Planning for B.Des in 2026? Discover admission process, fees, specializations, and why CDS (Sri Aurobindo Group of Institutes) is India’s top choice for AI-driven design education.
Design is no longer limited to sketching, interiors, or fashion. In today’s fast-changing digital-first world, design powers everything, from apps we use, games we play, experiences we interact with, to the brands we trust. This makes the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) one of the most sought-after undergraduate degrees in India.
With 2026 admissions approaching, students and parents are asking: Which are the best B.Des colleges in India? What are the eligibility criteria, exams, fees, and career opportunities?
This guide answers everything and highlights how the Center for Design Studies (CDS), under Sri Aurobindo Group of Institutes (Indore), is setting a new benchmark with future-ready B.Des programs that go beyond traditional design education.
Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)
Eligibility: 10+2
Focus: Equips students with creative, technical, and problem-solving skills in design.
Unlike older programs that focus on conventional fields, modern B.Des is interdisciplinary. Blending creativity, technology, and business to prepare students for industries like UX/UI, gaming, AR/VR, communication, and branding.
Most top colleges in India admit students via entrance exams:
Entrance Exam | Conducted By | Colleges Covered | Application Timeline 2026 |
---|---|---|---|
UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design) |
IIT Bombay | IITs + other institutes | Nov 2025 – Jan 2026 |
NID DAT (Design Aptitude Test) | National Institute of Design | NID campuses | Sept – Dec 2025 |
NIFT Entrance Exam | National Institute of Fashion Technology | NIFT campuses | Nov 2025 – Jan 2026 |
Private Entrance Tests | Private design institutes (like CDS, Pearl, UID, etc.) | College-specific | Varies |
At CDS (Center for Design Studies), admissions are based on aptitude test + portfolio + personal interview — focusing on creative potential rather than just exam scores.
Completed 10+2 from a recognized board.
Minimum 50% aggregate marks (some colleges may have different cut-offs).
Some colleges require entrance exam scores (UCEED, NID, NIFT), while others have institute-level exams.
Type of Institute | Annual Fees Range | Example Colleges |
---|---|---|
Government (NID, NIFT, IITs) | ?1.5 – 3.5 Lakhs | NID, NIFT, IITs |
Private Institutes | ?1.5 – 6 Lakhs | CDS (Sri Aurobindo Group of Institutes), Pearl Academy, UID |
CDS Fees 2026: Affordable compared to metros, with scholarships for meritorious & need-based students, making it accessible to talent from across India.
Unlike traditional colleges that focus on Fashion or Product Design, CDS offers four exclusive, future-ready B.Des programs designed for the AI-driven creative economy:
Focus: Blending visual storytelling with physical & digital experiences (wayfinding, branding, AR/VR).
Careers: Experience Designer, Brand Strategist, Digital Signage Specialist.
Focus: Animation, VFX, Gaming, AR/VR, Metaverse storytelling.
Careers: Game Designer, Motion Artist, VR World Builder.
Focus: AI-driven content, digital branding, social media strategy, visual communication.
Careers: Creative Director, Communication Strategist, Media Designer.
Focus: Human-centered design for apps, websites, and AI-driven products.
Careers: UX/UI Designer, Product Designer, Interaction Designer.
Why is CDS Unique?
Integrates AI & future tech tools into every program.
Industry mentors + project-based learning.
Modern labs with digital prototyping & motion design software.
Strong placement support in IT, gaming, fashion tech, e-commerce, and startups.
Government scholarships for reserved categories.
Merit-based scholarships at private colleges like CDS.
Industry-linked fellowships for design innovation.
The design industry in India is booming, with annual growth rates exceeding 30% in UX/UI, gaming, and creative communication.
Top recruiters for B.Des graduates include:
IT & Tech: Infosys, TCS, Google, Adobe
Gaming: Ubisoft, Zynga, Nazara
Fashion & Lifestyle: Myntra, FabIndia, H&M
Startups & Media: Swiggy, Zomato, Byju’s, Dream11
CDS graduates will be future-proof, with skills in AI-integrated design, immersive experiences, and digital storytelling.
If you are planning for a career in design in 2026 and beyond, don’t settle for outdated programs. Choose a design school that prepares you for the AI-driven creative economy.
Center for Design Studies (CDS), under Sri Aurobindo Group of Institutes, is one of the few institutes in India offering future-ready B.Des programs in Experiential Graphic Design, Motion Arts & Gaming, Communication Design, and User Experience Design.
With cutting-edge labs, industry partnerships, and a forward-looking curriculum, CDS ensures you graduate not just as a designer but as a design innovator of the AI world.
1. Which is the best B.Des college in India?
While NID and NIFT are government leaders, CDS (Center for Design Studies, SAGI) is emerging as the future-ready design institute for the AI era.
2. What are the eligibility criteria for B.Des 2026?
10+2 from any stream, with minimum 50% marks.
3. What are the specializations in B.Des?
Traditional (Fashion, Interior, Product) + Modern (UX, Gaming, Communication, Experiential). CDS specializes in 4 future-ready domains.
4. What is the average B.Des fees in India?
?1.5–6 lakhs annually, depending on the institute.
5. Which B.Des specialization has the highest career scope?
UX Design, Gaming, and Communication Design are among the fastest-growing fields, especially when taught with AI integration (as at CDS).