Indore is rapidly positioning itself as one of India’s most promising design education hubs. With the rise of creative industries such as animation, UX/UI, interior design, game design, and fashion, the city is witnessing strong demand for skilled design professionals. Students are increasingly choosing Indore because it offers an affordable education ecosystem compared to larger metros, without compromising on quality. Adding to this growth, several private and public colleges in the city have launched specialized design programs, giving students more focused, industry-driven academic options than ever before.
Key Takeaways
- Indore is emerging as a design hub – The city offers quality, affordable education across animation, UX/UI, fashion, and interior design.
- Design careers are booming in 2026 – India’s design economy is surging, with UX/UI, game, and interior design leading growth toward a USD 50.28 billion market.
- The right college choice matters – Evaluate programs for design-focused curricula, portfolio training, industry tie-ups, and real ROI.
- Top colleges offer industry-ready pathways – Institutes like ACAD, IIT Indore, DAVV, SAGE, Avantika, and Global equip students for global creative careers.
How the Design Industry Is Redefining Opportunities for Students in 2026
The design industry in India is evolving faster than ever before, driven by digital transformation, consumer experience trends, and the rise of creative technology. For students entering design fields in 2026, this shift is unlocking a wider, more lucrative range of career paths than at any time in the past.
- India’s design economy is expanding rapidly, with the interior design sector alone valued at USD 28.87 billion in 2025, expected to reach USD 50.28 billion by 2030.
- Digital design roles are exploding, as companies shift to app-based and online-first experiences. UX/UI designers, product designers, and motion designers are among the top hiring categories across tech and e-commerce.
- The surge in content creation shows rising demand for visual communication, with Indian users generating 2.8 billion+ designs on Canva, averaging 2.5 million new designs per day.
- Design is becoming a strategic leadership function, not a support role. Many companies now integrate design into product roadmaps, brand strategy, and board-level decisions, increasing demand for design thinkers and creative strategists.
- Emerging fields like AR/VR design, game design, and animation are booming, driven by entertainment, gaming startups, ed-tech, and advertising.
Things You Should Consider Before Choosing a Design College
Choosing the right design college is crucial because it directly shapes your skills, portfolio, and future opportunities. Before finalizing any college, evaluate the following essential factors:
- Academic Focus – Ensure the institution offers recognized design programs like B.Des, B.Voc, BFA, with a clear design-centric curriculum, not general arts or unrelated degree structures.
- Portfolio & Practical Training – A strong design college must provide studio-based learning, workshops, hands-on lab sessions, and real project work, not theory-heavy teaching.
- Faculty & Industry Exposure – Look for colleges that have experienced faculty, industry collaborations, internships, guest lectures, and live project opportunities, ensuring practical industry alignment.
- Fees vs ROI – Compare the college’s official fee structure with its placement support, alumni success, industry recognition, and skill-development opportunities to understand real value for money.
How We Shortlisted These Colleges
We selected colleges that clearly list their design programs, admission details for 2026, and offer recognized degrees through official university or college status (not standalone institutes). Only colleges with visible specialisations in design, such as animation, interior, fashion, UX, or systems design, were included. All program details, fees, eligibility, and processes should later be taken strictly from official websites only.
With these criteria in place, the following list highlights the Top 5 Design Colleges in Indore for 2026, starting with the institutions that offer the strongest design-focused academic pathways.
