Top Interior Design Entrance Exams and How to Join without Exam

Entering the world of interior design is an exciting journey filled with creativity and innovation. To embark on this path, aspiring designers often face the choice of either taking entrance exams for interior designing or seeking alternative routes to join this dynamic field. This guide explores both options, providing insights into the top interior design entrance exams and alternative pathways to start a rewarding career in interior design.

Table of content

Entrance Exam for Interior Designing
Joining Interior Design Courses Without Entrance Exams
Career Prospects and Salary

Entrance Exam for Interior Designing

Becoming an interior designer is about more than just decorating spaces; it’s about transforming them into functional works of art.

Courses and Eligibility

These are a few interior designing courses and eligibility for different types of interior designing course:

Diploma Courses

• Diploma in Interior Design
• Advance Diploma in Fashion, Interior & Textile Design
• Advanced Diploma in Interior Design
• Certificate in Interior Decoration Design
• Diploma in Architectural Assistantship
• Designer Coordinator- Interior Design
• Graduate Diploma Programme in Design
• Graduate Diploma in Interior Space and Equipment Design
• Graduate Diploma in Retail and Exhibition Design
• One Year Diploma in Interior Designing
• Diploma course in Interior Design
• Professional Diploma in Furniture & Interior Design

Eligibility

Candidates should have cleared the X standard if they intend to pursue a PG in interior design or a certificate degree in interior design.

Graduate Courses

• B. Sc Degree in Fashion, Interior and Textile Design
• B.Des
• B.Sc. in Interior Design
• Bachelor of Interior Design

Eligibility

Candidates must have earned at least a 55% in Physics, Chemistry, Math, Biology, and English in their Standard XII education.

Post Graduate Courses

• Master of Design Programmes
• PhD Programmes in Design
• M.Arch Program (Interior Design)
• Master of Design (MDES)
• Post Graduate Diploma in Craft Design
• Post Graduate Diploma in Design
• PG Diploma in Furniture & Interior Design
• Post Graduate Diploma in Textile Design
• Post-Graduate Programme in Interior Space and Equipment Design

Eligibility

A Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture and design, interior design, a professional diploma in design, a B.F.A. or G.D. in art with one year of professional experience, or a Master’s degree in the arts, sciences, or computer applications are required of applicants for these courses.

Entrance Exam Details

Entrance exam for interior designing after 12th are: Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED), GATE, National Council for Interior Design Qualification Exam, Nation Level Entrance Aptitude Test (NLAT), Nation Entrance Examination for Design (NEED), NID Entrance Test, NIFT Entrance Test, School of Fashion Technology (SOFT) Entrance Test, Pearl Academy Entrance Exam, and CUET.

Joining Interior Design Courses Without Entrance Exams

Here’s some information on how to join interior design courses without taking entrance exams:

• Build a Strong Portfolio: Create an impressive portfolio showcasing your design projects. A compelling portfolio can often secure admission as it demonstrates your design skills and creativity.
• Direct Admissions: Some institutions offer direct admissions to candidates with exceptional academic records or prior qualifications in design-related fields. Meeting specific academic criteria can qualify you for direct entry.
• Management Quota: Consider institutions that reserve seats through a management quota. This admission route may take into account factors beyond exam scores, such as interviews or extracurricular achievements.
• NRI/PIO Quotas: If you have NRI or PIO status, explore institutions with specialized quotas for international applicants. These quotas can simplify the admission process.
• Lateral Entry: If you hold qualifications in related fields like architecture or fine arts, investigate programs offering lateral entry, which allows entry into higher-level interior design courses.
• Professional Experience: Relevant work experience in the design industry can be a valuable asset. Some institutions consider professional experience when admitting students.
• Entrance Exam Waivers: Keep an eye out for institutions that grant entrance exam waivers to individuals who have already completed recognized design courses. These waivers can streamline the admission process.

Remember that admission requirements can vary among institutions, so it’s crucial to research and contact the admissions offices of your preferred institutes for specific guidance on joining without an entrance exam.

Career Prospects and Salary

As the demand for well-designed spaces continues to rise, interior designers find themselves at the forefront of creating functional and aesthetically pleasing environments. Let’s explore the promising career opportunities and salary ranges that await these creative professionals.

Career Prospects

Here are the career prospects after clearing interior design exams:

Interior Designer: Design and decorate interior spaces, creating functional and aesthetically pleasing environments.

Spatial Planner: Work on organizing and optimizing spaces for various purposes, such as homes, offices, or commercial establishments.

Architectural Consultant: Collaborate with architects on interior aspects of building design, ensuring harmony between the interior and exterior.

Set Designer: Contribute to the film and entertainment industry by designing captivating sets for movies, TV shows, and theater productions.

Furniture Designer: Create innovative and functional furniture pieces that cater to both aesthetics and comfort.

Sustainable Design Specialist: Focus on environmentally friendly design practices, emphasizing energy efficiency and eco-conscious materials.

Retail Design: Specialize in designing retail spaces to enhance customer experiences and boost sales.

Entrepreneurship: Start your own interior design consultancy or design firm, giving you creative freedom and potential for significant financial rewards.

Specialized Fields: Explore niches like healthcare design, hospitality design, exhibition design, or yacht interior design for unique career opportunities.

Academia: Pursue a career in teaching and research in interior design at academic institutions, sharing your knowledge and expertise with aspiring designers.

The interior design field offers a wide array of options for those who successfully clear the entrance exams, making it a versatile and dynamic career choice.

Salary

Salary of an interior designer can vary depending on factors like experience and location. Interior designers, on average, earn an annual salary ranging from ₹3,00,000 to ₹12,00,000 or more, but this can significantly increase with experience and successful projects. These professionals have the opportunity to work in various roles, such as interior designers who create inviting spaces, spatial planners who optimize layouts, architectural consultants who harmonize interiors with exteriors, and set designers who craft immersive environments for entertainment. Other avenues include furniture design, sustainable design, and retail design, each offering unique opportunities to showcase creative talents. With growing demand for aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces, interior designers can look forward to rewarding and dynamic careers.