Interior Designing Course Duration: Diploma and Degree Years
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Below is a complete guide covering course durations across academic levels, eligibility criteria, admission processes, fees, top colleges, syllabus topics, and career prospects in interior design.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| UG Course Duration | 3 – 4 years |
| PG Course Duration | 2 years |
| Diploma & Certificate Duration | 1 Month to 1 Year |
| PhD Duration | 3 – 6 years |
| UG Eligibility Criteria | Class 12 from any stream with 50-60% marks and English as mandatory subject |
| UG Fee Range | INR 3,360 – INR 53.5 lakh |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 4.3 LPA |
| Major Entrance Exams | CUET, UCEED, NID Entrance, NIFT Entrance, CEED, SEED, JEECUP |
Interior Design Course Duration across Diploma, UG, PG, and PhD Levels
Interior design qualifications in India are structured across five distinct academic levels to suit different educational backgrounds and career targets. Time commitments vary from short-term certifications designed for fast-track skill development to multi-year degree programs providing comprehensive professional training.
| Course Level | Duration | Key Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (BDes / BSc) | 3 – 4 Years | Class 12 from any stream with 50-60% aggregate marks and English |
| Postgraduate (MDes / MSc / MA) | 2 Years | Bachelor’s degree in BDes/BA/BSc/BVoc, Architecture, Fine Arts, Design, Civil Engineering, or any 10+2+3 degree |
| Doctorate (PhD) | 3 – 6 Years | Master’s degree (MDes/MA/MSc/MVoc) from a UGC-approved university |
| Diploma and Certification | 1 Month to 1 Year | Class 10 or Class 12 score from a recognized board |
Undergraduate Degree Duration: BDes and BSc Interior Design Programs
- Course Duration: BDes and BSc in Interior Design programs take 3 to 4 years to complete.
- Basic Eligibility: Requires passing Class 12 from any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts) with English and at least 50-60% aggregate marks.
- Merit Admissions: Students must secure more than 80% in Class 12 for merit-based admissions in top colleges.
- Subject Preferences: Some colleges prefer candidates who studied Mathematics and Physics as full-time or additional subjects in Class 12.
Undergraduate degree courses such as BDes and BSc in Interior Design require a commitment of 3 to 4 years. Candidates must satisfy the academic criteria and minimum percentage thresholds to secure admission.
Short-Term Diploma vs Degree Duration: Is a 1-Year Diploma Worth It?
Short-term diploma courses take 1 month to 1 year, making them suitable for candidates seeking early job entry, low budgets, or a side income. Full 3 to 4 year degree programs provide theoretical study, practical learning, and industry connections for career growth.
Interior Design Eligibility
Eligibility requirements for interior design courses depend on the qualification level:
- Diploma & Certificate Courses: Passed Class 10 or Class 12 from a recognized board.
- Undergraduate Degrees (BDes / BSc): Class 12 pass in any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts) with English and 50-60% aggregate marks. Highly competitive merit seats often require over 80%.
- Postgraduate Degrees (MDes / MA / MSc): Relevant bachelor’s degree (BDes, BA, BSc, BVoc) or a recognized 10+2+3 degree in Architecture, Fine Arts, Design, or Civil Engineering.
- Doctorate (PhD): Master’s degree (MDes, MA, MSc, MVoc) from a UGC-approved university.
Interior Design Admission Process
- Entrance Examinations: Admissions use national, state, or university exams including CUET, UCEED, NID Entrance, NIFT Entrance, CUET-PG, CEED, JEECUP, and SEED.
- Admission Stages: The selection process covers application forms, entrance exams, merit lists, personal interviews, and portfolio submissions.
- Result Awaited Candidates: Students awaiting their Class 12 board results can apply under the ‘Result Awaited’ or ‘Appearing’ status for exams like CUET UG.
The entire admission process takes about 2 to 4 months depending on the design institute. Candidates should check official college websites for specific selection guidelines.
Interior Design Syllabus and Subjects
- Core Design Principles: Space planning and layout, color theory, design principles, and sustainable design.
- Materials & Professional Skills: Materials and finishes, lighting design, client communication, and project management.
Interior design courses balance design theory with technical skills like design software, space planning, and project management.
Interior Design Fees
Across institutions in India, undergraduate interior design course fees range between INR 3,360 and INR 53.5 lakh, while postgraduate course fees range from INR 2,400 to INR 12.2 lakh.
