Certificate in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is a 6-month or 1-year course involving the study of the technicalities and applications of CAD in creating designs useful in generating drawings and models for designers, engineers, and architects. The course incorporates both the theoretical and practical aspects of understanding the methods, techniques, and tools. Certificate in CAD is a certificate course which helps develop one's attributes in analysing, drafting, quality-check, and numerical controls. Students learn to create designs, generate model drafts or blueprints in 3D on a computer using the CAD software.
The predominant topics covered in the program includes Analysis of Space Frames, Sketch Entities and Sketch Tools, Geometry and Dimensional Constraints, Interactive Design, and Smart Dimensions. Students may also learn topics such as line types, auxiliary views, wireframe, dimensions, surface and solid marketing, tolerances, and sections, and other concepts of CAD and its tools.
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Candidates who have completed their 10+2 schooling or equivalent, in any stream, from a recognised board with an aggregate of 50% marks are eligible to enroll for this program.
Top Colleges
Below are few of the colleges offering a Certificate in CAD:
| College | Admission Process | Approving Council | Average Course Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune | Merit-based | AICTE | 8,000 |
| North East Frontier Technical University | Merit-based | AICTE | 5,000 |
| SAM Global University | Merit-based | AICTE | 3,000 |
| Jaipur National University | Merit-based | AICTE | 15,000 |
| National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kolkata | Merit-based | AICTE | 47,200 |
Its curriculum includes the practice of some methodologies like presentations, projects and designing; preparations of detailed drawings of structures like elevations and sections; and the preparation of institutional maps with dimensions and specifications. The syllabus may include an introduction to Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence in the near future.
Average fee charged for the course ranges from INR 5,000-20,000 in different colleges.
Aspiring candidates can proceed with their studies after a certificate in CAD by pursuing a bachelor's in industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, and architect, or a course in computer-aided drafting and design technology.
Otherwise, candidates could work in research and development firms, manufacturing units, or other related companies as an Architectural Drafter, Industrial Engineering Technician, Electrical Drafter, and Civil Engineering Technician.
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Average initial salary proffered to a CAD certificate holder is 1.5-5 LPA, which increases with the number of years of work experience and knowledge in the field.
Table of Content
3.1 Eligibility
- Certificate in CAD Course Specializations
- Certificate in CAD Course Comparison
- Certificate in CADJobs and Salary
8.1 Future Scope
Certificate in CAD Course Highlights
| Course Level | Certification |
| Full Form | Certificate in Computer-Aided Design |
| Duration | 6 months to 1 year |
| Examination Type | Semester-based |
| Eligibility | 10+2 schooling or equivalent, in any stream, with a minimum score of 50% |
| Admission Process | Merit-based |
| Average Course Fee (INR) | 5,000-20,000 |
| Average Salary Package (INR) | 1.5 - 5 LPA |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Larsen & Toubro, Thermax, Kirloskar, Godrej Group |
| Job Position | Mechanical Drafter, Land Surveyor, Naval Architect, Industrial Engineering Technician, Architectural Drafter, Interior Designer, Surveying and Mapping Technician, Electrical Drafter, Civil Engineering Technician, Architect |
Why Certificate in CAD?
Studying for a Certificate in CAD has many positives. Some of the advantages and reasons for studying Certificate in CAD are mentioned below:
- The course helps gain an understanding of the fundamentals of handling complex designing softwares as well as the intricacies of creating architectural or product designs as images in a computer.
- Involves the application of Mathematics to create comprehensive designs and to solve various engineering problems in a given design.
- Provides impeccable training to produce eminent designers and researchers in different fields.
- The program helps enhance the knowledge of engineers and architects by giving them an on-hand experience in the field of CAD and thus, recommended for graduates in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, and architecture.
- The curriculum includes the usage of Smart Technology in computer systems, modules to help make blueprints of a product or a structure to get an insight into the manufacturing process, and participation in field surveys.
- Being economical and less time-consuming, the program is a stepping-stone to many advanced degrees and career opportunities.
What is the Admission Process for Certificate in CAD?
The admission process for Certificate in CAD are as follows:
- Candidates are selected on the basis of merit. They must make sure that they fit into the eligibility criteria before applying. Students can apply for colleges managing merit-based entrances through online or offline applications, where the mode of payment is the same as that of application respectively.
- Before being admitted into a college, students are advised to partake in the counseling session or go through the college prospectus carefully to get an idea about the curriculum and fee structure.
- After a student is entitled to be admitted in a university, they are expected to submit the following documents to the management of the school:
- Marksheets of grade X and XII.
- Six passport size photographs.
- Character certificate
- Reservation certificate (if any).
- Migration certificate
- Self-attested copies of various identity verification documents.
