Top MDes Colleges in India 2026: Fees, Admissions, Eligibility & Placements
Pursuing a Master of Design (MDes) in India has become a smart choice for creative graduates who want to turn their ideas into meaningful careers. With more than 220 colleges offering MDes programmes across the country, students can choose from top government institutes as well as innovative private universities.
Leading the list are institutes like NID Ahmedabad, IDC School of Design at IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, NID Gandhinagar, IIT Guwahati, NIFT Delhi, and IIT Hyderabad. These consistently rank among the best because of their advanced curriculum, experienced faculty, and strong industry linkages.
Most MDes colleges are located in major design and technology hubs such as Ahmedabad, Delhi–NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Gandhinagar. Being close to design studios, tech companies, and manufacturing units ensures students get hands-on exposure right from the beginning.
Students opt for MDes because design thinking has become essential across industries—whether it’s tech companies building user-friendly apps, fashion brands focusing on sustainability, or automotive giants developing electric vehicles. The programme helps students improve creative problem-solving skills while training them in research, prototyping, and strategic innovation. This leads to well-paying roles that also offer creative freedom.
Admissions mainly happen through competitive exams like CEED (for IITs and IISc), NID DAT (for NIDs), and the NIFT Entrance Exam. However, many private colleges also provide direct admission through management quota, institute-level merit seats, or NRI sponsorship for students who may have missed the cutoffs or prefer a quicker admission process.
Top MDes Colleges in India 2026
India’s leading MDes colleges offer a perfect blend of rigorous academics, practical design projects, global collaborations, and strong placement records. These institutes are known for delivering high ROI, thanks to reasonable fees, excellent salary packages, strong alumni networks, and accreditations from bodies like the NBA and international design councils.
Top MDes Colleges in India (2026) – Rankings, Cities & Placements
| College | City | Average Placement Salary |
|---|---|---|
| NID Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | ₹12–18 LPA |
| IDC, IIT Bombay | Mumbai | ₹15–22 LPA |
| IIT Delhi | Delhi | ₹14–20 LPA |
| IIT Kanpur | Kanpur | ₹12–18 LPA |
| NIFT Delhi | Delhi | ₹8–14 LPA |
| IIT Guwahati | Guwahati | ₹12–20 LPA |
| NID Gandhinagar | Gandhinagar | ₹10–16 LPA |
| IIT Hyderabad | Hyderabad | ₹12–18 LPA |
What Makes These MDes Colleges the Best?
These institutes excel due to:
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Highly qualified faculty – many hold PhDs or advanced design degrees from top global schools like RISD, RCA London, and MIT Media Lab.
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Cutting-edge infrastructure – UX labs, AR/VR studios, prototyping workshops, and advanced fabrication facilities.
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Mandatory industry internships – offering real-world exposure with design studios, tech companies, and manufacturing firms.
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Strong placement support – dedicated placement cells bring in top recruiters early; most students receive multiple offers.
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High ROI – especially at government institutes where fees are low but placement packages match premium private colleges and B-schools.
Government MDes Colleges in India
Government MDes colleges remain the top choice for serious design aspirants because of their subsidised fees, merit-based admissions, and strong national reputation. India has around 25–30 government or government-aided institutes offering MDes programmes, led by NIDs, IITs, IISc, and NIFT campuses.
Top Government MDes Colleges in India – 2026
| College | City | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|---|
| NID Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | NID DAT |
| IDC, IIT Bombay | Mumbai | CEED |
| IIT Delhi | Delhi | CEED |
| IIT Kanpur | Kanpur | CEED |
| IIT Guwahati | Guwahati | CEED |
| NIFT Delhi | Delhi | NIFT |
| IISc Bangalore | Bengaluru | CEED |
| NID Vijayawada | Vijayawada | NID DAT |
Why Government MDes Colleges Stand Out
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Lowest fees in India – usually between ₹1–5 lakh total
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Highly qualified permanent faculty with decades of academic and industry experience
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Strong research funding from government bodies and global partners
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Advanced infrastructure including rapid prototyping labs, digital fabrication studios, and material testing centres
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Consistent and stable placements, even during economic downturns
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Highly competitive peer group, ensuring a world-class learning environment
Private MDes Colleges in India
Private design institutes have expanded rapidly in the last decade, offering modern facilities, flexible curriculums, and industry-driven programmes. Many private colleges now compete closely with top government institutes in placements while offering more specialisations and global exchange opportunities.
