Master’s In Design: Why It’s A Smart Career Move And How To Prepare For The Entrance Exam – News18

Last Updated:February 24, 2025, 13:11 IST

Career Guide: Pursuing an M.Des opens diverse career opportunities as design integrates with technology and business.

By Yash Uday Sheth

There is a revolutionary shift occurring in the field of education, particularly within the design community. Design is evolving rapidly, extending its influence beyond aesthetics to encompass strategy, technology, and innovation. In India, start-ups, digital innovation, and UX design are shaping the industry landscape. Businesses are increasingly recognising the critical role of design in shaping products, services, and user experiences.

The growing intersection of design, technology, and business has made pursuing a Master’s in Design (M.Des) not only relevant but also a crucial career move for aspiring designers. The demand for skilled designers is at an all-time high, particularly in sectors such as digital transformation, e-commerce, fintech, edtech, and other emerging industries. The design industry is estimated to be growing at a rate of 23% to 25% annually.

This growth has led to an urgent need for approximately 62,000 designers across disciplines such as industrial, graphic, communication, and UI/UX design. However, with only around 7,000 designers graduating each year, the industry faces a significant talent gap. For those pursuing or considering an M.Des, this presents an opportunity to contribute to organisations that value innovation and problem-solving.

Government initiatives such as Make in India and Design in India have further strengthened the importance of design in economic growth. The Make in India campaign positions design as a key factor in product innovation and quality, aiming to establish India as a global manufacturing hub. As Indian brands compete internationally, the emphasis on domestic design solutions is increasing. Meanwhile, the Design in India initiative focuses on developing local design talent and fostering industry-academia collaborations to drive innovation. These programmes highlight the expanding opportunities for designers, not only in mainstream sectors but also in public policy, urban design, and sustainability.

Through initiatives like Digital India, Smart Cities, and Make in India, the role of design is extending beyond products to influence policymaking, entrepreneurship, and eco-innovation. As a result, many graduates are choosing entrepreneurship, launching their own design studios and start-ups, supported by India’s thriving start-up ecosystem. Advanced design professionals will play a crucial role in shaping India’s future.

A master’s degree in design also provides access to PhD programmes and government-sponsored research projects, making it an excellent choice for those interested in academia and research. This contributes to India’s growing presence on the global design stage.

How To Prepare For The M.Des Entrance Exam?

Several prestigious institutions in India offer M.Des programmes with well-structured curricula. Leading institutions include IIT-IDC, NID, and Pearl Academy, all of which conduct rigorous entrance exams to assess candidates’ creative and analytical skills. Preparing for these exams requires a strategic approach, dedication, and consistent practice.

Each institute has a different exam pattern, but most follow a two-stage selection process: a preliminary test on drawing, visualisation, and problem-solving, followed by a studio test and interview. M.Des entrance exams typically assess a candidate’s ability to think creatively and express ideas visually. Practising sketching regularly can help build speed and confidence. Developing the ability to communicate concepts through quick sketches is particularly beneficial for the written exams.

To enhance lateral thinking, candidates should engage in exercises such as re-designing everyday objects, creating innovative solutions for common problems, and understanding user needs. Reading books on innovation and design thinking can also provide valuable insights.

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Staying updated with the latest design trends is essential. Design is a dynamic field influenced by technological advancements, cultural shifts, and societal changes. Reading design blogs, magazines, and case studies on UI/UX, industrial design, sustainable design, and branding can be beneficial. Awareness of industry trends not only strengthens interview responses but also helps in developing relevant and impactful design solutions.

Regularly solving mock tests improves speed and accuracy. Analysing past years’ question papers can provide insight into common themes and difficulty levels. Time management is crucial, as these exams have strict time constraints.

Institutions also evaluate candidates based on their portfolios and in-person interviews. A strong portfolio should showcase innovative projects and problem-solving abilities. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, sources of inspiration, and creative methodologies in detail.

With systematic preparation and determination, cracking the M.Des entrance exam is achievable.

(The Author is the Spokesperson and Department Lead of communication Design at Pearl Academy. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.)