IIT Delhi, one of India’s most prestigious institutions, has announced the launch of a BTech in Design program for the academic session 2025–26, combining engineering expertise with creativity and human-centered thinking. This program will be offered by the Department of Design and will admit 20 students in its inaugural batch.
What Is the New BTech in Design About?
The BTech in Design is an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree that blends core design principles with engineering, user research, and emerging technologies. The aim is to equip students with the ability to create practical, innovative, and sustainable design solutions to real-world challenges across sectors.
Unlike traditional design degrees that often focus on aesthetics and creativity alone, this program takes a technology-integrated approach, making it particularly relevant in today’s product-driven and digital-first world.
Admission Criteria: How to Get In
Students seeking admission to this program must qualify through the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Advanced). The program will initially offer 20 seats, ensuring a focused and immersive learning environment.
The selection through JEE Advanced also highlights that this program is positioned as a core engineering degree, albeit with a strong orientation towards design.
What Will Students Learn?
The curriculum is designed to balance foundational knowledge with advanced, hands-on learning in areas such as:
- Design Thinking and Innovation
- Human-Centered Design
- Digital Product Design
- Ergonomics and User Interface
- Materials and Manufacturing for Designers
- Prototyping and Visual Communication
- Sustainability and Social Impact Design
Students will also engage in studio-based projects, industry internships, and collaborative assignments that foster practical problem-solving abilities.
Why This Program Matters
With rapid changes in how users interact with products and services, there is a growing demand for professionals who can think like engineers and act like designers. This program targets that gap by training students to design with empathy, utility, and feasibility in mind.
IIT Delhi’s decision to introduce this program is in tune with global education trends, where design education is no longer siloed, but integrated with technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Graduates from the BTech in Design program will be well-positioned for roles across multiple sectors, including:
- Tech companies (UX/UI design, interaction design)
- Product-based startups
- Design consultancies
- Healthcare and Assistive Technologies
- Public policy and urban design initiatives
- Research and academic institutions
They can also opt for higher studies in specialized design fields or pursue entrepreneurial ventures.
A Strategic Shift by IIT Delhi
This launch reflects a larger shift within IITs, where the focus is moving beyond conventional streams like Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil Engineering. The aim is to nurture well-rounded professionals who can lead innovation with both technical and creative skills.
The Department of Design at IIT Delhi has already established itself through its master’s and doctoral programs. This undergraduate offering now completes the academic pipeline and strengthens the institute’s design credentials.
Designed for the Future
The BTech in Design will serve students who are not only interested in building systems and solving engineering problems but also want to understand the emotional and experiential aspects of what they build.
The program focuses on creating a positive societal impact, emphasizing ethical design, sustainability, and accessibility—key values in global design practice today.
IIT Delhi’s Design Leap
The introduction of the BTech in Design by IIT Delhi is not just a new course; it’s a reimagining of technical education in India. By fostering a deep integration of creativity, engineering, and empathy, this program has the potential to create a new breed of technologists who understand not just how things work, but how they feel and function for people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the new BTech in Design program at IIT Delhi?
The BTech in Design is an undergraduate program that combines engineering, technology, and user-centric design principles to develop practical and innovative solutions across industries.
Q2. When does the BTech in Design program start?
The program begins in the academic year 2025–26 and will admit its first batch in July/August 2025.
Q3. How many seats are available for the first batch?
The inaugural batch will have 20 seats to ensure quality mentorship and a focused learning environment.
Q4. What is the eligibility for admission?
Admission is through JEE Advanced, the same route used for other BTech programs at IIT Delhi.
Q5. What subjects will be covered in this program?
Core areas include Design Thinking, Product Development, UX/UI, Ergonomics, Human-Centered Design, Prototyping, Sustainability, and Visual Communication.
Q6. What kind of career options will this course open up?
Graduates can work in tech companies, design studios, public service design, health tech, UX/UI roles, or pursue higher education in design, HCI, or innovation fields.
Q7. Is the program more technical or creative in nature?
It’s a balanced mix of both. While it maintains technical rigor typical of IITs, it also emphasizes creativity, user empathy, and problem-solving.
Q8. Can students pursue entrepreneurship after this program?
Yes, the course encourages design-led innovation, making it ideal for students looking to launch their own product-driven startups.
Q9. Will there be any internship or real-world exposure?
Yes, the program includes studio-based projects and industry internships to provide hands-on experience and real-world problem-solving skills.
Q10. Which department offers this program?
The Department of Design at IIT Delhi will be responsible for delivering the BTech in Design program.