About 

Centre for Design Studies, commonly known as CDS, is a private design institute located in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. It functions under Sri Aurobindo Institute of Technology (SAIT), part of the Sri Aurobindo Group of Institutes. The Centre for Design Studies was established in 2022 with the objective of developing a contemporary design education environment focused on emerging areas of design and technology. The technical wing of the Sri Aurobindo Group was established in 2009 by Kinshuk Trivedi, an educationist and social entrepreneur. CDS was created to provide future-oriented design education combining creativity, technology, research and practical learning. The institute focuses on preparing students for evolving design careers, including digital experiences, user experience, communication, gaming and other technology-enabled design fields.

Centre for Design Studies is situated at Sri Aurobindo Institute of Technology, Indore-Ujjain Highway, near MR-10 Crossing, Indore, Madhya Pradesh – 453555. The institute is located within the SAIT campus, providing students access to the wider academic environment and facilities of the institution. The exact dedicated campus size of CDS is not clearly specified in the currently available official information. Its location in Indore provides connectivity to the city's educational and professional ecosystem. CDS follows a practical and interdisciplinary approach to design education, with a common Foundation Year followed by specialised learning. Students can explore electives from other design areas and are encouraged to use contemporary digital design tools and technologies from the beginning of their programme.

The Centre for Design Studies operates under Sri Aurobindo Institute of Technology and offers its B.Des. degree through Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV). The programme is described by the institute as AICTE-approved and RGPV-affiliated, making CDS one of the early institutions in Madhya Pradesh to offer an AICTE-approved undergraduate design degree affiliated with RGPV. Public college information also lists CDS as a private institute with AICTE approval. No specific national ranking for Centre for Design Studies itself was identified in the available sources, so a ranking should not be stated without an official source.

Centre for Design Studies is a specialised design centre within the Sri Aurobindo Institute of Technology and the wider Sri Aurobindo Group of Institutes in Indore. The group has institutions covering areas such as engineering, management, pharmacy and undergraduate education, while CDS focuses specifically on design education. The design programme is supported by faculty members, visiting experts and an academic environment influenced by international design education practices. The curriculum and assignments have been developed under the academic direction of Prof. Pradyumna V. Trivedi, with inputs and discussions involving experienced international design educators. CDS also promotes research in areas such as design pedagogy in the post-AI context, parametric design, Indic scripts, Indian textile traditions and computational approaches to architectural forms.

CDS currently focuses on undergraduate design education, with a four-year full-time Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) programme. The programme includes a common Foundation Year and specialisations such as Communication Design, Experiential Graphic Design, User Experience Design (UX), and Motion Arts and Gaming. Some listings also separately mention Game Design within the available course options. Students can select or change specialisations based on their academic and career interests and may take electives from other areas. Eligibility generally requires completion of 10+2/Class 12 or equivalent, with public course listings indicating a minimum of around 50% marks. Admissions may be through DTE Madhya Pradesh counselling, and current admission information also identifies UCEED scores as an admission route; qualifying Class 12 boards such as CBSE, ISC and MPBSE are listed among accepted qualifications. Scholarship details can vary by admission year and category, and a specific CDS scholarship amount or scheme should be confirmed with the institute before publication.

Centre for Design Studies provides an infrastructure-oriented learning environment designed around studio-based and technology-supported design education. Available information highlights facilities such as AI-ready studios, 3D laboratories, FabLab facilities and workshops, supporting experimentation, prototyping and digital production. The programme also emphasises the use of advanced design applications and technology from the early stages of study. Students can work on practical assignments, visual communication, user experience, motion, gaming and other digital design projects. The institute's academic environment also supports research and interdisciplinary learning, while students benefit from the broader facilities available at the Sri Aurobindo Institute of Technology campus.

Centre for Design Studies focuses on career-oriented design education through practical assignments, industry exposure, internships and professional networking. Its programme is designed around emerging career areas such as design strategy, creative direction, information architecture, innovation consulting, interactive storytelling, interactive media and digital experiences. The institute's published prospectus states that CDS intends to provide placement support for graduates and develop relationships with design studios in India and abroad, along with internship opportunities. However, since CDS was established only in 2022, detailed independently reported placement statistics such as the highest package, average package and placement percentage should be treated cautiously unless released officially for a particular graduating batch.

