Which Government Graphic Design Courses Are There in Delhi?
| Course | Run by | Length | Who can apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desktop Publishing Operator (ITI trade) | Government ITIs under the Directorate General of Training | 1 year (2 semesters) | 10th pass |
| Graphic Design and DTP (skill course) | School of Open Learning, University of Delhi | 6 months | 12th pass, any stream |
| BFA in Applied Art | College of Art, New Delhi | 4 years (8 semesters) | 12th pass, CUET plus a practical test |
These three cover most of what people mean when they search for a government graphic design course in Delhi. Design degrees at national institutes such as NIFT also exist, but they are full degree programmes with national entrance exams, not short graphic design courses.
ITI Desktop Publishing Operator: After 10th
The Desktop Publishing Operator trade is part of the Craftsmen Training Scheme. The official curriculum (revised 2017) sets it at one year in two semesters for students who have passed 10th[1]. Trainees who pass get a National Trade Certificate.
- Semester 1: computer basics, MS Word, typing, email, older layout software such as PageMaker and QuarkXPress, scanning and OCR.
- Semester 2: Photoshop, CorelDRAW, InDesign and a regional-language publishing package, plus printer and binding work.
- Best for: students who want a print and layout job early, for example at a press, a publisher or a print shop.
The trade is strong on print and page layout. The 2017 curriculum does not cover Illustrator. Social media design, branding and AI tools are not listed either. Check which government ITI in Delhi runs the trade this year in the official admission notice.
Delhi University Graphic Design and DTP Skill Course: After 12th
The School of Open Learning at the University of Delhi lists a six-month Graphic Design and DTP course for 12th pass students from any stream[2]. Classes are offline at the Centre for Innovative Skill-Based Courses in the ARC Building on the DU campus, with 40 seats.
The page lists desktop publishing tools, typography, design concepts and image editing, with practice on posters, brochures, newsletters and logos. It does not name the software. The page shows weekend classes in one place and weekday slots in another, so confirm the timetable and the current fee with the university before you apply.
BFA in Applied Art at the College of Art: The Degree Route
The College of Art, New Delhi offers a four-year BFA. Applied Art is one of six specialisations, chosen at the start[3]. Its core subjects include design, typography, drawing and illustration, poster design and press and magazine layouts. Electives include computer graphics, photography, 2D animation, packaging and display design.
- Admission: a merit score that gives equal weight to the CUET score and the college's own practical test.
- Applied Art practical test: object drawing and composition papers.
- Seats: the prospectus lists 88 regular Applied Art seats (75 for Delhi, 13 for outside Delhi).
The prospectus labelled 2026-27 still refers to CUET 2025 in places, so check the latest notice on the official site. A BFA gives a deep art and design base. Many BFA graduates still add software and portfolio work before job hunting; our guide on graphic design for BFA students explains that gap.
Government vs Private Graphic Design Courses: How Do They Compare?
| Point | Government options | Private institutes |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Usually lower; check the official notice | Usually higher; varies a lot |
| Getting in | Few seats, entrance tests or fixed sessions | Rolling batches, usually no entrance test |
| Software | Official lists can be older (ITI 2017 list) | Often newer tools and AI, but check the syllabus |
| Schedule | Fixed academic calendar | Morning, evening or weekend batches |
| Certificate | Government or university certificate | Institute certificate; quality varies |
| Job support | Varies; ask the department | Varies; ask for proof of recent placements |
Neither type is automatically better. A government course is a sensible choice if you get a seat and the syllabus matches the job you want. A private course makes sense when you need newer software, more practice hours, a portfolio built for hiring or a timing that fits your life. Visit both and ask the same questions; our graphic design institute in Delhi checklist lists them.
What Do Delhi Employers Ask For?
On 31 October 2026, Internshala listed 47 fresher graphic design jobs in Delhi[4]. Three posts, in our own words:
- Graphic designer at an advertising firm, Delhi, freshers welcome. Skills: Photoshop, Illustrator, ChatGPT, Gemini and product mockups. Pay shown: ₹2.4 to 3 lakh a year.
- Typography designer at a publisher, Delhi and Noida, freshers welcome. Skills: Photoshop, InDesign and MS Word. Pay shown: ₹2.64 to 3 lakh a year.
- Graphic designer at a print and media firm, Delhi, freshers welcome. Skills: Photoshop, CorelDRAW, Illustrator, InDesign and some video editing. Pay shown: ₹2 to 3 lakh a year.
None of these asked for a degree or a government certificate. They asked for software and work you can show. Whichever course you pick, leave it with 8 to 12 finished pieces.
| Stage | Graphic designer pay per month (Delhi NCR) |
|---|---|
| Fresher | ₹10,000 to ₹12,000 |
| After 1 year | ₹12,000 to ₹15,000 |
| After 3 years | ₹30,000 to ₹35,000 |
Which Route Fits You?
- 10th pass and want work soon: the ITI trade, then add Illustrator and social media design on your own or in a short course.
- 12th pass and want a short course: the DU skill course if you get a seat, or a private diploma with more practice time.
- 12th pass, love drawing and want a degree: the BFA in Applied Art; read graphic design course after 12th for the other degree and diploma paths.
- Working or studying already: look for evening, weekend or graphic design course online options.
Comparing course lengths and what a diploma covers month by month? See diploma in graphic design.
AI and Agentic AI in Graphic Design Work Today
Delhi job posts now name ChatGPT and Gemini next to Photoshop and Illustrator. Adobe's AI Assistant, in public beta in Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign since June 2026, can carry out several editing steps from one request[5]. Whichever course you choose, check that it teaches these tools with a human check.
What the human still decides: the idea, the layout, the brand fit and whether every word and number is right. CABA's courses now teach AI and agentic AI workflows inside the curriculum, alongside the core software.
Compare With a Private Course Before You Decide
Our graphic design course in Delhi covers Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Canva and AI tools with 1-to-1 practice and a portfolio built for hiring. Visit, ask the questions above and compare it honestly with any government seat you get.
The course comes with a 100% Job Guarantee; read the job guarantee terms first. Batch timings and current fees are on the graphic design course page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there government graphic design courses in Delhi?
Yes. The main ones are the ITI Desktop Publishing Operator trade after 10th, Delhi University's six-month Graphic Design and DTP skill course for 12th pass students and the BFA in Applied Art at the College of Art.
Which government course in Delhi is closest to graphic design?
The DU School of Open Learning skill course is called Graphic Design and DTP. The ITI trade focuses on desktop publishing and print layout. The BFA in Applied Art is the full degree route.
How do I get admission to BFA Applied Art at the College of Art?
Admission uses a merit score that gives equal weight to your CUET score and the college's practical test. The Applied Art test has object drawing and composition papers. Check the latest prospectus for dates.
Do employers ask for a government certificate?
The fresher graphic design posts we read in Delhi on 31 October 2026 asked for software skills and a portfolio. None asked for a government certificate.
Are government graphic design course fees lower?
Usually yes, but fees change each session. Check the current fee on the official admission notice of the ITI, Delhi University or the College of Art.
References
- Desktop Publishing Operator curriculum (CTS, revised 2017)- Directorate General of Training, Bharat Skills
- Graphic Design and DTP skill course- School of Open Learning, University of Delhi
- BFA Prospectus 2026-27- College of Art, New Delhi
- Graphic Design Fresher Jobs in Delhi (listings viewed 31 October 2026)- Internshala
- Adobe Unveils Major Expansion of Creative Agent Across Firefly and Creative Cloud Apps (18 June 2026)- Adobe Newsroom
