Visual Merchandising Courses: Admission 2025, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Updated on Feb 19, 2025 09:59 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtContent Writer

Visual Merchandising is the art of presenting a product or service to boost sales. It plays an important role in attracting and engaging consumers to the business. Visual Merchandising courses teach students how to make displays and layouts of a store, product, or service compelling.

Visual Merchandising courses are offered at various levels including UG, PG, Diploma, and Certification. Admission to Visual Merchandising programs is based on the merit system, hence, candidates aren't required to prepare for entrance exams, they can get admission based on their marks.

The eligibility criteria for Visual Merchandising courses vary depending on the course level, for instance, the eligibility requirement for BDes in Visual Merchandising is to pass Class 12 from a recognized board, however, for MDes in Visual Merchandising, the requirement is to obtain a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline.

Some popular Visual Merchandising colleges in India include NIFT Delhi, NIFT Bangalore, Pearl Academy, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Parul University, Amity University, etc. The average Visual Merchandising course fee ranges between INR 5,000 to INR 22 Lakh.

Visual Merchandising students can seek employment opportunities in various fields including Fashion Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, etc. Some popular job profiles for Visual Merchandising students include Visual Merchandiser, Visual Merchandising Manager, Retail Merchandiser, Furniture Merchandiser, Fashion Consultant, and Export Merchandiser.

The average salary of a Visual Merchandiser is INR 4 LPA in India. Interested candidates can continue reading the article for more Visual Merchandising course details.

Links relevant to Visual Merchandising courses:

Designing courses after 12th - Course Options, Admission Process, Job Prospect

Visual Merchandising Course Details: Highlights

Parameters Course Details
Visual Merchandising Course Level UG, PG, Diploma, and Certification
Visual Merchandising Course Duration

UG: 3 - 4 Years

PG: 2 Years

Diploma/Certification: 6 Months - 1 Year

Visual Merchandising Admission Criteria Merit-based
Visual Merchandising Eligibility Criteria

UG: Class 12 from any stream (Arts, Science, or Commerce).

PG: A bachelor's degree in BA, BVoc, BSc, or BDes from a relevant discipline.

Diploma/Certification: Class 10 or 12 from a recognized board.

Visual Merchandising Top Colleges NIFT Delhi, NIFT Bangalore, Pearl Academy, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Parul University, Amity University, etc.
Visual Merchandising Course Fee INR 5,000 to INR 22 Lakh
Visual Merchandising Job Profiles Visual Merchandiser, Visual Merchandising Manager, Retail Merchandiser, Furniture Merchandiser, Fashion Consultant, and Export Merchandiser.
Visual Merchandising Top Recruiters Nike, Adidas, Nykaa, UNIQLO, MINISO, Synergy Corporate Interiors, Maps of India, The Karigars, etc.
Visual Merchandising Average Salary INR 4 LPA

Note: The information is taken from various external sources and may vary.

Links useful for Visual Merchandising courses:

How to Become an Interior Designer?

Q:   Which courses are offered under the Visual Merchandising specialization?

A:

The Visual Merchandising course is available in many specializations for candidates to choose from. Here are some top disciplines in which Visual Merchandising courses are offered:

Course

Duration

Annual Average Fee

B. Des

4 years

INR 8 Lakh

BVA

3 years

INR 10,000

BFA

3 years

INR 2.65 Lakh

M.Des

2 years

INR 11.25 Lakh

MVA

2 years

INR 10,000  

MFA

2 years

INR 46,600

Note: The information is taken from various external sources and may vary.

Q:   Which skills are required to pursue a Visual Merchandising course?

A:

Creativity is the key skill to becoming a visual merchandiser/store manager/brand manager. Besides, candidates must have technical and design expertise. Check below the skills required for visual merchandising.

Creative

Technical know-how

Sense of design

Ability to think logically

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Note: The information is taken from various external sources and may vary.

