How to Become Graphic Designer After 12th – Courses, Career & Salary Guide

In today's visually driven world, graphic design plays a key role in communication, branding, and digital presence. If you’re passionate about creativity, storytelling and digital art, a graphic design course after 12th would be the perfect choice. The digital era has made graphic designers indispensable across industries—from advertising and branding to web development and animation. The role of graphic designers has increased significantly in almost every industry. 

If you’re looking for graphic design courses after 12th, you are in the right place. Whether you dream of becoming a creative director, a UI/UX designer, or a freelance digital artist, getting started at the right time is crucial. Let’s explore how you can become a successful graphic designer after completing 12th grade while understanding the courses available, curriculum, career scope and salary of a graphic designer in today’s world.

Why Graphic Design is a Promising Career Choice after 12th?

If you’re someone who loves creating visual graphics, patterns, playing with fonts, or simply has a passion for design, graphic designing after 12th could be your calling. With brands focusing more on online presence, social media is the need of the hour, which cannot be done without eye-catching visuals, making graphic designers irreplaceable, even in the age of AI. 

Here are some top reasons students choose graphic design after 12th:

• High Demand: The digital evolution has made graphic designers essential in almost every industry, which makes it a top career for students who have just completed their 12th grade.
• Creative Expression: There are not many jobs in India that allow employees to express their creative side and use their imagination. Graphic designing is one of those very few fields that helps you blend art, technology, and communication tools to create powerful visual graphics.
• Diverse Career Paths: Graphic designers are in high demand in almost every sector, and you can choose from numerous career paths like branding, web design, UI/UX, advertising, animation, and more.
• Lucrative Salaries: Skilled graphic designers earn a handsome salary, which makes it a profitable career for students who want to work a job or earn from freelancing.

What is Graphic Design?

Graphic design is the art of creating visual objects and elements like images, animation, typography, and other graphics and visual content to convey a message to the audience. It involves the use of the creative skills of an individual to create stunning graphics using software to create logos, thumbnails, animation, websites, etc.

Graphic Design Courses After 12th: Your Learning Path

Graphic design courses are available for everyone, whether you completed your 12th from the science, arts or commerce stream. There are various undergraduate and diploma courses that will provide an in-depth understanding of design principles, visual storytelling, branding, UI/UX, motion graphics, etc. 
 

Eligibility and Admission

Before enrolling in any program, it's crucial to understand the eligibility criteria and admission process of a graphic design course.

1. Academic Requirements: A student must have completed their 12th standard from any stream from any recognised board. Some colleges may conduct an entrance exam like SEED, AIEED, NID DAT, NIFT, to check students’ aptitude.
2. Research Courses & Colleges: Shortlist design programs that suit your career goals, time frame and budget. A BDes in Graphic Design is best for students looking for a full-fledged degree in graphic design while mastering the basics and advanced concepts of graphics. While someone looking for a quick entry can opt for certificate courses or a 1-year diploma in graphic design.
3. Portfolio Review & Personal Interview: Some colleges also require applicants to submit a creative portfolio that highlights their talents and previous experiences. In addition, top institutions often conduct personal interviews to explore the creative side of each individual, assessing their passion, aptitude, and alignment with their chosen career path.

After completing this process, you can enroll in graphic design courses after 12th in any top institute like Wisdom College for Creativity & Design.
 

Career Opportunities in Graphic Designing After 12th

When you complete a graphic design course after 12th, you unlock exciting career paths for yourself. 

• Graphic Designer
• UI/UX Designer
• Motion Graphics Artist
• Branding & Identity Designer
• Visual Content Creator
• Web Designer
• Illustrator
• Packaging Designer
• Digital Marketing Designer

Pro Tip: Many students start freelancing while still mastering graphic design in college—earning while learning!

Industry Scope and Salary Expectations

According to various reports from IBISWorld and NASSCOM, the demand for graphic designers is rapidly increasing in: Advertising and Digital Marketing Agencies, Web and App Design Companies, Animation Studios, Media Houses, E-commerce Companies and Game Development.

Here is a quick look at what you can earn in the graphic design industry:

Ready to Design Your Future?

The journey to becoming an expert graphic designer starts with a single step, which is choosing and enrolling in a graphic design course after 12th. It is a future-proof career move for creative thinkers, from degree programs like BDes in Graphic Design to 1 year diploma and certificate courses, the choices are numerous. 

But are you ready to grab the opportunity and take a bold step that’ll launch your graphic design journey with a bang?
 

Still Thinking? Others Are Already Designing

While you’re waiting, others are learning, building portfolios, and landing jobs. Don’t fall behind—start your creative journey today with Wisdom Design College.

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FAQs

1. Can I become a graphic designer after 12th?

Yes, you can become a graphic designer after 12th, whether you’ve completed your 12th standard from any stream. Popular options include undergraduate degrees like B.Des in Graphic Design, BA in Graphic Design, B.Sc in Graphic Design, as well as diploma and certificate programs are good for a quick entry into the graphic design industry. 

2. Is graphic design a good career?

Graphic design is widely regarded as a top career choice for creative individuals who are interested in creating stunning graphics and animations. Graphic designers in India enjoy diverse projects, creative freedom, and strong job satisfaction, making it a stable and rewarding career path.

3. What is a graphic designer's salary?

The average graphic designer's salary in India is around ?3,50,000 per year, depending on the individual's skills, company, and job location. Experienced designers enjoy a handsome salary of 8-10 Lakhs per annum.

4. What is the qualification for graphic design?

To pursue a career in graphic design, you need to complete your 10+2 from any recognised board in any stream. To enroll in undergraduate programs such as B.Des in Graphic Design, BA in Graphic Design, or B.Sc in Graphic Design—as well as diploma and certificate courses—you typically need to have passed with at least a 50% aggregate, as this is the standard eligibility requirement.

5. How long is the graphic design course after 12th?

The duration of graphic design courses after 12th varies depending on the program you choose:

• Undergraduate degrees (B.Des, BA, B.Sc in Graphic Design): 3 to 4 years
• Diploma courses: Typically 1 year 
• Certificate courses: Usually 6 months to 1 year, depending on the institute

These design programs allow you to choose a path that matches your career goals and timeline.