Choosing a design career is exciting, but most students and parents have one practical question: What is the average salary after NID in India? Understanding the NID graduate salary, placement trends, and long-term growth can help you decide whether this path fits your goals. This guide explains salaries by specialization, experience, and campus – in simple terms.
What Is the Average Salary After NID in India?
The average salary after NID in India typically ranges from ₹8 LPA to ₹14 LPA for fresh graduates, depending on specialization, campus, and recruiter profile.
For example:
- According to publicly available placement reports shared by NID campuses (such as NID Ahmedabad placement summaries released in different academic years on official websites and media coverage), average CTC has often been reported in the ₹10-12 LPA range for flagship campuses.
- Industry salary benchmarking platforms like AmbitionBox and Glassdoor show that entry-level UI/UX designers in India earn between ₹6-12 LPA, depending on the company and city.
This means the starting salary after NID is usually higher than many general graduation programs, but it is not fixed for everyone.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Average Salary Range | Example Source Context |
| Fresher (0-1 yr) | ₹8-14 LPA | Based on NID placement summaries & UI/UX fresher data |
| 3-5 Years | ₹15-28 LPA | Mid-level Product/UX Designer salary benchmarks |
| 8+ Years | ₹30 LPA+ | Senior design roles in tech & product companies |
These figures are compiled from publicly available placement highlights and salary aggregation platforms. Exact numbers vary each year.
Also Read – Why Many Students Fail Without a Structured NID Preparation Strategy
NID Salary Breakdown by Specialization (Which Design Field Pays More?)
Not all design fields pay the same. Your specialization strongly affects your NID placement salary package.
1. Product Design
- Starting Salary: ₹10-18 LPA for fresh graduates, especially from top campuses and strong portfolios.
- Growth Potential: High demand in technology companies, consumer electronics brands, SaaS startups, and manufacturing firms. With 3-5 years of experience, salaries can grow significantly.
- Example: Entry-level Product Designer in Bengaluru-based tech companies often earn ₹12+ LPA. These figures are aligned with publicly listed salary benchmarks on platforms like Glassdoor and AmbitionBox for metro city product roles.
2. UI/UX Design
- Starting Salary: ₹8-15 LPA depending on skillset, internship exposure, and company size.
- Growth Potential: Very high demand in startups, IT companies, fintech, edtech, and product-based firms. UX roles currently show one of the fastest salary growth curves in the design industry.
- Example: According to Glassdoor India listings, many entry-level UX Designer in metro cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi report salaries between ₹10-14 LPA in product-focused companies.
3. Communication Design
- Starting Salary: ₹6-12 LPA, depending on whether the graduate joins a creative agency, media house, or corporate brand team.
- Growth Potential: Growth varies significantly. Agency roles may offer creative exposure, while corporate or digital product roles often offer faster salary increments.
- Example: Branding and advertising agencies may offer ₹6-8 LPA initially, while digital-first companies and product firms may offer higher compensation depending on design specialization.
4. Industrial Design
- Starting Salary: ₹8-14 LPA for graduates entering manufacturing, automotive, consumer goods, or innovation-focused firms.
- Growth Potential: Strong in sectors like consumer electronics, home appliances, and industrial manufacturing, especially for designers skilled in CAD tools and product development processes.
- Example: Industrial Designers working in consumer goods companies often receive mid-range starting packages aligned with industry manufacturing salary benchmarks.
5. Textile & Apparel Design
- Starting Salary: ₹5-10 LPA depending on whether the graduate joins an export house, fashion label, retail brand, or starts independently.
- Growth Potential: Salary growth depends heavily on brand value, international exposure, and business scale. Designers working with premium or global brands may see faster financial growth.
- Example: Export houses and established fashion brands generally offer structured entry-level salaries, while independent labels may vary based on market demand and project-based income.
Quick Comparison
| Specialization | Starting Range | Growth Potential |
| UI/UX Design | ₹8-15 LPA | Very High |
| Product Design | ₹10-18 LPA | High |
| Communication Design | ₹6-12 LPA | Moderate-High |
| Textile Design | ₹5-10 LPA | Moderate |
From current hiring trends, UI/UX and Product Design are among the highest paying design jobs after NID.
Also Read – Is NID Coaching Worth It in 2026? A Practical Cost vs Outcome Analysis
Why Does NID Graduate Salary Vary So Much?
Many students ask why two NID graduates can have very different salary packages. There are clear reasons.
First, campus matters. NID Ahmedabad has historically reported higher average placement figures compared to newer campuses. This information comes from publicly released placement highlights and media coverage of convocation and placement seasons.
Second, portfolio strength plays a major role. In design, recruiters focus more on projects than marks.
Third, location impacts salary. For example:
- A UX Designer in Bengaluru may earn ₹12 LPA.
- The same role in a Tier-2 city might offer ₹7-8 LPA.
These variations are based on salary aggregator comparisons across cities. Fourth, internships and pre-placement offers (PPOs) significantly increase starting salary.
Who Gets the Highest Salary After NID?
The NID highest placement package in India has crossed ₹30 LPA in some years, especially in UX, product design, and international offers.
The highest salary package at NID is usually secured by:
- Students specializing in Product or UI/UX Design
- Students placed in tech companies
- Candidates with strong internships
- Students who work on real-world problem-solving projects
Top recruiters (as mentioned in past placement highlights and alumni disclosures across campuses) have included:
- Large technology firms
- Consumer product companies
- Global design consultancies
- Fast-growing startups
The NID alumni salary at senior levels can cross ₹30-40 LPA in leadership roles, based on industry benchmarks for Design Heads and Senior Product Designers.
