Interior Design Courses After 12th for Aspiring Designers *

Are you ready to transform your creative passion into a successful career in interior design? If you enjoy designing areas that inspire you, then interior design might be the perfect career for you. After you finish 12th grade, you are at a crossroads with many options. Therefore, it can be hard to choose the right path for you when there are so many courses to choose from. But which career option will help you make your dream come true? Are interior design courses after 12th in your wishlist?

The good news is that interior design is a field that combines creativity, technical skills and business skills. But it can be hard to know which are the best interior design courses after 12th to pursue, what the requirements are and what kinds of jobs you might be able to get after graduation. So you do not worry! At the end of this article, you will have a clear plan for how to move forward with your interior design career after 12th, making sure you make the best choice for your future.

Why Choose Interior Designer Courses After 12th?

There is a growing need for skilled interior designers in India. We know that most people are investing more money into their homes and businesses as cities grow. This growth gives designers a lot of chances to make spaces that are both beautiful and useful. Below, we are going to explain why you should choose Interior Design courses after 12th

1. High Demand and Growth

The construction and real estate industries in India are booming, which means that there is always a need for skilled interior designers. As more residential, commercial, and hospitality projects are regularly developing in different areas of India so the requirement for Interior designers is very high to design unique designs according to your requirements.

2. Creative Fulfilment 

If you are working with design elements like colours, textures, furniture and lighting, then you will be very happy to see your creative ideas come to life and make people's lives better. Interior design is the combination of creative ideas with technical knowledge. It is not just about choosing the right colour scheme; you also need to know about architecture, furniture design, lighting, and materials.

3. Opportunity for Entrepreneurship

The best interior design courses after 12th can also help you start your own business. You must focus on designing homes, businesses, exhibitions or designs that are good for the environment. Therefore, many designers start their design studios or work as freelancers, which gives them the freedom to choose projects that fit with their vision and skills.

4. Different Specialities

The field is not just about building houses. You can specialise in different areas and expand your skills as an interior designer by working in offices, stores, restaurants, hotels, movie sets, exhibition halls and more.

Types of Interior Design Courses After 12th

There are three main types of interior design courses you can opt for after 12th, such as degree, diploma, and certificate courses. Each type has its level of education and specialisation, so you can choose one that fits your career goals and how much time you have.

Course Type

Program Name

Duration

Focus Area

Bachelor's Degree Courses

B.Des in Interior Design

3-4 Years

Design principles, creative theory, studio work.

B.Sc. in Interior Design

3-4 Years

Technical aspects like materials, lighting, and ergonomics.

 

B.A. in Interior Design

3-4 Years

Artistic approach, exploring cultural, historical, and creative aspects of design.

 

B.Voc in Interior Design

3-4 Years

Vocational skills, job-oriented practical training.

 

Diploma Courses

Diploma in Interior Design

1-2 Years

Foundational design concepts, layout planning, material selection.

Advanced Diploma in Interior Design & Decoration

1-2 Years

Specialized knowledge in design and decoration.

 

Certificate Courses

AutoCAD, 3ds Max, V-Ray

6 Months - 1 Year

Software-specific training for detailed design plans, 3D models, and visualizations.

Eligibility and Admission Process 

General Eligibility

You must have completed your 12th grade exam in any stream (Science, Commerce or Arts) from a recognised board if you want to enrol in interior design courses after 12th. Some institutions may require a minimum percentage in 12th grade, which is usually 50%.

Admission Process

  1. 1. Entrance Exams: You have to attend an entrance exam like the NID DAT, UCEED, NATA or CEED to take admission into many of the best institutes. These tests check how good you are at designing and being creative.
  2. 2. Merit-Based Admission: Some colleges will give you direct admission based on your 12th-grade marks.

How to Choose the Best Interior Design Course After 12th?

When you are looking for the best interior design courses after completing your 12th grade exam, you need to go beyond just choosing a college. Here are some key factors that you must consider before choosing the best interior course.

1. Curriculum and Specialisation

You need to check what the course institute provides to you. An up-to-date syllabus and specialisations that fit your career goals, such as residential design, commercial design or sustainable design, are very important. These specialisations can help you find the career path that you want.

2. Faculty and Infrastructure

Choose colleges with experienced teachers who can teach you things that are useful in the real world. Also, find out if the college has modern facilities like design studios and labs, which are important for hands-on learning and trying things out. So, for that, you must research yourself and read articles, user reviews, etc to help you make informed decisions.

3. Internships and placements

The college that you choose, if it has strong ties with the business world, then it will also help you to get great internship opportunities. These internship opportunities give you real-world experience and allow you to meet people in this field. Also, you must check if the colleges have a high placement rate because it will help you greatly improve your chances of getting a job after you graduate.

4. Accreditation and Recognition

Make sure that the college and its courses are accredited by well-known groups like the UGC (University Grants Commission) or the NAAC. This makes sure that the program is of high quality and trustworthy, which makes your degree more valuable in the job market.

