tangible, user-friendly and visually appealing products. In India, the demand for skilled product designers is on the rise, making it an exciting career choice for aspiring individuals with a passion for design and problem-solving.

Particulars	Details
Course Name	Product Design
Course Level	Undergraduate, Postgraduate & Doctorate
Duration	2-3 years
Eligibility	Undergraduate: 10+2 from a recognised board Postgraduate: Graduate from a recognised board Doctorate: Master’s degree in Product Design
Entrance Exams	NID Entrance exam, NIFT Entrance Exam, DAT, Pearl Academy Entrance Exam
Course Fee	Up to 6 Lakh
Average Salary	Up to INR 12 lakh
Top Colleges	Symbiosis University, NIFT Mumbai, Vogue Institute of Art and Design, NID Ahmedabad
Job Positions	Graphic Designer, Interior Designer, Fashion Designer, Interior Decorator, Brand Manager, etc.

Who is a Product Designer?

A product designer is a professional who combines artistic flair, technical expertise and user-centred design principles to create products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and intuitive. These professionals work across various industries, such as consumer electronics, furniture, automotive, fashion and technology to name a few.

Also read: Top Fashion Designing Colleges in India and World

How to Become a Product Designer?

There are some pathways to becoming a Product Designer:

Career Path	Education Requirements	Degree Options	Further Education Options
Path 1	12th (Any stream)	B.Des in Product design	M.Des in Product design
Path 2	12th (Any stream)	B.Des in Industrial design	M.Des in Industrial design
Path 3	12th (Maths)	B.Tech in Mechanical	M.Des in Product design
Path 4	12th (Maths)	B.Tech in Automobile	M.Des in Product design

Steps to Become a Product Designer in India

To ensure a successful career as a Product Designer, you need to make sure you’re taking essential steps. Here are the important steps you need to consider if you want to establish yourself as a successful product designer:

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Product Designers possess a bachelor’s degree in product design or industrial design. Pursuing degrees such as Bachelor of Design (BDes) or engineering degrees in disciplines like product design, industrial design or mechanical engineering can pave the way for a career in product design. The duration of these undergraduate programs usually ranges from 3-4 years. When selecting an undergraduate degree, you can consider the subjects you studied in 10+2. i.e. an engineering degree requires essential subjects like physics, chemistry and mathematics, while a BDes degree can be pursued without these subjects.

Complete Your Master’s Degree

Opting for a Master of Design (MDes) in product or industrial design is optional if you pursue a BDes degree. However, completing an engineering degree and pursuing an MDes can be beneficial as it provides in-depth knowledge of product design intricacies. Obtaining a master’s degree in product design or a related field can help you develop specialised skills, gain a competitive advantage, enhance your salary potential and broaden your job prospects. It offers an opportunity for further expertise and growth in the field of product design.

Complete an Internship

Internships in the product design field offer valuable exposure and contribute to building a strong technical foundation. They provide an opportunity to bridge the knowledge gap and gain hands-on experience in the industry. It is advisable to create a portfolio showcasing your work during the internship, as it can be beneficial when applying for full-time positions. Internships can be pursued during your bachelor’s degree or after gaining relevant experience and they can be either paid or unpaid. Consider exploring internship opportunities to further enhance your skills and industry readiness.

Gather Experience

Frequently, employers seek candidates who have a clear understanding of the specific products they wish to work on or develop. Acquiring relevant experience allows you to familiarise yourself with various design software and create products based on fundamental design principles. Entry-level positions offer valuable insights into the specific products and processes of a company, enabling you to gain industry-specific knowledge and skills. By gaining experience in the field, you can enhance your expertise and make yourself more appealing to potential employers.