Centre for Design Studies (CDS), Indore, is a specialised design education centre established in 2022 under Sri Aurobindo Institute of Technology. It offers a four-year B.Des. programme with specialisations in Communication Design, Experiential Graphic Design, User Experience Design and Motion Arts and Gaming. The institute combines design fundamentals with digital technologies, practical projects, research and emerging areas such as AI, interactive media and computational design. Its AICTE-approved and RGPV-affiliated undergraduate design programme, studio-based learning environment and emphasis on future-oriented design skills make it a focused option for students interested in building careers in creative, digital and technology-driven design fields.

Industry-Driven Curriculum

Centre for Design Studies follows a contemporary curriculum designed to meet the changing requirements of the design industry. The programme combines design fundamentals with digital technologies, creative thinking and practical applications. Students are introduced to areas such as Communication Design, User Experience Design, Experiential Graphic Design, Motion Arts and Gaming. The curriculum encourages students to understand real-world design problems and develop innovative solutions. Industry-relevant tools and techniques are incorporated into academic learning. This approach helps students develop skills that can be applied across different creative and technology-driven industries.

Strong Industry Connect

The institute focuses on connecting academic learning with professional design practices and industry requirements. Students get opportunities to understand how design concepts are applied in real business and creative environments. Practical assignments and project-based learning help students gain exposure to professional workflows. Interaction with industry professionals can provide students with insights into current trends, technologies and career opportunities. The curriculum also encourages students to develop portfolios that demonstrate their practical abilities. Such industry interaction helps bridge the gap between classroom education and professional design careers.

Modern Infrastructure

Centre for Design Studies provides a technology-supported environment for students to explore creative and digital design. The learning environment includes design studios, technology-enabled spaces, workshops and facilities that support experimentation and prototyping. Students can work with digital tools and contemporary design technologies as part of their academic projects. The infrastructure supports activities related to visual communication, user experience, motion, gaming and other design disciplines. Practical spaces encourage students to experiment with ideas and convert concepts into tangible outcomes. The facilities are intended to support both creative exploration and technology-oriented learning.

Experienced Faculty

The institute provides students with guidance from faculty members and design professionals with knowledge of different areas of design and technology. Faculty members support students in developing creative thinking, design fundamentals and problem-solving abilities. Students receive academic guidance while working on studio assignments, projects and portfolio development. The teaching approach encourages discussion, experimentation and critical thinking rather than relying only on theoretical learning. Faculty interaction also helps students understand professional design practices and emerging industry trends. This academic support enables students to gradually develop confidence and expertise in their chosen design areas.

Placement Opportunities

Centre for Design Studies focuses on preparing students for diverse career opportunities in the growing design and digital sector. Students can build skills relevant to roles in communication design, UX design, experiential design, motion arts, gaming and other creative fields. Practical projects and portfolio development help students showcase their abilities to potential employers. The institute also aims to provide internship and placement support through industry interactions and professional connections. Students are encouraged to understand workplace expectations and develop professional skills alongside technical abilities. These efforts help students prepare for careers in design studios, technology companies, creative agencies and other organisations.

Focus on Practical Learning

Practical learning is an important part of the academic approach at Centre for Design Studies. Students learn by working on design assignments, studio projects, experiments and real-world problem-solving activities. Instead of focusing only on classroom theory, the programme encourages students to apply concepts through practical work. Students can explore different design disciplines before developing deeper expertise in their preferred area. Project-based learning also helps students understand the complete design process, from research and ideation to development and presentation. This hands-on approach enables students to develop creativity, technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

Global Exposure

The institute aims to provide students with an understanding of international design practices and contemporary global trends. Students are introduced to design approaches that reflect the changing nature of the global creative and technology industries. Exposure to international design perspectives encourages students to explore different ways of thinking and solving design problems. The curriculum incorporates contemporary areas of design that are relevant beyond traditional design education. Students can develop portfolios and skills that can be useful for opportunities in both Indian and international markets. Global perspectives also encourage students to understand cultural diversity and different user requirements.

Multidisciplinary Approach

Centre for Design Studies promotes a multidisciplinary approach by connecting design with technology, creativity, research and problem-solving. Students can explore different areas of design instead of being restricted to a single discipline from the beginning. The programme provides opportunities to understand communication, user experience, experiential design, motion, gaming and related fields. Students can also benefit from the wider academic environment of the Sri Aurobindo Institute of Technology. This interaction can encourage students to look at problems from multiple perspectives. A multidisciplinary learning environment helps students develop versatile skills suitable for the changing design industry.

