Updated on May 20, 2025 05:58 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtSenior Executive

Graphic design is an innovative field of visual elements to get the desired effect. It can be used for anything from advertisements, movies or books whatever you are looking at it through. This Graphic Design syllabus guide will help you-

List of Subjects in Graphic Designing

Numerous colleges in India offer the option of the Graphic Design program. The admission process for this course is based on merit and entrance examination. However, to crack the Graphic Design examination, one needs to know all the crucial subjects this course features fully.

Want to know them all? Let’s dive in!

Typical Core Subjects for Graphic Designing

Here is the list of the core subjects and it's detailed information -

Subject Title

Subject Details

Introduction to Modern Graphic Design

From layout concepts like composition & colour theory through typography guidance (including font families), this subject enables students to develop skills needed to design projects.

Typography

Typography is an essential part of Graphic Design because it's what makes your message readable and aesthetically pleasing. The typographic elements don't ask you to draw any letterforms yourself but work with fonts that already exist for them to be more effective on paper or screen.

Colour and Colour Theory

Colour theory is the study of how colours communicate with one another to create visual interfaces.

Designers use these rules and guidelines for their designs to be appealing schemes, which users can more easily understand than without them.

Layout Design and Collage

Collaging is a simple yet creative contemporary design form.

Advertisements, Publications, Photography and Visual

Graphic Designers are in charge of creating the perfect design for your company's advertisement. This subject is a guide to original and professional-looking artwork that suits what you need to do, whether or not it promotes a product or service.

Typical Elective Subjects of Graphic Designing

Students can check out the list of elective subjects and it's detailed information -

Subject Title

Subject Details

Graphic Design Elective

This course will cover a range of topics such as composition, colour theory, typography, and more. By the end of the class, you'll have a strong foundation in Graphic Design principles that you can apply to any future projects.

Business Information Design

Business information design is the process of creating visual representations of data and information that can be easily understood by businesses and organisations.

Motion Graphics

Motion graphics are Graphic Designs that use animation and video to create visually appealing displays. Common uses for motion graphics include titles, Lower Thirds, and Overlays.

History of Graphic Design

The subject deals with the art of communicating visually using text, images, and other visual media. The field of Graphic Design covers a wide range of creative disciplines, including typography, illustration, branding, and advertising.

Visual Systems

Visual systems in Graphic Design are used to organise and structure information. This subject teaches how to create hierarchy, contrast, and visual unity within a design.

Syllabus of Graphic Designing 

Let’s dive into the detailed syllabus for Graphic Design:

Below mentioned are the subjects and it's detailed information -

Semester

Core/Elective

Subject title

Subject Details

1st

Design Overview/Basic Photography

Design Overview/Basic Photography

  • Design Overview- Graphic Design is not just about the pretty visuals. It's also an opportunity for professionals to communicate their messages in creative ways.

  • Basic photography- The subject teaches you how photography in Graphic Design can be a great tool to help you create the perfect image for your product.

2nd

History of Design

 

History of Design

 

  • The subject deals with the art of communicating visually using text, images, and other visual media. The field of Graphic Design covers a wide range of creative disciplines, including typography, illustration, branding, and advertising.

3rd

Photography Advance

 

Photography Advance

 

  • This subject explains how photography skills can lead to better design. Going through this subject also strengthens the ability to consider the composition of elements in an image.

4th

Print Production

Print Production

  • Students will learn about creating prints, typically on a printing press. This process can include some combination of prepress (which may include design, typesetting, and proofing).

5th

Branding & IdentityDesign

Branding & IdentityDesign

  • This subject teaches about the company or organisation in question.

6th

Publication Design

Publication Design

  • Publication design is one of the subjects in Graphic Designing that deals with the layout and informs students of the appearance of printed material. This includes books, magazines, newspapers, and other types of publications.

7th

Interaction Design/ UI, UX

Interaction Design/ UI, and UX

  • Interaction design focuses on the way users interact with digital products. In contrast, UX design focuses on the overall experience of using a product.

