Graphic Design Courses After 12th

You’re done with 12th, and now everyone’s asking, “What’s next?” If you know you’re not meant for the typical doctor-engineer race and you see things differently, then graphic design might just be your thing. But figuring out which course actually makes sense can feel like scrolling endlessly with no Wi-Fi. This blog breaks down the graphic design courses after 12th, the best ones, where to study them, how to get in, what they cost, and what kind of jobs you can land after because you need to start strong in the design world.

What is Graphic Design?

Graphic design is the skill of making ideas look clear, smart, and nice using pictures, words, and layout. It’s not just about making things “pretty.” Rather, it’s about helping people understand something better just by looking at it. Designers use color, shapes, fonts, and images to send a message. It could be for a poster, a logo, a book cover, or even a social media ad. Every little thing you see online or offline that catches your eye? That’s graphic design doing its job.

So, graphic design is basically visual communication. It tells a story, shares a message, and solves problems, all without needing a long explanation.

Graphic Design Courses After 12th: Quick Overview

Course offerings across India and globally now range from diplomas to full-fledged bachelor’s degrees, delivering practical skills aligned with industry demands. Here’s a quick overview:

Detail	India	Abroad
Course Types	Diploma, B.Des, BFA	Diploma, BA, BFA, Bachelor of Design
Duration	1 – 4 years	3 – 4 years
Eligibility	10+2 (any stream) from a recognised board	10+2 + English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Mode	Online & Offline	Full-time On-Campus
Top Entrance Exams	NID DAT, UCEED, NIFT Entrance, MITID DAT	Portfolio review, some require SAT + language test
Top Colleges	NID, NIFT, Pearl Academy, MIT ID, Srishti	FIT (USA), Central Saint Martins (UK), IED (Italy)
Fee Range	₹50,000 – ₹28 lakh	₹8L – ₹30L/year (avg. tuition abroad)
Application Process	Entrance + Portfolio + Interview (varies)	Application + SOP + Portfolio + IELTS/SAT
Scope After Course	UI/UX, Advertising, Branding, Packaging, Media	Global design firms, Fashion houses, Gaming industry

Top Graphic Design Courses After 12th

Here’s a rundown of the most popular graphic design courses after 12th, what they’re all about, and what kind of design genius you’ll become after each.

1. Bachelor of Design (B.Des) in Graphic Design
This is the go-to degree for future design bosses. You’ll learn design theory, digital tools, typography, branding, UI/UX basics basically, everything. It’s a 4-year ride through creativity, software, and actual industry-ready projects.

2. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design
Perfect if you’re the artsy type who dreams in shapes and color palettes. This course blends traditional fine art skills with modern design concepts. Expect a lot of sketching, branding, print design, and visual storytelling.

3. BA in Graphic Design or Communication Design
A chill but solid degree that leans more into communication and branding than hardcore visuals. You’ll explore how design works with messaging, storytelling, and digital media to make stuff look and mean good.

4. Diploma in Graphic Design
This is short, skill-heavy, and super hands-on. You’ll dive straight into software like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and work on practical design projects. Great for building a job-ready portfolio fast.

5. Certificate Course in Graphic Design
A bite-sized intro for beginners or career switchers. These are quick, affordable courses (usually 3-6 months) that give you a crash course in tools, layout, color theory, and basic branding. Ideal if you’re just testing the waters.

6. BSc in Multimedia and Animation
Not strictly graphic design, but super close. If you want to mix visuals, animation, VFX, and digital storytelling, this one’s for you. It’s graphic design, motion, tech and a lot of creativity.

Also Read: Best Colleges for Graphic Design in India 

Graphic Design Subjects

Here’s a list of key subjects you’ll study during a graphic design course:

• Typography
  
• Color Theory
  
• Illustration
  
• Digital Imaging
  
• Layout and Composition
  
• Branding and Identity Design
  
• Motion Graphics
  
• User Interface (UI) Design
  
• User Experience (UX) Design
  
• Design History
  
• Web Design
  
• Portfolio Development

Graphic Design Course Duration & Fees

Graphic Design programs now provide more flexible and recognized paths, from short diplomas to full undergraduate degrees. Here’s the latest duration and fee structure for 2025:

