A variety of IGNOU design courses are available via distance learning if you have a strong interest in design but are not yet prepared to join a traditional college. Design enthusiasts who desire flexible study alternatives to improve their talents will enjoy these courses. The Indira Gandhi National Open University or IGNOU was established in 1985 and is a central university committed to providing quality education through open and distance learning.

With over 4 million active students, IGNOU is one of the largest universities globally, catering not just to students but also to working professionals. Its diverse offerings span multiple disciplines across various levels. Recognizing the growing demand for design education, IGNOU introduced multiple design courses in January 2018. These programs are designed to accommodate learners from different backgrounds. Explore the available design courses at IGNOU, along with important details about eligibility criteria, application processes, syllabus and more, to find the right program for you.

List of Design Courses Offered at IGNOU

Since the field of design is relatively new and belongs to the category of up-and-coming streams in the country, IGNOU has started including design programmes in its curriculum only recently. As of now, the university offers just one course in design but it will soon add more programmes at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The table given below provides the basic information on the design courses provided at IGNOU.

Eligibility Criteria of Design Courses at IGNOU

Candidates planning to pursue a Certificate in Fashion Design course at IGNOU must check the eligibility criteria before filling out the application form. It must be noted that only candidates who meet all the eligibility requirements will be granted admission. Check out the CFDE eligibility criteria mentioned below: 

• Applicants must have completed their higher secondary education or class 12th. 
• However, the student doesn't need to clear class 12th in the regular mode. The ones with degrees through distance education are also eligible to apply.
• The candidate must have secured passing marks in all the subjects at the 10+2 level.
• It permits students from all disciplines and streams for the course.

IGNOU Design Courses Application Process

If you are thinking of applying for the IGNOU design courses, here is the step-by-step process to fill out an online application for the course. The candidate would have to apply through the official portal at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.

• Go to the IGNOU’s official website to begin your application.
• Provide your name, email ID, and mobile number to complete the registration. Once registered, you will receive your username and password via SMS and email.
• Use the credentials (username and password) you received to log in to the system.
• Fill out the required details in the online admission form accurately.
• Upload the necessary documents for the application process:
  • Photograph: Recent passport-sized photo (up to 100KB in JPG format).
  • Signature: Specimen signature (up to 100KB in JPG format).
  • Supporting Documents: Scanned copies of relevant documents, such as academic certificates (up to 200KB per document in JPG/PDF format).
• Carefully read the instructions and the declaration. Tick the box to confirm your agreement.
• Double-check all the details entered. Make corrections if needed.
• Pay the course fee using a credit/debit card or through net banking.
• You will receive a payment confirmation via SMS and email.
• After completing all steps, press the “Next” button to preview the final form. 
• Submit the application form and download a copy for your records. Keep a printout for future reference.

Note: After submitting the form, the eligibility criteria of your application will be verified by the authorities. If everything goes well, an admission confirmation in respect of your registered email ID will be mailed to you. If IGNOU finds any discrepancy in some details of your submitted application for IGNOU design courses, they will surely let you know about it. Once the application is processed successfully, the university shall send further details in due course, regarding confirmation of admission, assignment of a study centre, and other induction-related information.

IGNOU Design Courses Admission Selection Criteria

If you are planning to apply for the diploma and certificate design courses at IGNOU, here's how the selection works:

• First Come, First Served: Once applications are received, they go through a process on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier, the better.
• No Merit List Requirement: As long as you fulfil all the eligibility requirements and apply before the deadline, you do not need to worry about competing for a spot.
• No Interview Needed: No selection round or interview process is involved; hence, the process remains very simple for applicants.

Syllabus, Course Structure and Credits of IGNOU Design Courses

The table given below provides the list of design courses at IGNOU, course duration, course type and course description that will help you pick the right design course for yourself.  

IGNOU Design Courses Syllabus

Check out the latest and updated syllabus for the different IGNOU design courses below:

CFDE: Certificate In Fashion Design

DFDR: Diploma in Fashion Design and Retail

IGNOU Design Courses Exam Pattern

The IGNOU design courses review your performance based on the assignments and term-end exams. Here are all the details about both these components:

Assignments (30% of Total Marks)

• It includes the submission of assignments per each course.
• IGNOU determines the submission dates, which will be followed strictly.

End-Term Exams (70% of Total Marks)

• Both take place twice a year during June and December only
• The format consists of objective-type questions and questions answered in short.
• The tests cover your information from all courses taken in the program.

IGNOU Design Courses Evaluation System 

If you are pursuing the design courses at IGNOU, here's how your progress will be assessed:

• Ongoing Assessments: Your assignments and practical tasks will be reviewed to monitor your understanding and application of concepts regularly.
• Final Written Test: Term-end, you are going to sit for the written examination that focuses on your theoretical knowledge.
• Hands-on or Practical Test: This deals with your practical skills in pattern making and sewing, to allow you to demonstrate creativity and craftsmanship.
• Passing Criterion: You have to attain at least 40% in both the assignments and the term-end written exam.
• Final Grade: An overall grade is given, taking into account all the components.

Placement Prospects After IGNOU Design Courses

If you are enrolling for the IGNOU design courses, then you should note that the university does not offer direct placement services. However, you will be able to take benefits from the placement cell support of IGNOU to seek possible job opportunities and get a job in the fashion industry. There are some possible jobs one can look for after completing this course:

• Junior Designer: Earn a monthly salary ranging from INR 15,000 to INR 25,000.
• Fashion Retail Associate: Earns a salary between INR 12,000 and INR 20,000 per month.
• Freelance Pattern Maker: Payment varies, typically INR 500 to INR 2,000 per pattern, depending on complexity.
• Fashion Blogger: Your income will depend on how large your market is and the sponsorships you bring in.
• Design Assistant: Starting salary begins at INR 10,000 per month to INR 18,000.

Why Choose to Pursue IGNOU Design Courses?

If you are interested in fashion and want to explore the industry, pursuing IGNOU’s Certificate in Fashion Design and Diploma in Fashion Design and Retail courses are a great opportunity to start. Here is why this program stands out:

• Fast Pace of Completion: Complete the course in six months.
• Flexible Schedule: Learn at your own pace, with up to two years to finish.
• Budget-Friendly: At INR 5,000, it is highly affordable for most learners.
• Open for All: There’s no age restriction, making it accessible to anyone interested.
• Applied Skills: Hands-on experience with making patterns, sewing, and understanding the basics of design.

Stay tuned to CollegeDekho to get more information about design admissions in India. Candidates who aspire to make a career in design can find all the details of the stream, top design colleges in India, its courses, and design entrance exams here. In case you have any doubts, you can write to us on the CollegeDekho QnA Portal..