India's Best Colleges Offering Top Interior Design Courses After 12th

Choosing the right college is very important for your career if you want to get a degree/diploma/certificate in interior design. Many reputable colleges in India provide specialised programs in interior design. The right college will help you learn the skills you need to succeed. Therefore, you should also check if those colleges provide you with the updated program, compare the fee structure and also have good placement opportunities or not. 

Top Colleges Offering the Best Interior Design Courses After 12th

Category

Institute Name

Location

Top National Institutes

National Institute of Design (NID)

Ahmedabad, Gujarat

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)

New Delhi

 

Leading Private Universities

Pearl Academy

Delhi & Mumbai

MIT Institute of Design

Pune, Maharashtra

 

Jagannath Community College

Delhi

 

Prominent City-Specific Colleges

Raffles Design International

Mumbai, Maharashtra

Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology

Bengaluru, Karnataka

 

Jagannath Community College

ROhini, Delhi

 

Interior Designing Course Fees and Budget (Approximate Cost)

Cost Item

Government Institutions

Private Universities/Colleges

Tuition (per year)

₹10,000 – ₹4,28,120

₹1,20,000 – ₹15,00,000

Degree/Diploma/Certificate Fees

₹3,000 – ₹2,50,000

Up to ₹12,00,000 (top private)

Hostel/Accommodation

₹50,000 – ₹1,80,000

₹75,000 – ₹2,00,000

Software

₹10,000 – ₹50,000

₹10,000 – ₹50,000

Materials

₹5,000 – ₹30,000

₹5,000 – ₹30,000

Books & Supplies

₹5,000 – ₹15,000

₹5,000 – ₹15,000

Field Trips & Tours

₹10,000 – ₹30,000

₹10,000 – ₹30,000

Internship Fees

₹5,000 – ₹20,000

₹5,000 – ₹20,000

Potential Job Roles and Salary After Completing an Interior Design Course

The options are vast in terms of an interior design career after 12th. Listed below are some of the potential job roles and their respective salaries (based on market-wide research data): 

Role / Experience Level

Monthly Salary (INR)

Annual Salary (INR LPA)

Junior Designer / Assistant (0–2 yrs)

₹20,000 – ₹40,000

₹2.5 – ₹5 LPA

Mid-Level Designer (2–5 yrs)

₹35,000 – ₹60,000

₹4.5 – ₹8 LPA

Senior Designer (5–10 yrs)

₹70,000 – ₹1,20,000

₹9 – ₹15 LPA

Design Director / Project Lead (10+ yrs)

₹1,50,000 – ₹2,00,000+

₹20+ LPA

Freelance / Consultant

Highly variable

₹4 – ₹20+ LPA

Specialist Roles (e.g., Color, Lighting)

₹25,000 – ₹70,000

₹3 – ₹8.5 LPA

Furniture/Product Designer

₹30,000 – ₹60,000

₹4 – ₹8 LPA

Set/Exhibition Designer

₹25,000 – ₹60,000

₹3 – ₹7 LPA

Conclusion

So interior design is an exciting and great career choice after completing the 12th grade exam for those who are passionate about creativity and have a keen eye for detail. You can have a successful career in one of the most exciting fields today if you get the right education from a reputable institution. The most important thing for you to do is to develop your skills and passion for design, whether you go to a well-known private college, like JCC Rohini or a prestigious national institute.

FAQs

What types of interior design courses are available after the 12th?

You can choose courses like bachelor’s, diploma or certificate programs. Bachelor's degree courses are like B.Des or B.Sc., and they take 3-4 years, while diploma courses take 1-2 years. Certificate courses such as AutoCAD or 3ds Max typically last 6 months to 1 year and focus on specific skills.

How do I choose the best interior design course for me?

Before choosing the best interior design course, you should check the course curriculum, specialisation options (residential, commercial, sustainable design), faculty experience, college infrastructure, internships, placements and accreditation, etc, to ensure that the course aligns with your career goals and interests.

What are the key subjects covered in an interior design course?

Key subjects of the interior design course include design fundamentals, building materials, history of design, AutoCAD & 3D modelling software, ergonomics, furniture design and professional practice.

What is the cost of interior design courses in India?

The cost of interior design courses varies depending on the institution. So if you take admission into the government colleges, they charge around ₹10,000 – ₹4,28,120 per year for tuition, while private universities charge ₹1,20,000 – ₹15,00,000 annually, including additional costs like accommodation and software. 

Which are the best colleges in India for interior design?

Some of the top institutes for interior design include National Institute of Design (NID), National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Jagannath Community College, Pearl Academy, MIT Institute of Design and Raffles Design International. These colleges are known for their excellent curriculum and industry connections.

* Disclaimer: The information and opinions expressed herein are solely those of Collegedekho and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of JCC.

Apply Now