Skip to main content
Back
ARTS · After 10th or PU

Graphic Design / UI-UX Design

Junior Designer / Freelancer → UI/UX Designer → Senior Designer → Design Lead / Product Designer → Head of Design / Own Studio

Duration

3–6 months (skill-based, self-taught or bootcamp) or 4 years (B.Des formal degree)

Stream

ARTS

Entry Salary

₹3,00,000–₹7,00,000/year (junior graphic/UI designer)

5-Year Salary

₹10,00,000–₹25,00,000/year (senior product designer, especially in tech companies)

Eligibility

Formal: 10+2 any stream for B.Des. Skill-based: No degree needed. Aesthetic sense, visual thinking, and proficiency with design tools (Figma, Illustrator, Photoshop) matter more than marks.

Entrance Exam Details

ExamNo entrance exam for most paths — portfolio-based hiring
Conducting BodyNo governing body. Tools — Figma (free), Adobe Creative Suite, Canva. Platforms — Dribbble, Behance for portfolio
ScheduleSelf-paced certifications available year-round. Formal B.Des requires entrance (NIFT/NID/UCEED).
PatternFormal route: NIFT/NID entrance (drawing + aptitude). Skill route: No exam — build a portfolio of 10–20 design projects.

Career Progression

Junior Designer / FreelancerUI/UX DesignerSenior DesignerDesign Lead / Product DesignerHead of Design / Own Studio

Expected Salary Range

Entry Level (Year 1)

₹3,00,000–₹7,00,000/year (junior graphic/UI designer)

Starting salary for freshers

After 5 Years (Experienced)

₹10,00,000–₹25,00,000/year (senior product designer, especially in tech companies)

With relevant experience and specialisation

Preparation Roadmap

Learn Figma (free, industry standard for UI/UX). Study design principles (typography, colour theory, layout). Redesign 5 existing apps/websites as practice. Build a Dribbble/Behance portfolio. UI/UX designers are in high demand at tech companies — one of the few creative careers with consistent corporate salary growth. Freelance opportunity is strong. No degree needed to start earning — a strong portfolio is the resume.

Related Career Paths

If this path interests you, you might also want to explore these alternatives.