Creative Minds Wanted: Top Design & Arts Courses in India

Introduction

In a world where technology is advancing rapidly, creativity remains irreplaceable. Design, arts, and humanities are no longer "unconventional" career choices—they are mainstream, high-value, and global. Whether it's shaping the next viral brand campaign, designing sustainable fashion, creating immersive UI/UX for apps, or working on cultural research projects—this domain offers endless opportunities for students with creative flair and passion for self-expression.

In this blog, we’ll explore why Design, Arts, and Humanities are gaining popularity among Indian students, the best courses to pursue after 12th, top institutes, career paths, and what skills you need to succeed in the creative economy.

Why Choose a Creative Career?

Here’s what makes careers in design and humanities not just fulfilling, but also future-proof:

•  Creativity can’t be automated

•  Demand for designers, content creators, and communicators is skyrocketing

•  Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving

•  Good earnings for skilled professionals

•  Freelancing & global work opportunities

Gone are the days when arts meant limited scope. Today, top companies, startups, design studios, and media houses are hunting for talented designers and thinkers.

Top Design, Arts & Humanities Courses After 12th

Let’s dive into the most popular and high-potential courses you can pursue in this stream.

1. Bachelor of Design (B.Des)

Duration: 4 years
Eligibility: 10+2 in any stream (with aptitude test)
Top Exams: UCEED, NID DAT, NIFT, Pearl Academy Entrance
Top Institutes:

• National Institute of Design (NID)

• IIT Bombay (IDC)

• NIFT (for fashion design)

• Pearl Academy

• MIT Institute of Design

Specializations:

• Fashion Design

• Product Design

• Graphic Design

• Interior Design

• Communication Design

• Animation & Multimedia

Career Options:

• UX/UI Designer

• Creative Director

• Fashion Stylist

• Industrial Designer

• Visual Artist

Average Salary: ₹4–8 LPA; can reach ₹15+ LPA for skilled designers.

Pro Tip: Build a strong portfolio of your work and participate in design contests.

2. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Duration: 3–4 years
Eligibility: 10+2 (arts preferred but open to all)
Top Colleges:

• College of Art, Delhi

• Sir JJ School of Art, Mumbai

• BHU Faculty of Visual Arts

• Rabindra Bharati University

Specializations:

• Painting

• Sculpture

• Applied Arts

• Photography

• Printmaking

Career Paths:

• Fine Artist

• Art Teacher

• Illustrator

• Art Director

• Gallery Manager

Salary Range: ₹3–6 LPA initially; freelance artists may earn more depending on commissions.

3. Bachelor of Arts (BA) – Humanities

Duration: 3 years
Eligibility: 10+2 in any stream
Popular Majors:

• Psychology

• Sociology

• Political Science

• History

• English Literature

• Philosophy

Top Colleges:

• Delhi University (St. Stephens, Hindu, Miranda House)

• Ashoka University

• JNU (for postgrad)

• Symbiosis School of Liberal Arts

Career Options:

• Content Writer

• Psychologist (with PG)

• Public Policy Analyst

• Journalist

• Educator

• Civil Services Aspirant

Pro Tip: BA is ideal for students planning higher studies (MA, MPhil, PhD) or UPSC/NET.

4. Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA)

Duration: 3 years
Eligibility: 10+2 and audition (in many colleges)
Fields:

• Dance

• Music (Instrumental/Vocal)

• Theatre/Drama

Top Institutes:

• Kalakshetra Foundation

• Rabindra Bharati University

• Faculty of Performing Arts, BHU

• NSD (for postgrad)

Career Paths:

• Performer

• Musician

• Choreographer

• Drama Coach

• Theatre Artist

Earning Potential: Varies by skill, audience, and media exposure.

5. Bachelor in Liberal Arts

Duration: 3–4 years
Eligibility: 10+2
Top Colleges:

• Ashoka University

• FLAME University

• Symbiosis School of Liberal Arts

• Azim Premji University

Overview:
A flexible, multidisciplinary course allowing students to study humanities, arts, social science, and even some business or tech. Ideal for thinkers, writers, and future policy-makers.

Creative Aptitude Exams to Watch For

Build a portfolio (sketches, digital work, photography, videos) if applying to top design schools.

Key Skills for Creative & Humanities Careers

To thrive in this stream, focus on building:

•  Creativity & Imagination

•  Strong Communication Skills

•  Critical Thinking

•  Design Thinking

•  Software Skills (Photoshop, Figma, Illustrator, etc.)

Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare can help polish your creative tools.

Career Scope in India and Abroad

Creative careers offer flexible work environments—full-time, freelance, agency-based, or even your own startup!

Industries That Hire Designers & Artists:

• E-commerce (Myntra, Amazon)

• Advertising & Branding

• App & Game Development

• Media & Entertainment

• Education & Publishing

• Cultural Organizations

• NGOs & Think Tanks

Global Demand:

Designers and creative professionals are in high demand across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe—especially in UI/UX, animation, and content roles.

Freelancing & Entrepreneurship

Unlike traditional fields, creative careers offer freedom to work independently.

You can be:

• A freelance illustrator

• YouTuber or podcaster

• Content creator

• Design consultant

• Art therapist

• Craft or Etsy store owner

Build a strong social media presence + online portfolio (like Behance/Dribbble) to attract clients globally.

Average Salary Range

 Many creative professionals earn 6-figure incomes via brand deals, digital sales, and freelance gigs.

Myths vs Reality

Famous Indians from This Stream

• Ritu Kumar – Fashion Designer

• Satyajit Ray – Filmmaker

• Zakir Hussain – Tabla Maestro

• Amitav Ghosh – Author

• Bharti Kher – Visual Artist

Conclusion

If you’re someone who thinks visually, feels deeply, and expresses creatively—Design, Arts & Humanities might be your true path. It’s a stream full of passion, freedom, innovation, and purpose.

From creating the next iconic brand logo to shaping narratives that inspire social change, creative professionals are building the future in their own unique ways.

So, ditch the fear and follow your flair—your creativity can change the world.