- Domicile certificate
- Demand Draft
Note:- Candidates get admitted for a certificate in CAD solely based on the merit acquired in the qualifying exam, and not based on an entrance exam.
Certificate in CAD Eligibility
The eligibility criteria that all students must clear in order to qualify for Certificate in CAD are mentioned below:
- Candidates who have completed their 10+2 schooling or equivalent, in any stream, from a recognised board with an aggregate of 50% marks are eligible to enroll for this program.
- Candidates who have completed their bachelor's or master's in engineering, architecture, and/or designing can also take up the course.
- Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer), differently abled, and other categories shall get a relaxation of 5% of marks.
- Letters of recommendation can also be favourable to the candidate.
How To Get Admission in a Good College?
The students must follow the following tips in order to get admission in a top college that provides Certificate in CAD:
- Since most colleges enroll students on the basis of merit, candidates are advised to procure high percentages in the papers in their higher secondary schooling.
- Participation and certification in various extra-curricular activities such as clubs, sports, and NGO volunteering can be an addendum to the list of merits.
Other suggestions:
- Be updated about the dates of registration, and apply before the deadline.
- Always be aware about current affairs.
- Make sure to exercise the necessary skills for the perfect completion of the course.
Certificate in CAD Syllabus
The following table gives a unit-wise syllabus followed in the curriculum for a Certificate in CAD:
| Subjects | |
|---|---|
| Introduction and General Idea of Aided Design | Formation of Various Frames |
| Input Instructions for Geometry Generation - I | Input Instructions for Geometry Generation - II |
| Input Instructions for Primary Load Generation | Input Instructions for Section Support Specification |
| Input Instructions for Define Loads - I | Input Instructions for Define Loads - II |
| Analysis of Plane Frame | Analysis of Plane Truss |
| Analysis and Design of Plane Truss - I | Analysis and Design of Plane Truss - II |
| Generation of Models | Interactive Design |
| Building Project - I | Building Project - II |
| Generation of Loads | Post-Processing |
| Analysis of Space Frames - I | Analysis of Space Frames - II |
| Analysis of Space Frames - III | Analysis of Space Frames - IV |
| Analysis of Space Frames - V | Indian Concrete and Steel Design |
| Building Project - III | Building Project - IV |
| Theory Test | Lab Test |
Certificate in CAD Top Colleges
Below are a few colleges, approved by the All India Council for Technical Education ( AICTE), supporting a Certificate in CAD:
| Name of College | City | Approving Council | Average Course Fee (INR) | Average Salary Package (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune | Maharashtra | AICTE | 8,000 | 1 LPA |
| North East Frontier Technical University | Arunachal Pradesh | AICTE, UGC | 5,000 | 0.5 - 1 LPA |
| SAM Global University | Bhopal | AICTE | 3,000 | -- |
| Jaipur National University | Jaipur | AICTE, UGC | 15,000 | 1-2 LPA |
| National Institute of Fashion Technology | Kolkata | AICTE | 47,200 | 1-2 LPA |
| Central Institute of Tool Design | Hyderabad | AICTE | 61,000 | 0.8 - 3.6 LPA |
| Apparel Training and Design Centre | Gurgaon | AICTE | 32,500 | 1-2 LPA |
| NIELIT, Gorakhpur | Uttar Pradesh | AICTE | 6,000 | 1-2 LPA |
| GNA University, Phagwara | Punjab | AICTE, UGC | 1,11,600 | 0.5 - 2.4 LPA |
Certificate in CAD College Comparison
The table below shows the merits of two of the colleges giving a Certificate in CAD:
| Parameter | National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kolkata | Jaipur National University |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | Founded in 1995, the institute is a pioneer of fashion training and research, providing undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas as well as certificate programs in the field of design, technology, and management. | Established in 2007, the university encourages critical thinking and personal growth in students, and empower them with the help of technical and professional learning methods for their self-development in a competitive world. |
| Approving Council | AICTE | AICTE, UGC |
| Average Course Fee (INR) | 47,200 | 15,000 |
| Average Placement Package (INR) | 1-2 LPA | 1-2 LPA |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Adidas, Levis Strauss India, Impulse Technologies, Globus, Arvind Mills | CapGemini, Decathlon, Concentrix, Collabera, Deloitte |
Certificate in CAD Course Specializations
Certificate in CAD has a few specialisations of its own, which can ensure faster chances of job procurement and many relevant research options. Some of the prominent specialisations are CAD and Digital Marketing, Architectural CAD, Mechanical CAD, and CAD Drafting.
