Welcome to CoursesAfter.com, your ultimate guide to navigating the exciting world of post-12th career opportunities! Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt a sense of calm, excitement, or inspiration, purely because of its design? Or perhaps you’ve envisioned how a dull space could be transformed into something magnificent? If your answer is a resounding “yes,” then the vibrant field of interior design might just be your calling.
Interior design is much more than just decorating; it’s a blend of art and science, a creative discipline that shapes human experiences by transforming functional spaces into aesthetic and efficient environments. With the burgeoning real estate sector, a growing appreciation for well-designed living and working spaces, and an increasing focus on sustainable and smart interiors, the demand for skilled interior design professionals is at an all-time high in India. This comprehensive article aims to provide a detailed overview of the top “Interior Design Courses After 12th,” exploring the best career options, scope, and eligibility criteria, to help you make an informed decision about your future.
Why Choose Interior Design Courses After 12th?
The decision to pursue interior design after 12th grade opens up a world of creative possibilities and promising career paths. Here are compelling reasons why this field is an excellent choice for aspiring designers:
- Unleash Your Creativity: Interior design is inherently a creative profession. It allows you to transform abstract ideas into tangible, beautiful, and functional spaces. If you have an eye for aesthetics, a flair for color, and a knack for visualizing spaces, this field will provide the perfect canvas for your imagination.
- High Demand and Growing Scope: With rapid urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and a rising awareness about the impact of design on well-being and productivity, the demand for qualified interior designers in India is consistently on the rise. From residential makeovers to commercial complexes, hospitality ventures, and even public spaces, there’s a constant need for professionals who can create inspiring interiors.
- Diverse Career Opportunities: The field is incredibly diverse, offering a wide array of specializations. You can work as a residential designer, commercial space planner, furniture designer, lighting designer, set designer, or even a sustainability consultant. This versatility ensures that you can find a niche that perfectly aligns with your interests and strengths.
- Tangible Impact: As an interior designer, you have the unique opportunity to directly impact people’s lives by creating spaces that enhance their comfort, productivity, and overall quality of life. Whether it’s designing a cozy home or an efficient office, your work makes a real difference.
- Entrepreneurial Potential: Many interior designers choose to establish their own design studios or work as independent consultants, offering them the flexibility and autonomy to manage their projects and clients. This entrepreneurial avenue can lead to significant financial rewards and creative freedom.
- Dynamic and Evolving Field: Interior design is not stagnant; it’s a dynamic field that constantly evolves with new trends, technologies, and materials. This ensures continuous learning and innovation, keeping the profession exciting and engaging.
List of Interior Design Courses After 12th

The world of interior design education is vast, with many different types of programs available for students who have completed their 12th grade. Here is a list of 15 popular interior design courses after 12th, categorized by their level and duration.
Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) in Interior Design
- Duration: 4 years
- Eligibility: 12th pass (any stream)
- Career Options: Interior Designer, Space Planner, Exhibition Designer
- Fees: ₹1.5 to 5 LPA
- Salary Range: ₹4 to 10 LPA
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Interior Design
- Duration: 3 years
- Eligibility: 12th pass (any stream, often with a preference for science)
- Career Options: Interior Designer, Colour Consultant, Design Journalist
- Fees: ₹1 to 4 LPA
- Salary Range: ₹3 to 8 LPA
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Interior Design
