About 

Chitkara Design School (CDS), located at Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, is a specialised institute focusing on design, visual arts, creativity and emerging creative technologies. The Design School was established in 2017 as a constituent school of Chitkara University. Chitkara University was established under the Punjab State Legislature through the Chitkara University Act in 2010, with its Punjab campus established by the Chitkara Educational Trust in 2002. The institution aims to nurture creative thinking, practical design skills, innovation and professional capabilities among aspiring designers. Its learning approach combines studio practice, interdisciplinary learning, industry interaction and technology-enabled education.

Chitkara Design School is situated within the Chitkara University campus on the Chandigarh–Patiala National Highway, Punjab – 140401, near Rajpura. The university campus is approximately 30 km from Chandigarh and is well connected to Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Ambala and Patiala. The campus provides a green and student-friendly environment with modern academic spaces, studios, laboratories and recreational facilities. More than 33% of the campus land is dedicated to horticulture and landscaping. Its accessible location and integrated university environment provide students with opportunities for academic, cultural and professional interaction.

Chitkara Design School functions as a constituent school of Chitkara University, Punjab, a government-recognised private university established under the Chitkara University Act. Chitkara University has the right to confer degrees under Sections 2(f) and 22(1) of the UGC Act, 1956. The university has received NAAC A+ accreditation and is featured in national and international ranking systems including NIRF, QS and Times Higher Education. The university's academic ecosystem also includes recognised schools and departments across engineering, management, healthcare, architecture, hospitality, design and other disciplines.

Chitkara Design School is part of the multidisciplinary Chitkara University campus, which houses several constituent schools and institutes. These include Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology, Chitkara Business School, Chitkara School of Planning & Architecture, Chitkara School of Health Sciences, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara College of Hospitality Management and Chitkara Law School. The Design School brings together faculty members, practicing designers, industry professionals and academic mentors. Its learning environment supports visual communication, UX/UI, animation, product design, fashion design and fine arts.

Chitkara Design School offers undergraduate programs in B.Des in Communication Design with AI, including areas such as UX/UI, Animation & Visual Effects and Graphic Design, along with B.Des in Product Design, B.Des in Fashion Design and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). The design programs are generally four-year undergraduate courses. Applicants should meet the prescribed Class XII eligibility requirements, while admission may involve CUDAT, Personal Interview and/or valid UCEED scores depending on the programme. Scholarship and financial-support opportunities may be available according to Chitkara University's prevailing admission and scholarship policies.

Chitkara Design School provides an environment designed around studio-based and practical learning. Students have access to design studios, digital learning facilities, specialised laboratories, prototyping and making facilities, technology-enabled classrooms and spaces for collaborative projects. Product Design students have access to makerspaces, digital fabrication laboratories, 3D printing, CNC machining and immersive VR facilities. The wider Chitkara University campus also provides library facilities, cafeterias, hostels, sports and recreational areas, clubs, societies and other student-support facilities. These resources encourage students to develop ideas through research, experimentation and practical design projects.

Chitkara Design School integrates industry engagement, internships, live projects, workshops and professional mentorship into its design education. The school reports 100% students placed, 719+ offers since inception of CDS, a highest CTC of ₹23.8 LPA and ₹11.73 LPA average CTC for the top 10%, according to its current website. Students can explore careers across UX/UI design, product design, graphic design, animation, VFX, fashion, branding, visual communication and other creative industries. Industry collaborations with designers, creative organisations and companies provide opportunities for practical exposure and professional networking.

Chitkara Design School, Rajpura, provides a multidisciplinary environment for students interested in design, fine arts, digital creativity and emerging technologies. Its programs combine academic learning with studio practice, industry interaction, internships and portfolio development. The school offers specialised pathways in communication, UX/UI, animation, graphic design, product design, fashion and fine arts. With the support of Chitkara University's wider academic ecosystem, modern infrastructure and industry connections, students can develop creative, technical and professional skills. Chitkara Design School provides an education environment focused on preparing students for evolving creative and design-oriented career opportunities.

