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Bachelor of Design Syllabus & Subjects 2025
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The Bachelor of Design (B.Des) syllabus covers core subjects such as the Fundamentals of Computing Design, Principles of Design, Elements of Design, Creative Narration, Business Communication, and Control Systems in Design. Check out the detailed course structure and syllabus of the Bachelor of Design here.
BDes Syllabus and Subjects Overview
The Bachelor of Design syllabus is designed artistically to introduce students to the different aspects of the design industry. The BDes course covers all the prospects of design and trains the students in both theoretical and practical aspects. Students who are interested in pursuing a career as a designer or who have a creative mind should enrol in this course. The BDes course curriculum is divided into core, optional, and elective subjects. The Bachelor of Design subjects include the Evolution of Design, Design Skills and Concepts, Art Fundamentals, Visual Studios, Design and Technology, Storytelling, etc.
Subjects incorporated into the BDes course span from basic to advanced levels and different teaching methodologies that are used to impart knowledge. The course is very popular among students because of the increasing career opportunities. It is one of the best courses for those students who are not very sure about which specialisation to opt for. BDes syllabus gives a holistic overview of different types of design, such as Product Design, Industrial Design, User Interface Design, etc. The Bachelor of Design jobs include graphic design, product design, fashion design, interior design, web design, etc. Students can find detailed information about the year-wise BDes syllabus and subjects, best reference books, course structure, etc, on this page.
Related Link: Bachelor of Design Admission Process
Table of Contents
- BDes Syllabus and Subjects Overview
- BDes Syllabus Year-Wise
- BDes Subjects
- BDes Common Subjects for All Semesters
- Bachelor of Design Optional Subjects
- BDes Course Lab Subjects
- Specialisations Offered in BDes Course
- BDes Specialization Syllabus
- Syllabus for BDes Distance Programs
- BDes Entrance Exam Syllabus
- BDes Important Books
- BDes Course Structure
- FAQs about B.Des Syllabus
BDes Syllabus Year-Wise
The BDes syllabus is divided into eight semesters, and the total duration of the course is four years. Students can cover two semesters in 1 year. The BDes course syllabus helps students learn the implementation of design-related subjects. Furthermore, BDes subjects consist of topics like Elements of Design, Knowledge about Canvas, Computer Design, etc. Students can refer to the year-wise BDes syllabus provided below:
Bachelor of Design First Year Syllabus
The table below contains the list of Bachelor of Design subjects in the first year (semester 1 and semester 2):
| Bachelor of Design Subjects - Semester 1 | |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Design | Elements of Design |
| Material Studies in Design | Communication Studies in Design |
| Design Sketching | Technical Design Drawing |
| Rendering and Illustration | - |
| Bachelor of Design Subjects - Semester 2 | |
| Fundamentals of Computing in Design | Principles of Design |
| Electrical and Electronics Studies in Design | Physical Ergonomics |
| Applied Mechanics for Design | Form Studies |
Bachelor of Design Second Year Syllabus
The table below contains the list of Bachelor of Design subjects in the second year (semester 3 and semester 4):
| Bachelor of Design Subjects - Semester 3 | |
|---|---|
| Architectural Studies in Design-I | Communication Studies in Design-II |
| Model Making and Hand Tools Workshop | Surface Modelling in Computer-Aided Vision |
| Universal Human Values and Professional Ethics | Design Documentation |
| Design Project-I | Simple Product Design |
| Bachelor of Design Subjects - Semester 4 | |
| Design Management-I, Consumer Psychology | Design Thinking |
| Solid Modeling in Computer-Aided Design | English Language and Technical Writing |
| Nature and Form | Design Project-II, Display and Control Design |
| Environmental Science | Cyber Security |
Bachelor of Design Third Year Syllabus
The table below contains the list of Bachelor of Design subjects in the third year (semester 5 and semester 6):
| Bachelor of Design Subjects - Semester 5 | |
|---|---|
| Creative Narration | Design Management-I |
| Business Communication | Design Research and Methodology-I |
| Quantitative Research | Architectural Studies-II |
| Connectivity and Mobility | Elective-I |
| Elective-II | Design Workshop |
| Bachelor of Design Subjects - Semester 6 | |
| Product Branding and Identity | Design Research and Methodology-II |
| Applied Statistics and Infographics | Materials and Processes in Design-I |
| Unconventional Manufacturing | Elective-III |
| Design Project-III | Control System in Design |
