NID Graphic Design Syllabus 2026 PDF Download [Subject-Wise & Important Topics]

Summary: Planning to pursue Graphic Design at NID? Explore the complete NID Graphic Design Syllabus 2026, core subjects, semester-wise structure, software skills, and project-based learning involved in NID's B.Des and M.Des Graphic Design programs. Bonus: Career options after graduation..

What is Graphic Design at NID? And what can you expect from it?

The National Institute of Design is an autonomous educational institution of national importance that trains design aspirants and places them in high-paying design roles across various disciplines. One of them is Graphic Design.

You can take a UG (B.Des) or PG (M.Des) degree in graphic design from NID. The institute follows a multi-disciplinary approach towards design education and believes in practical training for its students with the help of professional internships, design projects, and field work.

Follow along for a glimpse of year-wise NID Graphic Design syllabus for both B.Des & M.Des, tools & software covered, placements and career opportunities ahead.

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NID campuses offering Graphic Design (B.Des & M.Des)

NID Ahmedabad, one of the oldest and most highly regarded design institute, offers both UG & PG courses in Graphic Design, while NID Bangalore and NID Gandhinagar offer PG only.

Besides, new NID campuses in Bhopal, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam offer only UG courses in graphic design.

• NID Graphic Design UG Course (B. Des in Graphic Design)- 4-year-long full-time program
• NID Graphic Design PG Course (M. Des in Graphic Design)- 2.5-year-long full-time program

If you ask which institute is best for graphic design in India, NID Ahmedabad ranks number 1.

Check: Who is a Graphic Designer? 

Overview: NID Graphic Design Syllabus & Course Structure

What subjects are taught in NID Graphic Design? Apart from core areas like design fundamentals, typography, color theory, and layout principles, the NID graphic design syllabus also includes learning necessary design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma.

The following are more details about the NID graphic design course structure and evaluation system:

1. NID Graphic Design duration: 4 years (B.Des), 2.5 years (M.Des)

2.Credit system & evaluation: (as per official NID regulations)

Based on their nature and methodology, all courses offered in a particular programme are classified into 5 broad categories (abbreviated as indicated):

1. Skill (SK)
2. Theory (TH)

iii. Studio (SD)

1. Research and Field Work (RW)
2. Design Project (DP)

The credits that courses of each category carry and the required minimum learning hours for each category is listed in the table below:

Category	Credit factor	Learning hours per week
Skill	2	30 hrs
Theory	2	30 hrs
Studio	2	30 hrs
Research and field work	2	30 hrs
Design project	4	60 hrs

Evaluation of a course is reported by a combination of:

1. a) the status of Pass/Fail
2. b) the Course Grade Point, a number between 0 and 10 specified to one decimal place.

A student is awarded a 'Pass' status in a course only if she meets the following two conditions:

- Attendance of minimum 80% unless absence is due to a valid reason such as medical condition, humanitarian emergency, or participation in exchange programs.

- Grade point of 4.0 or above in the course

3. Project-based learning approach: The NID graphic design course adopts an educational approach that focuses on imparting practical experience to students by making them collaborate on real-world projects within the professional graphic design industry.

‘Hands-on, minds-on’ approach to learning helps students learn to tackle design challenges that they might encounter in their careers and translate them into viable solutions.

4. Studio + theory + elective modules: The graphic design course at NID integrates theory, practical projects/real-world experiences, and elective courses that students can explore outside their chosen specializations. For example:

• In Studio: Students might work on a project in their digital design labs with professional software or work on model-making, prototyping, etc., in their specialized facilities equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and more.
• In Theory: As a part of the curriculum students can learn about design fundamentals, design history, techniques, etc.
• In Elective Modules: They can choose to explore topics like photography or typography other their core graphic design specialization at NID.

Check: List of NID Courses in India in 2026

Resource: Download Free PDF of NID Graphic Design Placements & Opprotunities for detailed breakdown on NID previous year placements in graphic design, insights on top recruiters & salary, plus job roles and career opportunities for graphic designers after NID. It's the only thing you need to understand the graphic design industry and current market trends.

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NID Graphic Design Syllabus – Year-Wise (B.Des)

Graphic Design Syllabus in NID- Year 1: Foundation Program

The first year is dedicated to providing fundamental knowledge about subjects like design principles, visual communication, color theory, and layout to students at NID through their Foundation Program.

