Design Entrance Exam | Prepare with AIDAT

If someone asked you what product design is, you'd probably say something like "designing products, right?" And that, frankly, is not wrong. However, it is not the whole picture either.

It is product design that makes your phone feel good in your hand. That is why some water bottles are difficult to open and others are not. It is the reason why you use one application and drop another after three days. Somebody reflected on all that, that is a product designer. And that is a job that is literally exploding in India today.

What is Product Design? 

Technically speaking, Product design is the strategic process of conceptualizing, creating, and iterating products to solve specific user problems while meeting business goals. It bridges user experience (UX) research, functionality, and aesthetics to develop both physical goods and digital applications. Product designers focus on usability, desirability, and feasibility to make products that are valuable and user-friendly. In simple words, product design means to design products in such a way that they are useful, aesthetically pleasing as well as functional.  

Is Product Design a Good Career, or is it Hype?

The product design worldwide market stood at $9.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $24.1 billion by 2030. Forecasts suggest a robust CAGR ranging from 9.6% to 12.5% over the period. That sort of expansion does not occur without commotion, firms are recruiting, and they are paying good money too.

The salaries of fresh product designers in India begin at 4 to 7.8 lakh per annum. This figure increases a few years later to ₹10-15 lakh. Good, relocate to Bengaluru or Mumbai and top positions are far beyond 20 lakh. This is no longer an emergency plan. It is a decent profession.

Who Can Even Do Product Design After 12th?

Anyone. Seriously. Science student, commerce student, arts student, it does not matter what stream you belong to. Product design absorbs everything in you. It is not about how and why things should be as they are, but whether you are curious.

Your major choices are simple. B.Des in Product Design, a four year course can be pursued from NID, IIAD, The Design Village, MIT ADT, VGU, and more. In case you would like something shorter to begin with, a diploma is also an option. And even in case you have a degree in any other thing, an M.Des gets you into design easily. All you need is skills to build a career in product design.

Design Entrance Exams for Product Design Course

• UCEED
• NID DAT
• CEED
• NIFT Entrance
• AIDAT (All India Design Aptitude Test)

To gain admission into top design institutes, taking on most leading product design colleges, you have to pass either UCEED,NID DAT, or AIDAT. They are not like JEE, they are tests of design thinking, observation and visual ability. 

What Do You Actually Learn?

Product Design teaches the end-to-end process of creating, developing, and launching functional, aesthetic, and user-centric products. You also learn how to do research, sketching, 3D modeling (CAD), prototyping, and material studies. Apart from this, the subject teaches you the basic design skills like creative thinking, design thinking, and analysis. 

To sum up, Product design is applicable in all industries, including healthcare, technology, cars, consumer goods, and furniture. It is a career in which you literally see your work all around you, on a day to day basis. So, if you are someone who is always questioning, “why did they make this juice bottle like this, and not like that,”  Product designing is your calling. Take the design entrance exam and study from the top design institute in India.

Graphic design as a profession is something that many Indian students are thrilled about since it is a combination of creativity and technology. But there are always two big questions which are raised: “What is the graphic designer salary in India?” and "How am I to become one?” This guide is a straight answer to students, parents and career-changers.

Who is a Graphic Designer?

A graphic designer is the one who makes visual content like graphics, logos, social media posts, advertisements, websites, packaging, and posters. They rely on such tools as Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, and now Canva, to transform ideas into flashy designs that allow brands to reach customers.

Indian Salary of Graphic Designer: Real Numbers.

The salary of graphic design is highly dependent on skills and experience in a city. Here's the breakdown:

• Freshers (0-2 years): 2.5-5 LPA (20k-40k/month) in small cities; 4-7 LPA in big cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi.
• Mid-level (3-5 years): ₹6-12 LPA (₹50k-1 lakh/month) - the most widespread range.
• Experienced designers (5+ years): ₹12-25 LPA; the best freelancers/creative directors make 30+ LPA.
• The most remunerated cities: Hyderabad (average salary is 46k/month), Delhi (36k), Bangalore (33k), Mumbai (32k).
• Total remuneration: There is a tendency to pay entry-level designers 25k-45k post-PF/tax. Motion graphics or UI/UX are some of the skills that enable you to achieve ₹8-10 LPA even as a fresher.