Course Type	Duration	Fees in India (2025)	Fees Abroad (2025)
Certificate Course	6 months – 1 yr	₹20,000 – ₹1.5 Lakhs	₹1.5L – ₹4L (short online courses)
Diploma Course	1 – 2 years	₹50,000 – ₹5 Lakhs	₹4L – ₹10L
Bachelor’s Degree (B.Des / BFA / B.Sc)	3 – 4 years	₹2 Lakhs – ₹17 Lakhs	₹12L – ₹36L per year

Eligibility Criteria & Admission Process

Graphic Design courses after 12th usually need your Class 12 marks, a portfolio, and sometimes entrance exams. Here’s the overview:

India

• Eligibility:
  
  • Passed Class 12 (any stream) from a recognized board
    
  • Minimum 50% aggregate marks
    
  • Age limit typically up to 24 years (with relaxation for reserved categories)
    
• Entrance Exams:
  
  • UCEED (for IITs)
    
  • NID DAT (for NID campuses)
    
  • NIFT Entrance Exam, IIAD, AIEED, MITID DAT, UPES DAT
    
• Admission Process:
  
  • Apply online with Class 12 marks and entrance exam scores
    
  • Appear for design aptitude tests, interviews, or studio tests
    
  • Submit a portfolio (mandatory for most design colleges)
    
  • Wait for merit list and attend counselling or direct admission rounds
    

Abroad

• Eligibility:
  
  • Completed Class 12 with minimum 50–60% marks
    
  • English language proficiency: IELTS (6.0+) or TOEFL (around 73 iBT)
    
• Admission Requirements:
  
  • Strong portfolio with original design work
    
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
    
  • Academic transcripts and visa documents
    
• Admission Process:
  
  • Apply through university portals or platforms like UCAS (for UK)
    
  • Submit all required documents and attend interviews if required
    
  • Get conditional/unconditional offer and apply for student visa

Also Read: MA Graphic Design: Syllabus, Universities, Fees, Benefits

Top Colleges for Graphic Design 

If you’re aiming to pursue a Graphic Design course, choosing the right college can make a huge difference in your creative journey. Here’s a list of the top design colleges in India and abroad that are known for their academic quality, global exposure, and industry-ready curriculum:

India	Abroad
National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad	Rhode Island School of Design, Providence
MIT Institute of Design, Pune	Parsons School of Design, New York
Pearl Academy, Delhi	Royal College of Art, London
Srishti Manipal Institute of Art & Design, Bangalore	University of the Arts London, London
Unitedworld Institute of Design, Gandhinagar	Design Academy Eindhoven, Eindhoven
Vogue Institute of Art and Design, Bangalore	Pratt Institute, New York
WLCI School of Design, Delhi	Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah
Amity School of Fine Arts, Noida	Emily Carr University, Vancouver
Arch College of Design and Business, Jaipur	LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore
JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Mumbai	RMIT University, Melbourne

Also Read: BDes Game Design

Skills Needed to Become a Graphic Designer

To become a successful graphic designer, you need more than just an eye for aesthetics. These skills help you communicate ideas clearly, solve visual problems, and adapt to different design needs.

• Creativity and originality
  
• Visual storytelling
  
• Basic drawing and sketching
  
• Typography understanding
  
• Color theory knowledge
  
• Attention to detail
  
• Familiarity with design software (like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator)
  
• Time management
  
• Communication skills
  
• Problem-solving skills
  
• Adaptability to feedback and revisions
  
• Understanding of branding and marketing basics
  
• UI/UX awareness (especially for digital design)

Scope and Salary Prospects

Graphic design is a full-blown career with serious earning potential. From branding to UI/UX, here are some high-paying job roles and their average salaries in 2025:

High-Paying Job Role	Average Salary (INR per annum)
UI/UX Designer	₹8 – 15 LPA
Creative Director	₹12 – 25 LPA
Motion Graphics Designer	₹7 – 14 LPA
Visual Designer	₹6 – 12 LPA
Art Director	₹10 – 20 LPA
Brand Identity Designer	₹6 – 11 LPA
Product Designer	₹9 – 18 LPA
Senior Graphic Designer	₹7 – 13 LPA
Packaging Designer	₹5 – 10 LPA
Design Strategist	₹8 – 16 LPA
Ask ChatGPT

Also Read: BDes Interior Designing

FAQs

This was all about graphic design courses after 12th, from what they cover and where to study them, to the kind of career you can expect afterward. If you’re serious about turning your creativity into a career, this guide should set you on the right path. For more such informative articles, keep following Leverage Edu.