Table of content
  • Visual Merchandising Course Eligibility Criteria
  • Visual Merchandising Course Syllabus
  • Best Visual Merchandising Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Visual Merchandising Colleges in India
  • Visual Merchandising Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
  • Visual Merchandising Course FAQs
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Visual Merchandising UG Courses
  • Popular Visual Merchandising PG Courses
  • Popular Exams
View More

Visual Merchandising Course Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for Visual Merchandising courses may vary depending on the course levels and colleges providing the programs. However, some basic requirements that every candidate must fulfil are given below:

Course Level Eligibility Criteria
Undergraduate/UG Diploma/Certification
  • Class 12 from any stream (Arts, Science, or Commerce),
  • With a minimum of 50% aggregate score from a recognized board.
Postgraduate/PG Diploma
  • A bachelor's degree in BDes, BSc, BVoc, or BA,
  • In a relevant discipline such as Fashion Design, Interior Design, Furniture Design, etc.,
  • With a minimum of 50% aggregate score from a recognized university.
After 10th Diploma
  • Class 10 or equivalent score from a recognized institution.

Note: The information is taken from various external sources and may vary.

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Visual Merchandising Admission Process 2025

Admission to Visual Merchandising courses can be secured based on the merit system. Candidates can refer to the step-wise procedure to be followed to secure admission to the Visual Merchandising course in 2025:

STEP I: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The initial step is to check the eligibility criteria of the desired college and ensure fulfilling them.

STEP II: APPLICATION FORM

The next step is to fill out the application form for the college. It includes filling out all the necessary details, along with uploading the required documents.

STEP III: VERIFICATION

Now the college or university will verify the applicant's application. This process can take a few days, once done, they will send a confirmation mail to continue the admission process.

STEP IV: COUNSELLING

The last step is to attend the counselling either online or offline. It includes completing all the admission formalities like filling out the forms and paying the admission fee.

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Q:   Which documents are required for Visual Merchandising admission process?

A:

Here are some important documents you should carry during Visual Merchandising admission process:

  • Class 10 and 12 marksheets.
  • A valid ID Proof (Passport, Adhaar, PAN Card, etc.).
  • Passport-sized photographs.
  • Migration Certificate.
  • Bachelor's degree from a recognised university (if applicable).

Q:   What are the eligibility criteria for Certification in Visual Merchandising?

A:

Admission to a Certification in Visual Merchandising requires candidates to pass Class 12 from a recognised board or its equivalent from a UGC-recognized institution. Certificate programs in Visual Merchandising are offered in various types, durations, specializations, and levels. Hence, the eligibility requirements may also change accordingly. You can check the official website of your desired college for more accurate information.

Visual Merchandising Course Syllabus

The syllabus for Visual Merchandising courses is varied based on the course level, duration, specialization, etc. For candidates' reference, here's the Visual Merchandising syllabus for different courses based on their course duration and curriculum.

BDes Visual Merchandising Syllabus

BDes in Visual Merchandising is a 4-year-long undergraduate degree program and its syllabus includes core, elective, and lab subjects, along with internship programs.

BDes in Visual Merchandising Subjects Sem I

Sketching Drawing 1

SLA

Elements of Design

Material Exploration I

Colour

Learning how to learn

Geometry

Living Conversations

BDes in Visual Merchandising Subjects Sem II

Sketching Drawing 2

Computer Applications

Principles of Design

Leadership and Teamwork

Design Process

Critical Thinking and Writing

Material Exploration II

-

BDes in Visual Merchandising Subjects Sem III

Orthography & Design Representation

Project 1: Simple Furniture & Ergonomics

Materials Technology I

Design Thinking

Introduction to Retail Design

Ethical Leadership in the 21st Century (Human Values

Design of Domestic Interiors

and Ethics)

BDes in Visual Merchandising Subjects Sem IV

Visualization & Rendering

Professional Elective 1

Materials Technology II

Professional Elective 2

Project 2- Structures & Outdoor Furniture

Working With Data

Estimation & Working Drawings

Environment and Sustainability

BDes in Visual Merchandising Subjects Sem V

Building Technology I

Project 3: Design of Commercial Spaces

Design of Retail spaces & Visual Merchandising

Persuasive Presence

Professional Elective 3

Exploratory Elective 3

BDes in Visual Merchandising Subjects Sem VI

Building Technology II

Exploratory Elective 4

Stacking & Folding Furniture

Solving Complex Problems

Professional Elective 4

Technologies of the Future

Industrial visit

Future Casting

Project 4:Design for Special Interiors

Managing Relationships and Being Happy

BDes in Visual Merchandising Subjects Sem VII

Design Management

Exploratory Elective 5

Professional Elective 5

India and Its Place in the Contemporary World

Professional Elective 6

Theory of Everything

Summer Internship

Digital Transformation

Project 5: Design for Hospitality Spaces

-

BDes in Visual Merchandising Subjects Sem VIII

Graduation Project

-

Note: The information is taken from various external sources and may vary.