- Duration: 3 years
- Eligibility: 12th pass (any stream)
- Career Options: Interior Decorator, Visual Merchandiser, Furniture Designer
- Fees: ₹1 to 4 LPA
- Salary Range: ₹3 to 7 LPA
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) with a specialization in Interior Design
- Duration: 5 years
- Eligibility: 12th pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM)
- Career Options: Architect, Interior Architect, Project Manager
- Fees: ₹2 to 6 LPA
- Salary Range: ₹5 to 12 LPA
Bachelor of Vocational (B.Voc.) in Interior Design
- Duration: 3 years
- Eligibility: 12th pass (any stream)
- Career Options: Interior Designer, Set Designer, CAD Designer
- Fees: ₹1 to 3 LPA
- Salary Range: ₹3 to 6 LPA
Diploma in Interior Design
- Duration: 1 to 2 years
- Eligibility: 12th pass (any stream)
- Career Options: Interior Designer Assistant, Freelance Designer, Interior Stylist
- Fees: ₹50,000 to 2 LPA
- Salary Range: ₹2 to 5 LPA
Advanced Diploma in Interior Design
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility: 12th pass (any stream)
- Career Options: Junior Interior Designer, Design Consultant
- Fees: ₹80,000 to 2.5 LPA
- Salary Range: ₹2.5 to 6 LPA
Diploma in Interior Styling
- Duration: 6 months to 1 year
- Eligibility: 12th pass (any stream)
- Career Options: Interior Stylist, Home Stager
- Fees: ₹30,000 to 1.5 LPA
- Salary Range: ₹2 to 4 LPA
Certificate Course in Interior Design
- Duration: 3 to 12 months
- Eligibility: 12th pass (any stream)
- Career Options: Assistant Designer, Decorator
- Fees: ₹20,000 to 1 LPA
- Salary Range: ₹1.5 to 3 LPA
Certificate Course in Computer-Aided Interior Design
- Duration: 3 to 6 months
- Eligibility: 12th pass (any stream)
- Career Options: CAD Technician, 3D Modeler
- Fees: ₹15,000 to 80,000
- Salary Range: ₹2 to 4.5 LPA
Diploma in Architectural Assistantship
- Duration: 2 to 3 years
- Eligibility: 12th pass with PCM
- Career Options: Architectural Assistant, Drafter
- Fees: ₹50,000 to 2 LPA
- Salary Range: ₹2.5 to 5 LPA
B.Des. in Interior Architecture and Design
- Duration: 4 years
- Eligibility: 12th pass (any stream)
- Career Options: Interior Architect, Space Planner, Design Manager
- Fees: ₹2 to 6 LPA
- Salary Range: ₹5 to 12 LPA
B.Des. in Interior and Furniture Design
- Duration: 4 years
- Eligibility: 12th pass (any stream)
- Career Options: Furniture Designer, Product Designer, Interior Designer
- Fees: ₹1.5 to 5 LPA
- Salary Range: ₹4 to 10 LPA
B.Sc. in Interior Design and Decoration
- Duration: 3 years
- Eligibility: 12th pass (any stream)
- Career Options: Interior Decorator, Retail Designer
- Fees: ₹1 to 4 LPA
- Salary Range: ₹3 to 7 LPA
Integrated B.Des. + M.Des. in Interior Design
- Duration: 5 years
- Eligibility: 12th pass (any stream)
- Career Options: Senior Designer, Design Educator, Design Researcher
- Fees: ₹2.5 to 7 LPA
- Salary Range: ₹6 to 15 LPA
Interior Design Courses After 12th with fees
Course Name | Duration | Average Fees (Per Year) |
B.Des. in Interior Design | 4 years | ₹1.5 – ₹5 Lakhs |
B.Sc. in Interior Design | 3 years | ₹1 – ₹4 Lakhs |
B.A. in Interior Design | 3 years | ₹1 – ₹4 Lakhs |
Diploma in Interior Design | 1-2 years | ₹50,000 – ₹2 Lakhs |
B.Arch. with Interior Design Specialization | 5 years | ₹2 – ₹6 Lakhs |
B.Voc. in Interior Design | 3 years | ₹1 – ₹3 Lakhs |
Advanced Diploma in Interior Design | 2 years | ₹80,000 – ₹2.5 Lakhs |
Certificate Course in Interior Design | 3-12 months | ₹20,000 – ₹1 Lakh |
Diploma in Interior Styling | 6-12 months | ₹30,000 – ₹1.5 Lakhs |
B.Des. in Interior Architecture and Design | 4 years | ₹2 – ₹6 Lakhs |
B.Des. in Interior and Furniture Design | 4 years | ₹1.5 – ₹5 Lakhs |
B.Sc. in Interior Design and Decoration | 3 years | ₹1 – ₹4 Lakhs |
Integrated B.Des. + M.Des. | 5 years | ₹2.5 – ₹7 Lakhs |
Diploma in Architectural Assistantship | 2-3 years | ₹50,000 – ₹2 Lakhs |
Certificate in Computer-Aided Interior Design | 3-6 months | ₹15,000 – ₹80,000 |
Top Interior Design Courses After 12th with Salary
The earning potential in interior design varies significantly based on the type of course pursued, the skills acquired, experience, location, and the reputation of the firm or individual practice. Here’s a look at some of the top interior design courses and their typical salary ranges in India.
