M.Des full form is Master of Design is a two-year postgraduate program designed to equip students with different orientations around creativity, innovation, and problem-solving through design. M.Des has grown to be a highly desired choice by students engaged with design, technology, and user experiences in product design, UI/UX, communication design, or branding.
Candidates require study in design or a related field including architecture, engineering, fine arts, etc. M.Des is an education to provide students with solid portfolios from design studies. This prepares students for employment in design studios, tech firms, or emerging organizations inclined toward user-focused thinking.
In India, the M.Des programs on average charge between INR 1.5 to 7 lakhs, depending on the institution. If you are looking to study the M.Des program, a list of ideal institutions could include NID, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, Srishti Manipal, and MIT Institute of Design.
Careers after completing M.Des prepare students for roles like UI/UX Designer, Product Designer, or Visual Communication roles. Average salaries range between INR 600,000 to 1,500,000 after completing the M.des program, based on experience and role.
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M.Des Highlights
Listed below are the main features of the M.Des program in India:
What is M.Des?
M.Des is a fully realized postgraduate degree in design focused on human-centered and research-based thinking in design. It brings together design artistry, the relationship of artist with user/researcher, formal art, and technical tools used in industries from the fields of communication design, industrial design, transportation design and digital design experiences with an emphasis on innovation.
Why Study M.Des?
A M.Des equips students with the ability to turn creative ideas into real world solutions, suitable for the multitude of industries that exist. M.Des will prepare students to lead design thinking and build a strategy to articulate a meaningful user experience that moves from creativity to functional product and service design.
- Creative Empowerment: Perspectives on opening up opportunities for innovation through exploring across disciplines.
- Industry Growth: Opportunities in UI/UX, product design and service design are increasing as a result of systems in technology, retail, and healthcare.
- Research and Strategy: Modes of preparing graduates with the tools to engage with the audience through user focused research and business aspects of design.
- Wide-ranging applications: Potential to be applied to diverse series of industries including digital design, manufacturing, branding, mobility and more.
Who should study M.Des?
Master of Design is suited for creative thinkers, problem solvers, and individuals with a good awareness of aesthetics and usability. This program will suit:
- Graduates of design, architecture, fine arts and engineering programs
- Practice professionals moving to a design leadership role
- Artists or creatives looking for a structure and a real-world experience
- Those with an interest in human-centered storytelling and innovation
M.Des Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, it is important to understand eligibility. This section will outline academic qualifications and related eligibility requirements.
- Academic Qualification: A Bachelor’s degree in Design, Architecture, Fine Arts, Engineering or an equivalent course of study
- Minimum Marks: Typically 50% – 60% (varies by institution)
- Entrance Exams: CEED is widely accepted, and some institutions have entrance exams
- Portfolio requirement: Most programs will require a design portfolio and/or Statement of Purpose (SOP)
M.Des Entrance Exams 2025
M.Des programs are very competitive in nature and typically through some entrance exam leading to an interview and portfolio review.
M.Des Top Colleges in India
The review of quality colleges that offer M.Des and their overall quality, geographical location, and admission procedures is included into this section.
M.Des Admission Process 2025
This understanding of the admission process helps with the idea of how to prepare and apply for the program. Provided below is the Master of Design Admission Process for the Jain University.
Step 1: The minimum qualification required to apply for the JAIN Entrance Test (JET) is a passing grade in 10+2 examination (Science / Commerce / Arts) from recognized boards such as PUC / ISC / CBSE or any other equivantally deemed boards or an identifiable course by the University as equivalent.
Step 2: The applicant is to appear and pass the JAIN Entrance Test (JET). The JET consists of the below criteria represented in the individual assessment.
Written Test, Group Discussion, Personal Interview
<No Requests for the change of the dates for the JAIN Entrance Test will be accepted>
Step 3: Online Application: The applicant is to pay the Non- Refundable Application Fee for a suggested program in the online payment gateway Mode of payment with Credit Card / Debit Card (Credit/Debit Card Payment) or Net Banking facility.
Required Documents:
- 10th + 12th Standard Mark Sheets
- Graduation mark sheets and certificates
- CEED scorecard (if applicable)
- Identity proof
- Passport-size photographs
- Design portfolio and Statement of Purpose (if required)
M.Des Syllabus
This section summarizes the standard structure and content from the M.Des program of IDC School of Design.
List of Electives to Choose from:
M.Des Job Opportunities in India
This section illustrates the career roles and types of employers who hire M.Des personnel in various industries.
M.Des graduates have access to a broad range of possible roles across technology, manufacturing, media, automotive, and e-commerce industries. Due to the fact that user experience has become one of the core focus areas for both physical and digital products, the demand for appropriately skilled designers will continue to increase.
M.Des FAQs
Is M.Des only for students with a design background?
No. Students with an architecture background, engineering background, fine arts background, and IT Background are also eligible as long as they satisfy the eligibility and entrance requirements.
What is CEED and why is it significant?
CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) is a national-level exam coordinated by IIT Bombay and constitutes an entrance exam that is widely accepted to get into M.Des programs in India.
Do all M.Des colleges require a portfolio?
Yes, the majority of the Colleges require a portfolio of previous work. This will help them gauge your creative and technical skills.
Can I pursue a Ph.D. after M.Des?
Yes. Many colleges offer Ph.D. programs in design or related disciplines for M.Des graduates.
What is the scope of M.Des abroad?
M.Des is a globally recognized qualification. Graduates of the M.Des go on to work or study in multiple thriving design hubs in Europe, the USA, and Australia.
Which specialization should I choose in M.Des?
It depends on what you want to focus on. Areas of specialization available are Product Design, UI/UX, Transportation Design, Interaction Design, and Strategic Design Management.
