Back to Interior Design

Interior Design — Step-by-Step Roadmap

Your journey, phase by phase

  1. Phase 1 · Class 11–12 Class 11–12 and early practice Any stream; develop sketching, spatial sense and colour sense.
    • Interior design programmes accept Class 12 pass students from any stream.
    • Practise freehand sketching, perspective drawing and model making.
    • Observe homes, shops and public spaces and note design choices.
    • Learn basic geometry and measurement.
    Streams
    Any
  2. Phase 2 · After Class 12 Entrance exams NID DAT, UCEED, CUET and institute tests.
    • NID DAT and UCEED assess visual thinking, drawing and problem-solving.
    • Several private institutes and universities run their own design aptitude tests and studio tests.
    • Prepare a portfolio and be ready for an interview.
    • Apply to multiple institutes because test dates differ.
    Exams
    NID DAT, UCEED, institute tests
  3. Phase 3 · Year 1 Design foundation Drawing, design basics and materials.
    • Learn drawing, colour, model making and design principles.
    • Study history of design and architecture.
    • Learn basic drafting and materials.
    • Take workshops in wood, metal and textile.
    Focus
    Foundations
  4. Phase 4 · Year 2–3 Interior design studios and software Space planning, lighting, furniture and 3D visualisation.
    • Learn space planning, lighting design, furniture design and building services.
    • Learn AutoCAD, SketchUp, 3ds Max, Revit and rendering tools.
    • Study materials, costing and building codes.
    • Complete studio projects for homes, offices and retail.
    Tools
    AutoCAD, SketchUp, 3ds Max, Revit
  5. Phase 5 · Year 3–4 and after Internships and career Training in firms and your own practice.
    • Intern with interior design firms and architecture studios, and visit sites.
    • Present a final-year thesis project.
    • Work as junior designer, site supervisor or visualiser.
    • Start your own studio after building client experience; further study includes M.Des.
    Roles
    Interior designer, visualiser, site supervisor

Verify on the official source

Exam dates, fees, paper patterns and eligibility rules are revised by the regulator from time to time. Treat this roadmap as your map, and confirm the current rules on the official site before you register or pay any fee.

NID admissionsUCEED Full Interior Design career guide