| College | Type | Government Affiliation | Key Design Degrees | Specialisations |
| Artemisia College of Art & Design (ACAD), Indore | Private specialist | Affiliated with the Government University | B.Des, Diplomas | Animation, Game Design, Fashion, Interior |
| IIT Indore – School of Innovation (Design) | Public (IIT) | Central Govt (IIT) | B.Des | Systems Design, Urban, Healthcare, Sustainable |
| Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), Indore | Public University | State Govt (Madhya Pradesh) | B.Voc, Diplomas in Design | Interior, Fashion Tech, Landscape Design |
| SAGE University, Indore – School of Architecture, Planning & Design | Private University | Private | B.Des & related degrees | Interior & Space Planning, UI/UX, Fashion, Animation |
| Avantika University, Ujjain | Private University | Private | B.Des, M.Des | Industrial, Communication, UX, Interaction, Fashion, Animation |
1. Artemisia College of Art & Design (ACAD), Indore
Artemisia College of Art & Design (ACAD), located in Indore, is a design-exclusive institution trusted by more than 4,500 students across India & is affiliated with the MP Government’s Raja Mansingh Tomar Music & Arts University under the Department of Culture. The college operates as a 100% design-focused environment, offering specialized education across animation, game design, interior design, fashion, and fine arts.
Programs Offered
ACAD offers a full range of design programs, including:
Undergraduate Degree (4-Year B.Des)
Diploma Programs
Certificate/Diploma Level and Online Course: 1/2 -year certificate programs in areas such as Fashion Design, Interior Design, 2D & 3D Animation, Game Design & Development, Sculpture, Painting
Why It’s Trending
ACAD stands out due to its strong industry alignment and national-level achievements:
- Ranked among the Top 5 colleges in India for Animation & Game Design, Known for its advanced curriculum and career-focused training.
- Certified Unreal Engine Academic Partner (one of the few in Asia), Students build real-world games on Unity & Unreal.
- Over 200 student-made games have been developed within the campus, demonstrating hands-on, production-driven training.
- Faculty involved in creating modules for HP Gaming Garage for the UAE & MENA region indicates global-level academic involvement.
Eligibility & Admission Process
- Eligibility: For UG programs like B.Des and B.F.A., completion of 10+2 from a recognized board.
- Admission Process: Students either take the ACAD Entrance Test (online) or submit a portfolio/creative work for early admission, followed by a personal interview.
- Registration/Admission Test Fee: ₹ 1,000 as per the official procedure page.
Fees
- For the 4-year B.Design (B.Des) programmes, total tuition fees range approximately from ₹2.43 lakh to ₹6.13 lakh depending on specialisation.
- For the 4-year BFA programme, the total fee is quoted at around ₹1.63 lakh.
- Certificate and Diploma programmes have total fees ranging from roughly ₹40,000 up to ₹1.6 lakh (certificates) and ₹80,000 up to ~₹2.8 lakh (diplomas).
- Additional costs such as hostel, security deposit, meals, etc., may apply beyond the base tuition.
Placements
The college reports that graduates receive strong employment outcomes, with offers coming from prominent studios and design organisations in India and abroad.
Independent reports indicate the following:
- The average annual package is approximately ₹3 lakh to ₹6 lakh, with higher-end offers in the range of ₹10 lakh to ₹12 lakh.
- Some listings show monthly starting salaries for early-career roles beginning at around ₹30,000 per month, with internships earning up to ₹80,000 per month in certain cases.
- Several major companies and studios, including names such as Zynga Games, Livspace, Maya Digital Studios, Rockstar Games, Electronic Arts (EA), Aditya Birla Group, etc are reported as past recruiters.
Infrastructure & Facilities
ACAD has one of the most extensive design infrastructures in Central India, including:
- Animation Light Box Lab
- VFX Lab
- Clay Modeling Studio
- Stop-Motion Animation Lab
- Photography & Makeup Studio
- Gaming & VR Testing Rooms
- Dedicated Game Development Labs
- 60,000 sq. ft. design-focused campus
Student life includes multiple college-funded clubs:
Gmaing Club • Creative Club • Sports Club • Photography Club • Literature Club • Dance Club • Music Club • Fashion Club • Culture Club • Manga Club
1200+ active design students and 4500+ alumni across fields like:
– 3D Art, Concept Art, Storyboarding, Character Design
– Game Development, Game Environment Art
– CGI & Compositing
- ACAD also has its own production studio (ACAD Studios) where students work on live projects (TV series, games, motion pictures) while still studying, giving them hands-on industry exposure. Collegedunia+1
- Additional campus amenities include separate hostel accommodations (boys & girls), WiFi campus, library, cafeteria, sports/club facilities, and a vibrant student life environment with student clubs in gaming, photography, fashion, culture, etc.