| Design Project-IV | Elective-IV |
Bachelor of Design Fourth Year Syllabus
The table below contains the list of Bachelor of Design subjects in the fourth year (semester 7 and semester 8):
| Bachelor of Design Subjects - Semester 7 | |
|---|---|
| Professional Practice in Design | Form in Four Dimensions |
| Material and processes in Design-II, Production Planning | Design Documentation-II |
| Bachelor of Design Subjects - Semester 8 | |
| Design Degree Project | Elective-V |
| Industrial Training | Design Project-V |
Related Link: Top B.Des Colleges in India 2025
BDes Subjects
The BDes subjects prepare students for careers in various design fields. They intend to give a comprehensive understanding of design processes, techniques, and fundamentals. The Bachelor of Design is divided into core and elective subjects. The subjects taught under the BDes course provide a complete understanding of concepts related to the design field. The major part of the course is to impart practical knowledge as compared to theoretical knowledge, as the students learn through projects and fieldwork. Students can check the core BDes subjects here:
| Subject Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Representation Techniques | Students are taught various techniques to represent their ideas visually including drawing, sketching, designing, rendering and other visual methods. |
| Tinkering studio | It is a hands-on training space where students experiment using various materials, tools and techniques. |
| Applied Science for Design | The subject includes the application of various sciences related to design processes and the development of products. |
| Elements of Design | The design principles consist of fundamental elements such as lines, shapes, colours, texture, space and form. |
| Form, Order and Structure | This subject studies how different forms come together to create visually aesthetic compositions. |
| Principles of Visual Design | Visual designs compose balance, unity, proportions and rhythms that create impactful and visually appealing designs. |
BDes Common Subjects for All Semesters
The subjects of the BDes course can vary from college to university. However, across colleges that offer the Bachelor of Design course, there is a list of common subjects that are a part of their course curriculum. Here are some of the common subjects that can be found across design colleges in India:
- Visualisation and Illustrations
- Tinkering Studio
- Representation Techniques
- Principles of Visual Design
- Introduction to Computing
- Form, Order, and Structure
- Engineering Drawing
- Elements of Design
- Electrical Sciences
- Applied Science for Design
Bachelor of Design Optional Subjects
In the optional subjects of Bachelor of Design, students get the opportunity to explore and specialise in several subjects that align with their career interests and aspirations. It gives them space to understand which subject they resonate most with and covers various design disciplines according to industry trends. Here are the top Bachelor of Design optional subjects:
| Frugal Innovation | Sustainable Design |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Design | Design of Medical Equipment |
| Videography and Filmmaking | Graphics and Animation |
| Typography | Interaction Design |
| Universal Design | Toy and Games Design |
| Furniture and Interior Design | Mobility and Vehicle Design |
BDes Course Lab Subjects
The BDes lab subjects provide students with the exposure to work with real-life projects that help to deepen their exploration of subjects. They get the opportunity to investigate how the designs are functional in the real world and how to represent their thinking about design through sketching, photography, modelling and video. The following is a discussion about the year-wise lab subjects for BDes.
First-Year Lab BDes Subjects
The following are some lab subjects for BDes first-year students:
- Computer Basic
- Drawing & Rendering
- Exposure to Materials
- Freehand Drawing
Second-Year Lab BDes Subjects
The following are some lab subjects for BDes second-year students:
- Exposure to Materials
- Exposure to CAD
- Design Process
- Aesthetic Skills
Third-Year Lab BDes Subjects
The following are some lab subjects for BDes third-year students:
- Design & Environment
- Exposure to Manufacturing Techniques & Processes
- Representation Techniques
- Visual & Cultural Studies
Fourth-Year Lab BDes Subjects
The following are some lab subjects for BDes third-year students:
- Systems Thinking in Design
- Technical Drawing
- Technically Complex Product Design
- User Interface Design
Specialisations Offered in BDes Course
BDes is an umbrella course where students have the opportunity to pursue different specializations that are offered under the course. Every specialization introduces students to in-depth knowledge about the chosen subjects so that they can establish a successful career in their respective field.
