Communication Design Course: Fees 2025, Admission, Top Colleges, Distance Learning, Online

Updated on Apr 29, 2024 11:58 IST
Vidhi Jain

Vidhi JainContent Writer

Communication design is the art of using visual means for communicating a message. Also, unlike abstract arts, for instance, where the artist isn’t concerned about how the viewer may in interpret the art, a communication designer is very much concerned about the message. The task of the communication designer, therefore, is to create designs that not only instantly captivate the viewer but will convey the message faster and more effectively (than even words). A communication design course will teach students everything they need to know to become expert communication designers.

Some of the popular specializations in communication design include - Film and Video communication, Exhibition Design, Animation Film Design, and Graphic Design. 

Communication Design courses

The candidate can pursue a communication design course at the undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate levels.

Level 

Typical Courses offered

Duration

UG Degree

B.Des in Communication Design

B.Des in Animation Design

B.Des in Fashion Communication

B.Des in Film and Video Design

B.Des in Graphic Design, etc.

4 years

PG Degree

M.Des in Communication Design

M.Des in Animation Design

M.Des in Fashion Communication

M.Des in Film and Video Design

M.Des in Graphic Design, etc.

2 years

Diploma Level

Diploma in Graphic Design

1 year

Certificate Level

Certificate Course in Graphic Design 

6 months

Communication Design Specializations

The communication design course offers multiple specializations both for the undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The candidate will be able to select their choice of specialization at the time of filling out the application form or at the time of counseling.

Specializations:

  1. Film and Video Communication
  2. Exhibition Design
  3. Animation Film Design
  4. Graphic Design, etc.

Top Institutes to study Communication Design

Communication design courses are offered by many top institutes across the country. Some of these institutes are listed below.

Name of the institute

Program Offered

NID Ahmedabad

B.Des in Communication Design

NID Ahmedabad

M.Des in Communication Design

Pearl Academy

UG and PG course in Communication Design & Technology

IDC, IIT Bombay

M.Des in Communication  Design

Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID)

Bachelor of Design (Hons.) Visual Communication (Graphics)

MIT Institute of Design 

B.Des in Animation Design

MIT Institute of Design

B.Des in Fashion Communication

MIT Institute of Design

B.Des in Film and Video Design

ARCH College of Design

B.Des in Graphic Design

ARCH College of Design

M.Des in Graphic Design

The Desgin Village

B.Des Graphic and Communication Design

The Desgin Village

M.Des in Graphic and Communication Design

Pacific Academy of Higher Education and Reseach University

Diploma in Graphic Design


1 year/ 10th pass

Pacific Academy of Higher Education and Research University

Certificate Course in Graphic Design 


6 months/ 10th Pass

Communication Design Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria of a  Communication Design course depend on multiple factors like the institute selected for admission and the level of study. For instance, admission criteria for a B.Des program would vary from those of a diploma level.

Eligibility Criteria for a Communication Design course

Program of Study

Eligibility Criteria

B.Des program

The candidate needs to have passed 10+2 exam (any discipline) from a recognized institute.

M.Des

The candidate needs to have passed bachelor’s degree in streams like design, performing arts, humanities, fine arts, social sciences, science, technology, etc. 

Undergraduate Diploma 

The candidate simply needs to have passed class 10 exam

Certificate course

The candidate needs to have passed class 10 exam.

Communication Design Admission Process

The admission process (for UG and PG degree courses) to the communication design course (s) is explained below:

  1. Filling of the application form - The candidate has to first duly fill the application form, upload documents, pay the application fee, and submit it before the last date.
  2. Appear in the entrance exam - The candidate has to next appear in the relevant entrance exam. For instance for admission to NID Ahmedabad, the candidate has to appear in NID DAT exam, while for admisison to Pear Academy, the candidate has to appear in Pearl Academy entrance exam.
  3. Declaration of results and shortlisting for counseling - The institute will declare exam results, and shortlist candidates for admission based on their merit ranks.
  4. Counseling and seat allotment - As part of the counseling process, the candidate may be invited to select the participating institute and academic program (specialization). The seat allotment will be based on the merit rank of the candidate and the institute and academic program selected.

Note: Admission to diploma and certificate courses doesn’t include any entrance exams, as admission is typically based on qualifying exam marks. 

Communication Design - Top Entrance Exams

Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at most of the top design colleges are conducted through entrance exams. Here are the top communication design entrance exams:

Communication Design Syllabus

There is no single syllabus for the communication design courses, as the syllabus will vary depending on the specialization opted by the candidate. However, a representative syllabus is given below.