Ideal Student Fit
ACAD is ideal for students who:
- Want to build a career in animation, gaming, visual storytelling, interior, or fashion design
- Prefer a studio-driven, portfolio-heavy learning environment
- Want strong industry exposure and direct pathways into media, gaming & production houses
- Prefer studying at a design-only campus instead of a multidisciplinary university
Suggested Read: Best VFX Institutes in India: Courses, Careers & Skills
2. Indian Institute of Technology Indore – School of Innovation (Design)
The Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IIT Indore) is an institute of national importance located at Simrol, Khandwa Road, Indore, Madhya Pradesh. It launched the School of Innovation (SoI) in 2025, which introduces a new design-driven culture with innovative programs tailored to current and future global challenges.
B.Des Program Structure & Specialisations
The institute offers a four-year full-time Bachelor of Design (B.Des) program starting in the academic year 2025.
- The structure: Year 1 is a foundation year (common to all students). From Year 2 onwards, students choose one of four specialisations:
Why Trending
The presence of an IIT’s infrastructure, research base, and brand makes it attractive for design aspirants aiming for strong credentials and exposure.
- This is the first B.Des program at an IIT in Madhya Pradesh, marking a major milestone in design education in the region.
- The program emphasizes a blend of design, innovation, and systems thinking, aligning with global and societal needs rather than just conventional design.
Eligibility & Admission Process
- Applicants must have passed 10+2 (or equivalent) from a recognized board in any stream.
- Admission is through the national-level entrance exam UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design), followed by counselling/allotment.
- Candidates must appear for UCEED and meet the eligibility criteria.
- After UCEED results, candidates apply via IIT Indore’s admission portal, participate in seat allotment rounds and complete registration.
Fees
For the four-year B.Des programme, IIT Indore has published a tentative fee structure for the 2025-26 admission year:
- Tuition fee: ₹1,00,000 per semester.
- Other semester-wise fees include registration/exam, gymkhana, medical, welfare funds, etc, totaling about ₹6,300 per semester.
- One-time admission fees (at entry) about ₹8,100.
- Refundable security deposit at admission: ₹10,000.
- Accommodation & facility charges (per semester): ₹16,000 (rent + charges) plus dining/mess charges (~₹18,525 per semester) mentioned as additional.
Fee remission for SC/ST/PwD and for families with income less than ₹1 lakh/annum is mentioned in the official fee schedule.
Placement & Career Support
- IIT Indore has a dedicated Training & Placement Cell which handles internships, campus recruitment, and industry liaison.
- Numbers indicate strong potential placement outcomes and industry interface for students coming into the design programme, given the institute’s overall standing.
Infrastructure & Campus Facilities
- The Infrastructure Development Office (IDO) of IIT Indore is actively involved with the master-planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of campus buildings, amenities, roads, water, electricity, green spaces, etc.
- Campus life and facilities include: hostels (including for women and married students), central dining facility, health centre, sports facilities, learning resource centre, etc.
- Some specifics: The campus boasts around 501 acres, modern labs (e.g., for research equipment such as an NMR spectrometer, an X-ray diffractometer), smart classrooms, high-speed WiFi, etc.
Ideal Student Fit
This program is ideal for students who:
- Want to blend design with technology, systems thinking, and societal impact.
- Are comfortable working on interdisciplinary teams, real-world projects, and innovation challenges.
- Seek the prestige, infrastructure, and research-led environment of an IIT, but in the design field.
3. Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), Indore
Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV) is a prominent state university in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, established in 1964. The university emphasizes “modernising the curriculum to reflect global trends and industry needs, fostering interdisciplinary programs and integrating skill‐based education.”
