Is There An Entrance Exam For Being a Graphic Designer?

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.