Links relevant to Visual Merchandising courses:

Know all about BDes Syllabus 2025

PG Diploma in Visual Merchandising Syllabus

The PG Diploma in Visual Merchandising program duration is usually from 3 months to 1 year. Here's the syllabus overview of the PG Diploma in Visual Merchandising:

PG Diploma in Visual Merchandising Subjects
Fundamentals of Visual Merchandising Elements of Principles and Design
Colour Psychology Lighting Design
Display Error Management Trend Analysis and Forecasting
Vendor Management Visual Principles and System
Importance of shopping Environment Material Exploration
Exterior and Interior Presentation Props, Fixture, and Signage
Consumer Behavior CAD
Draping Style and Mannequin Computer Application in Art and Design

Note: The information is taken from various external sources and may vary.

Q:   Which are the base subjects of a Visual Merchandising course?

A:

The Visual Merchandising course aims to impart candidates with both theoretical and practical knowledge. During the course, students are first taught the important concepts of Visual Merchandising. After this, they are taught how to use them in real-life scenarios. The subjects taught in Visual Merchandising are given below.

Common Subjects in Visual Merchandising

Fundamentals of Visual Merchandising

Importance of the shopping environment

Elements and Principles of design

Material Exploration

Colour Phycology

Exterior and Interior Presentation

Lighting Design

Props, Fixtures and Signage

Display Error Management

Consumer Behaviour

Trend Analysis and Forecasting

CAD

Vendor Management

Visual Principles and Systems

Note: The information is taken from various external sources and may vary.

Q:   What is taught in the visual merchandising course?

A:

A visual Merchandising course is a mix of theoretical as well as practical knowledge. Some topics that are taught to students in such a course are listed below:

  • Fundamentals of Visual Merchandising 
  • Importance of Shopping Environment
  • Elements and Principles of Design
  • Material Exploration
  • Colour Phycology
  • Exterior and Interior Presentation
  • Lighting Design 

Best Visual Merchandising Colleges in India

There are around 100 colleges in India offering Visual Merchandising courses at different levels, specializations, and modes. These colleges, along with offering advanced learning, provide great placement opportunities to students in the Design field. Interested candidates can see the tables below offering some top government and private Visual Merchandising college options in India.

Best Government Colleges for Visual Merchandising

Very few government colleges in India offer Visual Merchandising courses. Here are some top options among them:

Best Government Colleges Tuition Fee
NIFT Delhi INR 1.42 Lakh
NIFT Bangalore INR 74,340 - INR 1.42 Lakh
NIFT Shillong INR 70,800
MSU Baroda INR 53,380
YWCA Women’s Training Institute INR 22,210
YWCA Vocational Training Institute INR 85,000

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

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Best Private Colleges for Visual Merchandising

More than 60 private colleges in India offer Visual Merchandising courses on various levels and modes. Here are some top options among them:

Best Private Colleges Tuition Fee
Amity University, Noida INR 2.88 Lakh
Designers' Institute INR 55,000
Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University INR 1.4 Lakh
IFT YMCA Delhi INR 46,305
Indian Institute of Art and Design INR 21.92 Lakh
JD Institute of Fashion Technology INR 70,800
Parul University INR 2.8 Lakh
Pearl Academy Mumbai INR 2.32 Lakh
SOFT, Pune INR 4.5 Lakh
Xaviers Institute of Business Management Studies INR 13,900

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

2 Courses
1.42 L
4.8

Top 20 in India

1 Course
74.34 K

Top 20 in India

2.32 L

Top 20 in India

Visual Merchandising Applications open. Apply Now

#12 India Today

2 Courses
70.8 K

Top 20 in India

70.8 K

Q:   Are there any distance colleges for Visual Merchandising courses in India?