The BDes syllabus and structure remains the same for the first three semesters and the specialization subjects are introduced from fourth semester onwards. The students are initially taught about the core fundamentals of Design as a course. Aspirants can check the BDes specialization syllabus below:
BDes in Fashion Design
BDes in Fashion Design incorporates study of creating original designs in garments, jewellery, luggage, footwear, etc. Students are also taught about the changing trends in the fashion industry as per the latest demands of the market. Currently, BDes in Fashion design is one of the most demanding specializations that aspirants can pursue.
BDes in Game Design
Bachelor of Design in Game Design, also known as BDes in Game Design is a course that is offered for the duration of four years as a full time course. This course requires a lot of effort and intent to learn the basics of video game design. It is expected that the candidates who chose to do specialization in Game Design must be creative and passionate about doing this course.
BDes in Textile Design
BDes in Textile Design covers the study of designing different types of cloths, apparels, embroidery, etc. Students are taught about the concepts and processes of creating designs for woven or printed fabrics, embroidery designs, knitted designs, print, color detailing, weave, texture, etc.
BDes in Product Design
BDes in Product design briefs the students about the processes designers use to blend user’s needs with business goals. All these processes are carried to make the brands more successful.
BDes in Communication Design
Communication Design is an exclusive branch of Design that mainly trains the students in utilizing visuals strategically that are used to convey messages or express information. Communication Designers help the clients to engage their viewers. They help in effective designing that further helps in transmitting information effectively through print or electronic media.
BDes in Graphic Design
BDes (Graphic Design) is a Bachelor of Graphic Design course which is taught for a duration of 3 years. Graphic design students are taught how to design logos, websites, advertisements, films etc.
BDes in User Experience Design
User experience design (UX design, UXD, UED, or XD) is the process of creating designs which are convenient for the end users. Different multinational companies require design engineers for enriching user interfaces and hence making this specialization popular among students. Design decisions in UX design are determined by research, data analysis, and test results rather than aesthetic preferences and opinions.
BDes in Interior Design
BDes (Interior Design) degree course is popular looking at the demand of interior designers in the market. It covers the study of the specialized fields in Interior Design such as Institutional Design, Business Design, Landscape Designing and Residential Design etc.
BDes Specialization Syllabus
BDes is an umbrella course where students have the opportunity to pursue different specializations that are offered under the course. Every specialization introduces students to in-depth knowledge about the chosen subjects so that they can establish a successful career in their respective field.
The BDes syllabus and structure remains the same for the first three semesters and the specialization subjects are introduced from fourth semester onwards. The students are initially taught about the core fundamentals of Design as a course. Aspirants can check the BDes specialization syllabus below:
BDes in Fashion Design
BDes in Fashion Design incorporates study of creating original designs in garments, jewellery, luggage, footwear, etc. Students are also taught about the changing trends in the fashion industry as per the latest demands of the market. Currently, BDes in Fashion design is one of the most demanding specializations that aspirants can pursue.
BDes in Game Design
Bachelor of Design in Game Design, also known as BDes in Game Design is a course that is offered for the duration of four years as a full time course. This course requires a lot of effort and intent to learn the basics of video game design. It is expected that the candidates who chose to do specialization in Game Design must be creative and passionate about doing this course.
BDes in Textile Design
BDes in Textile Design covers the study of designing different types of cloths, apparels, embroidery, etc. Students are taught about the concepts and processes of creating designs for woven or printed fabrics, embroidery designs, knitted designs, print, color detailing, weave, texture, etc.
BDes in Product Design
BDes in Product design briefs the students about the processes designers use to blend user’s needs with business goals. All these processes are carried to make the brands more successful.
