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Which is Better BFA or B.Des, SKills, Scope, Eligibility
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  • Which is Better BFA or B.Des, SKills, Scope, Eligibility

Which is Better BFA or B.Des, SKills, Scope, Eligibility

#Design
SundararajanUpdated on 07 Aug 2025, 05:15 PM IST

BFA vs B.Design: Today, the design and fine arts industry is growing at a very rapid pace. It has become mainstream in recent times and has grown into a big industry. According to a report, it is expected BFA course scope to grow by 13% more in a decade. Design is one of the most popular subject choices for many students in the world, with a variety of design specialisations. It's a fun subject to learn and a rapidly growing field. Based on this, the aspirants wants to know as to "which is better BFA or BDes?". Let’s start by talking about the BFA degree, its scope, and how you can pursue it in the long run.

This Story also Contains

  1. BFA vs B.Design
  2. All About BFA Courses
  3. All About Bachelor of Design Courses
  4. BDes vs BFA: Scope
  5. What are the skills required to get a successful Bachelor of Design course?
Which is Better BFA or B.Des, SKills, Scope, Eligibility
BFA vs B.Design: Scope, Eligibility, Top Colleges in India

Also read: List of Certification Courses

BFA vs B.Design

In India, there is a steady increase in the growth of the design industry and BFA course scope. If we talk about numbers, these industries are growing at a faster rate of about 23 to 25 % annually making the BFA course scope wider. It is a field that is in high demand today. Choosing a career with a BFA degree is the perfect choice.

There are many courses to study to kick-start a possibly extraordinary career in design. In this article, we will talk about two major choice clashes for students, i.e. BFA and B. Design. We will talk about career aspects, B.Design eligibility, duration, course type, fee, and annual expected BFA vs BDes salary. We will be answering all questions related to choosing a career path that best fits you.

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All About BFA Courses

BFA full form stands for Bachelor of Fine Arts. There are a lot of BFA courses in top colleges that offer BFA or Bachelor of Visual Arts as an undergraduate degree course that is focused upon the in-depth study of Visual or Performing Arts. It is a career that is in high demand today.

Bachelor of Fine Arts courses are not only meant for learning theoretically but also to make the student enjoy the subject of interest through the practical application of concepts. There are many job opportunities available today for a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree holder. Also, there are other courses that you may check after BFA, which course is best?

BFA COURSE DETAILS

  • Duration: About 3 to 4 years

  • Level of course: Graduation

  • Stream: Fine arts

  • Examination types: Per semester examination

  • Entrance exam: Yes

  • Admission: Merit-based or through an entrance exam

  • Starting salary: 2 lakhs to 9 lakhs

Eligibility Criteria to Get a BFA Degree

The BFA eligibility criteria are given below-

  • Some universities or colleges may also demand a minimum percentage of 50 – 60% in 10+2 from a recognized board.

  • There are no strict criteria for the subject in 10+2 for a recognized board.

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Skills required for doing a BFA Course

Bachelor's fine arts courses are usually pursued by students who have a keen interest in art. They possess skills like sketching skills, Visualization skills, drawing skills, Imaginative skills, Artistic skills, and many more.

Best Colleges For Doing a BFA Degree

We have several notable colleges for doing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Here is a list of BFA courses top colleges in India:

What After BFA?

Bachelor of Fine Arts courses are very rewarding. After successful completion of a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, you can work at different job profiles, like Art Teacher, Fine Artist, Actor, Multimedia Artist, Art Director, Writer, Painter, Graphic Designer, Animator, Art Conservator, Photographer, Musician, etc.

What is BFA?

BFA stands for Bachelor of Fine Arts. It is an undergraduate degree programme that involves about the fine arts, applied arts and the performing arts. This programme is designed to showcase the creativity skills, develop the artistic skills and develop the skills in understanding of art.

The BFA programme is offered for 3 or 4 based on the college/university. The BFA course prepares graduates to enhance their careers in art-related fields such as design and illustration, photography & animation, and more.

