Academic Programs
Undergraduate
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| B.Des. (various specialisations) | UG | 4 years |
| BFA (various specialisations) | UG | 4 years |
| B.Voc (various specialisations) | UG | 3 years |
Postgraduate
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| M.Des. (various specialisations) | PG | 2 years |
| MA (various specialisations) | PG | 2 years |
| Ph.D. in Art, Design and Transdisciplinary Studies | PHD | 4-5 years |
What Srishti Manipal Institute is
Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology (SMI) is a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), a deemed university recognised by the UGC and designated as an Institution of Eminence by the Government of India. SMI is located on the MAHE Bengaluru Campus in Govindapura, Yelahanka, Bangalore.
Originally founded in 1996 as Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology by Geetha Narayanan, the institute became part of MAHE in 2018. Degrees are awarded by MAHE, which holds NAAC A++ accreditation and is ranked 3rd among universities in NIRF 2025 (NIRF 2025).
SMI offers undergraduate programs (B.Des., BFA, B.Voc), postgraduate programs (M.Des., MA, PG Diploma), and a doctoral program. The institute has approximately 175 teaching faculty. Admissions for all programs are through SMEAT (Srishti Manipal Entrance Aptitude Test), an art and design aptitude test (srishtimanipalinstitute.in).
The institute is AICTE-approved for its design programs and operates under MAHE’s UGC recognition.
Who it’s for
Srishti Manipal is for students who want a design, art, or creative technology education that combines studio practice with theoretical depth. The typical applicant:
- Has a creative portfolio and interest in design thinking, visual arts, film, animation, or interdisciplinary design practice
- Wants a design degree from a NAAC A++-accredited institution (through MAHE) rather than a standalone design school
- Values the studio-based learning model where projects, charettes, and exhibitions replace traditional exams
SMI’s curriculum structure emphasises making and doing: students work in Disciplinary Studios, participate in Design Charettes, complete internships, and produce a final Thesis Project and Exhibition in their final year. The approach is transdisciplinary — students from different specialisations work together on projects.
Students considering SMI should note: the institute does not have a formal campus placement cell. Graduates typically enter the workforce through portfolios, internships, freelance work, and professional networks developed during the program. If structured campus placements are a priority, SMI may not be the right fit. The design and art industry operates differently from engineering or management hiring.
Students seeking design education should also consider NID (National Institute of Design) and NIFT for comparison.
Programs offered
B.Des. (4 years, 8 specialisations, via SMEAT):
- Business Services and Systems Design
- Creative and Applied Computation
- Creative Education — Human Centered Design
- Industrial Arts and Design Practices
- Information Arts and Information Design Practices
- Spatial Design
- Textile Futures
- Visual Communication — Strategic Branding
BFA (4 years, 3 specialisations, via SMEAT):
- Contemporary Arts Practice
- Digital Media Arts
- Film
B.Voc (3 years, 5 specialisations, via SMEAT):
- Creative Manufacturing
- Digital Media Production
- Graphic Arts and Design Practices
- Interior Design and Build
- User Interface and Interaction Design
M.Des. (2 years, 4 specialisations, via SMEAT):
- Design-Led Innovation
- Human Centered Design
- Industrial Arts and Design Practices
- Information Arts and Information Design Practices
MA (2 years, 6 specialisations, via SMEAT):
- Animation
- Experience Design
- Visual Communication
- Filmmaking
- Contemporary Art Practice
- Comics and Graphic Literature
PG Diploma (1 year):
- Bridge and Finish programs in select areas
Ph.D.:
- Doctoral Program in Art, Design and Transdisciplinary Studies
- PhD programmes across multiple disciplines
All programs follow the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) with a Major and Minor structure. Foundation Studies in the first two semesters are common to all UG specialisations.
Campus and infrastructure
SMI operates from the MAHE Bengaluru Campus at Govindapura, Yelahanka, Bangalore — 560064. The campus includes:
- Studio spaces for design disciplines
- Workshops and makerspaces
- Digital labs and media production facilities
- Library and resource centre
- Exhibition spaces for student work
- Seminar halls and lecture rooms
Important: There is no on-campus hostel. SMI has six empanelled PG (paying guest) accommodations near the campus. Students must arrange their own accommodation — this is a significant planning consideration for outstation applicants.
The campus is in north Bangalore (Yelahanka area), which is away from the city centre. The nearest metro station is some distance away, though the Bangalore Metro network is expanding. The campus is approximately 15 km from Kempegowda International Airport.