8th

Degree Project

Degree Project

  • The degree project in Graphic Design focuses on creating a new brand identity for a small business. It includes research, planning, designing and presenting the new branding proposal.

Specialisations Offered in Graphic Design

Here are the semester wise specialisations -

Specialisation

Subjects

Details

Animation and Visual Effects

  • 3D Modelling

  • Illustrations

  • Design Concept & theories

 

Students who choose this specialisation are interested in animation and visual effects. After completing this specialised course, the students are empowered to utilise the emerging technologies of art and science.

Digital and Interactive Media Design

Study the technical aspects of

  • Protocols

  • Image processing & delivery

  • File formats

Students who often opt for this specialised course in Graphic Design are very interested in digital and interactive media.

Mobile Application Design

  • Design Patterns and Colour Palettes

  • Drawing Wireframes

  • Creating User Flow Diagram for each screen and Mockups

This course is generally opted by students who want to grab the information from a different perspective and unify the requirement for optimal usability, accessibility, engagement, and enhancing user experience.

User Interface Animation

  • Scripts for superlight workflow.

  • Animating shapes and preloaders.

  • Morphings and animating infographics

The course primarily makes the students proficient in animation that guides them around the interface, influences their decisions, alerts them of a change and indicates a relationship between elements.

Books and Authors Related to Graphic Design

Here is a table compiled with a list of the best Graphic Design books in the market with their authors. Let’s have a look:

Book Title

Authors

Description

Designing Brand Identity

Alina Wheeler

It is a comprehensive, pragmatic book considered ideal for all brand builders, global or local. The valuable piece is presented through a highly visible step-by-step approach in 5 phases.

Branding: In Five and a Half Steps

Michael Johnson

The book is best if you want to enhance your brand image. It helps readers comprehend how their visual and verbal approaches affect their daily decisions.

Logo Modernism

Jens Muller

As the name suggests, the book focuses on the crucial period between 1940 and 1980, scrutinising modernist ideas in Graphic Design through documentation of more than 6k logos.

The Elements of Typographic Style

Robert Bringhurst

The book primarily focuses on typography. It not only enlightens you to describe how to use fonts but lets the users know how to create them. Robert (The book’s author) has tried to explain the maths and science involved in font design.

Show Your Work!

Austin Kleon

How do one gets creative work of any sort done? Want to know the answer? Read this book. It is a personal manifesto that involves personal expression on everything and anything you do. It is based on Kleon’s perspective on doing what you love.

Q:   What is the work of a Graphic Designer?
A:

Graphic Designers are basically responsible for the communication of information or ideas through visuals.

They usually create layouts and production designs to be sure that their client's message is delivered effectively to the audience, whether on a report or advertisement with the help of softwares like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.

Read more about - 

Graphic Design Course

How to make a Design Portfolio

 

AskShikshaGPT on App
Q:   Where is Graphic Design used?
A:

Graphic Designers are basically the backbone of any company. They help in creating logos and print materials like brochures and signs that promote your business and improve the brand awareness of the company on multiple platforms like websites with online ads, virtual presentations etc.

Read more about - 

Graphic Design Course

Hope this helps!

AskShikshaGPT on App
Q:   What does a Graphic Designer use to create designs?
A:

Graphic Designers are able to use traditional illustration techniques with nearly endless digital design tools. With programs like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, their work seems to have become easier. 

Hope this helps!

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Table of contents
  • Popular Graphic Design Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Graphic Design Colleges in India
  • Popular Exams
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Graphic Design UG Courses
  • Popular Graphic Design PG Courses

Popular Graphic Design Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Graphic Design Colleges in India. Learn more about these Graphic Design colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 Course
1.18 L
1 Course
18.68 L
3.8

