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Interior Design Course Guide
Among the inflation of many industries, we see in recent times the rising investment in real estate is hard to miss. Consequently, we are also noticing the rising demand for professionals who excel in interior space management, art, and design. Students are now looking for lucrative and creative opportunities in the field of interior designing, hereby rendering interior designing courses very popular among youngsters today.
Interior designing is the study of decorating and managing different spaces using colours, textures, and furnishings. The goal of interior design is to make any given space attractive while increasing its efficiency at the same time. The digital revolution has enhanced its effectiveness as a field, as studying software and 3D visualizations have become a key part of the process. Youngsters are now venturing into this career path as it holds a promise of creativity, sustainable efficiency, and a tryst with technology.
Course Introduction
The study of buildings and structures have been around for quite some time but the attention it's getting is relatively new. With the design industry in India expanding rapidly, there is an increasing demand for designing professionals across various disciplines. Be it graphic, communication, industrial, or real estate; the scope for growth for designers is undeniably significant.
Interior decoration courses and interior architecture courses train students on the use of space, colours, and structure. Here, students are taught how to make the best use of available space, and the art of furnishing and decorating properties. Interior design courses also keep updated on the newest design trends and interior decoration elements.
Interior Designing Courses Details
If you are considering a career in architecture and design, you'll probably be looking up information about interior designing courses. A career in interior design can be pursued at different course levels — like at a Graduate or postgraduate level, or through a Diploma or PG Diploma.
There is a range of popular course options to choose from while considering the interior designing course details. Through these courses, individuals are trained to work with clients and businesses in helping effectively plan and furnish inside spaces. Among the many courses available for interior designing in India, the most popular ones are BA in Interior Design, MA in Interior Design, Diploma in Interior Design, and BDes in Interior Design to name a few.
Scope of Interior Design
The scope of interior designing in India is tremendous — areas of employment include designing for corporate offices, architectural firms, hotels, freelance practice, furniture companies, and even in the development of furnishing and interior elements and construction firms. The main responsibility of an interior designer is to make any given space attractive while making maximum use of space and utility.
There are several career opportunities for those who have done courses in interior designing. A few job profiles include working as furniture designers, exhibition designers, architects, product designers, textile designers, and stylists. Explore the full range of career paths in interior design to understand which specialisation suits you best.
While most courses take care of the technical aspects of the discipline, there are a few prerequisite skills that anyone interested in interior designing is expected to have. Good communication skills, excellent spatial recognition, drawing and sketching, and interest in textures and colours are useful to have if you're looking for a career in interior design.
Interior Design Course Eligibility Criteria
Interior design course requirements come in an inclusive structure. A person can pursue this course either through a Diploma or certificate courses after completing 10th grade or can opt for undergraduate degrees (Bachelor) like BA, BDes, BFA, or BSc. A Master's degree like MA, MSc. or MBA in Interior design would need one to have completed their UG in relevant subjects.
Most interior design courses accept candidates who have completed 12th Grade from a recognized board. Read in detail about the interior design course eligibility criteria.
Interior Design Qualifications
Every interior design course qualification depends upon the nature of the course, as each level has different requirements.
- Diploma in Interior Design — Candidate must have passed 10th or 10+2 from any stream with an average of 50%
- PG Diploma in Interior Design — The candidate must be a graduate having secured at least 55% marks in relevant discipline from a recognized university
- Bachelor in Interior Design (BA, BSc, BDes, BArch) — Candidate must have passed 10+2 with at least 50% from any stream
- Master in Interior Design (MA, MSc, MBA) — The candidate must be a graduate of a relevant discipline with at least 55% from a recognized university
Interior Design Entrance Exams
Like most other mainstream courses, interior design courses also use entrance exams as part of the admission process. Another vital part of this process is clearing a design aptitude test and submitting a portfolio. The following is a list of popular interior design entrance exams in India:
- AIEED — January 5–January 15
- Pearl Academy Entrance — February 5
- GD Goenka DAT — June–July
- SEED — February 13
- CEPT Entrance Exam — Yet to be announced
- NID Entrance Exam — January 2
- UID Aptitude Test — January 30
Diploma In Interior Designing
A Diploma in Interior Design is a basic certification course that spans about 1 year. These courses also need clearing an entrance exam to be enrolled. A Diploma in Interior Design deals with many important topics that are also common to courses on other levels. Subjects include principles of interior design, analytical drawings, interior design, product semantics, research strategies in the design process, and living space planning. Additionally, students are trained in the use of technology in creating attractive and effective designs, including photography, Auto-CAD, and 3D visualization.
PG Diploma Interior Design
A PG Diploma in Interior Design is a 1-year program that focuses on hands-on skill development. This program not only covers the basics of design but also provides comprehensive knowledge of the usability of designs and the dynamic nature of the field.
