MBA Design Management: Fees, Syllabus, Eligibility, and Admission Process

• Updated on  Jul 14, 2025, by Pallavi Dubey

The MBA in Design Management is a two year postgraduate program that combines business strategy with creative leadership. The course is designed to develop skills in innovation, brand strategy, design thinking and project management. It prepares students to lead creative teams, manage and design-operated projects and integrate user-centric solutions in business development. The program is ideal for students looking to bridge the gap between design and management in industries such as fashion, media, technology and product development.

 

Eligibility usually requires designs, engineering, architecture, management, or bachelor's degree in the field related to at least 50% marks. Some institutes may require scores from the entrance examination such as CAT, CMAT, CEED or institute-level tests. The selection process may also include group discussions and personal interviews.

 

The curriculum includes subjects such as Business Research, Systems Thinking, Xperiential Design, Branding, and many more. Students are exposed to real world design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or prototyping software. The average fee based on the institution is between INR 7,56,000 - INR 12,10,000.

 

Graduates can play roles such as Brand Manager, Graphic Designer, Brand Executive, Associate Product Manager, Creative and Design Manager. The major recruiting organization includes design consultations, tech firms, fashion houses, branding agencies and companies such as Tech Mahindra, Godrej Industries Group, Accenture, Hindustan Unilever, Amazon, Deloitte. Salary packages usually range from INR 2,00,000 to INR 41,00,000 per year, according to experience and knowledge. Students can also choose for entrepreneurial undertakings or pursue further expertise in design innovation or global business strategy

 

Table of Contents

  1. MBA Design Management Highlights
  2. What is MBA Design Management?
  3. Why Study MBA Design Management?
  4. MBA Design Management Eligibility Criteria
  5. MBA Design Management Entrance Exams
  6. MBA Design Management Colleges in India
  7. Here is the list of some of the colleges in India that are offering the MBA in Design Management
  8. MBA Design Management Admission Process
  9. MBA Design Management Syllabus
  10. Business Thinking
  11. Business Research
  12. Design Project 1 - Social Innovation
  13. Branding
  14. Skill - Al Design
  15. Skill - Info Visualization
  16. Internship
  17. Critical Thinking
  18. Xperiential Design
  19. Design Project 3 - Business
  20. Creative Entrepreneurship
  21. Skill - Interface Design
  22. MBA Design Management Jobs & Salary in India
  23. MBA Design Management Vs MBA
  24. MBA Design Management FAQs

 

MBA Design Management Highlights

Given below are some of the basic highlights for the MBA in Design Managementcourse:

Details

Particulars

Course Name

Master of Business Administration in Design Management

Course Level

Postgraduate

Duration

2 years/4 semesters

Course Type

Full-Time

Admission Process

Entrance Based

Eligibility Criteria

bachelor's degree in the field related to at least 50% marks

Course Fees (Average)

INR 7,56,000 - INR 12,10,000

Colleges

ATLAS Skilltech University, World University of Design, MIT-WPU

Job Profile

Brand Manager, Graphic Designer, Brand Executive, Associate Product Manager, Creative and Design Manager

Recruiters

Tech Mahindra, Godrej Industries Group, Accenture, Hindustan Unilever, Amazon, Deloitte

Average Salary in India

INR 2,00,000 - 41,00,000

 

What is MBA Design Management?

MBA in design management specialize in a combination of creative innovation with strategic business leadership. The course focuses on design, thinking, brand strategy, user experience and managing creative processes within a business structure. It combines elements of marketing, management and entrepreneurship to prepare students for leadership roles in creative industries. After graduation, they can work in design counseling, branding agencies, tech firms, fashion houses, or launching their own unique franchise.

 

Why Study MBA Design Management?

Related points, why study a Master of Business Administration in Design Management are:

  • Technology and innovation: The course often includes exposure to digital tools such as Adobe Suits, Figma and Innovation Platforms. Students also explore trends like AI, sustainability, and smart design. This technology-related training prepares the students for tomorrow's creative economy.
  • Creates a strong professional network: Students collaborate with creative strategists and industry leaders during projects and internships. Networking events, industry mentors, and live projects increase the exposure. These connections can lead to a job proposal or business partnership.
  • Design enhances thinking skills: The program strengthens design thinking, an approach focused on user-centered innovation. Through the problem framing, prototyping and testing, students learn to deal with the complex challenges with creativity. This mindset is in high demand in industries.
  • Diverse career opportunities: Graduates can explore roles in brand management, UX design leadership, product innovation, fashion marketing, or design counseling. Skills are adaptable to industries. This design ensures a flexible and rewarding career path to the design-love business brain.

