Frequently Asked Questions
Design is a new discipline and you may have many questions which you do not know whom to ask. Here are a few commonly asked questions and their answers.
If you have more questions, please sen them to design@kmct.org.
Can students from any stream choose to learn Design?
Yes, students from any stream at +2 level with 50% marks can opt for design, if they meet the minimum requirements prescribed by the university.
Is there an entrance examination for admission to Bachelor of Design in Kerala?
KSDAT conducted by LBS for Kerala Govt. is the entrance examination for Design in Kerala. Design schools under KTU also accept common entrance examination scores like UCEED (IIT), NID-DAT, NATA (for architecture) and NIFT as well for Government quota seats (50%). For Management quota (other 50%), we conduct our own test KDAT (KMCT Design Aptitude Test) to make sure you have the aptitude for Design. It is a three-part test with an Aptitude test component (30%), Studio test component (30%), Portfolio review (10%) and Interview (30%). It happens over a day on three Second Saturdays in May, June and July.
Check Admissions for more details.
Should I attend a coaching class to clear the exam?
There are coaching centres in many cities that train students for a year or two and even crash courses for a few weeks to clear UCEED, NID-DAT, NATA and other Design aptitude tests. They train you by making you attempt many years’ question papers and similar questions which give you practice and speed in the real test. But you can do that on your own also by downloading previous years question papers from websites and solving them.
Do I need to be good in drawing and painting to learn design?
Design is meant for students with a creative bend of mind. Many students express their creativity through drawing and painting. Having good drawing and painting skills is an advantage if you plan to have a career in Design, but not mandatory. In the first year of the programme, students can polish up these skills.
Can I do higher studies after graduation?
After B Des., one can choose to do an Master of Design (M Des.), if one need to specialise or change tracks. A graduate in Product design can choose to do Masters in Automobile design or a graduate in Communication design can do his/her Masters in Animation design or Interaction design. Design Management is also an option to do post-graduation in. A PhD in Design is a good option for the research-minded which is now being offered in many design schools.
What are the job prospects after graduating in design?
Demand for Designers is ever on increase and there aren’t many designers in the country to meet the industry demand, hence job prospects are very bright now. Students normally end up with a few job offers by the time they do their internship and projects in the industry and graduate. KMCT will also arrange for campus placements in the final year. Many design graduates prefer to start their own design consultancies after graduating to have a wider variety in their work, and work according to their own interest and pace. Design allows to give you that choice unlike many other professions.
What should I choose: Product design, Communication design or Interaction design?
You need not worry about it right now. During the first year of study you will realise your strengths and weaknesses and that will help in choosing your discipline. You will also get to know the requirements and differences in these disciplines by listening to designers from the industry, studying many works and can make up your mind on your own in a year’s time. If needed, the faculty will also guide you in selecting your discipline as per your aptitude.
Why is design an expensive programme?
Design courses can cost anywhere between Rs. 5-10 lakh per year in premier design schools. This includes tuition fees, hostel fees and mess fees. In addition, you may have to buy a laptop computer, camera, digital tablet etc., not to forget much art materials during the course. All this makes it an expensive programme as compared to many others. But Design programmes in Kerala cost the least in comparison.
How are Disciplines allotted?
At the end of first year, we make a Rank list based on your marks in Semesters 1 and 2. We take three choices from students and the disciplines are allotted based on the Rank list as per your preference. When your turn comes, if you are high on Rank list, you will get your choice, but if your first choice is not available as the seats are filled up, you will be allotted your second choice. So it is wise to work hard and score good marks to get the discipline of your choice.
Is Design a tough course?
You need to have a passion for design and you need to work hard and make many iterations for every design you develop. Your weekends will be busy finishing up your work and you get less number of holidays as compared to others. You cannot copy or mug up and pass these courses. Though exams are few, presentations are many and you are always on your toes. Design is not for the weak-hearted or lazy. But for those who enjoy being creative, this is a dream-come-true course.
Why should I choose KMCT for Design?
You have the best of everything here. Finest location amidst lush greenery close to IIM, NIT and many institutes of national importance. We have the finest facilities with state-of-the-art labs, workshops which are constantly being updated. Our faculty is also the finest, drawn from the best design schools of the country including NID and IDC (IIT-B). All this at a fraction of the fees you will have to pay in any design school outside the state.