Things to verify before applying
- SMEAT preparation: SMEAT is an art and design aptitude test, not a conventional exam. UG SMEAT (Round 1) is held in-person; PG/PhD SMEAT is online. Both Test 1 and Test 2 are mandatory. Only dry media (pencils, pens, dry colours, geometry tools) are allowed — no wet media. Verify the current format at srishtimanipalinstitute.in/admissions.
- Fee structure: B.Des. annual tuition is approximately ₹7,58,000 (₹4,32,000 tuition + ₹3,26,000 other academic fees) for the 2026-27 batch. Total 4-year cost is approximately ₹30,82,000. Verify at srishtimanipalinstitute.in.
- No campus placement cell: SMI does not have structured campus placements. Graduates find employment through portfolios, industry connections, and freelance work. If traditional placements are important to you, discuss career support mechanisms with the institute.
- Accommodation: No on-campus hostel. Plan for private PG accommodation near Yelahanka campus.
- Degree awarded by MAHE: Your degree will be issued by Manipal Academy of Higher Education, not by Srishti Manipal separately. This is a positive for recognition purposes.
Where to go next on this site
- Srishti Manipal Fee Structure
- Srishti Manipal Admissions
- Srishti Manipal Placements
- NIFT Entrance — entrance exam for National Institute of Fashion Technology
- Manipal University — the parent institution (MAHE)
Sources Used
- Srishti Manipal Official Website
- Srishti Manipal Admissions Process
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education
- Wikipedia — MAHE
- Srishti Manipal HCD Brochure 2025 (PDF)
What Srishti Manipal Institute is
Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology (SMI) is a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), a deemed university recognised by the UGC and designated as an Institution of Eminence by the Government of India. SMI is located on the MAHE Bengaluru Campus in Govindapura, Yelahanka, Bangalore.
Originally founded in 1996 as Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology by Geetha Narayanan, the institute became part of MAHE in 2018. Degrees are awarded by MAHE, which holds NAAC A++ accreditation and is ranked 3rd among universities in NIRF 2025 (NIRF 2025).
SMI offers undergraduate programs (B.Des., BFA, B.Voc), postgraduate programs (M.Des., MA, PG Diploma), and a doctoral program. The institute has approximately 175 teaching faculty. Admissions for all programs are through SMEAT (Srishti Manipal Entrance Aptitude Test), an art and design aptitude test (srishtimanipalinstitute.in).
The institute is AICTE-approved for its design programs and operates under MAHE’s UGC recognition.
Who it’s for
Srishti Manipal is for students who want a design, art, or creative technology education that combines studio practice with theoretical depth. The typical applicant:
- Has a creative portfolio and interest in design thinking, visual arts, film, animation, or interdisciplinary design practice
- Wants a design degree from a NAAC A++-accredited institution (through MAHE) rather than a standalone design school
- Values the studio-based learning model where projects, charettes, and exhibitions replace traditional exams
SMI’s curriculum structure emphasises making and doing: students work in Disciplinary Studios, participate in Design Charettes, complete internships, and produce a final Thesis Project and Exhibition in their final year. The approach is transdisciplinary — students from different specialisations work together on projects.
Students considering SMI should note: the institute does not have a formal campus placement cell. Graduates typically enter the workforce through portfolios, internships, freelance work, and professional networks developed during the program. If structured campus placements are a priority, SMI may not be the right fit. The design and art industry operates differently from engineering or management hiring.
Students seeking design education should also consider NID (National Institute of Design) and NIFT for comparison.
Programs offered
B.Des. (4 years, 8 specialisations, via SMEAT):
- Business Services and Systems Design
- Creative and Applied Computation
- Creative Education — Human Centered Design
- Industrial Arts and Design Practices
- Information Arts and Information Design Practices
- Spatial Design
- Textile Futures
- Visual Communication — Strategic Branding
BFA (4 years, 3 specialisations, via SMEAT):
- Contemporary Arts Practice
- Digital Media Arts
- Film
B.Voc (3 years, 5 specialisations, via SMEAT):
- Creative Manufacturing
- Digital Media Production
- Graphic Arts and Design Practices
- Interior Design and Build
- User Interface and Interaction Design
M.Des. (2 years, 4 specialisations, via SMEAT):
- Design-Led Innovation
- Human Centered Design
- Industrial Arts and Design Practices
- Information Arts and Information Design Practices
MA (2 years, 6 specialisations, via SMEAT):
- Animation
- Experience Design
- Visual Communication
- Filmmaking
- Contemporary Art Practice
- Comics and Graphic Literature
PG Diploma (1 year):
- Bridge and Finish programs in select areas
Ph.D.:
- Doctoral Program in Art, Design and Transdisciplinary Studies
- PhD programmes across multiple disciplines
All programs follow the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) with a Major and Minor structure. Foundation Studies in the first two semesters are common to all UG specialisations.