Students should focus more on average growth potential rather than only the highest package.
How Much Do NID Students Earn During Placements?
Placement packages vary every year. Based on publicly available campus reports and media summaries:
- Average CTC: Often reported around ₹10-12 LPA (flagship campuses)
- Highest packages: In some years, offers have crossed ₹30 LPA (usually in tech roles)
These numbers are based on publicly shared placement summaries by NID campuses and coverage by education news portals. Exact figures differ each year.
Internship stipends can range from:
- ₹15,000-₹60,000 per month
(Based on internship listings for Product and UX roles in India)
Example Career Growth
| Experience | Approx Salary |
| Fresher | ₹8-12 LPA |
| 3 Years | ₹15-25 LPA |
| 5+ Years | ₹25-40 LPA |
| Leadership Role | ₹40+ LPA |
UX and digital product designers often see faster salary growth compared to traditional print-focused designers.
Also Read – NID DAT Prelims vs Mains: Complete Preparation Roadmap 2026
How to Increase Your Salary After NID?
If your goal is a high NID salary per month, focus on these practical steps:
- Build a strong portfolio with real-world case studies
- Master tools like Figma, Adobe Suite, Blender, CAD
- Take internships in product-based companies
- Learn business and problem-solving thinking
- Develop communication skills
For example, a student who completes two strong UX internships may receive a PPO of ₹12-15 LPA, compared to ₹8-9 LPA without internship exposure. This pattern is commonly observed in placement case studies shared by alumni.
NID vs NIFT vs IIT Design – Which Has Better Salary?
Students often compare institutes based on salary.
| Institute | Average Salary (Approx.) | Source Context |
| NID | ₹8-14 LPA | Placement summaries & industry data |
| IIT Design (UCEED/CEED pathways) | ₹10-20 LPA | IIT placement highlights |
| NIFT | ₹5-10 LPA | Fashion industry salary data |
These figures are drawn from publicly available placement highlights and salary benchmarking platforms. Tech-focused programs generally show higher averages than fashion-focused programs.
Is NID Worth It in Terms of Salary?
Yes, NID is generally considered worth it in terms of salary if students actively build strong portfolios, gain internships, and specialize in high-demand design areas like UX or product design.
If a graduate earns ₹10-12 LPA as starting salary, the return on investment can be achieved within 1.5-3 years, depending on expenses.
However, salary should not be the only factor. Design careers offer:
- Creative satisfaction
- Freelancing opportunities
- International scope
- Entrepreneurial paths
So when students search “Is NID worth it?”, the answer depends on skill, effort, and career direction.
Career Options After NID and Their Salary Potential
After graduation, career options include:
- Product Designer
- UX Designer
- Interaction Designer
- Brand Strategist
- Art Director
- Design Researcher
- Entrepreneur
Among these, UX and Product roles currently offer the highest entry-level salary in India, based on job market demand trends.
NID Career Opportunities: Where Do Students Work?
NID graduates work in:
- Tech companies
- Design studios
- Advertising agencies
- Automotive firms
- Startups
- E-commerce platforms
Common Myths About NID Salary
Myth 1: Everyone Gets ₹25 LPA
Reality: Only top performers receive very high packages.
Myth 2: Campus Guarantees High Salary
Reality: Portfolio matters more than campus.
Myth 3: Design Careers Pay Less
Reality: UX and digital design roles now offer competitive salaries.
Myth 4: Only Ahmedabad Campus Has Good Placements
Reality: Other campuses also offer strong opportunities.
Government vs Private Jobs After NID – Salary Comparison
Government design roles exist in sectors like public policy, handicrafts, and innovation councils. However:
- Government salaries usually follow pay scales (₹6-10 LPA range initially).
- Private tech and product companies may offer ₹10-18 LPA.
This difference is based on public sector pay band structures and corporate salary reports.
Ready to Build a High-Paying Design Career After NID?
Your salary after NID will depend on the skills you build today. If you’re serious about cracking NID and securing strong placements in Product Design or UI/UX, start preparing with the right strategy, portfolio guidance, and mentorship.
Don’t just aim for admission – aim for top placements.
Book a free counseling session today with Design Aspirants.
FAQs
1. What is the average salary after NID in India?
The NID average salary in India ranges from ₹8-15 LPA for B.Des and ₹10-20 LPA for M.Des graduates. High-performing students in UX or product design may receive higher offers depending on market demand and skills.
2. How much do NID graduates earn per month?
Fresh NID graduates typically earn between ₹60,000 to ₹1,25,000 per month. Salaries increase significantly with experience, especially in digital design roles.
3. What is the NID highest package in India?
The NID highest placement package in India has crossed ₹30 LPA in some years. However, this depends on specialization, recruiter profile, and individual performance.
4. Is NID worth it in terms of salary?
Yes, NID is generally worth it if students focus on skill development, internships, and high-demand specializations. The return on investment can be strong over time.
5. Which NID campus offers highest placement salary?
NID Ahmedabad is often considered to have strong placement records, but salary ultimately depends on individual portfolio and performance.
6. Do NID students get good placements?
Most NID students receive placement opportunities, especially in UX, product, and digital design sectors. Skill level plays a major role in final salary.
Final Verdict – What Students Should Know About NID Salary
The average salary after NID in India is competitive compared to many creative fields. However, your salary depends more on your skills, portfolio, specialization, and internship exposure than just the brand name.
If you focus on industry-relevant skills and choose high-demand design domains, NID can offer strong long-term career growth. Instead of chasing the highest package, aim to build expertise – salary growth naturally follows.