About AutoCAD Course: A Detailed Guide
AutoCAD is one of the most powerful software used by professionals in architecture, engineering, construction and design fields, if you are a beginner or an experienced designer looking to upskill. Enrolling in an AutoCAD course can open up new career paths. In this article we will explore the benefits of learning AutoCAD, what to look for in an AutoCAD course and how to choose the right one for you.
Related read - B Arch
Before going forward, watch -
AutoCAD Course Highlights
AutoCAD is the industry standard for computer-aided design (CAD) and being proficient in this will increase your employability. Here’s why taking an AutoCAD course is a good idea:
| Particulars | Details |
| Course Level | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced AutoCAD Courses |
| Duration |
|
| Eligibility |
|
| Fees |
Online Courses -
|
| Top Institutions | CADD Centre Training Services, Autodesk Authorized Training Centers (ATCs) across India, National Institute of Design (NID), Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), National Institutes of Technology (NIT), Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) |
| Average Salary | Up to Rs. 15 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Autodesk, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Jaypee Group, Tata Consulting Engineers Limited (TCE), Tata Projects Limited, Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), Godrej & Boyce, Voltas Limited, Shapoorji Pallonji Group, Gammon India Limited, Thermax Limited, JMC Projects (India) Limited, Essar Group, Sobha Limited, etc. |
| Job Positions | CAD Technician, AutoCAD Operator, Architectural/Civil/Mechanical/Electrical Drafter, Interior/Landscape/Structural Designer, Building Information Modeling (BIM) Specialist, CAD Manager, Project Coordinator, Construction/Urban Planner, Surveyor, Industrial/Product Designer, etc. |
Also read -
Why Take an AutoCAD Course in 2025?
Learning AutoCAD, the industry standard for computer-aided design (CAD), can greatly increase your chances of employment. Here are some reasons why enrolling in an AutoCAD course makes sense:
1. Industry-Relevant Skills
With the help of an AutoCAD course, you may learn how to utilize CAD tools practically and produce accurate 2D and 3D drawings. This ability is widely sought after in a variety of fields, such as civil engineering, architecture, interior design, and construction.
2. More Employment Possibilities
As more businesses utilize AutoCAD, there is a growing need for qualified individuals with strong AutoCAD skills. Numerous career paths, including CAD technician, architectural drafter, civil engineer, and interior designer, can be accessed by completing an AutoCAD course.
3. Improved Style Accuracy
One can ensure that your designs are correct and exact by taking AutoCAD classes that teach you how to use the software's features properly. This is necessary to produce technical drawings, blueprints, and models of superior quality.
4. Increased Output
Studying With AutoCAD, you can work more quickly and effectively. You can increase your productivity by streamlining the design process with AutoCAD, whether that be through task automation or the use of sophisticated tools like layering and annotating.
AutoCAD Eligibility
The following are the eligibility criteria for pursuing an AutoCAD career in India -
| Particulars | AutoCAD Eligibility Criteria |
| Educational Background | - High School Graduates (12th Pass) can enrol (basic geometry and computer knowledge helpful). |
| - Undergraduates/Graduates in fields like architecture, engineering, interior design, construction, etc. | |
| - Diploma Holders in related fields also eligible. | |
| Age Limit | No age limit for taking an AutoCAD course. |
| Skill Level | - Beginner: Introductory courses for those new to CAD. |
| - Intermediate: For those with basic AutoCAD knowledge. | |
| - Advanced: For professionals with experience looking for specialized or advanced AutoCAD skills. | |
| Technical Requirements | - Computer with sufficient RAM, processor, and disk space to run AutoCAD. |
| - Basic computer skills (using a mouse/keyboard, navigating software). | |
| Language Proficiency | Most courses in English, but some regional language options may be available. |
| Specialized Courses | - Architecture/Civil Engineering: Prior knowledge of design principles can be beneficial. |
| - Mechanical/Electrical Design: Basic understanding of relevant fields can help. | |
| - Interior Design: Background in design is useful but not mandatory. | |
| Duration | - Short-Term Courses: A few weeks to months (part-time or full-time). |
| - Diploma/Degree Programs: 6 months to 2 years. | |
| Certification | - Many courses offer a certificate of completion. Autodesk certification is recognized and can boost your resume. |
| Top Institutes | - Autodesk Authorized Training Centers (ATC) |
| - NIIT, CADD Centers, Arena Animation, and other training institutes. | |
| - Online Platforms: Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning (flexible, self-paced options). |
AutoCAD Fees
Check out the AutoCAD Course fees with institutes and duration in the given table below -
| Course Type | Institute Type | Duration | Fee Range (INR) |
| Basic AutoCAD Course | Online Course (e.g., Udemy, Coursera) | 1-3 months | 3,000 - 15,000 INR |
| Basic AutoCAD Course | Local Institutes (e.g., NIIT, CADD Centers) | 1-2 months | 10,000 - 30,000 INR |
| Advanced AutoCAD Course | Online Course (e.g., LinkedIn Learning) | 3-6 months | 10,000 - 30,000 INR |
| Advanced AutoCAD Course | Local Institutes (e.g., Arena Animation) | 3-6 months | 25,000 - 50,000 INR |
| Diploma in AutoCAD | Autodesk Authorized Training Centers (ATC) | 6 months - 1 year | 35,000 - 75,000 INR |
| AutoCAD for Architects/Engineers | Specialized Institutes (e.g., CADD Center, APTECH) | 3-6 months | 25,000 - 60,000 INR |
| AutoCAD for Interior Designers | Specialized Institutes (e.g., Arena Animation, Raffles Design) | 3-6 months | 30,000 - 60,000 INR |
| AutoCAD Online Certification | Online Platforms (Autodesk Certification Exam) | Variable (Self-paced) | 10,000 - 25,000 INR |
| AutoCAD Master Course | Comprehensive Course (Offline/Online) | 6 months - 1 year | 40,000 - 80,000 INR |
Also read - AutoCAD fees
How to Learn AutoCAD in India?