Industry-Driven Curriculum
Chitkara Design School follows a curriculum designed to develop both creative thinking and professional design skills. The programs cover contemporary design concepts, digital tools, visual communication and emerging technologies. Students learn through a combination of classroom teaching, studio practice and project-based activities. The curriculum is regularly connected with current industry practices and changing design trends. This helps students understand the expectations of professional design organisations. It also supports students in developing portfolios and practical skills for future careers.

Strong Industry Connect
The school provides students with opportunities to interact with industry professionals, designers and creative organisations. Industry experts can contribute through workshops, guest lectures, masterclasses and mentoring sessions. Students can work on live projects and practical assignments that reflect real-world requirements. Internships and industry exposure help students understand professional workflows and workplace expectations. Such interaction also allows students to build professional networks. Industry engagement supports students in connecting academic learning with actual design practices.

Modern Infrastructure
Chitkara Design School provides modern learning spaces that support creative experimentation and practical education. Students can use design studios, digital facilities, laboratories and specialised spaces according to their area of study. Product and technology-oriented learning can include facilities such as makerspaces, prototyping resources, 3D printing and digital fabrication tools. Technology-enabled classrooms support presentations, collaboration and digital learning. The wider university campus also provides library, cafeteria, hostel, sports and recreational facilities. These resources create a supportive environment for academic and creative development.

Experienced Faculty
The Design School has faculty members and academic mentors who support students in developing their creative and technical abilities. Faculty members guide students through design concepts, research, studio work, projects and portfolio development. Students can receive individual guidance during practical assignments and design projects. The learning environment encourages discussion, experimentation and creative problem-solving. Faculty interaction also helps students understand design processes and professional standards. Mentorship supports students throughout their academic journey and helps them develop confidence in their chosen design field.

Placement Opportunities
Chitkara Design School provides career support through placement activities, internships, industry interaction and professional development opportunities. Students can explore career opportunities in areas such as UX/UI design, product design, graphic design, animation, VFX, fashion, branding and visual communication. The school also promotes portfolio development, which is important for creative-industry careers. Students can participate in industry projects and professional interactions to gain workplace exposure. Career guidance can help students understand different employment opportunities and prepare for recruitment processes. The university's industry network further supports students in exploring career pathways.

Focus on Practical Learning
Practical learning is an important part of design education at Chitkara Design School. Students are encouraged to convert concepts and ideas into practical design outcomes through studio work and projects. Assignments may involve research, ideation, sketching, prototyping, digital design and presentations. Students can learn by experimenting with different tools, techniques and materials. Project-based learning helps develop creativity, problem-solving and communication skills. This practical approach allows students to understand the complete design process from concept development to final execution.

Global Exposure
Chitkara University provides opportunities for students to gain exposure to international academic and professional environments. Students can participate in international collaborations, workshops, events and academic interactions where available. Exposure to different design practices can help students understand global trends and creative approaches. Such opportunities encourage students to develop a broader perspective towards design and innovation. International interaction can also improve communication, collaboration and cultural understanding. Global exposure supports students who wish to explore careers or higher studies in international design environments.

Multidisciplinary Approach
Chitkara Design School functions within a multidisciplinary university environment where students can interact with learners from different academic backgrounds. Design education can be connected with technology, business, architecture, healthcare, hospitality and other disciplines. This encourages students to understand problems from different perspectives. Collaborative projects can help students combine creativity with technology and practical business requirements. A multidisciplinary approach is particularly useful for areas such as UX design, product development and communication design. It helps students develop flexible thinking and collaborative problem-solving abilities.

Innovation & Research
The Design School encourages students to explore new ideas, creative processes and emerging technologies. Students can undertake design research, experimentation and project-based innovation as part of their academic learning. Areas such as digital design, artificial intelligence, user experience, product development and visual communication provide opportunities for exploration. Students can develop prototypes and creative solutions to practical problems. Faculty guidance can help students structure their research and improve their design outcomes. This environment encourages curiosity, experimentation and continuous learning.