Campus and infrastructure
SMI operates from the MAHE Bengaluru Campus at Govindapura, Yelahanka, Bangalore — 560064. The campus includes:
- Studio spaces for design disciplines
- Workshops and makerspaces
- Digital labs and media production facilities
- Library and resource centre
- Exhibition spaces for student work
- Seminar halls and lecture rooms
Important: There is no on-campus hostel. SMI has six empanelled PG (paying guest) accommodations near the campus. Students must arrange their own accommodation — this is a significant planning consideration for outstation applicants.
The campus is in north Bangalore (Yelahanka area), which is away from the city centre. The nearest metro station is some distance away, though the Bangalore Metro network is expanding. The campus is approximately 15 km from Kempegowda International Airport.
Things to verify before applying
- SMEAT preparation: SMEAT is an art and design aptitude test, not a conventional exam. UG SMEAT (Round 1) is held in-person; PG/PhD SMEAT is online. Both Test 1 and Test 2 are mandatory. Only dry media (pencils, pens, dry colours, geometry tools) are allowed — no wet media. Verify the current format at srishtimanipalinstitute.in/admissions.
- Fee structure: B.Des. annual tuition is approximately ₹7,58,000 (₹4,32,000 tuition + ₹3,26,000 other academic fees) for the 2026-27 batch. Total 4-year cost is approximately ₹30,82,000. Verify at srishtimanipalinstitute.in.
- No campus placement cell: SMI does not have structured campus placements. Graduates find employment through portfolios, industry connections, and freelance work. If traditional placements are important to you, discuss career support mechanisms with the institute.
- Accommodation: No on-campus hostel. Plan for private PG accommodation near Yelahanka campus.
- Degree awarded by MAHE: Your degree will be issued by Manipal Academy of Higher Education, not by Srishti Manipal separately. This is a positive for recognition purposes.
Where to go next on this site
- Srishti Manipal Fee Structure
- Srishti Manipal Admissions
- Srishti Manipal Placements
- NIFT Entrance — entrance exam for National Institute of Fashion Technology
- Manipal University — the parent institution (MAHE)
Sources Used
Fees — 2026-27
Program Fees
| Program | Level | Annual Fee | Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Des. / BFA (4 years) | UG | INR 7,58,000 | — |
| B.Voc (3 years) | UG | INR 4,85,000 | — |
| M.Des. (2 years) | PG | INR 6,15,000 | — |
| MA (2 years) | PG | INR 4,77,000 | — |
| PG Diploma (1 year) | PG | INR 5,04,000 | — |
Scholarships
Amount: Varies — partial fee waivers
Amount: Partial fee reduction; apply through MAHE
Fee figures are indicative. Verify the complete fee structure on the institution's official website.
Admissions — 2026-27
Eligibility
Class XII from a recognised board; SMEAT score required
SMEAT score required; portfolio may be evaluated
SMEAT score and research proposal required
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| UG Round 1 Application Deadline | 15 March 2026 |
| UG SMEAT Round 1 | 14 April 2026 |
| UG SMEAT Round 2 | 24 May 2026 |
| PG/PhD SMEAT | 22 May 2026 (Online) |
Selection Process
- Register and apply at srishtimanipalinstitute.in/admissions
- Appear for SMEAT (Srishti Manipal Entrance Aptitude Test)
- UG Round 1 SMEAT runs jointly as MET (Manipal Entrance Test)
- Both Test 1 and Test 2 are mandatory for all applicants
- Admission offer based on SMEAT performance
Placements — 2024-25
Placement data is sourced from institutional records. Verify current data on the institution's official website.
Official sources checked
- Srishti Manipal Official Website
- Srishti Manipal Admissions Process
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education
- Wikipedia — MAHE
- Srishti Manipal HCD Brochure 2025 (PDF)
What Srishti Manipal Institute is
Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology (SMI) is a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), a deemed university recognised by the UGC and designated as an Institution of Eminence by the Government of India. SMI is located on the MAHE Bengaluru Campus in Govindapura, Yelahanka, Bangalore.
Originally founded in 1996 as Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology by Geetha Narayanan, the institute became part of MAHE in 2018. Degrees are awarded by MAHE, which holds NAAC A++ accreditation and is ranked 3rd among universities in NIRF 2025 (NIRF 2025).
SMI offers undergraduate programs (B.Des., BFA, B.Voc), postgraduate programs (M.Des., MA, PG Diploma), and a doctoral program. The institute has approximately 175 teaching faculty. Admissions for all programs are through SMEAT (Srishti Manipal Entrance Aptitude Test), an art and design aptitude test (srishtimanipalinstitute.in).