B.Des Animation Design Syllabus (MIT Institute of Design)

Semester - 1

Credits

Course Name

Credits

GFNFD101

Design Overview 

0

GFNFD102

Design Drawing 1 

4

GFNFD103

Fundamentals of Design 1 (Colour)

3

GFNFD104

Fundamentals of Design 2 (Geometry)

1

GFNFD105

Fundamentals of Design 3 (Materials)

4

GFNDS106

Fundamentals of Design 4 (Form Space and Structure)

4

GFNDG107

Digital Methods 1

2

GFNDC108

Inter Design Studies 1 (Environ Exposure)

1

Semester - 1

Course Code

Course Name

Credits

GFNFD201

Design Drawing 2 : Freehand , Analytical & Perspective

3

GFNFD202

Fundamentals of Design 5 : Colour II

2

GFNFD203

Fundamentals of Design 6 : Solid Geometry

2

GFNFD204

Fundamentals of Design 7 : Three Dimensionalaties of Form , Space & Structure

3

GFNFD205

Fundamentals of Design 8 : Materials

3

GFNDS206

Digital Methods 2 : Advanced Image Processing and Vector Graphics Applications

1

GFNPR207

Design Process : Problem Solving

5

GFNDC208

Interdesign Studies 2 : Urban Environment Exposure 

1

Semester - 3

Course Code

Course Name

Credits

GADC301

Art ,Culture & Design

2

GADC302

Cinema and Animation Studies

3

GAFD303

Drawing for Animation

4

GAFD304

Basics  Kinematics

6

GAPR305

Digital Film Making

3

GADC306

Inter Design Studies

2

Semester 4

Course Code

Course Name

Credits

GADC401

Performing Arts for Animation

2

GADC402

Drawing for Animation- Advanced

4

GADG403

Computer Animation-3D 

4

GAPR404

Advance Kinematics ( 2D/3D)

5

GADC405

Contemporary Animation Studies-1

2

GAPR406

Digital Film Making -Advanced

3

Semester 5

Course Code

Course Name

Credits

GAPR501

Animation Pre-Production

5

GADC502

Contemporary Animation Studies-2

2

GADC503

Sound Design

3

GAPR504

Stopmotion Animation

5

GADC505

Motion Graphics Design

3

GADC506

User-Centric Animation

2

Semester 6

Course Code

Course Name

Credits

GADC601

Colloquium Paper

2

GADC602

Open Elective

2

GAPR603

Visual Effects for Film

4

GAPR604

Animation Final Project- stage-1

12

Semster 7

Course Code

Course Name

Credits

GAPR701

Animation Final Project- Stage-2

18

GADC702

Design Management

2

Semester 8

Course Code

Course Name

Credits

GAPR801

Industrial Internship

4

GAPR802

Graduation Project

16

Frequently Asked Questions - Communication Design Courses

Q. What is communication design?

A. Communication design is the art of using visuals to communicate a message or information. The course is offered at many top institutes.

Q. How can I get admission to the B.Des communication design course?

A. Admission to the B.Des course is typically conducted through entrance exams, including UCEED, NID, Pearl Academy, etc.

Q. How can I get admission to the M.Des communication design course?

A. Candidates seeking admission to the M.Des communication design course need to qualify entrance exams like Pear Academy, NID DAT, and CEED.

Q. What is the basis qualification required for admission to the B.Des communication design program?

A. The minimum academic qualification for admission to the B.Des program is 10+2 pass in any discipline. Some institutes may also require minimum marks in the qualifying exam.

Q. What are minimum eligibility criteria for admission to the M.Des communication design program?

A. The candidate needs to have passed bachelor’s degree from a recognized institute for admission to the M.Des program.

Q. Are there any certificate courses available for the communication design program?

A. Yes, the candidate may study communication design courses, like Diploma in Graphic Design. The duration of the diploma course 6 months.

Q. What is the basic eligibility criteria for admission to the diploma program?

A. Admission to diploma and also certificate courses are open to 10+2 pass candidates.

Q. Do I need to appear in any entrance exams for admission to the diploma and certificate courses in communication design?

A. There is no need for candidates to appear in any entrance exams for admission to diploma and certificate courses. It is because, admission is done directly on the basis of qualifying exam marks.

Q. What are the popular entrance exams for admission to the communication design program?

A. Some of the popular entrance exams that the candidate may appear for admission to the communication design include NID DAT, CEED, UCEED, SEED, and Pearl Academy entrance exam.

