How to Do an Interior Design Course: Easy Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

How to Start Your Journey in Interior Design

Imagine your home has enough space, but things are not as organised or aesthetic as it should be; this problem was the initial idea behind this field of study. Gradually, as urbanization is going on, the need for professional Interior Designers is growing too. Not only domestic but also commercial properties need interior designers; therefore, students now ask: How to do an interior design course? And which program should I choose after 12th?

The best part is anyone with creativity and an interest in design can learn interior design.

Why is interior design a booming career?

• Rapid urbanization
• People now demand a personalized, functional living space
• Opportunities in freelancing, in the corporate firms and entrepreneurship
• High earning potential with experience and specialization, as it is often linked to the luxury industry

Who can pursue an interior design course?

• Students searching for interior design courses after 12th
• Beginners who want a creative profession
• Working professionals looking for a career switch
• Individuals with a passion for décor, aesthetics, or architecture

Whether you love sketching spaces or simply enjoy rearranging rooms, interior design is a field where passion can grow into a full-time profession.

Understanding What an Interior Design Course Includes

Before getting into how to do the interior design course, let’s understand what interior design actually teaches.

Interior design course builds both artistic and technical skills, and learning them will help individuals to learn a designer-like mindset- balancing beauty, practicality and safety.

• Basic drawing and design concepts
• Color theory
• Space planning
• Furniture design
• Materials and texture study
• Lighting principles
• 2D & 3D design software
• Residential and commercial design
• Model making and technical drafting

But on a cautionary note, one must learn or develop some skills before joining any interior designing course:

• Creativity and imagination of structures
• Sense of color and aesthetics
• Good communication is a handy tool for any field
• Willingness to learn software tools
• Observation and visualization
• Patience and an eye for details

These skills develop further during training.

Who the course is ideal for

• Artistic students
• People interested in home décor
• Anyone looking for a stable, creative profession
• Those who enjoy solving spatial problems

If you enjoy creating beautiful, functional spaces, this course is perfect for you.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Do an Interior Design Course in India

Here’s a simple roadmap that explains exactly how to do interior design course in India:

Step 1: Choose the right course level

Interior design programs are available at multiple levels:

Certificate Courses (3- –12 months)

• Good for hobby learners
• Focus on basics

Diploma Courses (1- –2 years)

• Best for beginners after 10th or 12th
• Offers practical training and software skills

Degree Courses (3- –4 years)

• B.Sc Interior Design
• B.Des Interior Design
  These offer deep industry exposure and the best career scope.

Step 2: Check eligibility

Different programs have different requirements. (Explained in Section 4)

Step 3: Shortlist top institutes

Pick a college that offers:

• Updated curriculum
• Practical studio labs
• Industry internships
• Portfolio building
• Placement assistance

Step 4: Understand curriculum & training

Check whether the institute teaches:

• AutoCAD
• SketchUp
• 3DS Max
• Revit
• Material boards
• Residential & commercial design
• Model making

The more practical training, the better.

Step 5: Prepare and apply

• Fill out the application form
• Clear entrance tests, if mandatory
• Submit a basic portfolio (optional for beginners)
• Attend counseling or orientation

Step 6: Build your design portfolio

A strong portfolio helps you:

• Get internships
• Impress employers
• Showcase creativity

This usually includes sketches, software work, space layouts, and 3D renders.

Eligibility Criteria for Interior Design Courses

Interior design courses have flexible eligibility requirements, making them accessible to most students.

Eligibility after 10th

You can pursue:

• Certificate courses
• Diploma in Interior Design
  (However, degree courses require completing 12th.)

Eligibility after 12th (all streams including Commerce)

Students from Arts, Commerce, and Science streams can apply for:

• B.Des Interior Design
• B.Sc Interior Design
• Diploma courses

There is no specific subject requirement.

