So, you’re in 12th standard—or just finished—and wondering what to do next. You’ve got a creative streak, a Pinterest board full of room makeovers, and a weird obsession with how furniture fits in a space. Sound like you?
If you’ve ever rearranged your room a dozen times, binge-watched interior design shows, or just felt like you belong in the world of colors, textures, and aesthetics, interior design might be your calling.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about joining an Interior Design Course After 12th in Pune, including:
- Eligibility criteria
- Admission process
- Courses available
- What you’ll study
- Career scope
- Why NIF Pune Kothrud is the perfect place to start
Let’s break it down for real—no boring jargon, no over-the-top hype. Just facts, guidance, and a little spark to help you chase your creative dream.
Why Choose Interior Design After 12th?
Here’s the thing—interior design is no longer just about decorating. It’s a legitimate career with structure, income potential, global scope, and massive room for self-expression.
Imagine designing luxury homes, futuristic office spaces, cozy cafés, or themed boutique stores. Imagine clients trusting you to create spaces where they’ll live, work, and feel inspired. Interior design is the art of making people feel something through space—and you get to be the artist.
And guess what? You don’t need to be an engineering genius or a science topper to get started.
Interior Design Admission Requirements Pune: What Do You Need?
Let’s discuss what you need to enroll in an interior design bachelor’s program in Pune. Contrary to what some students think, you don’t have to come from an art or architecture background. You don’t need to be a maths topper or an academic perfectionist. You need curiosity, a desire to design, and a minimum academic qualification. Here’s a breakdown:
Academic Requirements:
To apply for a B.Des in Interior Design or a B.Voc in Interior Design, you must:
- Have completed 10+2 (any stream—Science, Commerce, or Arts) from a recognized educational board.
- Meet the minimum aggregate marks criteria, typically around 50%. Some institutes may have flexible requirements depending on your creative background or interview performance.
There is no restriction based on the stream. Whether you studied humanities, business, or biology, you can still pursue interior design after 12th grade. It’s a creative and technical discipline open to diverse learners.
Creative Requirements:
While not mandatory, having a creative portfolio or a few design-oriented hobbies can help you stand out. Sketches, digital art, DIY projects, or even photography can give you a head start. At colleges like NIF Pune Kothrud, you’ll still be guided through the process during your admission interaction or counseling session if you don’t have a portfolio.
Courses Available After 12th: Choosing the Right Interior Design Degree
In Pune, the most structured and career-aligned courses after the 12th are:
B.Des in Interior Design (Bachelor of Design)
The B.Des in Interior Design is a four-year undergraduate program that explores both theory and practice. It includes hands-on studio work, conceptual development, computer-aided design (CAD), and real-world applications. This course prepares you to become a well-rounded professional interior designer capable of working on residential, commercial, and institutional projects.
The program emphasizes everything from sustainability to space planning and materials to digital tools. The fourth year focuses on internships, capstone projects, and professional readiness.
B.Voc in Interior Design (Bachelor of Vocation)
The B.Voc in Interior Design is a three-year skill-based degree program that offers a more hands-on approach with direct career pathways. It suits students who want to start working earlier or prefer practical training over theoretical depth.
While both degrees are valid and recognized, the B.Voc focuses on employability skills and real-time exposure, making it highly attractive for students who prefer project-based learning and quicker integration into the workforce.
Both programs at NIF Pune Kothrud are run and offered by Medhavi Skills University, ensuring academic credibility and national recognition.
What You’ll Learn: Interior Design Curriculum Breakdown
So, what does the actual learning look like? Whether you choose B.Des or B.Voc, the curriculum is designed to evolve from foundation to mastery. You don’t just read about interior design—you do it, build it, design it, and present it.
Here’s a more detailed look at the topics and skills you’ll master.
First Year – Building the Foundation
This is where you understand the building blocks of design. You’ll explore concepts like balance, rhythm, proportion, and symmetry. You’ll practice sketching, learn about color theory, use basic design software, and be introduced to model-making and space visualization.