Required Skills to Become a Product Designer

The key elements in the field of product design play a crucial role in creating successful products:

• User Research
• User Experience (UX) Design
• Adobe Illustrator
• Interaction Design
• Product Development
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

Top Colleges

There are many colleges across the country where you can pursue a degree in Product Design. Some of the top colleges to become a Product Designer in India are listed below:

For Graduation	For Post Graduation
Pearl Academy, New Delhi	Pearl Academy, New Delhi
National Institute of Design – [NID], Gandhi Nagar	National Institute of Design – [NID], Gandhi Nagar
Symbiosis Institute of Design – [SID], Pune	Industrial Design Centre, Indian Institute of Technology – [IDC], Mumbai
National Institute of Design – [NID], Ahmedabad	National Institute of Design – [NID], Ahmedabad
Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore	Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore
Arch College of Design and Business, Jaipur	Arch College of Design and Business, Jaipur
Pearl Academy, Mumbai	Pearl Academy, Mumbai
MIT Institute of Design – [MITID], Pune	MIT Institute of Design – [MITID], Pune
DSK International School of Design -[DSKISD], Pune	Indian Institute of Technology – [IIT], Mumbai
Vogue Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore	Unitedworld Institute of Design – [UID], Gandhi Nagar

Also read: Best Designing Courses

Eligibility Criteria to Become a Product Designer

Aspiring individuals have the opportunity to pursue a course in Product Design at both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) levels. But first, they must fulfil the following eligibility criteria to enrol in a course for Product Design:

• For the UG level, students need to have completed their Class 12 from any stream (Arts, Science or Commerce) from a recognized board. Additionally, candidates who have completed a three-year full-time diploma in engineering or a one-year foundation course in design from a recognized college are also eligible for admission.
• At the PG level, candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree in Arts, Science, Commerce or Engineering to secure admission to a Product Design course.

Must read: Career in Product Design

Career Scope

The scope for product designers in India is promising due to the growth of various industries and the increasing focus on user-centric design:

• Growing Industries: India’s economy is diversifying, with sectors like consumer electronics, e-commerce, automotive and technology experiencing significant growth, creating a constant demand for product designers.
• User-Centric Design: Indian companies recognize the importance of user-centric design to stay competitive. They invest in product designers who understand user preferences, conduct research and create exceptional user experiences.
• Start-up Culture: India’s vibrant start-up ecosystem offers opportunities for product designers to work on innovative projects in technology, e-commerce and other emerging fields.
• Design-led Innovation: Indian companies understand the impact of well-designed products on consumer perception and market positioning, leading to a higher demand for skilled product designers.
• Government Initiatives: Initiatives like “Make in India” and “Digital India” drive entrepreneurship, manufacturing and technology adoption, creating a favourable environment for product designers.
• Global Opportunities: Advancements in technology and remote work capabilities enable Indian product designers to explore global job opportunities and collaborate with international companies, expanding their exposure and career growth.

Best Job Designations

The following are the various types of jobs of a Product Designer: 

• Consumer Electronics
• Furniture and Interior Design
• Automotive Industry
• Fashion and Apparel 
• Industrial Equipment 

Salary

The salary of a product designer in India can vary based on several factors, including experience, location, industry, and the size of the company. Here is an overview of the salary range for product designers in different stages of their careers:

Designation	Experience	Salary Range (INR)
Junior Product Designer	0-2 years	3-6 lakhs per annum
Mid-Level Product Designer	2-5 years	6-12 lakhs per annum
Senior Product Designer	5+ years	Exceeds 15 lakhs per annum
Principal Product Designer	10+ years	Exceeds 20 lakhs per annum
Lead Product Designer	8+ years	Exceeds 18 lakhs per annum

Top Recruitment Companies:

Given below are some of the top recruitment companies for Product Designers in India:

• Adidas
• Adobe
• Hindustan Unilever
• IBM
• GSK
• Tanishq
• eBay
• Titan
• Ashok Leyland
• Tata
• Wipro

FAQs

For more information on product design careers in India, you can refer to Leverage Edu’s website. They provide valuable insights and resources to help you navigate your career path in this field. Also follow and connect with us on our socials like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.