Why is Graphic Design a good Paying Job in 2026 India?

The digital economy of India requires 2.5 lakh designers annually. Nonstop hiring is done in E-commerce (Flipkart, Myntra), startups, social media agencies, and OTT platforms (Netflix, Prime). The average salary of a graphic designer increases 15-20% annually in the case of experienced designers who train in such programmes as After Effects or Canva Pro.

Certificate/Diploma Step-by-step Guide to Becoming a Graphic Designer.

These are some of the practical steps that you can start today:

• Introduction (1-2 months): Free online tutorials on Photoshop/Illustrator.
• Join course (3-12 months): Certificate by local institute or by internet.
• Build portfolio (in progress): 10-15 good designs on Behance/Dribbble.
• Small (₹5k-15k/project): Upwork, Fiverr, local companies.
• Get job/internship: 15k-30k entry; agencies are fond of new portfolios.

Pro tip: Learn UI/UX design and graphics, increase your salary potential to 10LPA + early career.

Skills That Can Increase the Salary of a graphic designer

In addition to software, companies pay extra for:

• Motion graphics (After Effects): +30% pay.
• Branding/UI design (Figma): +25%
• Video editing: +20%
• Communication with clients: Bargain 10-15% salary increase.

Challenges & Success Rate

The majority of graphic design course graduates receive a salary less than 70% of the national average, 4 lpa first, because they have no portfolio or are based in a Tier-2/3 city but if they have an excellent Behance profile and 6 months internship/freelancing, they can earn over 6 LPA at a good agency.

There are several careers that can be pursued in B.Des/BFA Graphic Design (3-4 years) Degree. Those who are in 12th and willing to make a creative career with good pay, they can take B.Des through AIDAT (All India Design Aptitude Test) and make their career either in graphic design or other creative specializations. 

Other than this there are numerous online courses that are cheaper and of lesser duration. It is possible to study the courses of Arena Animation, Udemy, or Coursera. 

But the harsh reality is that not everyone can be a graphic designer simply because he/she has a certificate or a degree. To become a graphic designer one must possess skills, design thinking and creative thinking. 

Graphic Designer Course Fees

In India, becoming a graphic designer costs more than becoming an engineer. This is a brutal truth but the scope remains the same. Whether you want to stay  in India building a career or wish to move out and earn better,  you need to start with the right design institute. This is where the benefits of the design entrance exam come into play. With your design entrance test score, you can avail scholarship, get concessions. Here is the list of graphic design course fees:

How to Pursue Graphic Design Course After 12th?

The best way could be by choosing B.des via AIDAT, as mentioned earlier. The All India Design Aptitude Test (AIDAT) is an exam conducted by Edinbox that gives Indian students a simple entry into graphic design programmes by way of a single national examination accepted in 100+ design institutes. Instead of worrying about various competitive entry exams, the online MCQ format of AIDAT leads straight to B.Des programmes, diplomas, and certificates in graphic design across the country from top design institutes.

The difference between AIDAT and other design entrance tests is that it places emphasis on the portfolio, meaning,  60% final selection weighs on your creative work and not just on exam performance. Students who have good Behance profiles that display logos, posters, or social media graphics usually get admissions despite their average test scores.

AIDAT eases the process of graphic design entrance test to Class 12 graduates in any stream. The first step would be to use the free tutorials on the fundamentals of design that could be found on YouTube, 2-3 weeks of MCQs, and create a 10 project portfolio. This is a practical way of making sure that students join graphic design courses with the ability to earn a starting graphic designer salary of 4-7 LPA in India after graduation.

Registering early gives the best opportunity to maximise college possibilities and time to build up portfolios, which is the actual formula of securing the best design school spots with this easy entry-level. 

Key Takeaway

Graphic design salary in India starts low but grows fast with more skills and trending tools expertise. Thus, it is advised to not chase expensive degrees blindly, instead work on building yourself as a holistic designer and let your salary increase. Lastly, in 2026, India's creative economy needs designers who deliver results, so this is the right time to start. Take AIDAT, choose the right design college and enjoy a high graphic design salary.

Still confused? Connect with us for free career consultation at 8035018542. 