Q. What is the admission process to the communication design program?

A. Candidate who meets the prescribed eligibity criteria for admission has to first fill the application form. The candidate has to next appear in an entrance exam. The institute will then prepare a merit list to shortlist candidates for admission. Shortlisted candidates will have to participate in the counseling process, get their documents verified. Allotment of seats will be based on merit ranks. 
Table of content
  • Popular Communication Design Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Communication Design Colleges in India
  • Popular Exams
  • Popular Communication Design Specializations
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Communication Design UG Courses
  • Popular Communication Design PG Courses
View More

Popular Communication Design Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Communication Design Colleges in India. Learn more about these Communication Design colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
4 Courses
94.4 K - 12.96 L
4.5
1 Course
12.96 L
3.6
1 Course
12.96 L
3.3
2 Courses
6.07 L - 12.34 L
3.3
3 Courses
7.5 L - 18.68 L
4.3

#3 The Week

2 Courses
6.07 L - 12.96 L
4.0

Popular Private Communication Design Colleges in India

4 Courses
11.6 L - 23.2 L
4.8
6.1 L
4.3
Only college in India with Animation, VFX & Game production studio
7.5 L - 15.3 L
4.8 - 6 LPA
3 L - 9.6 L

Communication Design Applications open. Apply Now

90 K
1.65 L - 25.1 L
2.6

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Communication Design. Students interested in pursuing a career on Communication Design, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Nov '25 - Jan '26

NIFT 2026 application form OPEN (Regular fees)

TENTATIVE

Jan '26

NIFT 2026 application form (Late fees)

TENTATIVE

Oct '25

SAT Registration Deadline for November Test

TENTATIVE

11 Sep ' 25 - 1 Dec ' 25

NID DAT 2026 Registration Date

2 Dec ' 25 - 4 Dec ' 25

NID DAT 2026 Application Correction Window

Mar '26

CUET 2026 Application Process

TENTATIVE

May '26 - Jun '26

CUET 2026 Exam

TENTATIVE

Popular Communication Design Specializations

Following are the most popular Communication Design Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Popular Communication Design UG Courses

Following are the most popular Communication Design UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Communication Design PG Courses

Following are the most popular Communication Design PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Write here...

Answered a month ago

Candidates will be able to apply online by registering on the official portal, filling out the form, uploading documents, and paying the application fee. The registration process will start after the release of the NID DAT 2026 official notification. National Institute of Design is out now.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The NID DAT 2026 notification will provide information about eligibility, application process, fees, exam dates, exam pattern, and selection process. The notification provides details of seat capacity at each NID campus for both B.Des and M.Des. 

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

National Institute of Design is expected to release the NID DAT 2026 Applications by the first week of September 2025 for B.Des and M.Des programmes. The registration for NID DAT 2026 will be on the official website of NID. Candidates can fill out the application form by registering, filling in info

...Read more

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Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

UI UX Designers have various responsibilities to fulfill as listed below:

  • Plan and implement new designs.
  • Interpret data and qualitative feedback.
  • Optimize existing user interface designs.
  • Test for experience
  • Plan and conduct user research and competitor analysis.
  • Create user stories, personas, and storyb

...Read more

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Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The average UI UX salary for freshers straight out of college is somewhere around INR 4 LPA to INR 6 LPA, which differs on the basis of the academic records, skills, internship experience (if any), job type, recruiter, company location and market demand. As you gradually gain some years of experienc

...Read more

V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The scope of UI/UX Design is expanding quickly as more companies realize how important it is to develop user-friendly products and services. Since the industry is expanding quickly, there are several job openings. The UI UX designer salary is normally good, and there is room for growth. The work can

...Read more

V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The UI and UX Design syllabus generally tries to strike a balance between both theory-based classes and the practical component. Theoretical knowledge of design principles, user research and interface designing is important, along with practical experience via capstone projects, internships, and the

...Read more

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Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The UI/UX Design duration in India differs on the basis of the course level at which you're planning to pursue the course. The UG UI UX Design courses are usually 3 to 4 years long, while for PG courses, you need to invest at least 2 years at college. A PhD in UI and UX Design will take you around 3

...Read more

V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The time required to prepare for the UI/UX Design entrance exams cannot be said with any certainty because it differs based on the specific exam that you're preparing for. But in general, you need at least 4 to 6 months to cover the entire exam syllabus, have a look at previous year question papers,

...Read more

V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

When it comes to the top entrance exams for admission to UI/UX Design courses you have various options to consider which may serve as a gateway to top design institutes in India. You can find the list of some top exams and the number of colleges accepting the exam scores to help you prepare accordin

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Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

You can find some pointers as to why you should pursue UI/UX Design courses after 12th given here:

  • UI/UX design requires proficiency in diverse areas such as cognitive psychology, visual design, and usability research. Designers must combine technical knowledge with an understanding of human behavior

...Read more

V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

UI and UX Design are two interrelated fields that revolve around the creation of engaging and easy to use digital products like websites and mobile apps that are pleasing to the eye. UI Design is all about the visual elements of user interfaces, while UX Design emphasizes the complete user experienc

...Read more

V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

One can follow these tips for NID 2026 preparations:

  1. Know your NID Syllabus.
  2. Understand the exam pattern of NID DAT.
  3. Make the NID DAT 2026 preparation plan.
  4. Books to refer.
  5. Practice till you are perfect using mock tests and previous year's papers.
  6. NID DAT Exam Day Strategy.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

In general, the average salary after passing from NID is between 8-12 lakhs. It can also range between 17 and 50 lakhs, depending on the recruiter and the performance of the student.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

NID students can get job opportunities in graphic designing, UX designing, animation, fashion communication, furniture designer, fashion consultant, Textile designer, web designer, product designer, film and video communication and much more.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

NID Ahmedabad has a good record of placements. NID Ahmedabad consistently leads in placement outcomes among NID campuses. In 2025, the average package was around ?21.3 LPA and the highest package was around ?30 LPA. The Total offers made were 620.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, there are a multitude of benefits of solving previous years’ question papers and sample papers. For one, they will help the candidate get an idea of the types of questions asked, difficulty level, weightage, etc. This exercise of solving a sample paper is a must for NID candidates. Past years’

...Read more

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

If the candidate prepares well and with the correct strategy, then the NID DAT exam can be cracked. Among the first things the candidate needs to do is prepare a practical study timetable, get familiar with the syllabus and pattern, and get the book combination right.

When studying, make it a habit t

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S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

It is not at all compulsory to give an entrance exam for admission to Communication Design courses at the UG level. You will find several design institutes that give admission on the basis of Class 12 board exam marks and take into account extra rounds like GD, PI or portfolio submission.

But in the

...Read more

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Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The required preparation for Communication Design entrance exams cannot be said with any certainty; rather it depends on the particular exam that you're planning to appear for. Generally, you should start your preparation at least 4 to 6 months before the exam date so that you have a good amount of

...Read more

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Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

You can find some top Communication Design entrance exams and the number of colleges accepting specific exam scores given in the table:

Entrance Exams

Number of Colleges Accepting Exam Scores

UCEED

36

NIFT Entrance Exam

35

NID Entrance Exam

32

CUET

30

CEED

11

Design Aptitude Test (DAT)

8

CUET PG

5

Note: Some colleges accept multiple exam scores.

V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Mumbai is a power hub when it comes to pursuing Communication Designing courses at top colleges in India. You can find some top college options for Communication Design courses in Mumbai given here:

Colleges in Mumbai

Top Courses

Course Fees

NIFT Mumbai

BDes in Fashion Communication

INR 12.96 lakh

Pearl Academy, Mumbai

BDes in Communication Design

MDes in Communication Design

INR 11.85 Lacs – 27.88 lakh

ITM IDM

BDes in UX Design

INR 16.8 lakh

Industrial Design Centre - IIT Bombay

MDes in Communication Design

INR 1.03 lakh

Ecole Intuit Lab, Mumbai

BVoc in Visual Communication and Digital Design

INR 20 lakh

Note: This information is taken from the official website and may vary.

V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

When you ask about some Communication Design examples in the real world setting, you can find them in the digital form, with a focus on brand identity, storytelling and effective visual communication. Here are a few Communication Design examples for your reference:

  • LEGO - visually engaging brand iden

...Read more

V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

A Communication Design portfolio is important because it serves as a handbook of your skills, certifications, projects, internship experiences, and basically the overall contribution that you can bring to the table if hired by any recruiter. A strong Communication Design portfolio gives every recrui

...Read more

V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The Communication Design subjects and syllabus differ from one college to another on the basis of the course type and course level. Having said that, some core foundational subjects might be similar as given below for reference:

  • Theory of Communication Design
  • Drawing and Sketching
  • Digital Design - Adob

...Read more

V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The average salary package for Communication Design freshers in the beginning is somewhere between INR 4 LPA and INR 6 LPA which may differ on the basis of the academic results, skills, internship experiences, job role, recruiter, company location and market demand. The earning potential increases w

...Read more

V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, candidates who have passed their H.S.C. vocational examination may apply for admission to the B.Des program.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Applications for NID DAT 2026 will open in September 2025 (tentatively). Candidates who have passed or will appear for higher secondary (10+2) qualifying examinations in the academic year 2025–26 in any stream (Science, Arts, Commerce, Humanities etc.) from any recognised board of education such as

...Read more

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates seekling admission to the M.Des programme must have complete their 3-year or 4-year Bachelor Degree programme in any discipline.

Candidates who have done full-time Diploma of minimum 4-year duration in Design/Fine Arts/Applied Arts/ Architecture, after 12th standard or equivalent to 12th s

...Read more

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Well, yes. Almost all of the Information Design institutes charge an admission application fee of around INR 1,500 to INR 3,000, which you need to submit along with the duly filled out application form. Further, you may also have to pay extra fees in the case of late application submission after the

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V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 10

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