How to Become an Interior Designer After 12th: Courses, Career & Salary Guide

If you have a keen eye for aesthetics and you love transforming spaces, then a career in interior designing will be the best choice for you after 12th. Interior designing is more than just arranging furniture - it's about creating functional, visually pleasing environments that reflect purpose and personality. If you’re a student wondering what to do after completing your 12th, then an interior designing course can open doors to a highly creative and fulfilling career.

We will walk you through everything you need to know about interior designing after 12th—eligibility, top interior design courses available after 12th, career scope, salary expectations, and FAQS—to help you make an informed decision.

 

Why Choose Interior Designing After 12th?

Interior design is not just about decorating rooms, it's a blend of creativity, technical knowledge and practical skills. By pursuing interior designing courses after 12th, you will learn how to plan, design and create spaces that are functional, safe and aesthetically pleasing. Due to the surging demand for interior designers in both metro cities and small towns, it has become a very profitable career for students who have just completed their 12th grade. 

 

Key Reasons to Start After 12th:

? Early Exposure – Build a strong foundation right after school and get a job or internship at a top interior design company.

? Develop industry-relevant skills – Learn space planning, 3D visualization, material selection, and sustainable design in an interior design course from a top institute..

? Explore diverse career paths – Work in residential, retail, corporate, or set design and design exquisite spaces.

? Freelance or start your own firm – Gain flexibility and entrepreneurial opportunities in the designing sector.

? Strong Portfolio– Build a strong portfolio and gain practical experience in the world of interior design.

 

Eligibility for Interior Design Courses After 12th

The eligibility for enrolling in an interior design course varies across different institutes that students must meet:

• Education Qualification: You must have completed your 12th grade from a recognized board in any stream - arts, science or commerce. Some institutes also require a minimum aggregate (around 50%) before enrolling you. 
• Stream Preference: It's not a strict requirement, but usually, students from an Arts or Science background find it easier to adapt to different techniques in interior designing. Because of their prior experience in drawing, design and creativity. However Commerce students are also welcomed in interior design courses.
• Entrance Exams: Some of the best institutions conduct entrance exams like NID, NIFT, UCEED, or SEED to assess creativity, design thinking and aptitude.
• Portfolio: Some institutes ask for a portfolio showcasing your creative skills. Even if it is not mandatory, it helps demonstrate your creative skills and passion.

The beauty of this field is that it welcomes students from any stream, diverse backgrounds, focusing more on talent and creativity rather than marks and scores.

 

Educational Pathways: Best Interior Design Courses After 12th

Interior designing is not a one-size-fits-all career. There are many options in interior design courses available for students who have just completed their 12th grade:

 

Course Name	Duration	Overview
BDes in Interior Design	4 years	Comprehensive, industry-oriented degree with strong career prospects, perfect for individuals looking to master all the concepts
BSc in Interior Design	3 years	Scientific and technical focus on design principles and materials in interior design
BA in Interior Design	3-4 years	A blend of theory, aesthetics, and practical design skills that helps students master the technical aspects
BArch (Interior Design)	5 years	Architecture degree with interior design specialization, a full-fledged 5-year program that sets you up for a rewarding career in interior design
Diploma in Interior Design	1-3 years ( [1-year diploma in interior designing])	Fast-track, skill-focused, practical training. Gets you ready for interior design roles in just 1 year with the fundamentals, so you can keep learning along the way.
Certificate Courses	6 months–1 year	Specialized skills (CAD, lighting, furniture design, etc). Best for Students looking to master a specific concept in interior designing.

Each course has its benefits and its upto you to choose the one that aligns with your career goals, time availability and, budget. If you want to make a quick entry in interior designing then a 1 year diploma would be the perfect choice for you. But if you aim for big firms or international opportunities, then a degree like a BDes in interior design would be more beneficial for you.

 

Step-by-Step Process: How to Become an Interior Designer After 12th

 

1. Understand the Field

Research about interior designing and understand the field. Learn about the fundamentals, check online sources for the top curriculum and the things you need to master. Understanding the scope and demand of interior designers in today’s world will help you make an informed decision. 

2. Choose the Right Course

Now, you need to checkout different courses from top institutes in interior designing and select the perfect one for you. Decide between a degree (like BDes in interior design) or a diploma/certificate based on your career goals, time, and resources.