Among government institutions offering Interior Design, the median total course fee is ₹82,020, with the middle half ranging between ₹14,988 and ₹1.60 lakh (across 7 colleges with published fee data). For private colleges, the median total course fee is ₹2.42 lakh, with the middle half falling between ₹1.20 lakh and ₹3.87 lakh (across 112 colleges with published fee data).
| College | City | Ownership | Total course fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Rajasthan | Jaipur | Government | ₹8,560 |
| Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University | Nashik | Government | ₹14,988 |
| Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University | Lucknow | Government | ₹80,700 |
| Mumbai University | Mumbai | Government | ₹82,020 |
| CSJM Kanpur University | Kanpur | Government | ₹93,600 |
| Eklavya University | Damoh | Government | ₹1.60 lakh |
| Indian Institute of Crafts and Design | Jaipur | Government | ₹6.46 lakh |
| College | City | Ownership | Total course fee | NIRF rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Symbiosis Skills & Open University | Pune | — | ₹8.10 lakh | 1 (Overall, 2025) |
| Punjab Agricultural University | Ludhiana | — | ₹65,510 | 3 (Overall, 2025) |
| Manipal University Manipal | Manipal | — | ₹1.75 lakh | 3 (Overall, 2025) |
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Coimbatore | — | ₹14.00 lakh | 8 (Overall, 2025) |
| Aligarh Muslim University | Aligarh | — | ₹61,905 | 10 (Overall, 2025) |
| SRM Institute of Technology | Kanchipuram | Private | ₹6.10 lakh | 11 (Overall, 2025) |
| Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology | Bhubaneswar | — | ₹5.63 lakh | 17 (Overall, 2025) |
| Chandigarh University | Chandigarh | Private | ₹8.77 lakh | 19 (Overall, 2025) |
| Amity University Noida | Noida | — | ₹9.12 lakh | 22 (Overall, 2025) |
| Lovely Professional University | Jalandhar | Private | ₹3.00 lakh | 31 (Overall, 2025) |
Interior Design Career Scope and Salary
Career opportunities span residential, commercial, industrial, and exhibition design sectors.
Graduates work in specialized roles such as Interior Designer, Researcher, Teacher, Consultant, Product Designer, Design Journalist, Furniture Designer, Lighting Designer, Visual Merchandiser, and Exhibition Designer. Key recruiting firms operating in India include Design in India, Synergy Corporate Interiors, Maps of India, The Karigars, The Grid, Talati and Partners (Mumbai), and The Charcoal Project (Mumbai & Hyderabad).
How to Apply for Interior Design Admission in 2026: Step by Step
- Check Eligibility Criteria: Verify that you have passed Class 12 from any recognized stream (Science, Commerce, Arts) with English and 50-60% marks for UG courses, or Class 10/12 for diploma options.
- Register for Entrance Exams: Apply for relevant entrance exams such as CUET, UCEED, NID Entrance, NIFT Entrance, CEED, SEED, or JEECUP based on target colleges.
- Fill Application Forms under Result Awaited (if applicable): Complete college application forms online; candidates awaiting Class 12 board results can apply under ‘Result Awaited’ or ‘Appearing’ status.
- Appear for Entrance Exam and Studio Test / Portfolio Submission: Take entrance examinations and participate in personal interviews or design portfolio submissions required by specific design institutes.
- Review Merit List and Complete Admission: Track institute merit lists (often requiring >80% for merit-based seats), clear final selection steps during the 2 to 4 month admission timeframe, verify documents, and pay fees.
| What to do | Where | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Compare colleges, fees and cutoffs | Interior Design colleges in India | findmycollege.com |
FAQs
Interior designing course how many years in india?
Interior design courses in India take 3 to 4 years for undergraduate degrees (BDes/BSc), 2 years for master’s degrees (MDes/MA/MSc), 3 to 6 years for PhDs, and 1 month to 1 year for diploma and certificate programs.
How many years is B.Sc interior design?
Is a 1 year diploma in interior design worth it?
Yes, short-term diploma courses (1 month to 1 year) are worth it for students planning to start working early, operating on a low budget, or seeking interior design skills as a hobby or side income.
What is the eligibility for interior design courses after 12th?
Candidates from any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts) with English as a mandatory subject and at least 50-60% aggregate marks in Class 12 are eligible to apply for UG interior design courses.
What are the interior designing course fees in India?
Undergraduate interior design course fees range from INR 3,360 to INR 53.5 lakh, while postgraduate course fees range from INR 2,400 to INR 12.2 lakh across government and private institutions.
How much can an interior designer earn in India?
An interior designer in India earns an average starting salary of around INR 4.3 LPA, with opportunities across top recruitment firms and specialized job roles.