A:

Yes, there are a few distance colleges offering Visual Merchandising courses in India. Some top options among them include:

Distance Visual Merchandising CollegesTuition Fe
Xaviers Institute of Business Management StudiesINR 13,900
Kazian School of Management-

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

Q:   Which Visual Merchandising college offers the best placement options in India?

A:

Here are some popular Visual Merchandising colleges in India offering great placement opportunities to students:

Top Visual Merchandising CollegesAverage Package Offered
PSG College of TechnologyINR 6 LPA
Hans Raj Mahila Maha VidyalayaINR 1.84 LPA

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

Popular Private Visual Merchandising Colleges in India

1 Course
21.92 L

Top 10 in Delhi

3.7 L

Top 10 in Gujarat

2.88 L

Top 20 in India

Visual Merchandising Applications open till May 15, 2025. Apply Now

2 Courses
59.5 K

Visual Merchandising Applications open. Apply Now

2 Courses
37.5 K - 40 K

Visual Merchandising Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters

Visual Merchandising career scope is bright with the Design industry constantly evolving. Various fields in the Design industry hire Visual Merchandising students for numerous job roles. Every retail brand, be it clothing, furniture, or auto requires the visual display of both the interior and exterior of their stores to be visually appealing. Visual Merchandising professionals not only help brands design their stores but also financial decision-making, vendor management and more.

Know all about Design Career Scope

Visual Merchandising Career: Top Job Profiles

With the ever-changing consumer needs and market trends, the job opportunities for Design professionals also grow. Visual Merchandising students can seek employment options in various fields related to Design such as Interior Design, Fashion Design, Furniture Design, Automotive Design, and so on. Here are some popular Visual Merchandising job profiles in India along with salary and other details.

Job Profiles Job Description Average Salary
Visual Merchandiser They design and create attractive displays for retail spaces to grow sales. They use colour, lighting, and other design elements to draw customers' attention into stores and encourage them to buy products and services.  INR 4 LPA
Visual Merchandising Manager They oversee all the Visual Merchandising tasks running in the organization and ensure that the work is being done efficiently. They also collaborate with other teams like Finance, to manage the budget, etc. INR 8.2 LPA
Retail Merchandiser They ensure that the retail store has the right products in the right quantities and that they are displayed in a way that attracts consumers. They also monitor inventories and report issues to management.  INR 4.7 LPA
Furniture Merchandiser They develop and execute plans to effectively display and sell their furniture products in a retail setting, determining sales data, market trends, and consumer behaviour to optimize inventory levels, product placement, etc. INR 5.2 LPA
Fashion Consultant They help clients and businesses improve their style and image through clothing and accessories. They also offer advice to clients on what to wear for different occasions, etc. INR 2.8 LPA
Export Merchandiser They carry out export orders from costing, and place orders for shipment of goods. They are responsible for coordinating all other department activities to complete the order within the decided time frame. INR 4.7 LPA

Note: The salary information is sourced from Ambitionbox.com.

Suggested links for Visual Merchandising courses:

Career after MDes: Popular Job Roles, Industries, Entrepreneurship & Freelancing Opportunities

Visual Merchandising Career: Top Recruiters

Numerous Fashion, Interior Design, Furniture, Automotive Design companies, etc., hire Visual Merchandising students for various job roles. Here are some of the top recruiters for Visual Merchandising in India:

Visual Merchandising Top Recruiters
Nike Adidas Pantaloons
Decathlon UNIQLO MINISO
Synergy Corporate Interiors Maps of India The Karigars

Note: The information is taken from various external sources and may vary.

Q:   What exactly does a Visual Merchandiser do?

A:

Visual Merchandisers use their design skills in order to promote the image, products and services of a retail business or any other organization. A Visual Merchandiser creates product displays that are eye-catching and ensures that the store layout is such that customers can easily navigate through it and are encouraged to buy.

Q:   Which companies hire Visual Merchandisers?