It may include basic practical experience with industry-standard software such as Photoshop and Illustrator.

Also note that the foundation program is not only a part of the NID graphic design syllabus but is common across all specializations.

1. Elements & Principles of Design: Understanding line, shape, form, space, texture, visual order, and color theory.

2. Basic Drawing Skills: Object sketching, composition, shading, still life.

3. Design Thinking Basics: Introduction to empathy, observation, and user-centric problem solving.

4. Material Exploration: Clay, wire, paper, wood — understanding how materials behave.

5. History of Art and Design: Study of cultural and historical contexts as well as social and ethical factors that influence design decisions.

Outcome: A strong visual vocabulary, refined observation skills, and design sensitivity that will shape your design thinking in later years.

Also Read: How Much Time Does It Take to Learn Graphic Design?

NID Graphic Design Syllabus - Year 2: Core Graphic Design Begins

This is when you officially enter the Graphic Design specialization and start developing visual communication skills. You basically start developing processes to convert your visualizations into production with the help of getting proficient with necessary design softwares. Following subjects are included in second year graphic design syllabus NID.

1. Design Process & Thinking: Stages of design that includes empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test, developing a mindset for understanding user needs and developing solutions.

2. Introductory Graphic & Digital Design- Principles of Graphic Design like balance, contrast, hierarchy, etc. Plus, web design fundamentals and creating/manipulating images.

3. Intro to User Experience Design: How digital products can be designed to be enjoyable for users, designing easy-to-use interface, seamless flow of information, problem-solving.

4. Introduction to Design for Moving Images: A part of broader NID graphic design syllabus. Includes animation techniques and storytelling with the help of moving visual elements.

5. Typography I: Understanding type anatomy, hierarchy, legibility, and expressive lettering.

6. Visual Narratives: Learning storytelling through images, sequencing, and comics.

7. Graphic Principles: Layout design, grids, contrast, rhythm, balance, and composition.

8. Form & Space: Exploring visual form in 2D and 3D contexts for communication.

Outcome: You build visual literacy, experiment with layout, and start solving communication problems creatively.

Check: How To Do Graphic Design? 

Graphic Design Syllabus NID- Year 3: Advanced Applications

This year focuses on applying graphic design in real-world contexts and expanding your toolkit to include digital, branding, and strategic thinking.

1. Applied & Specialized Graphic Design: Design to solve a problem or serve a specific purpose.

2. User Interface Graphics: Research, Ideation, and Design of visual elements like icons, buttons, menus, and windows that allow users to interact with a digital platform as efficiently as possible.

3. Brand Communication Design: Shaping how a brand is perceived by its target audience, cohesive visual vocabulary, messaging, brand experience design, design for social media, design for marketing materials.

4. Advanced Illustration Techniques: Practicing both traditional and modern illustration techniques, gaining more proficiency in tools, creating new brushes in design software, 3D modeling and rendering, layers, etc.

5. Advertising Design: Strategic design of marketing material, visual presentation of brand identity, understanding target audience, and platform optimization.

6. Brand Identity Design: Creating logos, brand language, visual systems, and style guides.

7. Information Graphics: Presenting complex data visually through infographics and icons.

8. Packaging Design: Structure, labels, user experience, and sustainability in packaging.

9. UI/UX Basics: Interface design, wireframes, design for digital platforms.

10. Social Design: Design for NGOs, government campaigns, or social change.

11. Collaborative Projects: What projects do students work on in NID Graphic Design? NID makes its students work on both traditional and digital mediums of design, including UI/UX, packaging design, branding, and more. They are required to work in teams to solve industry-relevant briefs.

12. Portfolio Development and Interdisciplinary Elective: From the 6^th semester or last semester of the third year, NID graphic design students start focusing on refining their portfolio to showcase their course learning, design skills, and unique design style.

It involves documenting their design process, compiling their completed projects + experimental concepts + research-based projects, and creating a visually appealing presentation of the same. It can be a digital or physical portfolio.

NID Electives: NID also offers elective courses or workshops that provide students with the opportunity to engage with other design fields other than their core design specialization, like photography, product design, etc. Students are required to take 2 interdisciplinary electives in their 3rd year of graphic design graduation.

These are open to both B.Des and M.Des students of all disciplines, including graphic design.

Outcome: You apply your design knowledge to real problems, build a portfolio of diverse works, and prepare for industry expectations.