Eligibility for graduates

Degree holders can join:

• PG Diploma in Interior Design
• Master’s programs
• Short-term certifications to upgrade skills

Interior Design Courses After 12th

Here are the most popular courses students pursue after 12th:

1. Diploma in Interior Design

Duration: 1 - 2 years
Highlights:

• Ideal for beginners
• Practical learning
• Software training
• Affordable fee structure

2. B.Sc Interior Design

Duration: 3 years
Highlights:

• Balanced theory + practical
• Good for students who want quick industry entry
• Strong portfolio development

3. B.Des Interior Design

Duration: 4 years
Highlights:

• Most comprehensive course
• Deep design understanding
• Studio-based learning
• Best for long-term careers

Which Course Is Best for Interior Design?

Choosing the right course depends on your goals, budget, and level of interest.

Top-rated courses for career growth

• B.Des Interior Design - Best for long-term professional growth
• B.Sc Interior Design - Great balance of practical + academic learning
• PG Diploma - Ideal for graduates switching fields

Diploma vs Degree vs Certification

What course suits beginners vs advanced learners

• Beginners: Diploma, B.Sc
• Advanced learners: B.Des, PG Diploma

Interior Design Course Syllabus & Subjects

A typical interior design syllabus includes:

Core Subjects

• Design fundamentals
• Visual arts and graphics
• Space planning techniques
• Color theory & psychology
• Furniture design
• Material exploration
• Model making
• Lighting design
• Building construction basics
• Technical drafting

Software Training

• AutoCAD
• SketchUp
• Google Layout
• 3DS Max
• Revit
• Photoshop

These tools help designers create professional 2D plans and 3D models.

How to Prepare for an Interior Design Course 

Here’s how you can prepare before starting your course:

1. Build a simple portfolio

Include:

• Basic sketches
• Creative work
• DIY design ideas
• Room layouts

2. Improve drawing skills

You don’t need to be perfect. Basic sketching is enough.

3. Learn basic design principles

Study:

• Balance
• Harmony
• Rhythm
• Proportion
• Functionality

4. Understand color theory

Explore how colors affect space and mood.

5. Get familiar with design software

Watch basic tutorials of:

• AutoCAD
• SketchUp

Even a beginner-level understanding helps immensely.

Career Opportunities After Completing an Interior Design Course

Interior design offers diverse career paths with excellent growth potential.

Popular job roles include:

• Interior Designer
• Residential Designer
• Commercial Designer
• 3D Visualizer
• Furniture Designer
• Lighting Consultant
• Space Planner
• Kitchen & Wardrobe Specialist
• Exhibition Designer
• Freelance Interior Consultant

Salary Scope

With experience and a solid portfolio, professionals can earn:

• Freshers: ₹2.5 - 4 LPA (source: Siksha.com)
• Experienced designers: ₹6 - 15 LPA (source: Siksha.com)
• Freelancers: Project-based income with high potential

Conclusion: Start Your Interior Design Career with ITM Institute of Design & Media

If you're wondering how to do an interior design course successfully and build a strong career foundation, choosing the right institute is crucial. ITM Institute of Design & Media stands out as one of the top choices for aspiring designers in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.

Why ITM IDM is one of the best institutes for interior design

• Modern design labs with advanced tools
• Hands-on project-based learning
• Expert faculty with industry backgrounds
• Strong focus on portfolio development
• Updated syllabus with 3D software training
• Internships with leading firms
• Excellent placement support
• Located in India's design and commercial hub

If you're searching for interior design courses after 12th, ITM IDM offers comprehensive programs that help you transform creativity into a rewarding profession.

FAQs on How to Do Interior Design Course

How do I start an interior design course?

Choose the right level of course, check eligibility, shortlist a good institute, apply, and begin preparing your portfolio.

Which course is best for interior design?

B.Des or B.Sc Interior Design are the best for long-term careers.

Can I do an interior design course after 12th?

Yes, students from all streams (Arts, Commerce, Science) can join interior design courses.

Do I need drawing skills to study interior design?

Basic sketching skills help, but the course will train you further.

Is interior design a good career?

Yes, it offers high demand, strong income potential, and creative satisfaction.

What skills do I need for interior design?

Creativity, detail orientation, visualization skills, and design software knowledge.