Diploma in Graphic Design Course: Eligibility, Fees, Admission, Duration

Thasleen Mohideen

A Diploma in Graphic Design is a one-year diploma course that teaches students the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to create visual communication, such as logos, websites, brochures, and advertising. The core Diploma in Graphic Design syllabus includes subjects such as Colour Theory, Typographic Design, Design Principles, Digital Imaging, Layout and Composition, and Software Programs such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign Portfolio Development, etc.

The Diploma in Graphic Design eligibility criteria require the candidate must have completed 10+2 with at least 50% of the total marks from a recognized institution or board. The average Diploma in Graphic Design fees in India can range from INR 4,000 - 2,00,000. There is no entrance exam being conducted for the admissions into DGD courses. 

What is a Diploma in Graphic Design Course?

Diploma Graphic Design course deals with multimedia, gaming, animation, and commercial logo designing and can be rewarding for students and help them build their creativity. The course can be pursued from top colleges like the World University of Design, Pacific University, International School of Design, etc.

Upon the completion of a Diploma in Graphic Design in India, graduates can pursue a career as a Graphic Designer, Content Manager, Assistant Designer, Merchandise Designer, etc. The average salary of a Diploma in Graphic Design graduate can range from INR 3-7 LPA. (Source: Glassdoor). The top recruiters for DGD candidates are Amazon, and Apple.Inc., Accenture, Zomato, McKinsey & Company, etc. 

Diploma in Graphic Design Eligibility Criteria

The candidates seeking admission into the Diploma Graphic Design course should ensure that they meet the specified eligibility criteria by each institute/college such as merit score, subjects in the previous qualifying exam, etc. The eligibility criteria for the Diploma Graphic Design Course are as follows:

• The candidate must have successfully completed 10+2 in Commerce, PCM, Humanities, Social Science, or any related streams with at least 50% marks from any recognized board or educational institution.
• There is no entrance exam for the application to graphic design diploma courses
• There is no age limit for admission into a Diploma in Graphic Design Course.

Why Choose a Diploma in Graphic Design Course?

Graphic Design Diploma Courses can be an excellent choice for students who want to pursue a career in the field of graphic design and have good creative skills. Post graduation, this course also offers exciting career opportunities in roles such as Multimedia Programmer, Editorial Designer, Packaging Designer, etc. 

Following are some of the stats on why one should consider pursuing a Diploma in Graphic Design Course.

• The global market size of graphic design technology is estimated to be at $43.4 Billion
• This provides a great opportunity for candidates to start as a freelance graphic designer and build a strong portfolio as 90% of the graphic designers work as freelancers 
• There are 507,690 graphic designers employed globally, and 265,000 in the US.
• The demand for graphic designers is expected to grow by 3% by the end of 2031
• Fortune 500 companies are accountable for over 17% of the graphic design employment.

Diploma in Graphic Design Admission Process 2023

Most of the colleges and institutions in India take admissions through the merit-based score of the previous qualifying examination for admissions into DGD Courses. Following is the graphic design diploma courses admission process in India,

• Step 1: The admissions process will be conducted both in online and offline mode based on the college and university. 
• Step 2: The online method would involve the students visiting the college’s official website. 
• Step 3: For offline admission, the students would have to go to the admission office in person and submit the paperwork. 
• Step 4: Based on the merit score, the candidates will be admitted to the graphic design diploma courses. 
• Step 5: The candidates are required to submit all the relevant documents along with a passport-size photograph during the time of admission.

Top Diploma Graphic Design Colleges in India

The Diploma in Graphic Design Course is provided in both private and government colleges in India such as the World University of Design, RIMT University, Pacific University, etc. The following are some of the best colleges in India that offer Diploma in Graphic Design courses along with their fees details:

Diploma in Graphic Design Fee Structure

The average Diploma in Graphic Design fees range from INR 4,000 - 2 Lakhs for the entire course. The average Diploma in Graphic Design fees in government colleges can range from INR 5,000-50,000, and in private colleges, the fees are around INR 50,000-2 Lakhs for the entire course.

The Graphic Design Diploma course fees can vary based on many factors such as ranking, infrastructure, placement opportunities, etc. Below listed are the Diploma in Graphic Design fees structure:

Types of Graphic Design Diploma Courses

Diploma in Graphic Design courses are offered in various modes by universities and colleges for the convenience of the students. The DGD course can be pursued full-time or online based on the candidate’s choice. Following are the Diploma in Graphic Design course details:

Online Diploma in Graphic Design Course

The Graphic Design Diploma online or part-time program is designed for students who are unable to attend regular classes. Below listed are important pointers about the Diploma in Graphic Design Online program:

• Depending on the sort of course, part-time courses may include weekend or evening classes and online classes. 
• DU COL also offers a diploma in Graphic design, DTP, and Video Editing with an average fee of INR 18,000. The duration of the course is 5 Months.
• The course is offered by Institutions like the Indian Institute of Skill Development Training, Academy of Art Training, and ICAT Design and Media College.
• The average fees for a diploma in graphic design online course range from INR 7,000 - 18,000 for the duration of 12-16 months.
• Students can also pursue online graphic design diploma courses from e-learning platforms like Coursera, Alison, Udemy, etc.