Career-Oriented Programs
The programs at Chitkara Design School are designed to develop skills relevant to contemporary creative and design careers. Students can choose areas such as communication design, UX/UI, animation, graphic design, product design, fashion design and fine arts. Along with theoretical knowledge, students develop practical, digital and communication skills. Portfolio development, internships, projects and industry interaction contribute to career preparation. Students can explore opportunities in design studios, technology companies, media organisations, advertising agencies, fashion companies and other creative sectors. The career-oriented learning approach helps students prepare for changing professional requirements.

Vision

• To develop creative professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the evolving design industry.
• To encourage innovation, creativity, research and responsible design thinking.
• To provide students with an environment that combines academic knowledge, practical learning and industry exposure.
• To promote interdisciplinary learning and the use of emerging technologies in design.
• To prepare graduates who can address real-world challenges through creative and user-focused solutions.

Mission

• To provide quality design education through studio-based and experiential learning.
• To develop strong creative, technical, analytical and communication skills among students.
• To connect academic learning with industry practices through projects, internships and professional interaction.
• To encourage experimentation, research, innovation and continuous development of design capabilities.
• To provide access to modern tools, technologies and learning resources for practical design education.
• To nurture ethical, socially responsible and career-ready design professionals.

Students interested in joining Chitkara Design School can apply through the official Chitkara University admission portal. After submitting the application form, candidates need to meet the eligibility requirements and complete the applicable selection process. Depending on the course, selection may include CUDAT, UCEED scores, personal interaction or other university-prescribed criteria. Selected candidates are required to complete document verification and fee payment within the specified period. Admission is confirmed after successful completion of all required formalities.

Admission Criteria:

Chitkara University provides scholarship and financial-support opportunities according to its prevailing policies and eligibility conditions. Scholarships may be linked to academic performance, entrance or admission criteria, category-specific provisions and other university-defined conditions. Students are generally required to meet the prescribed eligibility requirements and submit supporting documents within the specified period. The availability, amount and continuation conditions can vary by programme and academic year. Students should check the latest scholarship guidelines with the university before applying.

Chitkara Design School provides career development support through internships, industry interaction, live projects, workshops and placement activities. Students can explore professional opportunities in UX/UI design, graphic design, product design, animation, VFX, fashion, branding and visual communication. The school reports placement opportunities across creative and design-oriented industries and highlights industry engagement as part of its learning approach. Students are also encouraged to develop professional portfolios and participate in industry projects. Placement outcomes can vary by programme, graduating batch and individual student profile.

Students interested in joining Chitkara Design School can apply through the official Chitkara University admission portal. After submitting the application form, candidates need to meet the eligibility requirements and complete the applicable selection process. Depending on the course, selection may include CUDAT, UCEED scores, personal interaction or other university-prescribed criteria. Selected candidates are required to complete document verification and fee payment within the specified period. Admission is confirmed after successful completion of all required formalities.

Chitkara University provides hostel accommodation for both boys and girls. Residential facilities are designed to provide students with a convenient living environment within or around the university campus. Hostels are supported by essential amenities and student-oriented services, while students can also access the wider campus facilities. Accommodation is subject to availability, applicable fees and university hostel rules. Students staying in hostels can participate in academic, cultural, sports and other campus activities without the need for daily long-distance travel.

Chitkara University has transportation facilities intended to support convenient commuting to and from the campus. Transport services may connect the university with nearby cities and residential areas, subject to available routes and schedules. The location on the Chandigarh–Patiala National Highway provides connectivity to Rajpura, Chandigarh, Patiala and surrounding areas. Students using university transport are required to follow the prescribed timings, routes and transportation rules. Availability and charges may vary according to the selected route and academic session.