The AIDAT, also known as the All India Design Aptitude Test which is a national-level entrance test hosted by Edinbox to help design aspirants secure admission to the best UG and PG design courses in India.

Purpose and Scope

AIDAT is the stepping stone for all creative students who want to pursue B.Des, M.Des and/or diploma programmes in such disciplines as fashion design, interior design, product design, graphics, etc. AIDAT is accepted by the top universities and provides access to the best design institutions in India as well as career guidance and industry updates.

The exams challenge design thinking, creativity, and problem-solving which are key abilities of the contemporary designer working on the challenges of the real world.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus

AIDAT has a two-step procedure:

Stage 1: MCQ Test Online Proctored (60 minutes, 100 questions):

• Aptitude in design, visualisation, observation.
• Drawings/sketches, 2D/3D comprehension.
• Colour theory, reasoning theory, GK on design.
• There are 3 attempts, and the maximum score is counted (there are no negative marks).

Stage 2: Portfolio + Interview:

• Submit 10-page PDF portfolio
• AI chatbot interview and expert review of creativity and aesthetics.

Key Dates 2026:

• Registration closes: March 27
• Exam: March 28
• Results: March 30

Who Should Apply?

The students of Class 12 (any stream) who are interested in design careers. Application fee: ₹1500-2000 online. No age limit; drawing skills and observation are required.

Why is AIDAT Better than other design tests?

AIDAT is an online entrance test enabling students to take the test from anywhere in the world. Cracking this exam helps you become eligible for 100+ partner universities. The Indian design industry is also on the boom with 1 lakh crore and AIDAT provides the students with job-ready skills that the employer requires.

Begin to practise memory sketches and visualisation everyday. This test equally rewards both natural ability and preparation and is therefore a perfect test for the creative minds who are willing to influence the future of designs. 

In this world of innovation, companies are not only competing with each other in terms of technology but also in terms of design and user experience. It is at this point that the input of a product designer becomes relevant. Product designers can design  varied things from smartphones, smartwatches, to mobile apps, packaging, and even home products.

The question that occurs to the mind of the student who is intending to make a career in product designing is: Is a career in product design good? The response is a resounding yes. The profession of product design has become an opportunity for a promising and futuristic career with the increased need of user-centred product and digital experiences.

Product Design Knowledge.

The art of product design involves the creation of products that are both functional, beautiful and user friendly. It is an area that needs creativity, technical skills, and knowledge of user experiences. Product designers aim to offer solutions to real world problems by creating products that not only satisfy the needs of the people but also satisfy the needs of the business.

The work of a product designer can involve such activities as learning the needs of people, sketching, developing prototypes, and even testing the usability of a product.

Product design does not merely involve the physical things. Nowadays, product design can also involve digital products such as apps, websites, and software.

Why is Product Design an Emerging Profession?

The demand for product designers has increased tremendously in recent years. The demand of product designers has been increasing since organisations are becoming increasingly concerned about the user experience. 

One of the key causes of this rise of demand among product designers is the explosion of the technology and start up world. The online platform, applications, and technology based products require skilled designers to produce user friendly and innovative products. 

Another factor that causes the demand of product designers to grow is the emphasis on user experience. Business has realised that user experience of a product can play a big role in determining the success of a product. High customer experience could lead to higher customer satisfaction and brand identity. 

Automobiles, consumer electronics, healthcare devices, environmentally friendly products and numerous others are some of the technologies that product designers have started being invested in.

Career Design Proficiencies.

To be a successful product designer, one should possess creative and cognitive abilities. It is of utmost importance to think creatively and generate ideas, but the designer should also be capable of thinking critically and analysing the problem.

The most important skills that one will require in a product design career will be design thinking and problem-solving skills. Designers of products have to be inventive and need to devise new problem solving methods.

Along with design thinking, technical skills are also necessitated as far as a career in product design is concerned. Most designers use the digital tools namely CAD, Adobe Creative Suite and the new-age UI/UX, Figma and Sketch.

Good communication skills are also necessary in a product design career as most of the time a designer is expected to work in a team and share his or her ideas with others.

Career Opportunities in Product Design

There are various career opportunities in the field of product design. Product designers can find jobs in tech firms, manufacturing organizations, and consumer goods companies. The emergence of startups has also created more opportunities for creative professionals to find jobs in this field, as they can create innovative products from scratch.

