Master of Design [M.Des]

The Master of Design (M.Des.) at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme offered by the Department of Design and Innovation, under the Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics. The programme spans 4 semesters and is designed to develop advanced design thinking, research capabilities, and professional expertise in students. With a total of 30 seats (15 Regular + 15 Self-Financed), the programme is highly sought after for its interdisciplinary approach, strong faculty, and location in the national capital. The total fee for the Regular category is Rs. 2,08,400/- (Rs. 52,100/- per semester) and for the Self-Financed category is Rs. 2,30,800/- (Rs. 57,700/- per semester) for the 2026-27 session. Admission is through a JMI-conducted entrance test, making it accessible to graduates from diverse design and creative backgrounds.

Admissions for 2026-27 are currently in progress. The online application window was open from February 28, 2026 to March 25, 2026. JMI conducts its own entrance test for M.Des (Test Code: M83), which is typically held in May. The first selection list is announced within 20-25 days of the entrance test result, and classes typically commence in July/August.

Key Points

• The programme is offered by the Department of Design and Innovation, which is one of the few dedicated design departments in a Central University in India.
• The curriculum integrates design research, studio practice, and professional design skills across disciplines such as product design, communication design, and interaction design.
• Students have access to well-equipped design studios, fabrication labs, and digital design facilities on the JMI campus.
• The department has active collaborations with industry and design institutions, providing students with real-world project exposure.
• Both Regular (government-funded) and Self-Financed seats are available, with the Regular category offering significantly lower fees.
• JMI is ranked 4th among universities in India by NIRF 2025 and holds NAAC A++ accreditation, adding significant value to the M.Des degree.

JMI M.Des Fees

The M.Des programme at JMI is available in two categories: Regular and Self-Financed, each with 15 seats. The Regular category fee is Rs. 52,100/- per semester, while the Self-Financed category fee is Rs. 57,700/- per semester for 2026-27. The total programme fee (4 semesters) works out to Rs. 2,08,400/- for Regular and Rs. 2,30,800/- for Self-Financed students. Additionally, a refundable security deposit is collected at the time of admission.

Fee Components

• The refundable security deposit of Rs. 8,000/- is returned at the time of leaving the university.
• Hostel facility is available at JMI for eligible students on a separate fee basis (not included above).
• Hostel is not mandatory; students may opt for private accommodation.
• Fees are subject to revision by the university for each academic session.
• Fee once paid (except security deposit) is non-refundable in case of cancellation of admission.

JMI M.Des Admission 2026

Admissions to the M.Des programme at JMI for 2026-27 are conducted through a JMI-conducted entrance test (Test Code: M83). The application window was open from February 28, 2026 to March 25, 2026. The entrance test is typically held in May, and the selection list is announced within 20-25 days of the test result. Given the limited intake of 30 seats across both categories, competition is high and candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly.

Important Dates

Entrance Exam Dates

Note: JMI conducts its own entrance test for M.Des admission. CEED scores are not directly accepted; candidates must appear for the JMI-specific entrance test.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree (minimum 3 years after 10+2) in Design, Architecture, Fine Arts, Engineering, or any related discipline from a recognized university with at least 55% marks in aggregate.
• Candidates appearing in the final year of their qualifying examination are also eligible to apply, subject to fulfilling the eligibility criteria at the time of admission.
• Reservation norms as per Government of India rules are applicable (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD).

Admission Process

• Visit the official JMI admission portal at admission.jmi.ac.in and register.
• Fill in the online application form for PG programmes for the session 2026-27.
• Pay the application fee online.
• Download the admit card from the portal before the entrance test.
• Appear for the JMI Entrance Test (M83) at the designated centre.
• Check the result and selection list on the admission portal.
• Shortlisted candidates must complete admission formalities including document verification and fee payment within the stipulated time.
• Submit original documents including graduation marksheets, degree certificate, and other required documents at the time of admission.

JMI M.Des Scholarships 2026

JMI offers a range of scholarships to its students, including those enrolled in postgraduate programmes like M.Des. Students from economically weaker sections, minority communities, SC/ST/OBC categories, and merit-based candidates can avail various scholarship schemes. The university also facilitates access to national scholarship portal (NSP) schemes and state-funded scholarships.

Available Scholarships

• Scholarship applications are typically invited at the beginning of each academic session.
• Students must apply through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) for centrally funded schemes.
• The Mushirul Hasan Merit-cum-Means Scholarship is specific to JMI PG students and applications are invited annually.
• The Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Scholarship is specific to JMI and applications are invited annually by the Dean of Students Welfare office.

JMI M.Des Placement 2026

Placement data exclusive to the M.Des programme at JMI is not separately published. However, the Department of Design and Innovation has a growing alumni network with graduates placed in leading design studios, product companies, advertising agencies, and technology firms. M.Des graduates from JMI have found opportunities in UI/UX design, product design, communication design, and design research roles. Companies such as Samsung, Tata Elxsi, Infosys Design, and various design consultancies have recruited from the department. The average salary for M.Des graduates in India ranges from Rs. 4-8 LPA at entry level, with experienced designers earning significantly more.

Placement Highlights

JMI M.Des FAQs

Ques. What specializations are available in the M.Des programme at JMI?

Ans. The M.Des programme at JMI is offered by the Department of Design and Innovation and covers a broad spectrum of design disciplines including product design, communication design, interaction design, and design research. The curriculum is interdisciplinary and students work across multiple design domains rather than being restricted to a single specialization.

Ques. Is the JMI M.Des entrance test different from CEED? Can I use my CEED score for admission?

Ans. Yes, JMI conducts its own entrance test (Test Code: M83) for M.Des admission. CEED scores are not directly accepted for admission to JMI's M.Des programme. Candidates must specifically apply and appear for the JMI entrance test. The JMI entrance test typically includes a written component and a studio/portfolio review.

Ques. What is the difference between the Regular and Self-Financed seats in JMI M.Des?

Ans. Both Regular and Self-Financed categories have 15 seats each. The Regular category is government-funded with a lower fee of Rs. 52,100/- per semester, while the Self-Financed category has a fee of Rs. 57,700/- per semester. The academic curriculum, faculty, and facilities are the same for both categories. Admission to both categories is through the same JMI entrance test, with merit-based allocation.

Ques. What is the scope of M.Des from JMI in terms of career opportunities?

Ans. An M.Des from JMI opens doors to careers in product design, UI/UX design, communication design, design research, design education, and design management. Graduates can work with design studios, technology companies, FMCG brands, automotive companies, and government design bodies. JMI's location in New Delhi also provides excellent networking opportunities with design firms and agencies in the NCR region.

Ques. Is hostel accommodation available for M.Des students at JMI?

Ans. Yes, JMI has hostel facilities for both male and female students. However, hostel accommodation is subject to availability and is allotted on a merit-cum-need basis. Students must apply separately for hostel accommodation. The hostel fee is charged separately and is not included in the programme fee. JMI's campus is also well-connected by Delhi Metro (Jamia Millia Islamia station on the Magenta Line).

Ques. What documents are required at the time of admission to JMI M.Des?

Ans. At the time of admission, candidates need to submit: original graduation degree/provisional certificate, all semester/year marksheets of the qualifying degree, 10th and 12th marksheets, category certificate (if applicable for SC/ST/OBC/EWS), migration certificate from the previous university, passport-size photographs, and the JMI entrance test admit card. Candidates who are in their final year of graduation must submit a bonafide certificate at the time of application and the original degree at the time of admission.