Design-Related Programs & Degrees Offered
- B.Voc (Bachelor of Vocation) in Interior Design – 3 years full-time (with multiple exit options)
- B.Voc in Fashion Technology – offered via DOLLL and skill-based framework
- B.Voc in Landscape Design – under DDU-KK, focused on the design of outdoor spaces
- Additional diplomas and skill certificates in design domains (Interior/Fashion) are also available.
Why It’s Trending
As a public state university, DAVV offers design education with more affordability compared to many private design colleges.
- Established reputation with wide recognition across Madhya Pradesh and beyond.
- The vocational design programs align with national skill-based education mandates, making them relevant for industry roles.
Eligibility & Admission
For the B.Voc programs (for example, Interior Design): 10+2 (or equivalent) in any stream is the minimum eligibility.
- Admissions are merit-based, typically through the university’s official process rather than a specialized design entrance test, particularly for B.Voc courses.
Fees
- For the Diploma in Interior Designing at DAVV, the tuition fee is approximately ₹27,711 for the one‐year duration.
- The range for undergraduate and postgraduate courses at DAVV is broadly listed as ₹15,000–₹60,000 per annum for regular courses.
Fee details specific to the 3‐year B.Voc programmes in design (Interior Design / Fashion Technology / Landscape Design) are not clearly available from the official website at this time, so students should confirm via the university’s official prospectus.
Placement & Career Support
- DAVV’s placement statistics (overall UG programs) show a median package for UG 4-year courses at approximately ₹7.95 lakh per annum (2023-24) as per NIRF 2025 data.
- Infrastructure and student support services (including the “Training & Placement Cell”) are active, though specific placement data for design-vocational courses at DAVV is not separately listed.
- Students entering the design programmes should view these median figures as broad institutional benchmarks; actual outcomes in design fields may differ and depend on industry linkage, internships, studio work, and specialisations.
Infrastructure & Campus Facilities
The B.Voc in Interior Design program has a strong skill component (around 60 %) and general education component (about 40 %) as per the official PDF syllabus.
- DAVV’s campus infrastructure includes ICT-enabled classrooms, a central library with national & international e-journals, dedicated student welfare facilities, sports centre, gymnasium, health centre, bank/post-office on campus.
- These amenities support a learning environment suited for design programmes (workshops, studios, labs), though a detailed listing of specialised design labs (e.g., CAD/3D modelling, prototyping) is not publicly enumerated on the official site.
- Prospective design students should verify on-campus studio/workshop space, availability of dedicated design labs, and access to cross-disciplinary infrastructure (engineering, humanities, architecture) during visits or counselling.
Program Structure & Facilities
- The course is structured across 6 semesters (3 years) for B.Voc Interior Design.
- Labs & workshops: The program emphasizes workshops and industry-related sessions (e.g., CAD/3D modeling in the Interior Design B.Voc syllabus).
Ideal for Students Who
- Prefer a university environment with strong academic credentials and public-sector backing.
- Are looking for affordable design education with a vocational focus and skill-based curriculum.
- Want to pursue design, interior, fashion, or landscape design, but might prefer a more traditional university setup rather than a niche private design college.
4. SAGE University, Indore – School of Architecture, Planning & Design
SAGE University, Indore, is a private university in Madhya Pradesh accredited with NAAC A+ status. The School of Architecture, Planning & Design at SAGE offers design-led programs with an emphasis on research, innovation and real-world application.
Programs Offered
Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs in the following specialisations:
- Apparel & Fashion Design
- Interior & Space Planning Design
- User Interface & User Experience Design (UI/UX)
- Animation & Visual Effects
The course durations are typically 4 years for B.Des programs. E.g., the UI/UX B.Des is listed as 4 years.
Why Trending
Accredited with NAAC A+ and positioned among the recognized design-program providers in MP.
- Curriculum emphasizes “creativity for purpose”, combining design thinking with technical capability and contextual insight.
- Strong fee transparency and specialisations tailored for current design industry needs (UI/UX, interior, animation).