#3 The Week

27.89 L

#7 The Week

Graphic Design Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
30.01 L

#5 The Week

Graphic Design Applications open. Apply Now

2 L - 14.72 L
4.0

#19 The Week

1 Course
4.0
3.68 LPA

#13 The Week

Popular Private Graphic Design Colleges in India

14.48 L - 43.74 L
4.0

Graphic Design Applications open till Mar 26, 2026. Apply Now

20.95 L
4.2

Graphic Design Applications open till Mar 26, 2026. Apply Now

6 L
2 L - 14.72 L
4.0

#19 The Week

17.24 L

Graphic Design Applications open. Apply Now

Popular Exams

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

May '26 - Jun '26

NIFT Stage 2: M.Des and M.F.M Interview

TENTATIVE

Jun '26

NIFT Stage 2 Admit Card

TENTATIVE

17 Apr ' 26

Last date to apply for May Attempt

2 May ' 26

SAT India exam (May attempt)

10 Mar ' 26 - 31 Jul ' 26

UCEED 2026 Score Card

Apr '26

Seat Allotment Round I

TENTATIVE

Mar '26

NID DAT 2026 (Mains) Studio Test and Interview

TENTATIVE

21 Mar ' 26 - 1 Apr ' 26

NID Mains Exam: M.Des Interview

Popular Graphic Design UG Courses

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

UG Courses

Popular Graphic Design PG Courses

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

PG Courses

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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a month ago

Given below are the top graphic design colleges in Mumbai offering Certificate courses with their tuition fees -

Top CollegesTuition Fee
St. Pauls Institute of Communication EducationINR 20,000
Frameboxx Animation and Visual EffectsINR 1.25 lakh
Arena Animation, Dadar, MumbaiINR 25,000
Arena Animation, ChemburINR 25,000
Arena Animation, BandraINR 1.19 lakh

Source: Official site and may vary.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Given below are the best Graphic design colleges in Mumbai offering diloma courses to their candidates with their tuition fees -

Top CollegesTuition Fee
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj UniversityINR 62,000
International School of Design, Andheri WestINR 1.11 lakh  INR 1.24 lakh
MET Institute of Information TechnologyINR 1 lakh
Walk In Educate Pvt LtdINR 64,800

Source: Official site and may vary.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, candidates can definitely pursue PG courses after completing UG courses in Graphic Design colleges in Mumbai. Some of the PG colleges are mentoned below -

Top CollegesTuition fee
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj UniversityINR 1.39 lakh
International School of Design, Andheri WestINR 1.24 lakh  INR 1.63 lakh
Boston Institute of AnalyticsINR 1.45 lakh

Source: Official site and may vary.

 

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Private Grahic design colleges in Mumbai are exensive than government colleges with modern infrastructure and great lacement opportunities. Given below are the top colleges with fees -

Private CollegesTuition Fees
Pearl Academy Mumbai AdmissionINR 27.89 lakh
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University AdmissionINR 62,000 - INR 4.05 lakh
Thakur College of Engineering and Technology AdmissionINR 4.46 lakh
Ecole Intuit Lab AdmissionINR 28.78 lakh
International School of Design AdmissionINR 1.11 Lacs - INR 1.63 lakh

Source: Official site and may vary.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Hi,

Yes, there are many top colleges offering Diploma in Graphic design courses in Kolkata. Some of the top colleges are International School of Design, Kolkata, DreamZone School of Creative Studies, Ultadanga, PITE - Profex Institute of Technical Education, etc.

Source: Official site and may vary.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Hi,

The best degrees for graphic design in Kolkata are a UG degree like BDes or BSc in Graphic Design courses. These 3-4 year courses offer training in visual communication, 2D/3D design, and industry tools. Top colleges include Adamas University, iLEAD, and Arena Animation fees ranging from INR 2.

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Hi,

The cost of joining the best Graphic designing colleges in Kolkata may vary from college to college. Candidates can see below for more info. of the best colleges with its tuition fees –

Top Courses

Cost of Colleges

International School of Design, Kolkata

INR 4.56 lakh

NSHM Design School

INR 3.12 lakh

Moople Institute of Animation and Design

INR 1.36 lakh

STI - Srimati Techno Institute

INR 16,500

Source: Official site and data may vary.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates must pass Class 12 or equivalent from a recognised board to apply for BA Graphic Design and Digital Marketing at Manipal Institute of Communication. Aspirants also need to appear for a Home-Based Test followed by a PI round to get admission in this course.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

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