Check: What do Graphic Designers do?

NID Graphic Design Syllabus - Year 4: Graduation Project + Electives

Graduation Project:

The graduation project falls within the NID graphic design syllabus of the final semester, 8th semester in B.Des.

The conclusion of the student's academic tenure at the National Institute of Design is marked by the culmination of a substantial investigation in the field of design on a topic closely allied to their discipline of study.

The final year is all about independent learning, research, and execution of a self-thought-out, self-initiated, or industry-sponsored project.

• Choose a real-world communication problem or topic you're passionate about.
• Conduct research, user interviews, and case studies.
• Develop concepts, prototypes, and final design solutions.
• Document the process in detail.
• Build your final portfolio for graduation and placements.

Graduation Project Components of the NID graphic design syllabus:

• Problem Identification & Research
• Ideation & Design Development
• Final Solution Execution
• Report Writing & Presentation
• Portfolio Showcasing All 4 Years of Work

There's one interdisciplinary elective for students in the final year as well.

Outcome: A professionally evaluated project and portfolio that acts as your gateway to industry placements or higher studies.

Also Check: How to Become a Graphic Designer after 12th: Eligibility And Process

NID Graphic Design Masters Syllabus (M.Des)

The NID graphic design masters syllabus is targeted towards graduates with prior design/art/media background. The M.Des course trains them for leadership roles in the industry that offer much higher pay than those with only a bachelor’s degree in design.

The NID graphic design syllabus for M.Des mainly emphasizes research, critical design thinking, and understanding the impact of culture on design and building visual systems.

The students are equipped with the necessary skills to create innovative designs for publications and digital interactive channels. They deep dive into advanced studies of visual storytelling, design strategy, branding, and digital media.

Key subjects:

1. Advanced Typography: The subject builds on the basic knowledge about typography, type anatomy, readability, contrast & composition.

Students are also encouraged to push the boundaries of traditional typography and explore experimental typography that expresses the intended idea or emotion in a more meaningful and artistic way.

Other topics include:

• Font management
• Designing unique typefaces
• Type manipulation
• Developing custom typefaces for branding
• Cross-cultural Typography

2. Communication Strategy: This subject deals with the nuances of how design choices can impact communication effectiveness.

To understand how to effectively convey ideas through visual elements to a specific target audience on a given media channel, students are also taught about user research and usability testing of their designs.

They also get to have opportunities to apply all they have been taught through practical projects, workshops, etc. They go more in-depth into animation techniques and using them to tell stories through moving visuals.

3. Motion Graphics: This subject in NID graphic design syllabus deals with the movement of visual elements and characters. For example, Motion graphic techniques can be used to create moving logos/text/other elements, to capture attention, or break down complex concepts into easily digestible info for an explainer video.

It brings designs to life and improves user experience. The students not only develop necessary skills to create compelling motion graphics but also learn their diverse applications in various fields like Branding, Web Design, Film, etc.

They can further specialize in motion graphics through interdisciplinary electives. A part of the NID curriculum where students are encouraged to learn about an area of interest other than their chosen specialization.

4. Visual Semiotics: It deals with how visual graphics or elements such as signs/symbols communicate a message.

5. Design for Interaction: Interaction design for M.Des delves deeper into how users interact with visual elements, focusing on usability and user experience.

It’s an important part of the NID graphic design masters syllabus that teaches about designing visually appealing interfaces for digital platforms. It also includes:

• Information Architecture
• Prototyping/Testing
• Use Behavior Research

6. Design Ethics and Sustainability: Principles of design ethics teach aspiring designers about how their designs (website, product or campaign) can impact real people and their lives.

The factors that decide if a design is good or bad include usability, accessibility, transparency, user-centric approach, and sustainability.

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Design Tools & Editing Software Covered in NID Graphic Design Syllabus

The NID graphic design syllabus also includes essential industry-specific design tools like:

1. Adobe Creative Suite:

• Students learn Photoshop which is a basic graphic design tool used for image editing/retouching/manipulation, designing graphics, and creating digital art.
• Illustrator is another popular tool in the graphic design industry for creating vector graphics or scalable images like logos, icons, or typography.
• NID also teaches InDesign for designing print material like books, magazines, posters, flyers, etc. or interactive digital presentations/documents.
• Students can also be exposed to other tools like After effects for motion graphics and Premiere Pro for video editing, other than the above three main tools.

