India’s design education ecosystem is evolving rapidly—especially in the field of transportation design. With the global mobility industry seeking innovation and futuristic thinking, Indian design schools are rising to the challenge by offering cutting-edge programs in automobile and mobility design.
If you’re passionate about cars, bikes, or future mobility solutions and aspire to make a mark in the design industry, here’s a curated list of the top five transportation design schools in India.
1. Ajeenkya DY Patil University – School of Design (ADYPU-DC)
Located in Pune, Transportation Design at ADYPU offers industry-aligned, innovation-first approach. The B.Des in Transportation Design here focuses not just on vehicle aesthetics, but also on user experience, sustainability, and mobility systems.
ADYPU-DC’s program is closely aligned with real-world industry needs, thanks to its mentorship-driven learning and association with industry stalwarts like Mr. Dilip Chhabria. The program blends design thinking, technical know-how, and business awareness to groom the next generation of automotive visionaries.
Why choose ADYPU-DC?
- Access to design labs and model-making studios
- Strong industry connections and guest faculty
- Hands-on internships and live projects
- Focus on future mobility, not just traditional automotive design
2. National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad
NID remains one of the most reputed design institutions in India. Its Vehicle Design Program under the M.Des in Transportation and Automobile Design offers a solid foundation in aesthetics, ergonomics, and engineering.
Known for its multidisciplinary culture and emphasis on research, NID alumni are seen across leading global automotive brands.
Highlights:
- Government-recognized institution with international repute
- Research-oriented design development
- Strong alumni network in global automotive firms
3. MIT Institute of Design, Pune
MIT ID offers both undergraduate and postgraduate options in Automotive Design. The curriculum is tailored to explore the functional, aesthetic, and emotional aspects of vehicle design.
The school has built strong links with the automotive sector, ensuring students are ready for global mobility challenges.
Program Features:
- In-depth studio sessions and form development
- Model prototyping and clay modeling labs
- Collaborations with auto OEMs for live projects
4. DSK International Campus (Now ISD Rubika), Pune
Rubika’s Automobile Design Degree program follows an international curriculum. The school offers French-designed coursework, focusing heavily on 3D visualization, sketching, and virtual modeling.
Though it’s now merged into ISD Rubika, its legacy as a premium design school continues.
Key Takeaways:
- Global exposure through exchange programs
- International faculty and workshops
Emphasis on concept cars and futuristic design
5. UID – Unitedworld Institute of Design, Ahmedabad
UID is fast gaining a reputation among Transportation Design Colleges in India. Its mobility design program blends creativity, technology, and innovation, making it ideal for students who want to create vehicles for tomorrow.
Program Perks:
- Focus on next-gen transport systems
- Workshops with experts from the EV and mobility sectors
- Comprehensive approach to design, research, and storytelling
FAQs
Q1. What is the eligibility for a Bachelor of Transportation Design?
Most colleges require completion of 10+2 (any stream) with an aptitude for design and creativity. Entrance exams and portfolio reviews are also common.
Q2. Is a Car Design Degree only about drawing cars?
Not at all! A good Car Design Degree includes ergonomics, market analysis, sustainability, and prototyping, apart from sketching and rendering.
Q3. Which is the best institute to study Transportation Design in India?
For an industry-ready approach with strong mentorship and infrastructure, ADYPU-DC stands out as a leading choice.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right school is the first step toward an exciting career in mobility and design. Whether you’re aiming to work with major OEMs or build your own concept vehicles, the right program can accelerate your journey.
If you’re serious about a career in automotive design, ADYPU-DC’s Mobility Design Bachelor Program should be high on your list—especially with the endorsement of industry pioneer Dilip Chhabria himself.