Some of the most common job titles in the field of product design are product designer, industrial designer, UX/UI designer, interaction designer, and design researcher. With more experience, professionals can also take up leadership positions such as design lead, creative director, and product manager. Many of these product designers also prefer to become freelancers and create their own design-driven startups.

Salary and Growth Potential

Product design is considered a highly rewarding career option, both from a creative and financial point of view. For an entry-level product designer, the salary ranges from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 8 lakh annually, depending on the company and other factors. However, as they grow and become more proficient in product design, they can expect a higher salary.

For instance, product designers, design managers, and product leaders in technology companies can draw higher salaries. For those who wish to work internationally, product designers employed with major technology companies across the globe can expect highly competitive salaries.

Since product design is considered a key element for business growth and innovation, the career prospects for product designers are highly promising.

Best Product Design Courses Post 12 th in India.

• Options for Indian students:
• Degree: B.Des Product Design (NID Ahmedabad, IIT Guwahati, MIT Institute of Design Pune) 4 years, 5-15 lakhs in total.
• Diploma: 1-2 years at Srishti Institute Bengaluru or Pearl Academy.
• Online: Google UX Design Certificate (Coursera), Interaction Design Foundation courses.
• Entrance Exams: UCEED (IITs), AIDAT, NID DAT, NIFT.
• Best Colleges: NID, IIT Bombay (IDC), Unitedworld Institute of Design.

Job Roles in Product Design

Job roles students are pursuing in 2026 and aspiring for, are as follows:

• Product Designer: Entire product cycle.
• UX/UI Designer: Concentrate on apps/websites.
• Industrial Designer: Physical goods.
• Service Designer: Experiences/systems.
• Career ladder: Junior to Lead to Head of Design to Chief Design Officer.

Challenges to Consider

• Competition: There are numerous competitors through bootcamps; shine through portfolio.
• Strict Deadlines: Customer stress, cycles.
• Continuous education: The trends evolve rapidly (AI tools now).
• Freelance Risk: Earnings shaky at first.

Product Design: Is It Right?

Yes, if:

• You like to solve user issues.
• Tech-savvy and creative.
• Okay with feedback loops.
• Want remote/global work.

No, if:

• Hate computers/tools.
• Prefer solo art over teams.
• Want guaranteed 9-5 stability.

In conclusion, Product design has become one of the most exciting careers in today’s innovation economy. As companies strive to create products that are intuitive, meaningful, and user-friendly, the role of designers continues to grow in importance.

For students passionate about creativity and problem-solving, pursuing product design can open doors to diverse industries, global opportunities, and the chance to shape products that millions of people use every day.

Design courses are gaining the attention they always deserved and people are now actually looking at it as a creative job that pays for being creatively human. This is why aspiring designers across India are turning to the AIDAT entrance test as the top choice for design entrance exams 2026. The All India Design Aptitude Test (AIDAT) stands out among BDes entrance exams because it is more inclined towards skill-oriented students, who are good at creativity, visualising and solving problems than at rote learning.

Why is AIDAT Becoming a Popular Design Entrance Test?

AIDAT 2026 focuses on those students who are interested in courses like fashion design, interior design, product design, graphics design, and more. AIDAT has a distinct online format unlike traditional exams that focus on practical design aptitude. The test evaluates actual capabilities required in the booming design sector of India, which is currently worth 10,000 crore and is expanding by 20% a year.

The exam opens the door to 300+ design course programmes offered in 100+ best institutes that are offering admission via AIDAT scores in 2026. Since the diploma to postgraduate levels, the AIDAT participating colleges provide specialised training in accordance to the industry needs.

AIDAT Exam Pattern 2026: Ideal Skills-based Prep.

The pattern of AIDAT entrance exam makes it easy but all-inclusive:

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Format: 100 MCQs (online proctored)
• Parts: Design aptitude, drawing/sketching, 2D/3D visualisation, colour theory, logical reasoning.
• Marking: +1 on correct answer, no negative marking.
• Attempts: 3 opportunities- maximum score counts.

Part 2 will involve portfolio review + personal interview, actual creativity. This skill based style assists students to demonstrate a practical style of talent outside the exams.

AIDAT Eligibility: No Streams Restricted.