Course Name | Average Entry-Level Salary (INR/year) | Mid-Level Salary (INR/year) | Senior-Level Salary (INR/year) |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor of Design (B.Des) in Interior Design | ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 | ₹5,00,000 – ₹10,00,000 | ₹10,00,000 – ₹20,00,000+ |
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Interior Design | ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,50,000 | ₹4,50,000 – ₹8,00,000 | ₹8,00,000 – ₹15,00,000+ |
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Interior Design | ₹2,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 | ₹4,00,000 – ₹7,50,000 | ₹7,50,000 – ₹12,00,000+ |
Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) | ₹3,50,000 – ₹6,00,000 | ₹6,00,000 – ₹11,00,000 | ₹11,00,000 – ₹25,00,000+ |
B.Arch in Interior Design | ₹4,00,000 – ₹7,00,000 | ₹7,00,000 – ₹15,00,000 | ₹15,00,000 – ₹30,00,000+ |
Diploma in Interior Design | ₹1,80,000 – ₹3,50,000 | ₹3,50,000 – ₹6,00,000 | ₹6,00,000 – ₹10,00,000+ |
Advanced Diploma in Interior Design | ₹2,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 | ₹4,00,000 – ₹7,00,000 | ₹7,00,000 – ₹12,00,000+ |
Certificate in Interior Design | ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 | ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 | ₹5,00,000 – ₹8,00,000+ |
It’s important to note that these figures are approximate and can vary based on individual skills, portfolio quality, networking, and the economic climate. Freelance designers or those who establish their own successful firms can potentially earn significantly more.
Top Colleges & Institutes in India
Choosing the right institution is crucial for a strong foundation in interior design. India boasts several reputable colleges and institutes known for their excellent design programs, faculty, infrastructure, and industry connections. Here are some of the top colleges and institutes, listed based on their general popularity and reputation in the design education landscape:
- National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad
- CEPT University, Ahmedabad
- Pearl Academy (Campuses in Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Bangalore)
- Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), Pune
- National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) (Various campuses, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore)
- Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore
- Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), Delhi
- World University of Design (WUD), Sonipat
- Amity University (Various campuses, including Noida, Mumbai)
- JD Institute of Fashion Technology (Various campuses)
- LPU (Lovely Professional University), Jalandhar
- MIT Institute of Design, Pune
- ARCH College of Design and Business, Jaipur
- Jain (Deemed-to-be University), Bangalore
- Vogue Institute of Art and Design, Bangalore
Conclusion
The world of interior design offers a captivating and rewarding career path for individuals passionate about creativity, aesthetics, and shaping inspiring environments. With a wide array of interior design courses after 12th, from comprehensive bachelor’s degrees to specialized diplomas and certificates, aspiring designers have ample opportunities to gain the necessary skills and knowledge. The growing demand in India’s booming real estate and lifestyle sectors ensures a promising scope for qualified professionals.
Whether you envision yourself crafting bespoke residential spaces, designing functional commercial interiors, or delving into niche areas like sustainable or experiential design, a solid education is your stepping stone. Remember that while formal education provides a strong foundation, continuous learning, building a compelling portfolio, networking, and developing strong communication and project management skills are equally vital for a thriving career in this dynamic field. Choose the path that resonates most with your aspirations, dedicate yourself to mastering the craft, and prepare to transform spaces and lives with your unique design vision.