BDes in Communication Design
Communication Design is an exclusive branch of Design that mainly trains the students in utilizing visuals strategically that are used to convey messages or express information. Communication Designers help the clients to engage their viewers. They help in effective designing that further helps in transmitting information effectively through print or electronic media.
BDes in Graphic Design
BDes (Graphic Design) is a Bachelor of Graphic Design course which is taught for a duration of 3 years. Graphic design students are taught how to design logos, websites, advertisements, films etc.
BDes in User Experience Design
User experience design (UX design, UXD, UED, or XD) is the process of creating designs which are convenient for the end users. Different multinational companies require design engineers for enriching user interfaces and hence making this specialization popular among students. Design decisions in UX design are determined by research, data analysis, and test results rather than aesthetic preferences and opinions.
BDes in Interior Design
BDes (Interior Design) degree course is popular looking at the demand of interior designers in the market. It covers the study of the specialized fields in Interior Design such as Institutional Design, Business Design, Landscape Designing and Residential Design etc.
Syllabus for BDes Distance Programs
Pursuing a Bachelor of Design distance program is feasible for students who cannot commit full-time to the degree. After all, the course is intended for visionaries and thinkers who intend to transform future human experiences by learning from past and present. The B.Des distance syllabus helps to develop knowledge, skills and attitude among students to become creative thinkers and problem solvers. The syllabus for the Bachelor of Design course is given below:
| Introduction to Design | Materials and Processes in Design |
|---|---|
| 4 Communication Studies in Design | Creative Visualisation Techniques |
| Principles of Design | Physical Ergonomics |
| Architectural Studies in Design | Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing |
| Design Management | Kinetic Art and Automata Design |
| Design Research Methodology | Product Branding and Identity |
| Professional Practice in Design | Universal Design |
BDes Entrance Exam Syllabus
There are some top universities and colleges that conduct entrance exams to grant admission in BDes courses. The student must be aware of the entrance exams and their syllabus to get admission in the best colleges that offer BDes courses. Listed below are the list of BDes entrance exams, their details and syllabus.
Entrance Exam | Details | Syllabus |
|---|---|---|
UCEED Entrance Exam is a national-level exam conducted every year by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay or IIT Bombay. | ||
All India Entrance Exam for Design is a national-level entrance exam conducted for candidates seeking admission into various Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes in Design offered at ARCH Academy of Design. | ||
Pearl Academy Admissions includes a two-stage process of test known as the General Proficiency Test (GPT) and Design Aptitude Test (DAT)/Media Aptitude Test (MAT) and a round of personal interviews. | ||
The National Institute of Design (NID) entrance exam is a national-level test conducted for candidates seeking admission to Bachelor of Design and Master of Design programmes. | ||
NIFT is a national-level exam conducted yearly to grant admission to candidates who want to make their career in the field of design. |
BDes Important Books
Books play a crucial role for better understanding of design related subjects. Reference books are also important as they enhance knowledge about the course. is important for the students to know about the important books for BDes so that they are able to perform well in the examination. One can note down the list of some of the important books related to BDes courses from the table given below.
Books | Authors |
|---|---|
Design and Form | I. Johannes |
Digital Imaging | J. Farace |
Ecological Approach to Designing | Geraldine Gay |
Digital Design Media | W. Mitchell and M.McCullogh |
Computer Graphics | D. Hearn and M. P. Baker |
Digital Imaging | M. Galer and L Harvat |
BDes Course Structure
BDes syllabus focuses on thorough learning of design and its elements. The course is structured in such a manner that the students are exposed to a mix of core and elective subjects. The students also get to do a compulsory internship as part of the course.
In BDes, the students of different specializations are taught basic core subjects in the first three semesters. They are taught about the electives or specializations in the last three semesters. The candidates are also asked to do a compulsory project as part of the course that helps them in understanding the design field better. The course is divided into 6 semesters as the duration of the course is 3 years. One can check the basic outline of BDes course as mentioned below:
- Core and Elective Subjects
- VIII Semesters Surveys
- Seminars
- Practical
- Projects
- Research Papers
- Thesis Writing
FAQs about B.Des Syllabus
Is Maths compulsory to understand the B Des syllabus and subjects?