All About Bachelor of Design Courses

BDes full form stands for Bachelor of Design. The B.Des degree is a professional degree given after the successful completion of a course of 4 years. Bachelor of Design (B.Des) or B. Design is a popular degree in the design field at the undergraduate level.

You can do your specialization in a B. Design course in many areas. Some of the professions for a Bachelor of Design degree include Interior Designing, Accessory Designing, Textile Designing, graphic design, product design, jewelry design, and much more.

Also read - List of Design Colleges in India

Bachelor of Design course details

  • Duration: About 3 to 4 years

  • Level of course: Graduation, it is a professional degree.

  • Stream: Fine arts

  • Examination types: Per semester examination

  • Entrance exam: Yes

  • Admission: Through the entrance exam

  • Starting salary: 2 lakhs to 9 lakhs

What are the Most Popular Bachelor's of Design course Specializations?

The most popular bachelor of design courses specializations include:

What are the eligibility criteria for doing a Bachelor of Design course?

  • According to B.Design eligibility, students who have passed Class 12th or equivalent qualifying examination are eligible for a Bachelor of Design course.

  • Students from any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts, and Humanities) at the 10+2 level from a recognized board are eligible, according to B.Design eligibility.

  • The age limit for admission to the Bachelor of Design College is a minimum of 17 and a maximum of 20 years as specified by the institute.

Which exams are required to get into a Bachelor of Design college?

For admission to Design courses, aspirants have to appear for a Design Entrance test that comprises a written test, a drawing test, and interviews. The entrance exams you can give to get into a Bachelor of Design College are:

  • You can give the Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design (UCEED), which is one of the favorite exams given by aspirants.

  • You can give the Footwear Design and Development Institute All India Selection Test (FDDI AIST) if you are interested in learning footwear design or product design.

  • You can take the Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED), which is the second-most given exam by the aspirants.

  • You can give the School of Fashion Technology Common Entrance Test (SOFT CET).

  • You can also give the National Institute of Design Entrance Exam (NID DAT,) which is another national-level exam.

  • You can enter the United World Institute of Design, Design Aptitude Test (UID DAT), which is an international-level exam.

According to your interest and aptitude, you can give any of the tests mentioned above.

BDes vs BFA: Scope

The scope of a Bachelor of Design (BDes) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) diverges significantly based on their distinct focuses. Candidates can check here as which is better BFA or BDes? BDes programs equip students with skills tailored for applied design fields such as fashion design, graphic design, product design, and UX/UI design. These disciplines are crucial in industries like fashion, advertising, technology, and manufacturing, where there is a high demand for professionals adept at solving practical design challenges creatively. BDes emphasizes hands-on experience, problem-solving abilities, and innovation, preparing graduates for dynamic careers in design-driven sectors.

On the other hand, the scope of BFA in India encompasses diverse opportunities in traditional fine arts disciplines, catering to careers as artists, educators, curators, and arts administrators across cultural institutions and creative industries. A BFA program centers on traditional fine arts disciplines such as painting, sculpture, drawing, and printmaking. It provides a comprehensive foundation in artistic techniques, studio practices, and art history, cultivating skills essential for careers as professional artists, art educators, curators, and arts administrators. BFA graduates often pursue roles in galleries, museums, education, and freelance artistic endeavors, focusing on creative expression and artistic exploration.

Ultimately, the choice between BDes and BFA depends on individual interests, career aspirations, and whether one is inclined towards applied design disciplines that address contemporary societal needs or traditional fine arts that prioritize artistic expression and cultural exploration. Both degrees offer distinct pathways within the arts and design fields, each contributing uniquely to the creative landscape.

What are the skills required to get a successful Bachelor of Design course?

Bachelor's of design degrees require a combination of multiple skill sets. The one who pursues this course is able to acquire many skills in four years, but it is equally important to have a couple of additional skills before entering into such a significant degree. The B.Design course scope is pretty wide in the fashion market.

The skills required to be able to complete the degree are Good communication skills, Presentation skills, Drawing skills, Perseverance, Cognitive skills, Strong artistic skills, Traditional skills, and Creativity.

What are the different specialization options for Bachelor of Design course aspirants?

