NID Placement Analysis: Hiring Trends And Industry-wise Opportunities For Design Graduates
Ongoing Event
NID DAT Application Date:11 Sep' 25 - 01 Dec' 25
Over 1,400 design graduates were placed between 2018-2021 during the National Institute of Design’s (NID) Industry Interface placement sessions; which is more than 87 per cent of their intake during the specified time period. Placements across various design industries saw annual packages from INR 4,00,000 per annum to more than INR 42 lakh per annum.
Careers360 conducted in-depth analysis on the placements at NID Ahmedabad and their extension campus at Gandhinagar and Bengaluru over the last five years. This analysis drew up a deeper understanding of the changing landscape of the design industry.
Placement Trends At NID
From the academic years 2017 to 2021, the average highest salary of Rs 42.75 lakh per annum, while the average lowest salary was nearly Rs 11.5 lakh per annum.
For deeper understanding how many students were placed and what was the highest and the lowest salaries offered, see the table below.
Placement at NID Campus (Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Bengaluru )
Year | No. of students opting for full-time placements and graduation projects | No. of offers made by industries for full-time placements and graduation projects | Highest salary offered during the Industry Interface (In lakhs) | Lowest salary offered during the Industry Interface (In lakhs) |
2017-18 | 405 | 391 | 48 | 14 |
2018-19 | 438 | 410 | 38 | 14 |
2019-20 | 469 | 403 | 50 | 14 |
2020-21 | 350 | 255 | 35 | 4 |
The placement trends show sharp decline every year from 96.54 per cent to 72.85 per cent till the academic years 2020-21. The same trend was seen with the lowest salary, while the highest salary fluctuated each year.
2021-22: NID had two placement sessions
According to NID’s latest annual report, in the year 2021-22, the placement drive was organised in two phases for all the three campuses. The first one was organised in August 2021 and the second in February 2022.
The February 2022 phase placed more than 86 per cent of the students which is four per cent more than the August 2021 phase. The February session seems more successful than the August session in various aspects of placement.
Placement details at NID (Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Bengaluru)
No. of students opting for full-time placements and graduation projects | No. of offers made by industries for full-time placements and graduation projects | Highest salary offered during the Industry Interface (In lakhs) | Lowest salary offered during the Industry Interface (In lakhs) | ||||
Aug 21 | Feb 22 | Aug 21 | Feb 22 | Aug 21 | Feb 22 | Aug 21 | Feb 22 |
358 | 467 | 297 | 405 | 36 | 46 | 4.8 | 4 |
Traditional design sectors such as Interior Design, Fashion Design, and Graphic Design have long been prominent avenues for creative individuals, offering starting salaries averaging around INR 4.1 lakhs, INR 4.3 lakhs, and INR 2.4 lakhs p.a respectively. However, the landscape of design careers is evolving, with new domains proving increasingly attractive. Sectors like Animation Film Design, Ceramic & Glass Design, Exhibition Design, Furniture Design, Product Design, Textile Design, and Digital Game Design etc, have garnered attention for their potential for innovation and lucrative remuneration. Let’s have a look at them.
Design domains | Average annual salary offered to freshers (In Rs)* |
Digital Game Design | 12,00,000 |
Interaction Design | 8,80,000 |
Information Design | 6,00,000 |
Textile Design | 4,80,000 |
New Media Design | 4,80,000 |
Ceramic & Glass Design | 4,20,000 |
Animation Film Design | 3,00,000 |
Product Design | 2,50,000 |
Exhibition Design | 2,40,000 |
Furniture Design | 1,50,000 |
*Note: These are generic average annual salary packages offered to freshers.
These thriving domains present diverse opportunities as well as competitive starting salaries, with figures ranging from INR 1.5 lakhs to an impressive INR 12 lakhs annually. As the design industry continues to expand and diversify, aspiring designers have a broader spectrum of career paths to consider, each with its unique blend of creativity and financial reward.
Future of Design in India
Innovations in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality are likely to revolutionise the way designers work, opening up new possibilities for interactive and immersive experiences.
India's burgeoning startup ecosystem and the government initiatives such as "Make in India" and "Digital India" are creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurs. This gives designers the opportunities to venture into related streams such as product design, user experience design, and service design for both local and global markets.
Even as the industry grapples with a shortage of quality and qualified designers, there are ample opportunities across a wide range of sectors, for those who can innovate and be creative. However, to thrive in this evolving landscape, designers will need to continuously adapt, upskill, and embrace interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving.
