7 Product Design Colleges To Consider in India in 2027

The world is hungry for innovative products. Today’s consumers want more than basic functionality; they are drawn to intuitive, beautifully designed products that seamlessly fit into their daily routines. This is exactly where the role of product design comes in, combining design and business strategy to solve user problems and support the company’s broader goals.

A product design course in India is your gateway to a successful career in this dynamic field. However, while there is no shortage of design institutes, the truly exceptional ones stand out through robust infrastructure, highly qualified faculty, industry-relevant curricula, and strong placement prospects.

Whether you are drawn to the legacy NID or the innovative, immersive studio environment of UDIT (formerly IIAD), finding the right fit is the first step in your design journey. To help you navigate your options, here is a comprehensive guide to the 7 product design colleges in India to consider for the 2027 admissions cycle.

Table of contents:

• Quick Overview
• How we chose these seven colleges
• National Institute of Design (NID)
• University of Design, Innovation and Technology (Formerly IIAD)
• MIT Art, Design & Technology (MIT ADT) University
• Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology
• Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID), Karnavati University
• ARCH College of Design and Business
• World University of Design
• How to Choose Among These Product Design Colleges
• FAQs About Product Design Courses and Colleges

Quick Overview

At a glance: the seven colleges below, with their 2027 entrance exam and indicative annual fee.

How we chose these seven colleges

We built this list using each college’s official sources, including admissions pages, fee structures and programme details, and cross-checked key information against publicly available sources where appropriate. We considered factors that matter to product design aspirants in India, including programme relevance, recognition and accreditation, curriculum, faculty and studio or lab infrastructure, industry exposure, placements, admission requirements and fees. This guide is published by UDIT and includes UDIT’s own product design programme. We have disclosed this openly so readers can evaluate the information in context. We did not rank these institutions; we selected seven colleges based on their relevance to product design education and the factors outlined above.

1. National Institute of Design (NID)

National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, is among the highly sought-after institutions, with branches in Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, Jorhat, Bhopal, Vijayawada and Kurukshetra. It is recognised as the ‘Institute of National Importance’ by the Indian Parliament.

Quick Facts

Established: 1961

Location: Paldi, Ahmedabad

Notable Alumni: Anuj Sharma and others

Courses Offered

NID, Ahmedabad, offers one of the coveted product design courses after Class 12th and a Master in Product Design for graduates.

Admission Process

For the 2027 cycle, applications are expected to open around September 2026 and close in early December 2026. The NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Prelims are expected in the third week of December 2026, followed by DAT Mains (studio test and interview) around April to May 2027, then seat allotment and the provisional offer letter.

Placements

The quality of education at NID Ahmedabad equips students to launch their careers at leading product design firms. Top recruiters include software giants like Microsoft India and SAP Labs India, technology firms such as Nokia Research India, and automotive companies, including Tata Motors.

NID Snapshot

2. University of Design, Innovation and Technology (Formerly IIAD)

UDIT, the University of Design, Innovation and Technology (formerly the Indian Institute of Art and Design, IIAD), is a progressive, award-winning design school now based in Sector 68, Gurugram, in the Delhi-NCR region. It is known for its innovative, hands-on approach to design education. Through a project-based curriculum and immersive studio environment, UDIT emphasises practical learning and real-world experience, often collaborating with both prominent brands and traditional artisans.

Quick facts

Established: 2015

Location: Sector 68, Gurugram, Haryana

Notable Alumni: Anas Shaikh, Aakriti Jain, Komal Bhargava and Seher Krishna, among others.

Courses Offered

UDIT offers a four-year undergraduate programme in Product Design.

Admission Process

Applications typically open from August. UDIT runs its own design aptitude test – U-DAT and a personal interview on a rolling basis, followed by the provisional offer letter. You need at least 50 percent in Class 12.

UDIT Snapshot

Disclosure: UDIT is our own school. We have listed it here openly, so please weigh it on the same factors as every other college.

Placements

Product design placement data will follow once this batch graduates. As a guide to the kind of outcomes UDIT design graduates see, its established B.Des Fashion Design programme placed graduates from its 2026 batch at recruiters including Pantaloons, boAt, Mars Cosmetics, Kingsman India and CP Kukreja, with a median starting salary of around Rs 6 lakh a year and a highest package of Rs 9 lakh.

3. MIT Art, Design & Technology (MIT ADT) University

MIT Art, Design & Technology (ADT) University is an autonomous private university that is part of the MIT Group of Institutions. It aims to deliver world-class, value-based education while ensuring the holistic development of students.