Top Private MDes Colleges in India – 2026
| College | City | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl Academy (multiple campuses) | Delhi / Mumbai | Pearl Test + Interview |
| Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design | Bengaluru | SEAT |
| MIT Institute of Design | Pune | MITID DAT |
| World University of Design | Sonipat | WUD Aptitude Test |
| Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID) | Ahmedabad | UID DAT |
| Avantika University | Ujjain | DAT / Portfolio |
| Lovely Professional University (LPU) | Phagwara | LPUNEST + Interview |
Why Private MDes Colleges Are Gaining Popularity
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State-of-the-art studios & labs, often updated faster than public institutes
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International faculty and collaborations with top global design schools
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Startup incubators and entrepreneurship support
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Direct industry tie-ups with brands like Adobe, Autodesk, Samsung, Tata Elxsi
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Niche specialisations such as UX Strategy, Animation Film Design, Mobility Design, Gaming & AR/VR
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Flexible admission timelines with multiple rounds every year
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Many graduates launch their own design studios or startups within 2–3 years
MDes Colleges in India – State-wise List (2026 Updated)
Gujarat
| College | City | Type |
|---|---|---|
| NID Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | Government |
| NID Gandhinagar | Gandhinagar | Government |
| Unitedworld Institute of Design | Ahmedabad | Private |
| GLS Institute of Design | Ahmedabad | Private |
Why Gujarat?
Gujarat has one of the strongest design ecosystems in India, with two NID campuses driving research, innovation, and industry projects.
Maharashtra
| College | City | Type |
|---|---|---|
| IDC, IIT Bombay | Mumbai | Government |
| MIT Institute of Design | Pune | Private |
| Symbiosis School of Design | Pune | Private |
Why Maharashtra?
The Mumbai–Pune belt offers unmatched access to the advertising, film, animation, and product design industries.
Delhi–NCR
| College | City | Type |
|---|---|---|
| IIT Delhi | Delhi | Government |
| NIFT Delhi | Delhi | Government |
| Pearl Academy | Delhi | Private |
| World University of Design | Sonipat | Private |
Why Delhi–NCR?
The region is a placement hub with most global design consultancies and tech companies headquartered here.
MDes Colleges Without Entrance Exam / Direct Admission
While IITs, NIDs, NIFT, and IISc strictly require CEED/NID DAT, many reputed private and deemed universities offer direct or portfolio-based admission through:
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Management Quota (15–25% seats in private colleges)
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Institute-level seats after counselling
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Merit-based direct entry for high UG scorers with strong portfolios
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NRI / Sponsored Seats
Top Colleges Offering Direct Admission
| College | City | Admission Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl Academy | Delhi/Mumbai | Direct + Interview/Portfolio |
| MIT Institute of Design | Pune | Management Quota / Direct |
| World University of Design | Sonipat | Direct Merit / Management |
| Avantika University | Ujjain | Portfolio-Based Direct Entry |
| Lovely Professional University | Phagwara | LPUNEST Waiver + Direct Admission |
Who is direct admission ideal for?
Working professionals or students with strong portfolios who couldn’t appear for CEED/NID DAT due to timing or eligibility constraints.
Note: Management quota fees may be 1.5–2× regular fees, though many private colleges offer scholarships to meritorious candidates.