Class 12 students in any stream are welcome to AIDAT eligibility criteria 2026:

• Passed OR appearing for 10+2
• Minimum 50% marks (Open category)
• Age limit: Typically 17-25 years

Application Form AIDAT is available on aidat.com and the registration is usually open till one day before the exam. 

WHY SKill-oriented students prefer Aidat to any other design exams.  

In contrast to to other design entrance tests, AIDAT has the following obvious advantages:  

• More than one attempt, only the best count was counted.  
• Low fees (₹1 500–2 000 per attempt)  
• 300+ colleges, compared to few seats in other exams.  
• Online proctored mode gets rid of travel ordeal.  
• Portfolio-based evaluation is a source of rewarding talent.  

AIDAT preparation tips:  

• Draw every day to practise your hand.  
• Learn colour theory to enhance visual communication.  
• Practise exams Solve previous AIDAT papers.  
• Assemble an online portfolio of your best work (10 pages).  

Is AIDAT The Most Desirable Entrance Test in Privates?  

AIDAT (All India Design Aptitude Test) would be the best option among the students who want to study in private design colleges in India in 2026. Instead of having to apply to numerous university-specific exams, one AIDAT score will provide entry to more than 100 participating private institutes that offer BDes, MDes and diploma programmes in the field of fashion, interior and product design. This one test system eliminates the confusion of several applications and exam timetables and allows the students to devote their time to creativity rather than test marathons.  

The actual benefit is the saving on costs. You save money on different entrance exams’ registrations, and the travelling cost.  This online proctored format of AIDAT implies that you can do the exam at the comfort of your home and save thousands in flights, hotels, and local transportation. This is efficient to the private universities: the AIDAT score is readily accepted as a merit list, review of a portfolio, and even interviews.  

Busy Class 12 students or working professionals will be the most appropriate, as it does not involve any of that juggling associated with NIFT/NID-style schedules. Being rewarded with three attempts (maximum number of attempts) and no negative marking, it is an incentive to design aptitude. To aspiring private university students, AIDAT is indeed the best, a single test, a single fee, a test that is accessible in the whole country. Register and guarantee your future of creativity without emptying your wallet.  

Design careers with AIDAT will result in high ROI.  

Students with AIDAT qualifications are initially paid between 5-12 LPA in top MNCs like Tata Elxsi, Wipro and design studios. The leading colleges of AIDAT have more than 90 percent placement in UI/UX, animation, and product design, which is experiencing growth of 30 percent each year.  

To creative students who are interested in taking design courses beyond 12 th, the 2026 AIDAT entrance test presents them with the most reasonable chance of scoring a creative job. Visit AIDAT official website for more details.

Board exams are when creative students realise they aren’t meant for rote learning and late night mug up. They end up asking questions like “which creative field can  I choose?” or “Highest paying creative jobs in India.”  If you are creative, love visuals, social media, editing, branding, or digital art, graphic design may already be on your mind.

If you’re in Class 12 or just finished your boards and wish to pursue graphic designing, this guide will give you a clear and honest answer for all major concerns like “Is there an entrance exam to become a graphic designer?” or “How to be a  graphic designer?” Continue reading. 

What is Graphic Designing? 

Graphic designing in simple words means using visuals to appeal to the eyes of viewers and communicate something. It involves designing logos, advertisements, social media creatives, websites, packaging, and digital interfaces. Every brand you see - from food delivery apps to multinational companies, depend on the graphic designers to give them the look and feel.

But graphic design is not simply about making things "look good." It involves understanding human psychology, colour theory, typography, balance of the layout, branding strategy and digital tools. In the digital-first world of today, graphic designers are part of the marketing, business, and technology ecosystems.

Who Should Consider Pursuing a Career in Graphic Design?

Graphic design is best suited for those students who love being creative, telling stories with pictures, and working on projects. If you notice yourself paying attention to the styles of fonts, the layouts of apps, the posts on Instagram, or the banners of advertisements then you already think visually. You do not have to be from an Arts background. Students from Science and Commerce stream also can pursue graphic design after 12th. What is more important than your stream is your curiosity, creativity, and determination to develop skills over and over again.

Is Graphic Design a High Paying Career in India?