Quick facts

Established: 2016

Location: Rajbaug Loni Kalbhor, Pune

Notable Alumni: Girish A. Wagh, Manoj Patil, Rahul Mehendale, among others

Courses Offered

MIT ADT University, Pune, offers a 4-year Bachelor of Design (B.Des) course and a two-year Master of Design (MDes) with a specialisation in Product Design.

Admission Process

The MIT Design Aptitude Test (MITID DAT) is usually held in April, followed by a studio test and personal interview in May and a final merit list. Applications generally open the previous October.

Placements

MIT- ADT University has a robust Central Corporate Relations, Training and Placement Cell (CN CRTP) that bridges the institution and the industry ecosystem. Some of its past recruiters include technology companies such as Microsoft, IBM, and Infosys, lifestyle brands such as Loreal, and automobile brands such as TVS, Rolls-Royce and Mercedes Benz.

MIT – ADT University Snapshot

4. Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology

Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology is part of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) branch campus in Bengaluru. MAHE is recognised as the Institute of Eminence by the Government of India, which provides the institute with a world-class infrastructure and access to global opportunities via the university’s networks.

Quick facts

Established:1996

Location: Yelahanka, Bengaluru

Notable Alumni:Jasmeen Patheja, Shilo Shiv Suleman, among others

Courses Offered

The institute offers various programs in product design to cater to the objectives, budgets, and time bandwidths of students.

Admission Process

The Srishti Manipal entrance test (SMEAT) is usually held in phases, around April and May, followed by fee payment.

Placements

Though the institute does not have a placement cell, it does offer some job recommendations to students via its strong industry connection.

5. Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID), Karnavati University

Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID), Karnavati University aims to provide high-quality design education aligned with the evolving landscape. Their focus is on fostering innovation-led design practices, equipping students with the skills and mindset to meet the requirements of the dynamic design industry.

Quick facts

Established: 2012

Location: Uvarsad, Gandhinagar

Notable Alumni: Jay Chauhan, Aayushi Agarwal

Courses Offered

The institute offers an intensive B Des (Hons) in product design and an M Des with a specialisation in Industrial Design.

Admission Process

The UID Design Aptitude Test (UID-DAT) is usually conducted between late March and early April, followed by fee payment.

Placements

UID – Karnavati University has instituted a Corporate Resource Centre, which helps students kickstart their careers after completing their courses. It allows them to interact and engage with industry professionals during the placement drives, which helps them build a vibrant network. Some of the past recruiters include automobile companies such as Tata Motors, lifestyle brands such as Wrangler and Arvind Fashions and luxury brands such as Tarun Tahiliani and Steve Madden.

UID, Karnavati University Snapshot

6. ARCH College of Design and Business

ARCH College of Design and Business was established under the aegis of the ARCH Educational Society and aims to transform the quality of design education worldwide.

Quick facts

Established: 2000

Location: Malviya Nagar, Jaipur

Notable Alumni: Ashish Mangwani, Vipin Sharma and others

Courses Offered

ARCH College of Design and Business offers various courses in Product Design, integrating disciplines such as human factors, product aesthetics, form studies, studio skills, CAD, and user research to develop products focusing on user-centricity, processes, and sustainability.

Admission Process

The AIEED (All India Entrance Exam for Design) is held in stages, with the aptitude test around December and the on-campus Situation Test and Group Discussion around April, followed by fee payment and admission formalities.

Placements

Beyond academics, ARCH College of Design and Business offers mentorship, networking and support to start their careers in design through Campus to Company Initiative or even start their own ventures via Arch Design Business Incubator. Some of the past recruiters include Livspace, luxury brands such as Anita Dongre and Manish Mehrotra and lifestyle brands such as Benetton and Vero Moda.

ARCH College of Design and Business Snapshot

7. World University of Design

The World University of Design is India’s first and only university dedicated to design. It emphasises cutting-edge, transdisciplinary programs in the creative domains of Fashion, Design, Communication, Art, Architecture, Media, Management, and Humanities.

Quick facts

Established: 2018

Location: Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonepat

Courses Offered

The World University of Design offers B. Des and M.Des programs, which equip learners with technical skills through hands-on, practical work, presentation and pitching skills, and knowledge of the product design process.

Admission Process

The WUD Aptitude Test (WUDAT) is usually held around April, followed by a campus interview and the offer of admission.

Placements

World University of Design prepares students for the job market by offering graduation projects and placements. Past recruiters include Amazon, Ogilvy, and Reliance Brands.

The World University of Design Snapshot

How to Choose Among These Product Design Colleges

There is no single product design college that is the right fit for every student. Your choice should depend on factors such as the type of programme you want to pursue, your budget, preferred location, admission requirements and the kind of learning environment you are looking for.

