How Long Does It Take to Become a Professional Graphic Designer? Courses, Skills and Entrance Exams

How long does it take a person to become a professional graphic designer? The duration depends on the graphic design course the person enrolls in, the skills they wish to develop, and the number of hours they can practice graphic design. Therefore, enrolling in a short-term graphic design course enables one to learn graphic design software within a few months, whereas completing a bachelor’s degree program in design takes approximately three to four years.

Those interested in pursuing a career in graphic design after completing their twelfth standard need to select an appropriate specialism and the best design college. Those willing to appear for the All India Design Aptitude Test (AIDAT) can explore various career options for design aspirants through its participating universities.

How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Graphic Designer?

One cannot determine the duration for becoming a professional graphic designer as it depends on whether one chooses to learn graphic design software, complete a diploma, or pursue a bachelor’s degree. Below are approximate timelines for each of the levels mentioned above.

Here is a general guide to the time different routes may take:

What Do You Need to Become a Professional Graphic Designer?

Graphic design entails more than learning to create attractive posters and mastering graphic design software programs. Graphic designers create images using typography, drawings, colors, and computer-generated objects. One needs to obtain relevant graphic design experience and develop graphic design, creativity, and communication skills to become a professional graphic designer. 

Additionally, graphic design students need to develop soft skills and problem-solving abilities so that they can become critical thinkers. However, one needs a portfolio and practical experience in the field to secure a good job.

Which Course Should You Choose After Class 12?

After completing class 12th, one can specialize in graphic designing to become a graphic designer. A Diploma in Design (Dip. Design) Or Bachelor in Design (B.Des.) course both offer excellent graphic design specialism. However, a Diploma course can provide a more generalized graphic design education in a shorter time period. The best graphic design degrees enable one to specialize in branding and marketing, illustration, digital design, photography, and user experience (UX) and graphic design.

Before selecting an institution, a student needs to review the contents of the graphic design course they desire, including the eligibility requirements of that particular course. One should also research the differences between the degrees and specialisms they desire to pursue. To select the best graphic design universities, compare the fee structure, program content, eligibility requirements, internship opportunities, and project presentations included in the course they desire to pursue.

Which Entrance Exam Is Best for Graphic Design in India?

There is no best entrance exam for those students who want to specialize in graphic design and become a graphic designer. Instead, one needs to review the eligibility requirements while comparing the top design institutions. Additionally, one should explore different design entrance exams conducted by institutions and participate in the examinations that align with one’s career aspirations. The official website of AIDAT designates it as an entrance exam for aspirants targeting diploma, undergraduate, and post-graduate design courses at participating AIDAT institutes.

How Can AIDAT Help You Explore Design Courses?

AIDAT benefits one who desires to pursue a creative career while comparing educational qualifications of similar career aspirants at participating AIDAT institutions. Instead of identifying the most suitable college, design aspirants can compare diverse career specializations through an entrance exam and subsequent admission rounds. 

The AIDAT examination is only one hour long, and the candidate has to answer 100 multiple-choice questions. The second stage of the AIDAT design admission process includes college selection, portfolio submission, personal interview and counseling. However, the exact entry eligibility and phases of the admission process change as per rules set by the universities that participate in AIDAT. Thus, one should review the official eligibility and procedure for design admission as stipulated by these participating universities.

For design aspirants, AIDAT offers the benefit of exploring diverse design career options while comparing the course content of different colleges. Nonetheless, one should not assume that an AIDAT score guarantees admission in almost all design-based colleges. Hence, it becomes essential to review the career specialism of one’s choice and check whether that course and institution participate in the AIDAT exam procedures. Once the eligibility criteria and admission guidelines for that course are obtained, design aspirants can practice and prepare for the examination.

How to Apply for AIDAT

Those interested in appearing for the AIDAT Entrance Examination should first understand the registration guidelines, procedure, eligibility, and test date  by calling the career counselors at 08035018542 . 

After short-listing the desired design Specialisms, aspirants should compare content, fee structure, and eligibility criteria of each design-specialism and compare the entry requirements of that college before checking the most updated AIDAT guidelines. 

In case a portfolio submission or personal interview is required, prepare accordingly to present all the work while also explaining practical aspects to the interviewer.

Can You Become a Graphic Designer Without a Degree?

Yes, individuals can become professional graphic designers by obtaining graphic design expertise via diverse options, starting with attending workshops, enrolling in certifications, completing short term courses, and acquiring a bachelor’s or Master’s degree. As one progresses in their studies, the ability to become a graphic designer also rises. 

For instance, enrolling for a certification enables one to gain the confidence and necessary skills to get hired as a professional graphic designer. Although attaining a degree takes more time, one can enhance soft skills, acquire an in-depth understanding of the subject, and specialize in the most sought after design field. Regardless of whether one pursues certifications or completes a degree program, consistent practice and the accumulation of a body of work that demonstrates one’s talents and expertise helps them become a professional graphic designer.

Final Advice for Aspiring Graphic Designers

As you walk on a career path as a graphic designer, remember that the professional graphic design courses, such as diploma and integrated bachelor’s degrees or master’s degree in graphic design are only starting points in a lifelong journey to become a specialist graphics designer. One should learn graphic design basics and consistently practice developing graphic design software skills or attend short-term courses to learn a graphics design software. Thereafter, the candidate can complete practice projects, gain practical work experience, and build a graphic portfolio that demonstrates their design specialism.

Those planning to enroll in design specialisms after class 12 should compare career options and consider appearing for the AIDAT entrance exam to pursue a creative career in the most desirable specialization. Therefore, the candidates should choose the design specialism according to one’s preference, admission requirements stipulated by the institution, and compare diverse design Specialisms. As design aspirants progress through their chosen design course, they should utilize their time to generate work that demonstrates their skills and expertise that will eventually help them earn a living.