- Good visibility across education portals for design programs and fees.
Admission Process
Admission is generally merit-based or through an internal university process, with the university’s application portal open for the design school.
- Eligibility: For B.Des programs, successful completion of 10+2 (or equivalent) from a recognized board. (Sources note “50% in 12th” requirement for some specialisations).
- The candidate must fill out the online application form available on the SAGE University website.
Fees
- The official fee-structure PDF for SAGE University shows that for the B.Des programmes (e.g., Apparel & Fashion Design; Interior & Space Planning Design; UI/UX), the annual tuition fee is ₹2,00,000 per year.
- For example, the document lists:
- “Apparel & Fashion Design – Fee: 200000”
- “Interior and Space Planning Design – Fee: 200000”
- “B.Des UI/UX – Fee: 200000”
- Additional credible sources list the total tuition fee for the full 4-year B.Des cycle at about ₹8 lakh (i.e., ~₹2 lakh per annum) for design specialisations.
- Please note: these are tuition fees only; hostel, mess, and other facilities are extra. Also note that some listings (non‐official) provide lower/higher ranges; always verify with the institution.
Placement & Career Support
- The official website of SAGE University gives contact details for “Placement Enquiry,” indicating a dedicated placement cell.
- While third-party sites like Shiksha share overall placement trends, the reported median packages are around ₹7–8 LPA with placement rates of about 50–60% for design-related courses.
Infrastructure & Campus Facilities
- The official SAGE University website highlights its accreditation (“NAAC A+”), its “virtual tour”, student life, and institutes, including the “Institute of Design”.
- The Fee Structure page also mentions “SAGE Life”, “Research Lab”, “Library”, “Student Welfare”, and “Incubation Center” under the navigational elements, implying infrastructure & support facilities are present.
- Specific to design: The B.Des page for “Interior & Space Planning Design” states that the programme “equips students with … skills and creativity … for the built-environment industry” and lists “Career Opportunities” and “Syllabus & Scheme” for academic years.
Ideal Student Fit
This program is well-suited to students who:
- Wish to pursue a design degree in a university setting rather than an independent design college.
- Are interested in specialisations such as UI/UX, interior design, fashion, or animation, and want structured coursework plus studio and lab exposure.
- Are prepared to invest in higher tuition (e.g., ₹ 8 lakh total for full B.Des) in return for university infrastructure, accreditation, and industry-oriented curriculum.
5. Avantika University (Ujjain)
Avantika University is a private, design-centric institution located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Established in 2017 and promoted by the MIT Group of Institutions (Pune), it is known for its strong design education ecosystem. The university is recognised by UGC and offers specialised programs focused on creative and design disciplines.
Courses Offered
Undergraduate Degrees (4 years)
- B.Des in Industrial Design
- B.Des in Communication Design
- B.Des in User Experience (UX) Design
- B.Des in Fashion Design
- B.Des in Spatial Design
Postgraduate Degree
- M.Des (Master of Design)
(Specialization options vary by studio availability: Industrial / Communication / UX / Fashion / Spatial Design)
Certificate / Short Skill Programs
- Design Foundation / Portfolio Development Workshops
- Short-term CAD, 3D Modeling & Software training programs
Why Trending
India’s first design-centered university framework integrating design thinking across disciplines.
- Strong emphasis on project-based learning, studio culture, and real-world design problem solving.
- Supported by the MIT Institute of Design (Pune) legacy, providing strong academic backing and industry connections.
- State-of-the-art design labs, studios, prototyping workshops, digital fabrication, and UX research facilities.
Eligibility & Admission Guidelines
Entry based on creative assessment and portfolio strength.
For B.Des:
10+2 (any stream) from a recognized board.
For M.Des:
Bachelor’s degree in design/architecture/applied arts/relevant field.
