Industrial Design Centre - IIT Bombay (IDCIITB)

The Industrial Design Centre (IDC) at IIT Bombay is one of India’s premier design schools, established in 1969. Renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, IDC focuses on nurturing creativity and innovation in product design, interaction design, animation, and mobility. The centre blends technology, humanities, and design thinking to create solutions that are both user-centric and socially relevant.

With a diverse faculty of experienced designers, engineers, and researchers, IDC IIT Bombay promotes cutting-edge research and innovation. The centre encourages students to work on real-world projects, collaborate with industries, and contribute to design knowledge through publications and exhibitions.

IDC IIT Bombay Admissions 2025

For Class 12 students aspiring to join IDC IIT Bombay’s B.Des program, here’s the pathway:

1. Eligibility:

   • Candidates must have passed Class 12 (any stream: Science, Commerce, or Arts) in 2024 or appearing in 2025.

   • Age limit: Born on or after October 1, 2000 (5-year relaxation for SC/ST/PwD candidates).

2. Entrance Exam (UCEED 2025):

   • Conducted by IIT Bombay, UCEED is the gateway to B.Des programs at IITs.

   • It tests visualization skills, creativity, logical reasoning, problem solving, and design aptitude.

   • The exam has two parts:

     • Part A (Computer-based): Objective questions.

     • Part B (Drawing test): Tests sketching, creativity, and idea representation.

3. Seat Allotment:

   • Based on UCEED Rank, students are allotted seats across participating institutes.

   • IDC IIT Bombay generally attracts top 50 rankers in UCEED, making it highly competitive.

4. Portfolio & Interview (for M.Des/Ph.D):

   • While B.Des admissions are purely UCEED-based, M.Des and Ph.D aspirants undergo portfolio review and personal interview in addition to CEED scores.

IDC IIT Bombay Fees 

The cost of studying design at IDC is highly subsidized compared to private design colleges.

• B.Des Fees: Around 1.3 – 1.5 lakhs per year.

• M.Des Fees: Around 60,000 – 80,000 per year.

This makes IDC not only one of the most prestigious but also one of the most affordable design schools in India.

How to Prepare for IDC IIT Bombay Admissions 2025

For Class 11 & 12 students aspiring for IDC, preparation is key:

1. Focus on UCEED Syllabus: Practice visualization, perspective drawing, logical reasoning, and aptitude-based questions.

2. Improve Sketching Skills: Regular free-hand drawing, storytelling through visuals, and design sketching.

3. Stay Updated on Design Trends: Read about sustainability, user experience, and new technologies in design.

4. Mock Tests & Time Management: Simulate exam conditions for speed and accuracy.

5. Portfolio Building (for M.Des): Create a portfolio showcasing creativity, projects, problem-solving ability, and originality.

Campus Life at IDC IIT Bombay

Beyond academics, IDC IIT Bombay offers a vibrant student life:

• Cultural & Design Festivals like Mood Indigo and TechFest give students platforms to showcase creativity.

• State-of-the-art labs & workshops provide hands-on exposure to prototyping, animation, AR/VR, and industrial design tools.

• IDC’s location inside IIT Bombay’s lush campus in Powai, Mumbai allows students to collaborate with engineers, entrepreneurs, and researchers.

This multidisciplinary exposure sets IDC apart from standalone design schools.

IIT Bombay (IDC-IITB) Placements

Placements at IDC–IITB are not just about securing a job; they reflect how well the institute prepares its students to tackle real-world challenges in design, product innovation, and user experience. Unlike many other design schools where graduates often start with freelance projects or internships, IDC graduates are frequently absorbed by top global recruiters offering attractive packages.

Key reasons why IDC–IITB placements stand out:

1. Interdisciplinary Learning – Students collaborate with peers from engineering, management, and science backgrounds, making them versatile professionals.

2. Industry-Ready Projects – Live projects with companies like Microsoft, Samsung, Tata Motors, Google, and Infosys provide exposure to real market problems.

3. Strong Alumni Network – IDC’s alumni are leaders in design and technology firms worldwide, opening doors for networking and opportunities.

4. Campus Placement Drive – IIT Bombay’s central placement office works alongside IDC to ensure design students are well represented during recruitment season.

Placement Statistics

While exact figures vary year to year, recent placement drives at IDC show:

• Placement rate: 90–95% (across M.Des, PhD, and interdisciplinary programs).

• Average packages: 10–14 LPA for fresh graduates, with top offers going up to ₹25 LPA.

• Domains: UX/UI Design, Product Design, Interaction Design, Mobility Design, Game Design, Animation & Film Design, and Design Strategy.

• Top recruiters: Google, Microsoft, Samsung R&D, Ola Electric, TCS, Infosys, Titan, Wipro, Tata Elxsi, and Cognizant Design.

These numbers demonstrate how IDC–IITB students benefit from the brand value of IIT Bombay combined with the creative niche of design.

Internships and Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs)

Another major highlight is the internship culture. Students are required to complete summer internships with top organizations, many of which lead to Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs). For example:

• UX design interns at global tech firms often convert to full-time roles with CTCs above ₹20 LPA.

• Automobile and mobility design students at Tata Motors, Mahindra, or Hyundai receive PPOs in R&D and innovation departments.

• Animation & communication design students frequently intern with production houses, advertising agencies, and OTT platforms.

This ensures students have a secured career path even before their final year ends.

Career Pathways Beyond Placements

While most students take up campus offers, many IDC graduates also choose entrepreneurship or research.

• Startups: IDC alumni have founded successful design-driven startups in ed-tech, mobility, healthcare, and consumer tech.

• Higher Studies: Some graduates pursue advanced research in global universities like MIT, Stanford, or the Royal College of Art, UK.

• Freelance/Consulting Careers: With IDC’s brand, graduates command premium fees as independent consultants.

This flexibility makes IDC–IITB one of the best places for a student to build both creative freedom and financial security.

The Future of Design Careers

Design careers are rapidly expanding in India due to the rise of digital products, consumer tech, and EVs (electric vehicles). UX/UI design alone is projected to grow at a CAGR of 18% in the next 5 years, meaning IDC graduates will continue to see strong placement demand. Fields like AI-driven design, AR/VR, mobility, and sustainable product design are also attracting international recruiters.