An introduction to interior design, drawing up floor plans, 3D space visualization, estimation and costing, AUTO-CAD and graphic designing, and developing client interactions are a few things you can expect to learn from this course.
Bachelor of Interior Design
A Bachelor's in Interior design is among the mainstream interior design degree courses available. The eligibility criteria to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Interior design is to pass 10+2 with at least 50% marks from any stream. Admission into these courses can be either based on merit or the performance of an entrance exam.
This typically is a 3-year course that covers basic working knowledge of interior designing, including understanding structure and layout, computer technology, and recognizing different décor styles. Students pursuing the B.Des Interior Design degree also gain exposure to residential, healthcare, and commercial design applications.
Master in Interior Design
A Master's in Interior Design builds upon the knowledge gained in an undergraduate degree course of the same discipline. Additionally, they prepare students to develop subject-specific skills that can be applied in various positions in the design industry.
This postgraduate level degree course can be achieved by pursuing an MA, MS, MFA, Master of Interior Design, or an MPS. Typically, these courses are completed over 2 years. The eligibility to enrol for a Master's degree in Interior design is a graduate degree in a relevant discipline, having scored at least 55% marks from a recognized university.
Interior Design Course Duration Course-wise
All interior design courses deal with the vital aspects of the field through different durations.
| Course Name | Duration | Overview |
| Diploma in Interior Design | 1–2 years | College-level course admitting candidates by merit or entrance exams. Covers fundamentals of design, structure, layout, lighting etc. |
| PG Diploma in Interior Design | 2 years | Covers specific skills related to design and architecture at postgraduate level |
| BA Interior Design | 3 years | Focuses on architectural elements and space management skills |
| BSc Interior Design | 3 years | Semester-based undergraduate program with merit or entrance exam selection |
| BDes Interior Design | 3–4 years | Balances practical, usable designs with creative thinking |
| BArch Interior Design | 3–5 years | Combines architecture, product design, liberal arts, and environmental psychology |
| MA Interior Design | 2 years | Postgraduate course with variations like Diploma in Design or M.Arch |
| MSc Interior Design | 2 years | Specialization using latest design trends |
| MBA Interior Design | 2 years | Integrated management and design covering furnishings, lighting, accounting, and management |
Eligibility For Interior Design Course — Course-wise
| Course Name | Eligibility Criteria | Selection Mode |
| Bachelor in Interior Design (BA, BSc, BDes, BFA) | Passed 10+2 from any stream with 50% marks | Merit or entrance exam |
| Master in Interior Design (MA, MSc, MBA) | Graduate of relevant discipline with at least 55% | Merit or entrance exam |
| Diploma in Interior Design | Passed 10+2 from any stream with 50% marks | MET, BHU UET, CET etc. |
| PG Diploma in Interior Design | Graduate with at least 55% | AIEED, SEED, CEPT, NID etc. |
Interior Design Course Syllabus
Courses of interior design cover a range of design concepts that come to practice in homes, hotels, and commercial establishments. Interior design courses' syllabus includes:
- Fundamentals of design
- Principles of design
- Design and crafting
- Basic photography
- Theory of design
- Entrepreneurship design
- Arts and graphics in interior design
- Freehand drawing and geometric progressions
- Product semantics
- Furniture and furnishing
- Technical drawings and computer applications
- Life space planning
- Estimate costing
Read in detail about the interior design courses syllabus.
Interior Design Course Online
Given that interior design has become increasingly popular among students these days, there are many sources through which you can pursue this field. In addition to conventional college degrees, educational platforms also provide online coaching options. Learn more about the top benefits of taking an online interior design course to decide if this format works for you.
Some online paid options include:
- Design is in the Details: How to accessorize like a Pro — 6 hours
- The Complete Sketchup and Vray Course for Interior Design — 11 hours
- How to design a room in 10 Easy Steps — 2 hours
- How to work with Interior design styles like a Pro — 6 hours
- How to use colour like a Pro — 2 hours
Free interior design courses worth mentioning:
- Interior Design basics on Howcast
- Free Home Decor Class on Decorating Studio
- Diploma in Interior Design from Alison
- Principles of design on MIT OpenCourseWare
- Design a contemporary bedroom in Vray, Sketchup and Photoshop on Udemy
Interior Design Skills
Anyone interested in a career in interior design is expected to have a combination of creativity and applied thinking. On the technical side, knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Auto-CAD, and 3D rendering is needed. Good drawing and sketching skills, communication skills, and teamwork management are equally vital.
In addition to technical skills, creativity, strong problem-solving skills, and clear communication are also vital to this role. As most designers work against deadlines, stress and time management are a bonus. Learn more about how interior design courses enhance problem-solving skills that go beyond just design ability.