Before applying, compare the colleges on the following factors:

• Programme and curriculum: Look at the subjects, specialisations, studio projects and practical learning opportunities offered as part of the programme. A college’s overall reputation is useful, but the actual product design curriculum should be the deciding factor.
• Studio and practical exposure: Product design involves making, testing and refining ideas. Compare the studio, workshop and lab facilities available to students, along with opportunities for hands-on projects.
• Industry exposure: Check whether the programme provides opportunities to work on live projects, collaborate with industry professionals, undertake internships or gain exposure to real-world design problems.
• Fees and overall cost: Compare annual tuition fees as well as the broader cost of studying, including accommodation, living expenses and other programme-related costs.
• Admission process: Check the entrance examination, eligibility requirements, portfolio expectations, interview or studio-test requirements and application timeline for each institution.
• Career and placement support: Look beyond placement percentages. Where available, consider the types of recruiters, roles offered, salary information and career support provided by the institution.
• Location and learning environment: Consider whether you prefer studying in a particular city and whether the campus environment, facilities and surrounding design ecosystem align with your goals.

Ultimately, the right choice is the college whose curriculum, learning environment, cost and career opportunities best match your priorities. Use the information in this guide as a starting point, and verify the latest fees, admission dates and programme details with the respective institution before applying.

FAQs About Product Design Courses and Colleges

1. Explain product design.

Product design is the process of ideating, creating and iterating products to solve users’ specific problems or address particular market requirements. Understanding the requirements of the end user is the key to a successful product design. A product designer is responsible for the design process of the product from concept to completion. They work with cross-functional teams of engineers, product managers and researchers to create products that meet user needs, maximise their experience and achieve business goals. Various types of product design include user experience design, engineering design, and system design, among others. Examples of notable product designs include Fitbit and Apple.

2. What is the importance of good product design?

The impact of design in everyday life is prominent. It can be felt through even simple designs like that of a kitchen knife and a door handle. Good product design enhances user experience and boosts sales. It also attracts more customers by differentiating the product from the competition, positively impacting the firm’s reputation.

3. How to become a product designer?

A bachelor’s degree in industrial or product design from top product design colleges in India is the gateway to a career. The basic eligibility criteria typically includes 10+2 with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks. Most colleges require aspirants to take an entrance test to gain admission. Creating a good portfolio for the design entrance exam is a must.

4. Who are the famous product designers in India?

Dilip Chhabria, Parul & Mooshir Vahanvati, Anjali Rana and Ishrat Sahgal are some of the famous product designers in India. Other unconventional designers who are excelling in the discipline of product design are Ashiesh Shah, Paul Sandip

5. What are the skills required in a product designer?

A product designer must possess a diverse skill set to fulfil his responsibilities. To understand how to design a product, they should have strong research skills to understand the market. They should be adept in prototyping, from working on product design sketches to developing a working model of the product. Other skills such as project management, user experience design, problem-solving and collaboration come in handy for a product designer. They must be updated on the latest trends in product design by reading books for design inspiration and attending industry events.

6. What is the salary of a product designer?

The starting salary of a product designer is around Rs 3-4 lakh per annum. As of 2026, freshers earn roughly Rs 3 to 5 lakh a year, the average is around Rs 9 lakh, mid-level designers earn about Rs 8 to 18 lakh, and senior designers can earn Rs 18 to 27 lakh, depending on experience, city and company.

7. Is product design a good career in India?

A career in product design provides aspirants with an opportunity to influence how consumers interact with various products and services. It is a promising career for students with a knack for creativity, attention to detail and passion for innovation. A focus on customer experience and stiff competition fuels a high demand for product designers in India.

8. Will AI replace product design?

No, AI cannot replace product design. While AI can perform tasks such as data analysis and photorealistic rendering, it cannot understand emotions and create a human-centric design with empathy and creative insight. However, AI-powered product design tools can enhance the efficiency of professionals by handling certain tasks, such as iterative improvements and early-stage styling. This will enable designers to focus on their core design process.

About the Author

Ashita Kulshreshtha is a brand communications professional and writer who contributes researched guides to UDIT’s blog (formerly IIAD’s The Circle). She holds a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi, and a degree in History (Hons) from Lady Sri Ram College for Women, Delhi. Over more than a decade she has led communications for organisations including inDrive, Smartworks, the Language and Learning Foundation and Hero Vired, and her work has been recognised with the Agency Reporter 40 Under 40 (2022) and the Adgully Women Disruptors Award (2023). She writes to help design aspirants make clear, well-informed choices about courses, colleges and careers.