The institute is AICTE-approved for its design programs and operates under MAHE's UGC recognition.
Who it's for
Srishti Manipal is for students who want a design, art, or creative technology education that combines studio practice with theoretical depth. The typical applicant:
- Has a creative portfolio and interest in design thinking, visual arts, film, animation, or interdisciplinary design practice
- Wants a design degree from a NAAC A++-accredited institution (through MAHE) rather than a standalone design school
- Values the studio-based learning model where projects, charettes, and exhibitions replace traditional exams
SMI's curriculum structure emphasises making and doing: students work in Disciplinary Studios, participate in Design Charettes, complete internships, and produce a final Thesis Project and Exhibition in their final year. The approach is transdisciplinary — students from different specialisations work together on projects.
Students considering SMI should note: the institute does not have a formal campus placement cell. Graduates typically enter the workforce through portfolios, internships, freelance work, and professional networks developed during the program. If structured campus placements are a priority, SMI may not be the right fit. The design and art industry operates differently from engineering or management hiring.
Students seeking design education should also consider NID (National Institute of Design) and NIFT for comparison.
Programs offered
B.Des. (4 years, 8 specialisations, via SMEAT):
- Business Services and Systems Design
- Creative and Applied Computation
- Creative Education — Human Centered Design
- Industrial Arts and Design Practices
- Information Arts and Information Design Practices
- Spatial Design
- Textile Futures
- Visual Communication — Strategic Branding
BFA (4 years, 3 specialisations, via SMEAT):
- Contemporary Arts Practice
- Digital Media Arts
- Film
B.Voc (3 years, 5 specialisations, via SMEAT):
- Creative Manufacturing
- Digital Media Production
- Graphic Arts and Design Practices
- Interior Design and Build
- User Interface and Interaction Design
M.Des. (2 years, 4 specialisations, via SMEAT):
- Design-Led Innovation
- Human Centered Design
- Industrial Arts and Design Practices
- Information Arts and Information Design Practices
MA (2 years, 6 specialisations, via SMEAT):
- Animation
- Experience Design
- Visual Communication
- Filmmaking
- Contemporary Art Practice
- Comics and Graphic Literature
PG Diploma (1 year):
- Bridge and Finish programs in select areas
Ph.D.:
- Doctoral Program in Art, Design and Transdisciplinary Studies
- PhD programmes across multiple disciplines
All programs follow the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) with a Major and Minor structure. Foundation Studies in the first two semesters are common to all UG specialisations.
Campus and infrastructure
SMI operates from the MAHE Bengaluru Campus at Govindapura, Yelahanka, Bangalore — 560064. The campus includes:
- Studio spaces for design disciplines
- Workshops and makerspaces
- Digital labs and media production facilities
- Library and resource centre
- Exhibition spaces for student work
- Seminar halls and lecture rooms
Important: There is no on-campus hostel. SMI has six empanelled PG (paying guest) accommodations near the campus. Students must arrange their own accommodation — this is a significant planning consideration for outstation applicants.
The campus is in north Bangalore (Yelahanka area), which is away from the city centre. The nearest metro station is some distance away, though the Bangalore Metro network is expanding. The campus is approximately 15 km from Kempegowda International Airport.
Things to verify before applying
- SMEAT preparation: SMEAT is an art and design aptitude test, not a conventional exam. UG SMEAT (Round 1) is held in-person; PG/PhD SMEAT is online. Both Test 1 and Test 2 are mandatory. Only dry media (pencils, pens, dry colours, geometry tools) are allowed — no wet media. Verify the current format at srishtimanipalinstitute.in/admissions.
- Fee structure: B.Des. annual tuition is approximately ₹7,58,000 (₹4,32,000 tuition + ₹3,26,000 other academic fees) for the 2026-27 batch. Total 4-year cost is approximately ₹30,82,000. Verify at srishtimanipalinstitute.in.
- No campus placement cell: SMI does not have structured campus placements. Graduates find employment through portfolios, industry connections, and freelance work. If traditional placements are important to you, discuss career support mechanisms with the institute.
- Accommodation: No on-campus hostel. Plan for private PG accommodation near Yelahanka campus.
- Degree awarded by MAHE: Your degree will be issued by Manipal Academy of Higher Education, not by Srishti Manipal separately. This is a positive for recognition purposes.
Where to go next on this site
- Srishti Manipal Fee Structure
- Srishti Manipal Admissions
- Srishti Manipal Placements
- NIFT Entrance — entrance exam for National Institute of Fashion Technology
- Manipal University — the parent institution (MAHE)