 

MBA Design Management Eligibility Criteria

A few requirements must be met to be eligible for MBA in Design Management courses, as admission is usually difficult without them. The minimum eligibility that is required for enrolling in a Master of Business Administration in Design Management are as follows:

  • The student should have a bachelor's degree in any stream in a minimum of 50% from a recognized college or university.
  • Some colleges can conduct their own entrance exams or they can accept the score of state and national level entrance exam scores, followed by group discussions and personal interviews.
  • There are no criteria regarding age limit, the study is beyond age.
  • Some colleges may require work experience before admission. It may be different and completely depends on the college.
  • Students who meet the above criteria are eligible to take admission in the MBA design management course, the student may also have to check with the official website of the college so that they can learn more about the exact eligibility criteria.

Depending on the college of choice, the above mentioned eligibility requirements may be different.

 

MBA Design Management Entrance Exams

Admission to Master of Business Administration in Design Management is usually based on the marks obtained in the entrance exams. Some institutes also conduct their own entrance exam and personal interview as an admission process or some institutes consider the national level or state level entrance exams to pursue MBA in Design Management. Examination for getting admission in the Master of Business Administration in Design Management, has been given below:

Exam Name

Application Date

Exam Date

Application Fee

CAT

Last week of July, 2025 (tentative)

30th November, 2025 (tentative)

INR 1250 - Reserved Category

 

INR 2500 - Unreserved Category

CMAT

November 2025 (tentative)

January 2026 (tentative)

INR 2500 - General Boys

 

INR 1250 - General GirlsINR 1250 - EWS/OBC-NCL, SC/ST/PwD, Transgender

CEED

October 2025 (tentative)

January 2026 (tentative)

INR 4000INR 2000 - Women and SC/ST/PwD

 

MBA Design Management Colleges in India

 

Here is the list of some of the colleges in India that are offering the MBA in Design Management

College Name

Location

Fees (Approx.)

ATLAS Skilltech University

Mumbai, Maharashtra

INR 11,00,000

World University of Design

Sonepat, Haryana

INR 7,56,000

MIT-WPU

Pune, Maharashtra

INR 12,10,000

 

MBA Design Management Admission Process

All universities provide a very similar admission process for almost MBA in Design Management. Following is the admission process in World University of Design for this program:

 

Step 1. Fill the admission form: Students will need to send full application forms available on the website along with the application fee.

 

Step 2. Appear for the Aptitude exam: Students are required to appear the Aptitude Test with the admit card provided online. Students will be shortlisted based on their performance and the list of students qualifying to the next phase will be declared online.

 

Step 3. Campus interview: The student will appear in an individual interview organized by a panel. The questions will be asked by the interview panel about the student's chosen field of study. Creative evidence (portfolio, drawings, photographs, crafts etc.) in hard copy may also be showcased.

 

Step 4. Admission offering: Qualified candidates will be offered admission to join WUD. The proposal will be sent via an email. Date, time and site will be included in the admission letter for the payment of fees, allocation of hostels and academic fees at the time of admission. The proposal for admission will be valid for the special program selected by the candidate in the given academic session only. Although the request for the change of the program can be considered after the first semester, subject to the availability of seats.

 

Each college may have a separate admission process for the course.

 

MBA Design Management Syllabus

Students pursuing MBA in design management learn to merge creative thinking with strategic business practices. The curriculum includes design thinking, brand strategy, innovation management and user-centered designs. It helps students with the skills of leading in innovation, leading project management and problem solving to run innovation in industries such as fashion, product design, digital media and branding. The topics covered in ATLAS Skilltech University for Master of Business Administration in Design Management, are shown in the table below.

Semester I

Semester II

 

Business Thinking

Systems Thinking

 

Business Research

User Research

 

Design Project 1 - Social Innovation

Design Project 2 - Service/Life-Cycle

 

Branding

Strategic Management

 

Skill - Al Design

Skill - Video Making

 

Skill - Info Visualization

Skill - Marketing

 

Internship

-

Semester III

Semester IV

 

Critical Thinking

Capstone/Research

 

Xperiential Design

-

 

Design Project 3 - Business

-

 

Creative Entrepreneurship

-

 

Skill - Interface Design

-

 

MBA Design Management Jobs & Salary in India

With a Master of Business Administration in Design Management, individuals can build a career that mixes creativity with strategic business leadership to run the industries with innovative ideas. Graduates can work in leadership roles within brand strategists, design advisors, creative directors, innovation managers, or products, fashion, technology or media companies. Additionally, education opens doors worldwide in fields where design plays an important role in determining consumer appearance and competitive advantage. The different job profiles are after MBA in Design Management are as follows:

Job Profile

Experience

Top Recruiters

Average Salary (INR)

Brand Manager

3 - 6 years

Godrej Industries Group

INR 21,00,000 - 41,00,000

Graphic Designer

1 - 9 years

Accenture

INR 2,00,000 - 10,00,000

Brand Executive

1 - 7 years

Hindustan Unilever

INR 8,00,000 - 14,00,000

Associate Product Manager

0 - 6 years

Amazon

INR 7,00,000 - 13,00,000

Creative and Design Manager

11 - 13 years

Deloitte

INR 19,00,000 - 27,00,000

 

MBA Design Management Vs MBA

MBA Design Management is suitable for individuals who aspire to take on leadership positions, bridging business and creativity, majoring in innovation and design-driven strategy. General MBA provides general management skills, career flexibility, and shapes people to be leaders of many industries.

Aspect

MBA Design Management

General MBA

Focus

Integrates design thinking, creativity, and innovation with business strategy and management

Broad business education: finance, marketing, HR, strategy, operations

Curriculum

Courses in design strategy, user experience, innovation, project management, creative leadership

Courses in accounting, marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, decision-making, negotiation

Skillset Developed

Creative problem-solving, user-centric approach, design-led business solutions, project leadership

General management, analytical thinking, leadership, business development

Career Paths

Design manager, innovation lead, creative director, product manager, brand strategist

Consultant, finance manager, operations manager, business development manager, entrepreneur

Industry Fit

Design agencies, creative industries, product development, branding, innovation-driven organizations

Wide range: finance, consulting, tech, healthcare, manufacturing, entrepreneurship

Employer Demand

Growing in sectors valuing creativity and innovation

Consistently high across traditional business sectors

Networking

Networks with creative professionals and design leaders

Broad alumni network across industries and functions

 

MBA Design Management FAQs

What is an MBA in design management?

An MBA in design management is a postgraduate program that integrates creative strategy with design thinking, innovation and core business and management principles. It trains students to lead design-operated initiatives in industries such as fashion, products, UX/UI, branding and media.

Is a design background required for this MBA?

A design background is not always required for this MBA. Many programs accept students from business, engineering, or liberal arts. What matters is showing creative thinking or interest in design-related fields. This allows diverse candidates to join. Each program may have its own criteria.

How is an MBA different from a regular MBA in design management?

A regular MBA focuses on core business areas like Finance, HR, and Operations. In contrast, an MBA in Design Management adds skills in creative leadership, design strategy, and innovation. It emphasizes a user-centered approach to business. This makes it unique and specialized. It combines design with traditional management.

How does design management affect the performance of the business?

Design management helps align creative strategies with business goals. It improves customer experience, innovation, and brand value. By bridging design and management, it ensures products fit the market better. This leads to stronger commercial success. Overall, it boosts business performance through creativity.

Which software tools or platforms are taught during the course?

Students can be trained in theAdobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma, Rhino, AutoCAD, Miro, and project management tools like Trello, Jira, or Asana, depending on the focus area and different colleges follow different course curriculum.

Which skills are the most important for success in this course?

It is important to understand creative thinking, communication, leadership, problem-solution, and deeper understanding of user behavior and market trends. A collaborative mentality and curiosity about business and design integration are equally important.

Exam Accepting

Online|
UG|
National Testing Agency (NTA|
Engineering
ExamApr 2, 2025 - Apr 9, 2025
ResultApr 18, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
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PG|
IITs and IISc|
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ExamFeb 1, 2025
ResultMar 19, 2025
Online|
PG|
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)|
Business & Management Studies
ExamNov 30, 2025
ResultDec 19, 2025
ONLINE|
UG|
National Testing Agency (NTA)|
Engineering
ExamMay 18, 2025
ResultJun 2, 2025
Online|
UG|
Birla Institute of Technology and Science|
Engineering
ExamMay 26, 2025 - May 30, 2025
ResultJun 30, 2025
Online|
PG|
Xavier Labour Relations Institute|
Business & Management Studies
ExamJan 5, 2025
ResultJan 17, 2025
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PG|
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies|
Business & Management Studies
ExamNov 5, 2025 - Dec 23, 2025
ResultNov 5, 2025 - Dec 24, 2025
Computer-based test|
PG|
National Board of Examinations|
Medicine and Health Sciences
ExamJun 15, 2025
ResultDec 12, 2024
Online|
UG|
National Testing Agency|
Design
ExamFeb 9, 2025
Result
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UG|
National Testing Agency (NTA)|
Science
ExamMay 10, 2025 - May 16, 2025
ResultJul 15, 2025

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