Following is a step-by-step process to learn AutoCAD course -
| Step | Details |
| 1. Choose Your Learning Path | - Self-Paced Online Courses (e.g., Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning) |
| - Instructor-Led Classes (Local training centers, Autodesk ATCs, or universities) | |
| - Workshops & Bootcamps (Short-term, intensive training programs) | |
| 2. Decide on the Course Type | - Beginner Courses: Learn the basics (interface, 2D drawing, basic commands). |
| - Intermediate Courses: Master complex drawing, dimensions, and basic 3D modeling. | |
| - Advanced Courses: Focus on 3D modeling, rendering, automation, and specialized industry features. | |
| 3. Choose the Correct Institute | - Autodesk Authorized Training Centers (ATC): Get official certification and expert guidance. |
| - NIIT, CADD Centers, Arena Animation: Well-known institutes with flexible training options. | |
| - Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS): Offers AutoCAD training as part of design/engineering programs. | |
| 4. Enroll in an Online Platform | - Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning: Affordable, self-paced courses with certifications available. |
| - EdX, Skillshare: Additional options for flexible, comprehensive AutoCAD courses. | |
| 5. Set Up Your AutoCAD Software | - Download a Trial Version: Autodesk offers free 30-day trials for AutoCAD software. |
| - Free Software for Students: Students and educators can get a free 3-year license for AutoCAD. | |
| 6. Hands-On Practice | - Use Sample Projects: Practice with sample AutoCAD files and templates available online. |
| - Create Personal Projects: Start designing basic 2D drawings and gradually move to 3D modeling. | |
| 7. Get Certified | - Autodesk Certification: After completing your training, you can take Autodesk's certification exam. |
| - Other Certifications: Some institutions offer their own certification after course completion. | |
| 8. Apply Your Skills Professionally | - Freelance: Use platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr to offer AutoCAD services. |
| - Internships or Full-time Jobs: Look for AutoCAD-related jobs in architecture, engineering, or design firms. |
Related read - How to Become an Architect: In India, Eligibility, Salary, Jobs, Top Colleges
Fundamental Concepts of AutoCAD
Let's explore the basic concepts about AutoCAD course in the following table -
| Fundamental Concept | Description |
| User Interface | The graphical interface through which users interact with AutoCAD, comprising menus, toolbars, ribbons, command line, and viewport. |
| Drawing Environment | The virtual workspace where users create and manipulate drawings, consisting of a drawing area, grid, cursor, and coordinate system. |
| Drawing Units | Units of measurement used to define distances and dimensions in the drawing, such as inches, mm, or feet. |
| Coordinates | Numeric values representing the position of points, lines, and objects within the drawing, typically specified in X, Y, and Z axes. |
| Layers and Properties | Organizational elements used to manage and categorize objects within the drawing, with properties like color, line type, and visibility. |
| Drawing Commands | Tools and functions used to create, modify, and manipulate geometry in the drawing, such as Line, Circle, Arc, and Copy. |
| Object Snapping | A feature that aids in precise drawing by automatically aligning the cursor to key points on existing geometry, such as endpoints, midpoints, and intersections. |
| Editing Tools | Commands for modifying existing objects, including Move, Copy, Rotate, Scale, Trim, Extend, and Mirror. |
| Annotation and Text | Tools for adding text, dimensions, and annotations to accurately convey information within the drawing, such as Text, Dimension, and Leader. |
| Blocks and Attributes | Reusable components and their associated data used to streamline drawing creation and management, facilitating consistency and efficiency. |
| 3D Modeling | Techniques and tools for creating and manipulating three-dimensional objects, including Extrude, Revolve, Sweep, and Loft. |
| Rendering and Visualization | Tools for enhancing the appearance of drawings through realistic rendering, materials, lighting, and shading effects. |
AutoCAD Syllabus -
The syllabus for the AutoCAD course is given below -
| Topic | Description |
| Introduction to AutoCAD |
|
| Basic Drawing Commands & Techniques |
|
| Advanced Drawing & Editing Techniques |
|
| Customization & Project Management |
|
| Introduction to 3D Modeling |
|
| Industry-Specific Applications (optional) | Exploring specialized toolsets for specific industries (Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Design, etc.) |
| Scripting & Automation (optional) |
|
| Project Work & Portfolio Building |
|
Also read - B Arch Syllabus
AutoCAD Salary in India
The below given salaries in India varies from the years of experience, the following are the average salaries -
| Job Role | Average Salary (INR per year) |
| AutoCAD Drafter/Designer | 2,50,000 - 4,00,000 |
| AutoCAD Engineer (Mechanical, Civil) | 3,00,000 - 5,00,000 |
| AutoCAD Architect | 3,50,000 - 6,00,000 |
| AutoCAD Interior Designer | 2,50,000 - 4,00,000 |
| AutoCAD Draftsman | 2,00,000 - 3,50,000 |
| AutoCAD Design Engineer | 3,50,000 - 6,00,000 |
| Freelance AutoCAD Designer | 20,000 - 50,000+ per month (varies based on experience and project complexity) |
| AutoCAD Trainer/Instructor | 3,00,000 - 5,00,000 |