3. Apply for the Institute and Prepare for Entrance Exams (if required)

Some institutes take entrance exams, others allow direct entry into an interior design course. If you’re targeting a top institute, then start preparing for an entrance exam. Apply as per their admission process—direct merit, entrance exam, or portfolio review and build a portfolio to maximise your chances and make a strong first impression.

4. Enroll and Learn

Start learning according to the curriculum, which typically includes design principles, colour theory, space planning, materials, CAD, and project work.

5. Gain Practical Experience

Along with learning the fundamentals and conecepts of interior designing, you need to get practical experience. Wisdom College for Creativity & Design offers industry-standard curriculum with hands-on experience i.e practical learning in interior design in India. They provide internsio opportunities and project at top designing firms that help students build a strong portfolio.

6. Build a Strong Portfolio and Start Your Career

The purpose of an interior design course is not just to teach you the theoretical concepts of interior designing, it is to prepare you to conquer the designing world. With a strong portfolio, you can knock on the doors of a top design institute and make a good impression, which can help you land a job with a handsome salary. 

 

You can also start an interior design firm and get clients by showcasing your strong portfolio with previous experiences. Consider pursuing a master’s after 1 year diploma in interior designing for expertise and career advancement.

 

Career Opportunities After Interior Design Courses

Once you’ve completed the interior designing program, it's time to step into the real world and start designing homes and offices. There are many career options available to you:

• Interior Designer (residential, commercial, hospitality, retail)
• Assistant Interior Designer
• Furniture Designer
• Lighting Designer
• Set Designer (for media and entertainment)
• Visual Merchandiser
• Interior Decorator
• CAD Specialist, etc

 

Top Recruiters: Leading interior designing firms like Uppal Housing, Apartment 9, Home Interior Designs, Bonito Designs, and NoBroker actively hire interior design graduates from top institutes like WCCD.

 

Salary Prospects

Experience Level	Average Salary (INR)
Entry-level	2 – 3 LPA
Average	4 – 5 LPA
Experienced	6 – 12 LPA+

 

Salaries depend on your skills, portfolio, location, and the firm you join. Freelancers and entrepreneurs can earn significantly more based on projects and reputation, though their income is not steady sometimes.
 

Final Thoughts: Is Interior Designing After 12th the Right Path?

Absolutely—interior designing after 12th is an excellent choice for you, if you're passionate about design, creativity, and building beautiful spaces. It is a profession that rewards both your imagination and skills. Students who have just completed their 12th grade can enroll in interior design courses and change their lives forever.

 

The industry offers a broad scope of work — from working on homes to styling film sets, designing hotels, or even launching your own brand. Whether you want to freelance, join a firm, or study further abroad, the opportunities are endless in interior designing.

Just remember: talent, continuous learning, and strong communication are your best tools in interior design. 

 

FAQs: Interior Designing After 12th

1. Can I do Interior Designing after 12th?

Yes, you can pursue interior designing after 12th. Students from any stream can enroll in it and master the art of designing spaces. Although in some institutions, a background in the Arts or Science may be preferred by some institutions. You can choose from diploma programs, bachelor’s degrees such as B.Des or B.A. in Interior Design, or even online certification courses. 

2. What skills do interior designers need?

Interior designers master a blend of  creative, technical, and interpersonal skills, including:

• Creativity and visualization
• Attention to detail
• Strong communication and active listening skills
• Knowledge of design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp)
• Understanding of space planning and aesthetics, and more.

3. Is it expensive to study interior design?

The cost of an interior design course varies based on the program you select and the institution. Top institutes are more costly than average ones, but they provide more benefits with internship opportunities, client networking and portfolio creation. Wisdom College for Creativity & Design provides a one-year diploma program and other certificate courses that are cost-effective and help you kickstart your interior design journey.

4. Can a girl do interior design?

Girls can pursue interior design just as successfully as anyone else. In the designing world, if you have the skills and passion, then it doesn’t matter which gender or race you come from, you can earn just as much as anyone else. Both men and women thrive in this creative and technical profession, as the industry values skills, creativity, and professionalism over gender.

5. What qualifications do I need to be an interior designer?

The basic qualifications to become an interior designer include:

1. Completion of 12th grade from a recognized board (any stream)
2. A diploma or bachelor’s degree in interior design, architecture, or a related field (B.Des, B.A., B.Sc., or diploma courses)
3. Knowledge of design software and technology, with the introduction of AI in designing.
4. Strong creative and communication skills

With the right education and skills, anyone with a passion for design and creativity can build a successful career in interior design.