Diploma Graphic Design Syllabus and Subjects 

The Diploma in Graphic Design syllabus includes subjects such as Graphic Principles, Typography, Digital Publishing, Method of Design Introduction to Multimedia, etc. The course syllabus is divided into two to four semesters based on the duration of the course. The table below shows some of the important subjects for DGD Courses and the topics covered.

Read More: Diploma in Graphic Design Syllabus and Subjects

Diploma in Graphic Design vs Diploma in Web Design

The Diploma in Graphic Design course graduates will have equal career opportunities as the candidates pursuing a Diploma in Web Design in a shorter course duration and at an affordable range. The table below shows the comparison of a Diploma in Graphic Design vs. a Bachelor of Design based on various parameters.

Read More: Diploma in Web Design

Diploma in Graphic Design Salary in India

The average salary of a graphic designer post-completion of a graphic design diploma course can range from INR 3-7 LPA. After 3 years of work experience professionals can earn more than INR 8 LPA. Tabulated below are some of the job designations along with their salary details for DGD graduates.

Read More: Diploma in Graphic Design Salary and Jobs

Courses After Diploma in Graphic Design

 Upon successful completion of the DGD Course, candidates can choose to pursue higher education in the field of design. This will help the candidates to understand the subjects in detail. Following are some of the courses that can be taken after graduation,

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
• Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design
• Master of Fine Arts
• Bachelor of Design
• Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
• Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication

Career Options After Diploma in Graphic Design Course

Career option after a Diploma in Graphic Design is vast as the candidates can work in various industries such as Print publishing, Promotional Industries, News and media, Fashion Industry, etc. in various job roles such as Multimedia Programmer, User Experience Designer, Graphic Designer, etc. 

Tabulated below are some of the job roles for graphic design diploma graduates along with details like hiring companies and average salary.

Top Recruiters for Diploma in Graphic Design

Diploma in Graphic Design graduates are recruited by top companies and organizations like Apple, Amazon, TCS, and Wipro based on their skills and experience. The table below shows the list of top recruiters for DGD graduates along with the average salary range.

Types of Graphic Design Streams

Graphic Designers works in different stream and industry such as digital publishing, film, Media, Marketing, and Communication based on the type of specialization. Below listed are the types of Graphic Design 

• Visual Identity Graphic Design: The candidates will be trained in improving the brand identity through visual elements using color, shape, and images that replicate the brand identity.
• Marketing & Advertising Graphic Design: The candidates will be trained in designing marketing and advertising collaterals such as social media Ads, Banner and retargeting ads, etc. that engage with the customer decision-making process and improve the revenue
• User Interface Graphic Design: Focuses on Interacting with the device or application and provides a user-friendly experience by enhancing the features using graphic elements such as buttons, menus, micro-interactions, etc.
• Publication Graphic Design: The candidate will be trained to communicate using mediums like newspapers, books, and magazines through designs and graphic elements. These designers generally work with publications in designing the layout, and typography for annual reports, catalogs, etc.
• Packaging Graphic Design: This is one of the most rewarding careers for graphic designers as it helps them communicate directly with customers by designing packaging products right from boxes, wrappers, bags, containers, etc. These designers closely work with the manufacturing industry to deliver the desired outcome
• Motion Graphic Design: Focuses on designing motion graphics for films, televisions, social media ads, online content, etc. using various designing methods like animation, After Effects, typography, imagery, etc.
• Environmental Graphic Design: The designs are focused on improving the overall experience and vibe of a particular place or space making it more appealing and informative. Best Examples of Environmental Graphic Design is Wall Mural, Cafe Rebranding, Museum and Exhibitions
• Art and illustration for Graphic Design: The candidates are trained in creating actual artwork and illustrations like fine arts, decorations, storytelling illustrations, etc. The best examples of art and illustration graphic design can be Stock Images, T-shirt designing, Graphic Novels, and Comic Books to mention a few.

Skills to Excel in DGD Course Graduate

Candidates aiming to excel in their careers as graphic design graduates should focus on certain skills to land their dream jobs. Here is the list of skills required for Graphic Design Diploma Course Graduates.

• Creative Skills - Helps the candidate in formulating new and unique ideas 
• Technical Skills - Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Canva, Microsoft Publisher, and web design languages
• UI/UX Design - Understanding UI and UX designs is important to create visually appealing and unique designs
• Typography - Candidates should be well-versed in typing, typesetting, kerning, formatting and ideation
• Strategic Skills - Graphic designers are often expected to brainstorm and plan how well a design can be implemented for better outcomes