Innovation & Research

Innovation and research form an important part of the institute's approach to contemporary design education. Students are encouraged to question existing ideas, experiment with new concepts and develop creative solutions. The academic environment supports exploration of emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, computational design, digital experiences and new media. Research-oriented activities can help students understand how technology is influencing the future of design. Students can experiment with new tools, methods and approaches while developing their academic projects. This focus encourages curiosity, creativity and continuous learning among aspiring designers.

Career-Oriented Programs

The B.Des. programme at Centre for Design Studies is designed to prepare students for careers in contemporary design and creative technology fields. Students can choose areas such as Communication Design, Experiential Graphic Design, User Experience Design and Motion Arts and Gaming. The programme combines foundational design knowledge with practical skills and digital technologies. Portfolio development, projects and practical assignments help students demonstrate their capabilities to employers and clients. Students are exposed to different career possibilities across design studios, technology companies, media organisations, gaming companies and creative agencies. The career-oriented approach helps students build a strong foundation for entering the professional design industry.

Vision

To become a progressive centre for design education that nurtures creative, curious and socially responsible designers through interdisciplinary learning, technological exploration, research and real-world practice. CDS aims to develop designers who can understand human needs, question conventional approaches and create meaningful solutions for the rapidly changing creative and technology-driven world.

Mission

The mission of Centre for Design Studies is to provide a studio-based and project-oriented learning environment where students can explore design through experimentation, critical thinking and practical application. The institute aims to combine design knowledge with emerging technologies, industry practices and multidisciplinary perspectives. It encourages students to develop individual strengths, build professional portfolios, participate in real-world projects and become responsible design professionals capable of contributing to society and the global creative industry.

Admission to the B.Des. programme at Centre for Design Studies follows a four-stage process. Candidates first submit the online application form with their academic information, preferred design programme and a brief statement explaining their interest in design. Applicants then submit creative work for portfolio consideration; the institute states that no formal design portfolio is compulsory and students may submit sketches, photography, writing, digital work or other creative work. The next stage is a Design Aptitude Interview, where faculty members assess the candidate's way of observing, thinking and approaching creative problems. Selected candidates receive an offer letter and can confirm their admission by completing the required fee payment.

Scholarship availability and eligibility can vary according to the admission year, student category and institutional policies. Centre for Design Studies' current admission information does not publish a specific scholarship amount or detailed scholarship table on its admissions page. Students seeking financial assistance should therefore contact the CDS admissions office directly to confirm the scholarships, concessions or financial-support schemes applicable to the current academic session. Any scholarship information published on the website should be verified for the relevant admission year before students make financial decisions.

Centre for Design Studies prepares students for professional opportunities through studio-based learning, live projects, portfolio development and industry-oriented assignments. The institute's CDS Creative Studio provides opportunities for students to work on real briefs and participate in structured creative production processes. Graduates can pursue careers in areas such as brand and communication design, UX design, exhibition and spatial design, motion and game design, design research and creative entrepreneurship. The institute also states that graduates can enter design studios, technology companies, cultural institutions and media organisations. Since detailed placement statistics and a verified company-wise placement list are not currently published on the official website, specific salary figures or placement percentages should not be stated without an official source.

Centre for Design Studies provides a creative and technology-supported academic environment designed around studio learning, experimentation and collaborative practice. The campus includes dedicated design studios where students can participate in project development, critiques, model-making and collaborative activities. Production and digital laboratories provide workspaces and technical infrastructure for visual communication, UX systems, motion design and interactive projects. The institute also provides collaborative learning spaces, seminar areas, critique zones and exhibition-oriented spaces that encourage interaction between students and faculty. These facilities support the practical and project-based teaching approach followed by CDS.

Centre for Design Studies, Indore provides hostel accommodation through the Sri Aurobindo Group of Institutes for students coming from different cities and states. Separate hostel facilities are available for boys and girls, providing a comfortable and supportive residential environment. The hostels are designed to offer students a safe place to stay while pursuing their academic programmes. Students can benefit from a campus-oriented environment that encourages interaction, friendship and participation in academic and extracurricular activities. Hostel facilities are supported by essential amenities and residential arrangements for students' daily needs. Students can contact the institute for details regarding room options, hostel fees, availability, food facilities and hostel rules.

Centre for Design Studies is located at the SAGI Campus on Indore-Ujjain Road near Bhawrasla, Indore. Students can use local transportation options to reach the campus, while campus-related transport facilities, if applicable, should be confirmed with the Sri Aurobindo Group of Institutes. The location provides access to Indore's wider transportation network and allows students from different parts of the city to commute to the institute. Students considering daily travel should check the current route, timing, pickup points and transport charges directly with the institution.