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Mission Statement
The world is transitioning from the Information Age to the Knowledge Era – powered by ready access to answers from generative AI. At the same time, problems like climate change, geopolitical conflict, and ageing populations require us to look for solutions that are both creative and humane. The world needs designers who not only bring creativity and innovation but also understand and harness technology while being able to manage, influence, and lead people. These are the two intersections that the our programme (Bachelor of Design (Honours)) is designed around.
The programme offers holistic learning experiences to help students become practitioners capable of operating at different levels, specialise in a specific area, and understand the context and processes of design. Throughout the course of study, all pathways of this programme impart students with various competencies.
International Role
Exposure to a global context is crucial for developing well-rounded individuals. International partnerships such as with Aalto University, RMIT University, Arizona State University offer students the vital experience, broadening their horizons, nurturing creativity and cultural sensitivity, and equipping them for success in an increasingly interconnected world. These opportunities prepare students not only for international collaboration but also for global careers.
National Role
For 60 years, Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) has stood as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. As an Institution of Eminence, BITS continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India, nurturing generations of leaders and pioneers. Now, as we look ahead, the strategic integration of Design with our established strengths in technology holds immense promise. This synergy has the potential to unlock transformative impact through industry collaborations and the vibrant ecosystem of startups. By fostering a culture that seamlessly blends technological prowess with creative design thinking, BITS aims to drive innovation that addresses real-world challenges and propels India towards a brighter future.
Main Focus
Introduction: BITS Design School (BITSDES), under the aegis of Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani (https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/) – an Institution of Eminence, carries forward the legacy into the field of design. BITSDES sets benchmarks for design schools with leading-edge design learning infrastructure and a global curriculum taught by world-class faculty. Students will gain diverse perspectives through immersive learning, practical experiences, and global exposure. BITSDES aims to brings a bold, new, competency-based approach. It leverages its unique tech and management heritage for a transdisciplinary approach to design – drawing on synergies with BITS Pilani. The intersection of creativity, technology, and management, from where the students will start, is the fountainhead of innovation that the world needs. It aims to prepare the new wave of designers for a rapidly changing world, where everything from climate innovations to consumer tech, from healthcare to transportation, and even the way we do business requires constant innovation.
Programme Offered: Bachelor of Design (Honours) is a full residential 4-year-long, transdisciplinary degree programme.
Faculties and Departments
1) Mandar Kale
2) Lakshmi Srinivasan
3) Khushboo Jogani
4) Samir Parker
5) Adam Kallish
6) Gaurav Shergill
7) Sangeeth Sankar
8) Nayan Prakash
9) Ruppin Chheda
10) Ashish Bansal
11) Ranjan De
Bachelor Level Programs
Bachelor of Design (Honours)
Pathways:
The programme offers 5 pathways to prepare a student for tomorrow’s design landscape.
a) Physical Product Design: Design physical products of various scales and complexities. Bring everyday objects, accessories, furniture, lighting, and consumer electronics to life. Key areas of focus in this specialisation would be product aesthetics, branding, and the ability to create and test physical mock-ups and digital models.
b) Digital Product Design (UX/UI): Design digital products like UX/UI of websites, mobile apps, or an interactive installation. This specialisation focuses on designing the aesthetic and behavioural qualities of digital touchpoints and interfaces.
c) Design Research & Insights: Focus on deep research and analysis from a design perspective. Engaging with end-users and other stakeholders to solve problems and uncover opportunities. Make informed decisions based on insights and opportunities identified through a combination of primary and secondary research methods.
d) Experience Design: Design meaningful and engaging interactions for users with products, processes, services, events, or environments.
e) Visual Design: Design visual identities for brands and companies across assets like print media, 3D visualisations, videos, and animations.
Master Level Programs
NA
Research Activity and Main Areas
Key Focus Areas:
- Pedagogy & Curriculum:
- The school emphasizes a holistic learning experience, aiming to create practitioners who can operate at various levels of design.
- The curriculum is designed to be transdisciplinary, integrating technology and industry practices.
- There is a focus on preparing students for the future of design, including the integration of emerging technologies like AI.
- Sustainability:
- While explicit deep dives into sustainability research were not as prevalent in the top search results, it can be assumed that in modern design curriculums sustainability is a key factor that is being taught.
- Design Practice:
- The school focuses on practical application, with specializations like Physical Product Design, Digital Product Design (UX/UI), Experience Design, Visual Design, and Design Research & Insights.
- There's a strong emphasis on industry integration, with collaborations and opportunities for internships and projects.
- The school also promotes design research and insights, encouraging students to understand user needs and contexts.
General Research and Innovation at BITS Pilani
BITS Pilani, the parent institution, has a strong research and innovation ecosystem.
- This includes:
- Facilitating funding for research projects.
- Fostering collaborations with industry.
- Supporting intellectual property and commercialization.
- Providing robust research infrastructure.
- There is a strong network of faculty and staff that are very involved in research.
BITS Design School Highlights:
- It's a relatively new design school under the established BITS Pilani institution.
- It emphasizes a tech-forward and industry-integrated approach.
- It has collaborations with international design schools like Aalto University, Arizona State University, and RMIT University.
- The school has a strong leadership team.
Doctorate Level Programs
NA
Subject Areas for Exchange Students
Design Programmes
Application Deadlines
The exchange programmes will begin from 2026 onwards.
Teaching Languages
English
Semester Dates
Fall 2025 Semester – 28th July to 13th December 2025
Spring 2026 Semester – 5th January to 16th May 2026
Cost of Living Per Month (Studying and Living)
Living : Approx. Rs. 40,000 per month
Studying : Approx. Rs. 85,000 per month
