How to Apply to TDI: Eligibility, Process & Deadlines

Next Cohort Application Deadline
Applications Open — Rolling Admissions
Bengaluru Cohort · 12-Month Mobility Design Programme · Fee: ₹4.99 Lakh

Applying to TDI is different from applying to a traditional college. We’re not looking for exam scores or academic transcripts — we’re looking for design sensibility, creative potential, and genuine passion for automotive design.

Why timing matters: Every admission cycle has a limited number of seats — and automotive design is a field where early movers have a structural advantage. Each cohort typically sees 10–15 applicants per available seat.

Who Can Apply — Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Requirements

  • Age: 18+ at the time of enrolment
  • Education: 12th pass (any stream) — we evaluate design potential, not academic stream
  • Design background: Some experience with sketching, design software, or creative work is helpful but not mandatory
  • Portfolio: A submission of your creative work
  • Language: Comfortable working in English
You don’t need a design degree to apply. TDI was built for people who may not have access to traditional design colleges but who have the passion, potential, and portfolio to prove they’re serious about automotive design.

The 5-Step Application Process

Step 1 — Submit Your Application Form

1 Submit Your Application

Fill out the application form on our website. This takes about 15–20 minutes.

Step 2 — Portfolio Submission

2 Submit Your Portfolio

Your portfolio is the most important part of your application. Submit 5–10 pieces of your best creative work. This can include automotive sketches, concept renders, 3D work, design projects, or photography.

Step 3 — Portfolio Review by TDI Mentors

3 Mentor Review

Your portfolio is reviewed by TDI’s mentor team — working automotive designers from Mahindra, Honda, Hyundai, Ferrari, and Daimler.

Step 4 — Personal Interview

4 Interview with Programme Lead

Applicants who pass the portfolio review are invited to a personal interview (30–45 minutes, video call or in-person). This is not a test you can fail.

Step 5 — Admission Offer & Enrolment

5 Admission Offer & Enrolment

If you’re admitted, you’ll receive an offer letter with your cohort details and fee structure. You’ll have 14 days to confirm your seat with a deposit.

What to Include in Your Portfolio

Portfolio Checklist

  • 5–10 pieces of your best work
  • At least 2–3 pieces showing automotive or vehicle-related design
  • Evidence of sketching ability
  • Any digital work (Photoshop, Blender, AI tools)
  • PDF format, maximum 15MB

“We don’t expect professional-quality work. We’re looking for design sensibility — the ability to see, to think visually, and to communicate through design.” — TDI Admissions Team

Programme Fee & Payment Options

Programme Fee: ₹4,99,000 (₹4.99 Lakh)
12-month full-time Mobility Design programme · Bengaluru campus
Includes: All software access, studio materials, mentor reviews, and project supplies.

Payment options:

  • Full payment: One-time payment before programme start — eligible for early-bird discount.
  • Instalment plan: Split into three payments.
  • Education loans: TDI can provide documentation to support education loans through select partner banks.

Ready to apply? Start with your portfolio.

The application takes 20 minutes. Portfolio submissions are reviewed within 5–7 days.

Start Your Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a design degree or prior qualification to apply?
No. We evaluate design potential through your portfolio and interview, not academic qualifications.
How many seats are available per cohort and how competitive is admission?
Each Bengaluru cohort has 12 seats available. We’ve seen between 120–180 applications per cycle — roughly 10–15 applicants for every seat.
What if I don’t have an automotive design portfolio yet?
Submit what you have — sketches, digital work, photography, design projects. If you’re early in your journey, show us your best attempt at automotive design even if it’s rough.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee for the initial submission.
How long does the admissions process take?
Typically 2–3 weeks from application to admission decision.
Can I apply if I’m currently working or in college?
TDI’s programme is full-time (Monday–Friday, studio hours) and requires your full commitment.
About TDI: Transdisciplinary Design Institute (TDI) is India’s first studio-led automotive design institute in Bengaluru.

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Begin Your TDI Application

Fill the form below and receive the brochure in your email
(please check your spam folder if you don't receive the email)
Directly contact us at : +91 9686005415