No, Maths is not compulsory to understand the B Des syllabus and subjects as applicants from any academic background are eligible to pursue this course. However, a basic understanding of mathematics is beneficial to learning design-related concepts in a better way.
Are B Des subjects tough to understand for an average student?
No, B Des subjects are not tough to understand for an average student, irrespective of their educational background. The course curriculum is designed to acquaint students with the knowledge ranging from basic to advanced level. However, some students find this course difficult as it calls for a wide range of skills — including practical design expertise, strategic thinking, creative vision, scientific understanding, etc.
Is the distance learning B Des syllabus the same compared to the regular course?
Yes, the distance learning B Des syllabus is the same compared to the regular course, however, some minor differences are expected across different universities. These online courses last nearly the same duration compared to the traditional ones i.e., four years, and are approved by the UGC/AICTE. The distance learning B Des course fee can range between INR 1.5-5 LPA.
Which distance learning colleges offer the best B Des course curriculum?
The list of the distance learning colleges that offer the best B Des course curriculum includes IGNOU, JD Institute Mumbai, NIFT Ahmedabad, NIFT Chennai, Pearl Academy Delhi, Tamil Nadu Open University, and more. With approval from the UGC and AICTE, this four-year distance learning programme has the same standing as a full-time B Des programme.
What skill will I learn after completing the B Des course curriculum?
Prospective students will learn the following skills after completing the B Des course curriculum:
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to think out of the box
- Complete knowledge of the latest design tools
- Strong communication skills
- Strong ideation skills
What is the B Des syllabus for entrance exams?
The B Des syllabus for entrance exams includes topics such as Aesthetics and Creativity, Blood Relations, Calendars, Clocks, Coding And Decoding, Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions, Form & Function, Letter Series, Lettering, Observation and design sensitivity, Optical Illusion, Practical and scientific knowledge, Understanding Light & Shade, Visualisation and spatial reasoning, and more.
What are the best books to study B Des syllabus and subjects?
The best books to study B Des syllabus and subjects are Ecological Approach to Designing by author Geraldine Gay, Digital Imaging by authors M Galer and L Harvat, Digital Imaging by author J Farace, Digital Design Media by author W Mitchell and M McCullough, Design and Form by author I Johannes, Computer Graphics by author D Hearn and M P Baker, and more.
What are the popular B Des project topics?
Projects help students gain a practical understanding of what they have learnt in the classroom and its implementation. Listed below are some popular B Des project topics:
- Typographic Poster or Album Art
- Print Collateral
- Packaging Design
- Marketing Campaign
- Iconography
- Branding and Logo Design
What are the methodologies and techniques used to teach B Des subjects?
The methodologies and techniques that are used to teach B Des subjects emphasise holistic learning through fieldwork and projects. The following are some teaching strategies followed:
- Practical Learnings
- Co-curricular activities
- Discussions
- E-learning
- Field trips
- Problem-based
- Projects
What is the course structure for the B Des program?
The course structure for the B Des program is divided into eight semesters that provide a thorough understanding of the design concepts. The following entails the same:
- Surveys
- Studio
- Seminars
- Research Papers
- Projects
- MOOC
- IV Semesters
- Design Project
- Design Documentation
- Core and Elective Subjects
What are the elective B Des subjects?
The elective B Des subjects are unique to each college offering this undergraduate degree in India. These include Aerospace Design, Design of Medical Equipment, Frugal Innovation, Furniture & Interior Design, Graphics and Animation, Interaction Design, Mechatronics, Mobility and Vehicle Design, Sustainable Design, Toy and Games Design, Typography, Universal Design, Videography and Filmmaking, etc.
What are the core B Des subjects?
The core B Des subjects are commonly followed by most Indian universities offering this course. These include Applied Science for Design, Electrical Sciences, Elements of Design, Engineering Drawing, Form, Order, and Structure, Introduction to Computing, Principles of Visual Design, Representation Techniques, Tinkering Studio, Visualisation and Illustrations, etc.