Entrance Exams for MDes in India
Major Exams
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CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design)
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Conducted by IIT Bombay
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Gateway to IITs, IISc & 30+ result-sharing institutes
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Needs top 500–600 rank for IITs
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Tests creativity, logic, and visualisation
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NID DAT (Design Aptitude Test)
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Prelims + Mains (studio test + interview)
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Required for all NID campuses
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Strong focus on drawing, material handling & design thinking
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NIFT Entrance Exam
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For MDes, MFM, MFTech
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Includes CAT, GAT, GD/PI rounds
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Other Exams
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AIEED
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MITID DAT
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UID DAT
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SEED (Symbiosis)
Preparation Tips
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Daily sketching practice
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Solve previous 5–7 years’ papers
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Build a strong portfolio
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Study design awareness & trends
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Aim for 90+ percentile in CEED for top IITs
Eligibility for MDes Programs
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Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (BDes/BArch/BE/BFA/BSc preferred)
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Minimum 50–55% aggregate (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD)
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Valid CEED / NID DAT / institute-specific exam score
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For direct admission: portfolio + academics may be sufficient
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No upper age limit (varies for private institutes)
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Reservation as per the Government of India norms in public institutes
Fees for MDes Colleges in India
MDes College Fee Comparison
| Category / Institute | Total Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Government Colleges | ₹1–6 lakh | Typically 2–2.5 years; tuition + hostel + mess included |
| IITs (MDes) | ₹2–5 lakh | Depends on campus |
| NID (National Institute of Design) | ₹4–7 lakh | Based on campus + category |
| NIFT (MDes) | ₹5–7 lakh | Includes academic + hostel components |
| Private Colleges | ₹6–25 lakh | Much higher variation |
| Top Private Institutes | ₹12–18 lakh | Higher brand-value + facilities |
| Average (Top 20 MDes Colleges) | ₹5–12 lakh | Across govt. + private |
Placements in MDes Colleges
Placement outcomes have improved drastically and now rival MBA programs.
MDes Placements & Careers Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Packages | Tier-1 (IITs + NID Ahmedabad): ₹14–22 LPA (highest ₹50+ LPA) Tier-2 (NIFT + top private): ₹8–14 LPA Tier-3: ₹5–8 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Adobe, Microsoft, Google, Amazon Tata Elxsi, Infosys, Philips, Titan Maruti Suzuki, Samsung, Whirlpool Deloitte, Accenture, Cognizant |
| Popular Job Profiles | UX/UI Designer Product Designer Interaction Designer Service Designer Automotive & Mobility Designer Design Strategist |
| In-demand Skills | Figma, Adobe XD Rhino / Blender User Research Prototyping AI Tools for Design Design Thinking Certification |
Popular MDes Specialisations
Design Specializations Table
| Category | Specializations |
|---|---|
| Core Design | Product Design Industrial Design Universal Design |
| Digital & Experience | Interaction / UX Design Communication Design Animation & Film Design |
| Fashion & Lifestyle | Fashion Design Textile & Apparel Design Furniture & Interior Design |
| Mobility & Systems | Transportation & Mobility Design Design Management |
| Niche & Emerging | Toy & Game Design |
How to Choose the Best MDes College
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Prioritise ROI – low fees + strong placements
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Choose cities with more exposure: Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad
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Check industry projects and live client work
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Compare labs & studio facilities
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Review faculty profiles
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Evaluate alumni network strength
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Look at the placement records of the last 3 years
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Check portfolio expectations and studio culture
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Explore international exchange programmes
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Assess startup & incubation support
FAQs
1. Which is the No.1 MDes college in India for 2026?
NID Ahmedabad is considered the best MDes college in India, with IDC at IIT Bombay ranking a close second.
2. How many MDes colleges are there in India?
India has around 220–250 institutes offering Master of Design (MDes) programs across government, private, and deemed universities.
3. Which is better for MDes — government or private colleges?
Government colleges offer the best value due to low fees and a strong reputation, while private colleges provide modern facilities, advanced labs, and more specialisations.
4. What is the average fee for an MDes course in India?
Government MDes fees range from ₹2–7 lakh, while private colleges charge ₹8–25 lakh for the full program.
5. Which entrance exam is easiest for MDes admissions?
Institute-level exams such as MITID DAT and Pearl Academy’s test are generally easier compared to CEED and NID DAT.
6. Can I get direct admission to an MDes program?
Yes, several private design colleges offer direct or portfolio-based admission through merit seats or management quota.
7. What is the average salary after completing MDes?
Graduates from top MDes colleges typically receive average packages of ₹10–18 LPA, with higher salaries in UX/UI and Product Design.
8. Which MDes specialisation has the best career scope?
Interaction Design (UX/UI) and Product Design currently offer the highest demand, best placements, and strongest salary growth.
9. Is staying in the hostel mandatory for MDes students?
Hostel stay is not compulsory, but most institutes recommend it for better studio access, collaboration, and a learning environment.
10. Can students from non-design backgrounds (B.Tech/B.Com/B.Sc) apply for MDes?
Yes, candidates from any bachelor’s degree background can apply for MDes, as most institutes accept graduates from all disciplines.
