The National Institute of Design (NID) stands as one of India’s foremost institutions for design education and research. Established in 1961 under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, NID is recognized internationally for its excellence in design innovation, research, and pedagogy. It has been declared an 'Institute of National Importance' under the NID Act, 2014.
NID has played a critical role in developing a professional design culture in India. It offers a blend of traditional and contemporary design education aimed at fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills relevant to current industry needs.
Campuses of NID
NID operates through a network of campuses across India, each offering a unique set of programs:NID Ahmedabad (Main Campus):
- Focus: Industrial Design, Communication Design, Textile and Apparel Design
- Offers both Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs.
NID Gandhinagar (Postgraduate Campus):- Exclusively for Master’s programs in various design disciplines.
NID Bengaluru (R&D Campus):- Focus on design research and digital design disciplines.
New Campuses:- NID Andhra Pradesh (Amaravati)
- NID Haryana (Kurukshetra)
- NID Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal)
- NID Assam (Jorhat)
- These campuses offer undergraduate programs in design and are part of the government's initiative to expand design education across the country.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program (B.Des) – 4 years
Offered at: Ahmedabad, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Assam
Specializations may include:
- Industrial Design
- Communication Design
- Textile & Apparel Design
- Interaction Design
- Product Design
Postgraduate Program (M.Des) – 2.5 years
Offered at: Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru
Common specializations include:
- Animation Film Design
- Graphic Design
- Strategic Design Management
- Digital Game Design
- Toy & Game Design
- Transportation & Automobile Design
- Lifestyle Accessory Design
- Information Design
Admission Process
Admissions to NID’s academic programs are based on a two-phase entrance examination known as Design Aptitude Test (DAT),which include:
- Prelims (Written Test)
- Mains (Studio Test and Interview)
For B.Des and M.Des admissions, candidates must clear both stages. International students are also admitted under the supernumerary quota.
Fee Structure (Indicative)
The fee structure varies by campus and program. On average:- B.Des: Rs 2.5 – Rs 3.0 lakhs per annum (including tuition, hostel, and studio fees)
- M.Des: Rs 3.0 – Rs 3.5 lakhs per annum
Additional charges may apply for materials, workshops, and international study programs.
Notable Alumni
NID has produced several renowned alumni who have made significant contributions in diverse sectors including design, filmmaking, user experience, and visual communication. Some notable names include:- Nitin Chandrakant Desai – Renowned art director and production designer
- Sabyasachi Mukherjee – Celebrated fashion designer (collaborated with NID as a design mentor)
- Sonal Dabral – Advertising and marketing professional
- Deepika Jindal – Industrial designer and business leader
- Suresh Eriyat (Eeksaurus) – National Award-winning animation filmmaker
The National Institute of Design continues to shape India’s design landscape through its multidisciplinary curriculum, industry partnerships, and global exposure. With a legacy rooted in innovation and craftsmanship, NID offers a strong academic environment for students aspiring to excel in creative and design-oriented careers. Its alumni have not only contributed significantly to India's design sector but have also earned recognition globally