2. Figma / XD for Interface Design: NID uses Figma along with other tools in its curriculum to teach website and interaction design to its students.

Professionals use Figma to create, share, and test website flow. It can be used to create wireframes, make mockups, or design attractive UI, etc.

3. Motion Tools: NID trains students on traditional animation techniques like frame-to-frame drawing and modern techniques like 2D, 3D, and Stop-Motion animation with the help of digital animation tools like Adobe After Effects, Dragon Stop Motion, and TV Paint.

4. Others: Font Lab, Procreate, Blender (electives)

Projects & Assignments

1. Real-world briefs from industries
2. Social communication projects
3. Exhibition & portfolio preparation
4. Cross-disciplinary collaborative work

Check: NID Bangalore Placements

NID Graphic Design Course- Fee Structure

1. NID Graphic Design Fees- Ahmedabad

B.Des- 16 – 18 Lakhs for 4 years

M.Des- 12- 13 Lakhs for 2.5 years

2. NID Bengaluru Graphic Design Fees

M.Des: 11-12 Lakhs for 2.5 years

3. NID Gandhinagar Graphic Design Fees

M.Des: 8-12 Lakhs for 2.5 years

4. NID Bhopal Graphic Design Fees

B.Des: 12-14 lakhs for 4 years

5. NID Andhra Pradesh Graphic Design Fees

B.Des: 6-8 Lakhs for 4 years

6. NID Haryana Graphic Design Fees

B.Des: 10-12 Lakhs for 4 years

7. NID Assam Graphic Design Fees

B.Des: 9-10 Lakhs for 4 years

Know more: ​​​​​​B.Des Courses in NID Ahmedabad 

Career Opportunities After NID Graphic Design

Stats suggest that the average salary of a graphic designer is around 15 lakhs per year, depending on experience, skills, and company and can go as high as 30-50 Lakhs per year for senior-level designers.

1. Digital Marketing & Social Media: The world’s marketing is moving towards digital. Businesses & brands want to capture the attention of their consumers with striking visual promos with eye-catching graphics and video ads on various social media channels.

You can find opportunities in digital marketing agencies or with design teams of brands that actively use digital channels to reach their customers.

2. Software & E-commerce: Great online experiences mean more sales and better brand recognition.

Graphic Designers can help build visually engaging website layouts, easy-to-navigate page designs, product images, and other promotional material, all contributing to higher conversion rates.

3. UI/UX Designer: Usually, graphic designers’ work is perceived as making everything aesthetic to the eye; however, that’s not true.

Their work as UI/UX not only involves designing visually appealing elements like logos, typography, and color palettes, but also ensuring they all come together in harmony to contribute to a positive consumer journey.

4. Brand Identity Designer: Think of the biggest sneaker brands like Nike/Adidas, the biggest coffee brand like Starbucks, the biggest smartphone brand like Apple, or the biggest fashion giants like Gucci.

What makes these big names memorable worldwide is their iconic logo and consistent visual theme that communicates their brand message, values, and personality with their audience. Graphic Designers help translate the brand’s soul & spirit into tangible visual elements.

5. Visual Storyteller / Art Director: Graphic designers understand visual communication like nobody else. Instead of taking up single design tasks, they oversee all the creative aspects of the overall project strategically.

This may require them to develop creative briefs, manage budgets, or supervise a team of other creative professionals.

6. Editorial / Publication Designer: Graphic designers are also part of editorial teams where they design visual layouts of books, magazines, brochures, or other printed materials.

Their job is to work with text, images, and colors and create material that aligns with the publication and its audiences’ interests.

7. Motion Graphics Specialist: If you specialize in bringing design elements to life with animation techniques, you can find high-paying roles in filmmaking, television, advertising, and digital media.

8. Design Consultant / Entrepreneur: After gaining substantial experience in the field, instead of working in in-house jobs, you can also become a consultant yourself or start an agency that oversees design projects for several brands and businesses across industries.

Read More: Is graphic designing a good career in India?