Admission Process:
- Apply online via the official university website
- Selection through Design Aptitude Test / Creative Assessment / Interview / Portfolio review
Fees
- According to the official programme page (for B.Des Interaction Design) on Avantika University’s website, hostel fee (twin‐sharing) is ₹1,30,000 and triple sharing ₹75,000; mess fee ₹1,20,000. The “Fees” line shows ₹2,60,000 or ₹2,05,000 depending on sharing.
- External portals (e.g., Collegedunia) report the total B.Des tuition fee for 4 years at approx ₹13.88 lakh (plus one-time admission fee ₹10,000) for 4-year B.Des.
Placements & Career Support
- The university’s official “Placements & Industrial Exposure” page states that Avantika University offers “unparalleled career prospects … job placements at the forefront of innovation and excellence.”
- Placement data from 2023-24 (via portals, referencing the university’s annual report) shows for design students: Average package ~ ₹8.5 lakh per annum, Highest ~ ₹20 lakh per annum, with ~450+ companies visiting.
- For design courses specifically, portal data shows some placed at ₹12-15 lakh packages in recent years.
Infrastructure & Campus Facilities
- The official design programme page on Avantika University states: “Top-notch Infrastructure … Project-based Learning … India’s first Design-Centered University” under the “Design” section.
- According to the placement-report PDF on the official site, it mentions “Lab Complex, which hosts world-class laboratories in areas such as AR/VR, digital design, illustration, sound design, photography, and video.”
- Thus, the university provides design studios, digital fabrication labs, prototyping workshops, and infrastructure aimed at design education.
- Dedicated design studios for Industrial, Fashion, Communication & UX design
- Prototyping labs, material workshops, digital fabrication & 3D printing labs
Ideal Student Fit
Best suited for students who:
- Want an intensive, studio-based design learning environment
- Seek modern infrastructure with strong creative and practical exposure
- Want careers in product, UI/UX, fashion, communication, or spatial design industries
Also read: Is a B.Des a Good Course for Career Opportunities?
Final Thoughts
Indore is steadily becoming a meaningful hub for design education, with opportunities expanding across animation, UX/UI, game design, interior, and fashion. Each institute contributes uniquely to this landscape, and the right choice ultimately depends on the kind of environment a student connects with, whether research-driven, multidisciplinary, vocational, or studio-based.
Among these, Artemisia College of Art & Design (ACAD) offers a distinct experience as a design-exclusive institution. Its emphasis on real project work and portfolio-centric learning creates space for deep creative development, while a diverse student community from across India and overseas adds cultural richness, new perspectives, and collaborative learning energy to campus life.
- Global & pan-India student community enriching creative exchange and multicultural collaboration
- Industry participation in learning through workshops, live briefs, and exposure to professional pipelines
- Active, creative culture with clubs, events, showcases, and a supportive environment that helps students grow beyond academics
If you’re exploring design education in Indore, ACAD stands out as a thoughtful option for students seeking a practice-oriented and culturally diverse learning space. Start your creative journey – Contact ACAD for 2026 admissions.
FAQs
1. Is UCEED mandatory for all design colleges in Indore?
No. UCEED is required only for IIT Indore. All other design colleges in Indore accept students through portfolios, merit, or college-level entrance tests.
2. What’s the difference between B.Des, B.Voc, and a Diploma in Design?
B.Des is a four-year professional design degree with in-depth creative and technical training. B.Voc is a skill-based vocational degree focused on job readiness. Diploma programs are shorter and focus on specific design skills, but do not carry the same academic weight as a full degree.
3. How important is a portfolio for admission?
A portfolio is very important for most private design colleges because it shows creativity and practical skills. Colleges like ACAD, Graffiti, and NIF Global strongly prefer students with a portfolio.
4. Which design specialisation has the best scope in 2026?
The highest-demand fields for 2026 are UX/UI Design, Animation & VFX, Game Design, and Interior Design due to strong growth in digital media, gaming, real estate, and product design industries.
5. Is a design entrance exam required for private colleges?
No. Private colleges generally follow portfolio reviews, personal interviews, or simple merit-based admission instead of national-level design entrance exams.