A brief description of a few specialisations are given below:
| Specialization | CAD and Digital Marketing | CAD Drafting |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | In addition to CAD training, digital marketing helps use 2D CAD drawings and 3D CAD models to be brought to engineers, architects, and buyers of manufacturing industries through internet connected digital appliances. | Trains to help make 2D drawings and 3D models using CAD, and gives a brief information on using AutoCAD to make 3D models. |
| Duration | 2-4 months | 1-3 months |
| Average Course Fee (INR) | 8,000-15,000 | 5,000-10,000 |
| Average Placement Package (INR) | 1.16 - 4 LPA | 2.16 - 5.2 LPa |
| Job Positions | AutoCAD Designer, Marketing CAD Designer, Marketing Strategist, Web Content Curator, SEO Analyst | CAD Technician, AutoCAD Drafter, Mechanical Drafter |
Certificate in CAD Course Comparison
The comparison between Certificate in CAD vs. Certificate in AutoCAD are mentioned in the table below on the basis of various factors:
| Parameter | Certificate in CAD | Certificate in AutoCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Certificate in Computer-Aided Design | Certificate in Automatic Computer-Aided Design |
| Duration | 6 months - 1 year | 3-6 months |
| Eligibility | 10+2 schooling or equivalent, in any stream, from a recognised board with a minimum score of 50% | 10+2 schooling or equivalent, in any stream, from a recognised board with a minimum score of 50% |
| Average Course Fee (INR) | 5,000-20,000 | 5,000-15,000 |
| Average Placement Package (INR) | 1.5 - 5 LPA | 1.5 - 6 LPA |
| Job Positions | Mechanical Drafter, Land Surveyor, Naval Architect, Industrial Engineering Technician, Architectural Drafter | AutoCAD Designer, AutoCAD Engineer, AutoCAD Architect |
Check Out: Certificate in Auto CAD Colleges
Certificate in CAD Jobs and Salary
Certificate holders may find jobs mostly in the field of engineering and architecture.
Top employment sectors include:
| IT Industry | Interior Designing Companies |
| Manufacturing Units | Shipbuilding Industry |
| Electronic and Hardware Companies | Civil Aviation |
Some prominent job options include:
- Mechanical drafter
- Architectural drafter
- Electrical drafter
- Land surveyor
- Interior designer
- Architect
- Naval architect
- Surveying and mapping technician
- Civil engineering technician
- Industrial engineering technician
Brief descriptions of some jobs/careers are given in the table below:
| Job Position | Description | Average Salary Package (INR) PA |
|---|---|---|
| Civil engineering technician | Helps civil engineers plan, design, and implement commercial, industrial, residential, and land development projects. | 3,00,000 |
| Naval architect | Works in the shipping industry and helps in the research and development of sea vessels whether commercial or military. | 6,53,120 |
| Interior designer | Helps make interior spaces to functional spaces for houses, office rooms, and commercial buildings. | 3,06,400 |
| Mechanical drafter | Works with architects and engineers to prepare blueprints and build mechanical models and devices. | 2,00,000 |
| Land surveyor | Surveys and measures a piece of land, taking note of contours, and helps engineers plan construction projects. | 3,21,270 |
Future Scope for Certificate in CAD
The scope for the future is good after completing CAD Certificate.
-
Higher studies:
- Certificate holders interested in gaining more knowledge in the field and increasing chances of job procurement may go for a bachelor’s in industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, and architecture.
- They may also go for other computer-aided designing courses such as AutoCAD, Drafting, and its specialisations.
- Candidates are advised to take up internships to get hands-on experience in the field and run projects, which can upgrade the chances of acquiring a job.
- As the construction of various infrastructure will continue, the need for easier designing methods like designing and drafting using CAD increases, and so does the demand for CAD technicians and related workers.
FAQs
Ques. Is CAD a good career choice?
Ans. Yes, as the construction of various infrastructure will continue, the need for easier designing methods like designing and drafting using CAD increases, and so does the demand for CAD technicians and related workers.
Ques. How long does it take to master CAD?
Ans. While a certification can be achieved within a year, becoming an expert in CAD may take more than a year, depending on the projects one has done and on how quick one grasps the information.
Ques. How do one acquire a well-positioned job in CAD?
Ans. Along with a certification in CAD, one may do well if they get an associate degree in CAD with Mathematics and/or Science as complementary subjects. If a student gets CAD training in school, they may take up an internship, and enroll for a CAD course in a college.
Ques. Can one learn CAD on their own?
Ans. Yes. Online training organisations like Autodesk provide the opportunity to learn CAD with the assistance of video tutorials, within the same duration as a regular course.
Ques. Is CAD hard to learn?
Ans. Some 3D applications can be tough to learn along with the numerous amounts of commands within the program. Candidates who are thoroughly interested in programming may find it easier.
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