After the Design Entrance Exam: Choosing a College, Specialisation and Career Path

Clearing a design entrance exam is a huge achievement. But the decisions that follow — which college, which specialisation, how to start strong — shape your next four years and beyond.

Step 1: Compare your college options

If you have more than one offer, compare:

• Faculty and teaching style — studio-based, hands-on learning matters in design
• Specialisations offered — and whether you can switch after the foundation year
• Infrastructure — workshops, labs, studios, libraries
• Industry exposure — internships, live projects, placements
• Alumni — where do graduates work?
• Fees and financial aid — scholarships and fee waivers
• Location and campus life — you'll spend four years there

Visit campuses or attend open days if you can. Talk to current students — they'll give you honest answers. See our College Showcase for a starting list.

Step 2: Choose your specialisation thoughtfully

Many institutes have a foundation year before specialisation. Use it to explore:

• Which projects made you lose track of time?
• Which faculty and seniors inspire you?
• Which industries excite you?

Don't pick a specialisation only because it's "trending". A field you love will keep you motivated through tough projects. Read which design career is right for you.

Step 3: Prepare for your first year

The first year is intense — lots of studio work, late nights and new ideas. Get ready by:

• Keeping your sketching habit alive
• Learning basic software (Figma, Adobe tools) for fun
• Reading about design history and Indian design
• Making things — models, zines, photos, small projects

Step 4: Start building your career early

• Document everything. Your future portfolio starts in year one.
• Do internships — most design programmes include them.
• Join competitions and hackathons.
• Build a network — seniors, faculty, visiting designers.
• Stay curious beyond the syllabus.

What design careers look like

Design graduates work as UX designers, product designers, brand designers, fashion designers, animators, design researchers, strategists and entrepreneurs. Some go on to an M.Des through CEED or study abroad.

Didn't get the result you hoped for?

It happens to many talented students. You can:

• Take a good offer from another college and excel there
• Prepare for one more attempt with a focused plan (Design Dojo is built for this)
• Explore related paths and keep building skills

We're with you beyond the exam

The Design Habitat's mentors in Pune and Nashik help students compare colleges, prepare portfolios and get ready for interviews. Talk to us about your next step.