What are the subjects in B Des?
Some important subjects in B Des are Aerospace Design, Applied Science for Design, Design of Medical Equipment, Electrical Sciences, Elements of Design, Engineering Drawing, Graphics and Animation, Mobility and Vehicle Design, Representation Techniques, Tinkering studio, Typography, Videography and Filmmaking, and more.
What do B Des subjects cover?
B Des subjects cover topics such as ergonomics, product design, design sketching, creative narrative, technical design drawing, and more. Specialised expertise in textile design, graphic design, fashion design, and fashion communication is also included.
Which private colleges offer the best B Des course curriculum?
Private colleges offer the best B Des course curriculum are Vogue Institute of Art and Design (Bangalore), Symbiosis Institute of Design (Pune), Whistling Woods International (Pune), Parul University, Chitkara University (Chandigarh), Amity University (Noida), Pearl Academy (Mumbai), Pearl Academy (Delhi), J D Institute of Fashion Technology (Bangalore), IIAD Delhi, and Chandigarh University.
Which government colleges offer the best B Des course curriculum?
Government colleges that offer the best B Des course curriculum are NIFT Shillong, NIFT Rae Bareli, NIFT Patna, NIFT Mumbai, NIFT Kangra, NIFT Hyderabad, NIFT Gandhi Nagar, NIFT Delhi, NIFT Bhubaneswar, NID Ahmedabad, and more.
Is the B Des syllabus tough?
No, the B Des syllabus is not tough, rather it is more of a practical approach than a theoretical one. Thus, students have to be very hard-working and keen to learn the topics properly so that they can easily do practical work. They must also have a creative mind so that they can generate innovative ideas.
What are the popular B Des course specialisations offered?
Some popular B Des course specialisations offered during the undergraduate course are Textile Design, Product Design, Jewellery Design, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, etc. Candidates can also pursue these specialisations at the postgraduate level i.e., if they wish to pursue an MDes course.
What is the first-year B Des syllabus?
The first-year B Des syllabus includes subjects such as Communication Studies in Design, Creative Visualisation Techniques, Design Fundamentals, Design Thinking, Elements of Design, Geometry, Material Science, Physical Ergonomics, Principles of Design, Rendering & Illustration, Sketching & Drawing, Technical Design Drawing, Visual composition, and more.
What is the second-year B Des syllabus?
The second-year B Des syllabus includes subjects such as Architectural Studies in Design, Communication Studies in Design, Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing, Design Management, Design Thinking, Display and Control Design, Kinetic Art and Automata Design, Model Making and Hand Tools Workshop, Specialisation Electives, and more.
What is the third-year B Des syllabus?
The third-year B Des syllabus includes subjects such as Connectivity and Mobility, Control Systems in Design, Creative Narration, Design Project, Design Research methodology, Design Workshop, Design Workshop, Humanities & Social Studies, Materials and Processes in Design, MOOC, Product Branding and Identity, Product Design, Specialisation Electives, Sustainable Design, and more.
What is the fourth-year B Des syllabus?
The fourth-year B Des syllabus includes subjects such as Design Degree Projects, Design Documentation, Industrial Training, MOOC (For B Des Hons Degree), Packaging Design, Professional Practice in Design, Specialisation Electives, Specialisation Electives, Universal Design, and more.
What are the first-year B Des subjects for the lab?
The following are the first-year B Des subjects for the lab which are also termed practicals:
- Computer Basic
- Drawing & Rendering
- Exposure to Materials
- Freehand Drawing
What are the second-year B Des subjects for the lab?
The following are the second-year B Des subjects for the lab which are also termed practicals:
- Exposure to Materials
- Exposure to CAD
- Design Process
- Aesthetic Skills
What are the third-year B Des subjects for the lab?
The following are the third-year B Des subjects for the lab which are also termed practicals:
- Design & Environment
- Exposure to Manufacturing Techniques & Processes
- Representation Techniques
- Visual & Cultural Studies
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