Candidates can pursue the course in many fields according to the specialization they choose. You can choose from the list of professions this degree offers you.

The specialization in B.Design courses in Fashion Design, Leather Design, Accessory Design, Textile Design, Knitwear Design, Fashion Communication, Animation Film Design, Industrial Design, Lifestyle and Accessory Design, Ceramic and Glass Design, Exhibition Design, Film and Video Communication, Furniture, and Interior Design, Graphic Design, Product Design, Communication Design, Visual Communication and Footwear Designs and Production.

What can be the possible job profiles of Bachelor of Design degree holders?

Bachelor of Design degree holder gets the following Job profiles-

  • Fashion Designer

  • Graphic Designer

  • Textile Designer

  • UI/UX Designer

  • Industrial Designer

  • Product Designer

  • Art Director

What are the best five bachelors of design colleges in India?

BFA course top colleges are mentioned below-

Bachelor of Fine Arts online

Interestingly, you can also pursue an online BFA degree. There are plenty of websites available that give online BFA degrees. Many of the programs offered bachelor of art courses online to teach students how to work with various creative fields such as drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and printmaking.

Online courses will give you a similar learning experience in subjects like the history of art. These online courses would also make the application of learned knowledge on various platforms. It is a career that involves balancing creativity with business which can be tricky.

Course Name

Online BFA course

Level of course

Graduation

Admission Process

Online / Offline

Fee Structure

INR 10971 – INR 21252 annually

Duration

1 year to 3 Year Course

Some of the best platforms to learn online BFA courses are listed below:

  1. Bachelor of Science in Animation, Environment & Character Design Concentration by the Los Angeles Film School Online.

  2. Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Effects by Columbia College Hollywood

  3. Bachelor of Science in Animation, Visual Effects Concentration by the Los Angeles Film School Online.

  4. The Edinboro University of Pennsylvania online fine arts programs.

Also read -

There are many such online BFA courses being offered by a lot of top-level, reputed universities of the world.

Read more -

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is BFA worth it in India?
A:

BFA can be very much worthful course in India if a candidate wants to have a growth in the field of design and animation.

Q: Is BFA better than BDes?
A:

The preference between a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a Bachelor of Design (BDes) depends on candidates career goals and interests. BFAs typically focus more on fine arts disciplines such as painting, sculpture, and visual arts, while BDes programs emphasize design disciplines like fashion design, graphic design, product design, and more. The "better" option depends on whether candidate is more passionate towards fine arts or design, and which field aligns better with their career aspirations and creative interests.

Q: What is the difference between Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Design?
A:

A BFA program typically focuses on traditional fine arts disciplines such as painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and sometimes includes digital arts. On other hand side,  BDes program focuses on applied design disciplines such as fashion design, product design, graphic design, interior design, user experience (UX) design, and more.

Q: Are BFA and B.Des degrees of different streams?
A:

Yes, BFA and B.Des are two different degree programs. BFA stands for Bachelor of Fine Arts and focuses on the study and practice of visual or performing arts. On the other hand, B.Des stands for Bachelor of Design and focuses on the study and practice of various design fields such as fashion, graphic, product, interior, etc. These two degrees have different eligibility criteria, entrance exams, course curriculum, and career prospects.

Q: Does NID provide bachelor of fine art courses?
A:

No, NID or national institute of design does not offer a course of bachelors of fine arts. NID does give distinct specialization courses related to bachelors of design.

Q: Is a bachelor of fine arts a job-oriented course? What are the job opportunities?
A:

No, bachelors of fine arts are not a job-oriented course. Moreover, B. Design is a professional course which is job oriented. Bachelors of fine art course are a very rewarding one. After successful completion of bachelors of fine arts degree, you can work at different job profiles, like Art Teacher, Fine Artist, Actor, Multimedia Artist, and so on.

Q: What are the subjects that are taught in Bachelors of Fine Arts Courses?
A:

The subjects taught are Animation, Graphic Design, Press Advertisement, Portrait and Composition Paining and so on.

