A well-designed interior perfectly blends aesthetics, functionality, accessibility, and space management. It improves the quality of life by infusing relevant trends, incorporating soothing designs, and aligning with sustainable ideas. If this excites you, interior design courses can be a great way to kickstart a lucrative career.

You can apply for different courses after completing your 12th exams. Start by listing the entrance tests/Design Aptitude Tests you can take. Research the various degree and diploma courses available and narrow down the institutes you want to enroll in. Don’t forget to work on the basic skills to ace the eligibility tests and get a seat in a premium institute.

Read on to learn how to transform your interest in interior design into a fun & fulfilling career.

Eligibility Criteria to Study Interior Design After 12th

Once you complete your schooling (10+2), you can apply for degree and diploma courses in interior design – 

• Minimum Score – You must score at least 50% (aggregate) or equivalent grade points (CGPA/GPA).
• Stream – Don’t worry, students from across streams – humanities, commerce, and science – can pursue interior design courses. 
• Board – All you need is a 10+2 grade card and a passing certificate from a recognized board. Students from CBSE, ICSE, listed state boards, accredited international boards, and NIOS are all eligible for Design Aptitude Tests.

Entrance Exams

Various universities & design schools in India conduct different types of entrance exams. These are designed to judge your general knowledge, problem-solving, and design skills. Some universities also conduct Personal Interviews with/independent of the entrance tests.

Common Eligibility/Aptitude Exams test your knowledge in key areas including reasoning, problem-solving, and field-related knowledge.

DAT or Design Aptitude Tests check your sketching and design skills, knowledge of color theory & design basics, and creative problem-solving abilities.

Studio Tests or Situation Tests are focused on the design process and outcome. They test your creativity, design aptitude, and solution-oriented skills.

Beyond these, universities can conduct group discussions, and interviews, and require you to submit a work portfolio.

How to Prepare for Entrance Exams?

Here’s how you can prepare for the interior design course of your choice – 

• Ensure you know the exam structure & syllabus before you start working on your skills. Read the brochure and prospectus thoroughly and list the areas you need to study/practice. Focus on the topics you are yet to master and be consistent with your preparations.
• Develop basic skills that these exams emphasize. Focus on color theory, elements & principles of design, and develop sketching skills.
• Knowing design trends, history, and popular designers can help you ace the test. Learn about trends. Look at the works of famous designers. Study the basics of the history and evolution of Interior design. 
• Practice will make you perfect. Remember there’s no such thing as enough practice. Sketch regularly, apply your knowledge of color theory and design basics to sketches, and consistently solve previous years’ papers. You can leverage online tutorials and classes on YouTube as well.
• Work on personal projects for the upcoming interview rounds. Develop mood boards and make concept-based designs. Follow interior designers and look at their work for inspiration. You can get prompts online, or come up with them yourself. 
• Compile your work into a portfolio. Include some of your best projects, experiment with colors, and apply some design elements you have studied. The more you explore, the more versatile your portfolio will appear. A well-presented portfolio can get you a seat in some of the best interior design courses in the country. 
• Prepare for your interview round. Ensure you are one hundred percent clear about the concepts in your portfolio. Revise the basics of design, go over the trends, and don’t forget to look at some of the popular designers and their work

Course Details

If you are in the final year of your schooling, this is a good time to start looking into courses you can enroll in – 

• Bachelor’s degree courses (3-4 years) focus on design fundamentals, color theory, and other theoretical knowledge along with hands-on projects. You will get to explore commercial & residential design, understand trend forecasts, learn relevant software like AutoCAD and Autodesk 3ds Max, and develop a strong portfolio.
• Diploma Courses (1-2 years) are designed to guide you with all the basic knowledge and skills you need to become an interior designer. They particularly focus on design fundamentals, developing illustration skills, software knowledge, space planning, forecast study, and developing a strong portfolio. 

How to Choose the Right Course for Yourself?

The best way to decide which course is right for you is to go through the course prospectus – 

• Consider the course duration, fee structure, and amenities they are providing.
• Look at their alumni success, list of faculty members, and placement opportunities.
• Check the institute’s ranking & make sure the course and the university have an accreditation.
• Ensure your interests and goals align with what the institute is offering.

Conclusion

Start researching courses when you’re about to finish school. Prepare for the entrance exams, apply to multiple universities, and keep practicing all the skills. A perfect course is the one that aligns with your interests and goals. 

With a well-structured course in Interior design, you can make a fun-filled and high-paying career. 

Check out AAFT School of Interior Design for degree & diploma programs and resources for a smooth transition into the field.