Showing 144 Colleges
NIFT Bangalore is very popular for M.Des in Bangalore, Karnataka. M.Des at NIFT Bangalore is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
International School of Design [INSD], Andheri
International School of Design [INSD], Andheri is very popular for M.Des in Mumbai, Maharashtra. M.Des at International School of Design [INSD], Andheri is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. International School of Design [INSD], Andheri M.Des fees is ₹1 L - ₹2 L.
Le Mark School of Art
Le Mark School of Art is very popular for M.Des in Mumbai, Maharashtra. M.Des at Le Mark School of Art is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
SRM University (SRM IST) is very popular for M.Des in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. M.Des at SRM University (SRM IST) is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. SRM University (SRM IST) M.Des fees is ₹3 L - ₹5 L.
United World Institute of Design (UID), NCR Campus
United World Institute of Design (UID), NCR Campus is very popular for M.Des in , Delhi NCR. M.Des at United World Institute of Design (UID), NCR Campus is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. United World Institute of Design (UID), NCR Campus M.Des fees is ₹5 L.
Amity University Noida is very popular for M.Des in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. M.Des at Amity University Noida is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Amity University Noida M.Des fees is ₹3 L - ₹5 L.
IIT Bombay is very popular for M.Des in Mumbai, Maharashtra. M.Des at IIT Bombay is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. IIT Bombay M.Des fees is ₹2 L - ₹3 L.
Gujarat University is very popular for M.Des in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. M.Des at Gujarat University is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Jain University is very popular for M.Des in Bangalore, Karnataka. M.Des at Jain University is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Jain University M.Des fees is ₹5 L.
IIT Delhi is very popular for M.Des in , Delhi NCR. M.Des at IIT Delhi is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. IIT Delhi M.Des fees is ₹3 L - ₹5 L.
IIT Kanpur is very popular for M.Des in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. M.Des at IIT Kanpur is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
IIT Roorkee is very popular for M.Des in Roorkee, Uttarakhand. M.Des at IIT Roorkee is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. IIT Roorkee M.Des fees is ₹1 L.
KIIT University is very popular for M.Des in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. M.Des at KIIT University is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. KIIT University M.Des fees is ₹3 L - ₹5 L.
Sushant University is very popular for M.Des in Gurgaon, Haryana. M.Des at Sushant University is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Sushant University M.Des fees is ₹5 L.
MSU Baroda is very popular for M.Des in Vadodara, Gujarat. M.Des at MSU Baroda is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. MSU Baroda M.Des fees is ₹1 L.
MATS University is very popular for M.Des in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. M.Des at MATS University is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. MATS University M.Des fees is ₹1 L - ₹2 L.
Chitkara University is very popular for M.Des in Patiala, Punjab. M.Des at Chitkara University is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
NIMS University is very popular for M.Des in Jaipur, Rajasthan. M.Des at NIMS University is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. NIMS University M.Des fees is ₹1 L - ₹2 L.
Amity University Jaipur is very popular for M.Des in Jaipur, Rajasthan. M.Des at Amity University Jaipur is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Amity University Jaipur M.Des fees is ₹1 L - ₹2 L.
Subharti University is very popular for M.Des in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. M.Des at Subharti University is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Subharti University M.Des fees is ₹1 L.
Amity University Lucknow is very popular for M.Des in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. M.Des at Amity University Lucknow is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Amity University Lucknow M.Des fees is ₹1 L - ₹2 L.
Arch College of Design and Business is very popular for M.Des in Jaipur, Rajasthan. M.Des at Arch College of Design and Business is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Arch College of Design and Business M.Des fees is ₹5 L.
RTMNU is very popular for M.Des in Nagpur, Maharashtra. M.Des at RTMNU is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. RTMNU M.Des fees is ₹1 L.
AKTU is very popular for M.Des in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. M.Des at AKTU is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. AKTU M.Des fees is ₹1 L - ₹2 L.
Indus University is very popular for M.Des in Jind, Haryana. M.Des at Indus University is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
IIT Kanpur - Industrial and Management Engineering is very popular for M.Des in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. M.Des at IIT Kanpur - Industrial and Management Engineering is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
LPU is very popular for M.Des in Phagwara, Punjab. M.Des at LPU is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. LPU M.Des fees is ₹3 L - ₹5 L.
Hindustan University is very popular for M.Des in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. M.Des at Hindustan University is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Hindustan University M.Des fees is ₹2 L - ₹3 L.