Q: Can I pursue a 4 years’ Bachelor diploma in Fine Arts? Additionally, can I also do a Masters in Fine Arts from any college? Is admission into such universities based on the diploma?
A:

Yes, you can do a Masters in Fine Arts after completing a four years Bachelor diploma in Fine Art. Yes, the admission would be based on the scorecard of your fine art diploma.

Q: What are the job profiles of a student who completes bachelors of design course?
A:

Bachelors of Design degree holders get job profiles such as Fashion Designer, Graphic Designer, Textile Designer, UI/UX Designer, Industrial Designer, Product Designer, and Art Director.

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Have a question related to Design ?
I have to give SEED to get admission into symbiosis pune design institute and what is the undergraduate fee for graphic design course

Yes, to get admission into Symbiosis Institute of Design in Pune for the Graphic Design undergraduate course, you typically need to appear for SEED (Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design), which tests your creativity and design aptitude. The total undergraduate fee for the Graphic Design course at Symbiosis Pune usually ranges around 7 to 8 lakhs for the entire program, but it’s always good to check the latest fee details on the official college website since fees can change yearly.

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Rithwik Kumar Sahu
28 Aug'25
Hai, I am a post diploma holder in tool and die design, prior to this i completed my diploma in mechanical engineering from the reputed polytechnic. now i am a senior manager with 29 years of experience, can I join for MBA course from IGNOU plse give me your valuable reply

Hello,

For IGNOU MBA , you need:

  • A bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).

  • You also have to clear the OPENMAT entrance test (https://www.ignoumba.in/openmat/index.html) conducted by IGNOU.

Since you have only diploma and post-diploma qualifications, you will not be eligible because IGNOU requires a bachelor’s degree.

If you want to do an MBA without a bachelor’s degree, you can look for executive or professional management courses offered by some institutes, but IGNOU MBA needs graduation.

Hope it helps !

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P
Prachi Kumari
21 Aug'25
Hai, I am a post diploma holder in tool and die design, prior to this i completed my diploma in mechanical engineering from the reputed polytechnic. now i am a senior manager with 29 years of experience, can I join for MBA course from IGNOU plse give me your valuable reply

You can join MBA from IGNOU only if you have a Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks. A diploma or post diploma alone is not considered equivalent to graduation. With your 29 years of rich industry experience, you may explore IGNOU’s PG Diploma in Management courses, which are open to diploma holders. If you wish to do MBA, first you need to complete a graduation degree through distance or regular mode. Alternatively, you may also look at Executive MBA programs from some universities that consider work experience for admission.



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A
Abhilasha Agrawal
22 Aug'25
Hai, I am a post diploma holder in tool and die design, prior to this i completed my diploma in mechanical engineering from the reputed polytechnic. now i am a senior manager with 29 years of experience, can I join for MBA course from IGNOU plse give me your valuable reply

Hello

With your diploma, post-diploma in tool and die design, and 29 years of rich industry experience as a senior manager, you're in a strong position to pursue further education. IGNOU does offer an MBA program ideal for working professionals. However, the basic eligibility typically requires a bachelor’s degree. In some cases, IGNOU may consider equivalent qualifications or experience through special provisions. It’s best to confirm with the nearest IGNOU regional center. They can guide you on eligibility and how to apply.


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S
SEJAL JAIN
21 Aug'25
Hello , I have a question regarding the admission to IIT design college. How many subjects in A Level should be there to take the admissions only for IITs as they have mentioned 5 pass subjects. Is it for A level students also or only for State and Central Board.

Yes, for A Level students who are seeking admission into IITs, the requirement is to have at least 5 subjects passed in total  this includes subjects at O Level  and A Level combined. So, if you’ve cleared 3 subjects at O Level and 2 at A Level, making a total of 5 distinct subjects, it fulfills the basic eligibility.

The condition of 5 pass subjects is applicable to international board students as well, including those from the Cambridge A Level system. Just make sure that among those subjects, you have Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics since these are mandatory for engineering admissions, especially in IITs. Also, your marksheets and certificates should be recognized and equivalent as per the Association of Indian Universities guidelines.

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Chelsie G
5 Aug'25
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