You’ll also study art history, different interior styles, and materials like wood, metal, fabric, glass, and concrete. This year is all about experimenting and building confidence in design thinking.
Second Year – Technical Skills and Real-World Application
This year focuses on applying your foundational knowledge to actual spaces. You’ll design layouts for homes, restaurants, offices, and retail spaces. You’ll learn to work within constraints like budgets, site dimensions, and client briefs.
Technical subjects include construction detailing, lighting design, HVAC systems, and furniture ergonomics. You’ll also become proficient in digital tools like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Photoshop for professional documentation and 3D visualization.
You’ll begin participating in workshops, client simulations, and on-site visits to understand how theory meets practice.
Third Year – Specialization and Industry Orientation
Now that you’re fluent in design language, it’s time to focus on deeper problems. This year includes more complex commercial and institutional design challenges. You’ll explore branding through interiors, sustainable design practices, cost estimation, and how to respond to user psychology in spatial planning.
You’ll also start working on your portfolio, assembling your best work into a cohesive presentation that you’ll use for internships and job placements.
Students pursuing a B.Voc in Interior Design often interned this year to gain real-world exposure and start building a professional network.
Fourth Year (Only for B.Des Students) – Professional Integration
The final year of a B.Des in Interior Design prepares you for the professional world. You’ll undertake a full-scale capstone project mirroring a real client scenario. You’ll explore legal documentation, client presentations, freelancing, project costing, and vendor management.
The capstone culminates in a presentation to industry experts, which helps you refine your ideas under mentorship and make professional connections.
This year, you focus on industry readiness, entrepreneurship, and personal branding as a designer.
Admission Process: How to Get Started at NIF Pune Kothrud
If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably curious about how to apply. The admission process is straightforward and designed to be student-friendly.
Step 1: Online Application
Visit www.nifpunekothrud.com and fill out the application form for the B.Des in Interior Design or B.Voc in Interior Design program.
Step 2: Counseling Session
You’ll be invited to a one-on-one counseling session (online or in person). This is where you can ask questions, better understand the program, and even get guidance on portfolio-building.
Step 3: Portfolio Review (Optional)
If you already have creative work to show, that would be great. If not, don’t worry—you can still apply. The team at NIF will help you begin building your portfolio as part of your journey.
Step 4: Confirmation and Enrollment
Once selected, submit your documents and fee payment to confirm your admission. The academic year typically begins in the middle of the year, but early applicants benefit from foundation workshops and onboarding sessions.
Why NIF Pune Kothrud Is the Best Choice for Aspiring Interior Designers
Choosing where you study matters. At NIF Pune Kothrud, students don’t just learn—they grow, explore, and prepare for real careers. Here’s what makes this institute stand out:
- Medhavi Skills University runs and offers programs ensuring both academic quality and real-world skill alignment.
- A balance between creative freedom and technical rigor.
- Emphasis on software, studio practice, and presentation skills.
- Mentorship by experienced industry professionals.
- Exposure through workshops, internships, and field visits.
- A modern, inspiring campus environment in Kothrud—Pune’s vibrant educational hub.
The institute has a proven track record of producing graduates who go on to work with top firms, freelance successfully, or pursue master’s degrees in design.
Final Thoughts: Your Future in Design Starts Here
There’s no better time than now to follow your passion. That instinct is worth exploring if you’ve ever looked at a space and thought about how you’d make it better. You can turn that instinct into a successful career with the right education, tools, and mentorship.
Pune is an incredible city to begin your design journey, and NIF Pune Kothrud is one of the best places to start. Whether you choose the B.Des in Interior Design for in-depth learning or the B.Voc in Interior Design for a faster, skill-based path, what matters most is that you take the first step.
If you’re finishing 12th and wondering what’s next, ask yourself: Do I want to create something beautiful? Do I want to make a space feel better? Do I want to design a future I can be proud of?
If the answer is yes, interior design could be your perfect fit.
Explore your future, build your vision, and bring your ideas to life—starting right here.
Learn more and apply today at www.nifpunekothrud.com
