Design courses and education are fairly new in India, but it has become immensely popular due to their varied placement and employment opportunities. Even though the end results are very lucrative, you should know that many major design colleges in India offer degrees that are not UGC-approved. 

This means even after spending a very hefty amount to get your design education degree from some of the top colleges in India, and you will still not be able to find a job since your degree will not be accepted in India. So, how should you choose your courses, and how can you get valid and useful design education in India?

Well, the process starts with being mindful and looking out for certain aspects of the design course to ensure that you receive the best education possible, which also holds value for your future in terms of placements and job opportunities. So, let’s look at some crucial factors that you should look out for when pursuing design education in India.

Things to look out for when searching for design education courses

• Government Accreditation/UGC Approval

This is one of the things that you should absolutely look out for when you want to pursue design education in India. Given that many of the top design institutes in India provide degrees that are not UGC recognized, you have to make sure that you understand the problem at hand before you enroll at those colleges. Getting a degree that is not UGC-approved means you will not be able to get a job in India based on that degree. How do you know if your college provides a degree that is accepted in India? Check if your college is providing the degree themselves or it is in collaboration with any foreign university that is providing the degree through their Indian franchise.

• Industry Collaboration

One of the main problems of design education in India is that most colleges do not provide placement opportunities for their students. Having industry collaboration projects with your college can help students get better placements and also get exposure to the industry which can help them in the future even if they plan on building their own startup. Having industry experience along with a college education is the key to a successful professional career today.

• Practical or Theoretical Study Focus

Design is something you have to do with your hands and your creativity; if the curriculum you are going for focuses solely on the theoretical study of design, it becomes only useful if you want to pursue academically with the study of design. But, practically, having only theoretical knowledge can not help you get jobs and placement opportunities. As a fresher in the design industry, it is crucial to showcase your portfolio of work in order to get jobs. A college curriculum that focuses on practical education will encourage and require you to expand your portfolio. In the process, you will have a considerably valuable portfolio by the end of your course to help you get placed.

Final Thoughts

Design education is one of the best and most direct ways for you to enter the design industry in India, which is otherwise very secretive. Getting quality education from a government-certified course can help you make the most of your degree and help you find employment in the industry at some of the top design houses in the country as well as internationally. If you are a design education aspirant, be sure to check out JIET DAT for the first AICTE-approved undergraduate design course in Rajasthan. For more information about their curriculum and courses, check out the official website.