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Questions related to NID DAT
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to NID DAT ?
Hi daksh
As 563 rank in nid dat exam cannot guarantee admission in designing college but it could be a good chance to explore some campus as if you are not from general category as category role plays an important role . But now you can do one thing focus on your strengthening your protofile or preparing for the studio test (bdes) or interview (mdes).
Thanks.
No, IPU (Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University) does not accept NID DAT Prelims score for admission to the B.Des (Bachelor of Design) program.
Instead, IPU conducts its own entrance test or may consider CUET (UG) scores for B.Des admissions, depending on the latest admission guidelines. Always refer to the university's official prospectus for the year you're applying to for the final admission criteria.
NIT DAT (https://www.shiksha.com/design/articles/nid-admissions-2025-colleges-accepting-nid-entrance-exam-scores-for-bdes-mdes-courses-blogId-13097)
Hello,
Yes, it's possible to prepare for the NID DAT 2025 exam on your own, even with limited time, by following these steps:
- Understand the Syllabus : Focus on key areas like design principles, creativity, visualization, and observation skills.
- Solve Previous Papers : Practice with past NID DAT papers to understand question types and patterns.
- Time Management : Dedicate daily hours to sketching, problem-solving, and revision.
- Strengthen Drawing Skills : Practice daily to improve speed and accuracy.
- Use Online Resources : Utilize free tutorials, sample papers, and design blogs.
- Mock Tests : Take regular mock exams to assess progress and manage time efficiently.
Hope it helps !
Hello,
There are numerous websites which give free study material and classes to prepare for entrance exams NID DAT, UCEED, or NIFT. Here are a few popular ones:
YouTube: YouTube has many educators as well as institutes, which have been uploading free video lectures on important topics, on aptitude for design, and how to give these exams. Useful content can be found in the channels "Design Coach" and "NID Preparation".
You can download free courses offered on websites like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy on the topics of design principles, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Official Websites: Both NID and UCEED and also NIFT would usually release sample papers and previous question papers for self-preparation.
Study Groups: One can join online forums or social media groups which are dedicated to NID, UCEED, and NIFT preparation for peer-to-peer learning assistance.
The resource utilization would bring in good preparation for the exams and, therefore, increase in confidence.
Hello,
Preparing for the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) entrance exam involves focusing on several key areas. Here’s a structured approach to get you started:
1. Understand the Exam Structure
Familiarize yourself with the NIFT entrance exam format:
- General Ability Test (GAT): Tests general knowledge, current affairs, and quantitative ability.
- Creative Ability Test (CAT): Assesses your creative and visual ability through sketching and design-based questions.
- Situation Test (for B.Des): Evaluates your ability to create a design from given materials.
- Group Discussion and Personal Interview (for M.Des/MFM): Tests your communication skills, understanding of the fashion industry, and design knowledge.
2. Gather Study Materials
- For GAT: Use general knowledge books, current affairs magazines, and quantitative aptitude guides.
- For CAT: Practice sketching and drawing regularly. Books on design and creativity can be useful.
- For Situation Test: Practice creating models from various materials and understanding design principles.
- For GD/PI: Prepare by staying updated on fashion trends, industry news, and developing a strong portfolio.
3. Create a Study Plan
- Daily Study: Allocate time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Weekly Goals: Set goals for completing practice papers and revising key concepts.
- Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to simulate the exam environment and improve time management.
4. Enroll in Coaching Classes (if needed)
Consider joining a coaching institute that specializes in NIFT preparation. They can provide structured guidance, practice tests, and expert feedback.
5. Work on Your Portfolio
If you’re applying for design courses, develop a strong portfolio showcasing your creative work. Include sketches, designs, and any relevant projects.
6. Refer to Previous Years’ Papers
Solving past years' question papers helps you understand the exam pattern and types of questions. It also aids in identifying important topics.
7. Stay Updated
- Follow fashion industry news to stay informed about trends and innovations.
- Read relevant books and articles about design and fashion.
8. Practice Creativity
Engage in activities that boost your creativity, such as drawing, painting, or crafting. Keep experimenting with new ideas and techniques.
By focusing on these areas, you'll build a solid foundation for the NIFT entrance exam. Good luck with your preparation!
You can also refer to the following articles to better understand the NIFT examination and its preperation strategy :-
1. https://design.careers360.com/articles/how-prepare-for-nift-entrance-exam
2. https://design.careers360.com/exams/nift-entrance-exam
Hope it helps !
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