A:

Visual Merchandising is the new age art of displaying merchandise in a manner that it becomes appealing in the eyes of the customer. Visual Merchandising includes displays, signs, internal displays, promotions, etc; and it gives the retailer an opportunity to bring life to their store products. These days each and every store requires a good Visual Merchandiser. 

Any company having its retail outlet will hire them. To list some; BATA, Lifestyle, Pantaloons, Globus, Titain, etc. Hope it helps. Wish You Luck!

Visual Merchandising Course FAQs

Candidates can refer to this section for Visual Merchandising Course FAQs.

Q:   What distinguishes Technology Merchandise from Visual Merchandise?

A:

Visual Merchandising is the practice of creating attractive retail displays to increase sales. The same principles of visual marketing apply to Technology Merchandise, which includes items like cameras, laptops, smartphones, and other electronic devices.

Q:   What education do you need to be a Visual Merchandiser?

A:

Candidates must have completed their Class 12 level education from a recognised board to pursue a graduation course in visual merchandising. Further, to become a visual merchandiser, one needs to have a basic graduation degree or Diploma in this field.

Most Popular Courses

Following are the most popular Visual Merchandising courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Visual Merchandising.

Popular Visual Merchandising UG Courses

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

UG Courses

Popular Visual Merchandising PG Courses

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

PG Courses

Popular Exams

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

8 Mar ' 25

SAT Test March 2025 Date

25 Feb ' 25

SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a...

3 May ' 25

B.Des DAT Mains Studio Test

6 May ' 25

NID DAT 2025 (Mains) Exam Result for M.Des

21 Apr ' 25 - 29 Apr ' 25

Seat Allotment Round I

30 Apr ' 25 - 11 May ' 25

Round I: Withdrawal of seat / exit from seat allo...

qna

Student Forum

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

Answered 2 months ago

Here are some popular Visual Merchandising colleges in India offering great placement opportunities to students:

Top Visual Merchandising CollegesAverage Package Offered
PSG College of TechnologyINR 6 LPA
Hans Raj Mahila Maha VidyalayaINR 1.84 LPA

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Admission to a Certification in Visual Merchandising requires candidates to pass Class 12 from a recognised board or its equivalent from a UGC-recognized institution. Certificate programs in Visual Merchandising are offered in various types, durations, specializations, and levels. Hence, the eligibi

...Read more

R

Rashmi Srivastava

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

Here are some important documents you should carry during Visual Merchandising admission process:

  • Class 10 and 12 marksheets.
  • A valid ID Proof (Passport, Adhaar, PAN Card, etc.).
  • Passport-sized photographs.
  • Migration Certificate.
  • Bachelor's degree from a recognised university (if applicable).

N

Nikita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

A visual Merchandising course is a mix of theoretical as well as practical knowledge. Some topics that are taught to students in such a course are listed below:

  • Fundamentals of Visual Merchandising 
  • Importance of Shopping Environment
  • Elements and Principles of Design
  • Material Exploration
  • Colour Phycology

...Read more

G

Gunjan Dhawan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

The Visual Merchandising course aims to impart candidates with both theoretical and practical knowledge. During the course, students are first taught the important concepts of Visual Merchandising. After this, they are taught how to use them in real-life scenarios. The subjects taught in Visual Merc

...Read more

A

Atul Arora

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

Creativity is the key skill to becoming a visual merchandiser/store manager/brand manager. Besides, candidates must have technical and design expertise. Check below the skills required for visual merchandising.

Creative

Technical know-how

Sense of design

Ability to think logically

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Note: The information is taken from various external sources and may vary.

R

Rashmi Thakur

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

The Visual Merchandising course is available in many specializations for candidates to choose from. Here are some top disciplines in which Visual Merchandising courses are offered:

Course

Duration

Annual Average Fee

B. Des

4 years

INR 8 Lakh

BVA

3 years

INR 10,000

BFA

3 years

INR 2.65 Lakh

M.Des

2 years

INR 11.25 Lakh

MVA

2 years

INR 10,000  

MFA

2 years

INR 46,600

Note: The information is taken from various external sources and may vary.

S

Shikha Arora

Contributor-Level 7

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