Graphic design offers can be financially rewarding but income is highly dependent on the level of skill and specialisation. Entry level designers in india generally start with moderate salaries but the growth may be high, especially in fields like UI /UX design, branding, motion graphics and product design.

The need for designers is still growing as businesses are growing digitally. Startups, marketing companies, tech companies, e-commerce brands, and content platforms are among the places that need visual professionals. Freelancing and remote work have also opened up new ways for earning money, especially for talented designers collaborating with international clients. Graphic design is no longer treated as a "side career." It is a part of India's growing digital economy.

Do You Have to Pass an Entrance Exam for Graphic Design?

Here is the clarity that most students are searching for: You do not have to have a national qualifying exam to work as a legally recognised graphic designer. If you want to get into some of the reputed institutes that offer Bachelor of Design (B.Des) or Graphic Design degree, you may have to go through an entrance examination such as AIDAT. These exams are not for admission into college, but rather to become a designer.

Some of the popular examples of such design entrance tests in India are NID DAT and UCEED. The evaluation of the NIFT entrance examination which is much in the minds of many students was already held this year on 8th February. Students who didn't make it are now finding other methods of entry.

Which Are the Best Design Institutes in India for Graphic Design?

India has some reputed design institutions that offer graphic design and other related programmes. These are National Institute of Design (NID), design programmes offered by IITs in association with UCEED, NIFT and various private designing universities. Admission processes vary. Government institutes typically conduct competitive entrance tests and a number of privately owned institutions may have their own aptitude tests or admit on merit. Choosing an institute depends upon your career goal, budget and learning preference.

Here are the top Design Institutes (private) to consider in 2026:

• MIT ID Avantika University, Madhya Pradesh
• Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab
• GLS University,Ahmedabad, Gujarat
• Alliance University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Ecole Intuit Lab, Delhi
• Silver Oak University, Gujarat 
• CODE-VGU, Jaipur 
• RV University, Bangalore

What Is the Best Entrance Test Apart From NIFT?

There are many design entrance exams, of which NIFT stands out but has high competition and might not be the perfect pick for students who are yet to build exceptional skills/creativity. Additionally, the NIFT exam is over  so if you now decide to step into the design field, this is a closed door for you this year. 

For students that missed NIFT, or students who prefer something a little more accessible, other options exist for graphic design entrance. One option that is gaining preference and is being discussed more and more is AIDAT (All India Design Aptitude Test).

What is the AIDAT Entrance Test? 

AIDAT is a design entrance test conducted in a fully online format, designed to test the creative aptitude of the student rather than rote learning. Since it is 100% online it enables students from all parts of India to participate without needing to travel to the exam centres. This format makes it especially convenient for today's Gen Z learners who like to have flexibility and digital accessibility.

Students who want to pursue a degree course in graphic design but who are less interested in competitive exams, AIDAT is a more flexible access route and has the following features creative students seek:

1. Skills/ aptitude test 
2. No negative marking 
3. Convenience of taking exam from home 
4. Free career consultation before exam
5. Eligible for admission in top 100+ design uni in India 
6. Easy exam MCQ based 

Can You Pursue Graphic Design Without Any Entrance Exam?

Yes, you can. Many diploma and certificate programmes in graphic design are having direct admission after 12th. These programmes put a lot of emphasis on practical skills, software training and portfolio development. For students who want to get into the job market faster, diploma pathways can be effective. 

However, a complete bachelor's degree programme may provide more general academic and campus experiences. The decision of diploma or degree depends on your long-term career goals.

What To Do After Boards If You Are Interested In Graphic Design?

If you are truly interested in graphic design, begin to research course structures, entrance timelines and institutional credibility. Decide whether you want to take a diploma route or you want to take a degree route. If you are interested in obtaining a degree, explore the options for an entrance exam well in advance so that you will not miss deadlines.

Remember, skill and the quality of your portfolio are more important to the design industry than entrance ranks or government institute name on your degree. Entrance exams open doors, but it's your creativity and your dedication that builds your career.

Graphic design is one of the most flexible and opportunity filled careers available after 12th. The design entrance exam is not a barrier, it is just a way. And today, that pathway includes both the traditional means of competitive exams, but also modern and online-friendly ones like AIDAT. So, be wise and pursue a career in graphic designing.