NID Graphic Design Entrance Exam

To get admitted to the graphic design undergraduate or post-graduate programs at top NID colleges in India, you are required to apply for the NID DAT entrance exam (NID Design Aptitude Test). The exam takes place in two phases, Prelims and Mains. Here’s the NID 2026 highlights and exam pattern:

NID Exam 2026 Highlights

Particulars	NID Entrance Exam Details
Exam Name	NID Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT)
Conducting Body	NID (National Institute of Design)
Exam Frequency	Once a year
Exam Date for NID 2026	January first week (expected)
Exam Purpose	Admission to Design courses offered by top NID colleges in India and some private colleges
Courses Offered	B.Des, M.Des
Exam Application Fee	INR 3,000
Exam Duration	3 hours
Official Website	https://admissions.nid.edu

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NID Prelims Exam pattern: (B.Des & M.Des)

NID DAT 2026 Exam	B.Des	M.Des
Mode of Exam	Offline	Offline
No. of Questions	Section A: GAT: 14-26 questions (MCQ)*  Section B: CAT: 3-4 questions (Subjective)*	Section A: GAT: 15-20 questions (MCQ)* Section B: CAT: 3-5 questions (Subjective)*
No. of Sections	2 (Creative Ability Test + General Aptitude Test)	2 (Creative Ability Test + General Aptitude Test)
Total Marks	100	100
Negative Marking	No	No
Duration	3 hours	3 hours to 3.5 hours**

* No. of questions may vary every year

** Depending upon the no. of specialization, the time may vary.

NID Mains Exam pattern: (B.Des & M.Des)

• Mains is the second and final stage of the NID DAT entrance exam.
• Only those who pass the Prelims are eligible to apply for the Mains exam.
• It includes the NID Studio test and Personal Interview for the B.Des candidates and Studio Test (separate for each discipline applied for), and Portfolio + Personal Interview for M.Des candidates.

Resource to help in preparation: Creative Edge, being India's topmost Design Exam Preparation Platform, is committed to offer both online & offline support to these aspirants. Students serious about getting into NID for Graphic Design get personalized guidance, study material and mock papers to crack the exam and achieve their design career goals.

Explore: Complete NID Animation Course Syllabus

NID Graphic Design Placements

Graphic design is certainly one of the most popular courses among design aspirants that take admission to NID every year. One reason for that is great placements and opportunities NID graphic design graduates get after completing the program. 

While the salary range of a B.des graphic designer at the entry-level is around 4-5 LPA, after gaining substantial skills and experience in the field, students have reported to earn as high as 30 LPA. However, please note that salaries can vary extensively depending on the role and the employing company. The average package for NID graduates in Graphic Design can range from INR 14 LPA to INR 18 LPA. 

Big names like Myntra, Reliance, Axis Bank, Adobe, Adidas, and more are known to hire graphic designers from NID.

Also check: How to prepare for NID Studio Test?

Why is Graphic Design One of the Most Competitive and In-Demand Disciplines?

Graphic Design is one of the most in-demand design disciplines in today’s world that talks in visuals. The increasing importance of e-commerce, digital advertising, and branding has led to a growing requirement for skilled graphic designers.

Other factors that contributed to graphic design becoming a more and more attractive career option are: e-commerce boom, increasing startup culture, and a surge in content-centric marketing practices.

Product labels, logos, that stunning Instagram page, or that impressive ad you still remember vividly, Graphic designers are behind them all.

They fulfill essential roles in the advertising domain, the entertainment industry, as UI/UX designers, packaging designers, art directors, and more. As per stats, the global graphic design market size is valued at around $60 billion.

But having said that, is graphic design right for you? 

Its simple really. Want to be able to create beautiful logos, engaging websites, attractive product packaging and striking branding material, graphic design is for you.

If you are someone who gets excited about creativity, visual arts and technology, you can make a bright career in the field of graphic designing. It is all about being able to create visually appealing content for a variety of print and digital mediums and demands a strong grasp on creativity, sense of aesthetics and design principles.

Check: Which Colleges Offer Graphic Design?

Conclusion

The NID Graphic Design syllabus is thoughtfully structured to take students from foundational design principles to advanced applications of graphic design in branding, information design, UX, and social communication.

With a balance of theory, hands-on studio work, and real-world projects, it ensures that students develop not only strong visual storytelling skills but also critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Whether you’re planning to apply for the B.Des or M.Des program in graphic design at NID, having a clear understanding of the NID Graphic Design syllabus can give you a head start in your preparation.

From daily sketching habits to software skills and portfolio development, knowing what lies ahead helps you align your learning journey with the expectations of one of India’s top design institutes.

Also Check: NID Exam Syllabus 2026