Interior Designing Courses in Bangalore
IDeA World Design College, Bangalore offers one of the best fashion and interior designing courses in the country. IDeA offers a world-class diploma course in interior design that is a comprehensive blend of theory and practical application. This course aims at building knowledge of contemporary designs and design technology, and the skills and technical know-how in designing residential and commercial spaces.
Why choose IDeA? The faculty at IDeA is a team of industry experts who are dedicated to providing best-in-class information through a standardized, and brilliantly balanced program in interior designing. Among other topics covered in the program, IDeA's interior design diploma focuses on Landscaping, Vastu shastra, building materials, principles of residential and commercial interiors, furniture design, Ergonomics, Costing and estimation, Auto-CAD and Photoshop, and much more. Find out why IDeA World College stands out for BSc Interior Design in Bangalore.
Interior Design Courses After 10th
Many interior design courses can be pursued after completion of 10th Grade. These courses are usually Diploma and certification courses:
- Diploma in Interior Design — 1–2 years
- Diploma in Interior Design and Architecture — 1 year
- Certificate courses in Architecture — 6 months–1 year
- Certificate course in interior design — 6 months
Interior Design Courses after 12th
Pursuing interior design after your 12th grade opens opportunities to pursue courses on the Diploma, UG Diploma, and Undergraduate level:
- BA Interior Design — 3 years
- BSc Interior Design — 3 years
- BArch Interior Design — 3 years
- BDes Interior Design — 3-4 years
- Diploma in Interior Design and Architecture — 1 year
- Certificate courses in interior design — 6 months
- Certificate in computer-aided interior design — 6 months
Interior Design Courses After Graduation
Graduated college and are looking to enter the field of architecture and design? Here are some interior design courses after graduation to watch out for:
- MA Interior Design
- MSc Interior Design
- MBA Interior Design
All 3 courses work at a post-graduate level and focus on building the technical knowledge and skill-base needed to create sustainable, relevant designs.
Interior Design Courses After Civil Engineering
There are a few parallels that run between the fields of civil engineering and interior design. Both disciplines deal with buildings structurally and functionally, and both use similar concepts like layout planning and ergonomics. Most engineering graduates are eligible to pursue a Diploma or certification courses in interior design as an entry point into the field.
Interior Design Career Prospects and Top Employers
With the need for interior designers on the rise, the field is booming. Most interior designers find lucrative prospects in many industries — be it self-employed, commercial, residential, or architectural firms. Some job profiles in this field include working as a Design Journalist, Certified Kitchen Designer, Home Lighting Adviser, Interior Decorator, and Furniture Arranger.
Top Recruiters For Interior Designers
Having completed your studies in interior design, here are the top recruiters for interior design graduates in the country: Urban Ladder, DesignQube, Savio and Rupa Interior Concepts, Gauri Khan Designs, Pinakin Design, Carafina, De Panache, Morphe Design Co, and La Sorogeeka.
Interior Designer Salary in India
The salary offered to an interior designer will ultimately depend upon experience, job profile, company budget, and performance. Read our comprehensive guide on interior designer salary in India for a detailed breakdown by experience and job profile.
| Profile | Salary (per annum) |
| Interior Designer | ₹2,00,000 |
| Design Manager | ₹3,63,022 |
| Home Designer | ₹3,05,029 |
| Bedroom Designer | ₹3,05,029 |
| Industrial Designer | ₹6,04,024 |
| Interior Decorator | ₹4,00,000 |
| Design Journalist | ₹4,00,000 |
FAQs
How to become an interior designer in India? Completing a Bachelor's and a Master's in Interior Design or a Diploma/certificate course will equip you with the necessary skills. Read our full step-by-step guide on how to become an interior designer in India.
What is an interior designing course? Courses that teach you to design the insides of homes and offices to look more appealing. These courses teach you how to use colours and textures, furnishings and décor, and how to smartly design a given space.
Is interior design a good career in India? There is a growing need for designers in India (over 1 lakh). With technology developing and infrastructure and real estate on the rise, there is a great scope for interior design in India in the future.
How to become an interior designer after the 12th? You can either enrol in a Bachelor's (BA, BSc, BDes, BArch) in interior design or complete a diploma or certification course. A BA program can be followed by a Master's (MA, MSc, MBA), while a Diploma can be followed by a PG Diploma.
Interior Design — how many years of course? Any Bachelor's program will happen over 3 years, a Diploma will need 1–2 years, while a Master's will usually take 2 years. Certification courses are about 6 months.
Which stream to choose after the 10th for interior designing? Ideally, Science or Art streams are the best for interior design as you will be working with sketches, materials with different properties, and structures.
Does interior designing have scope in India? With the real estate sector in a boom, there is tremendous growth for the construction industry and interior designers in India. Career opportunities include working as furniture designers, exhibition designers, kitchen designers, architects, textile designers, product designers, stylists, and lighting designers.
