See the whole vehicle
Learn how architecture, packaging, chassis and body decisions depend on each other, not just how to model one part.
CADD Centre · Mechanical CADD
Automotive Design & DMU Course in Vellore, Katpadi & Ranipet
Understand how a vehicle is planned, packaged and styled, and learn to check a full digital mock-up for fit, clearance and motion.
2 levels40 h50 topics3 centresClassroom · Online · Hybrid
01What is Automotive Design & DMU
What is Automotive Design & DMU? In plain words.
Automotive design is the engineering work that turns a vehicle idea into a layout that can be built. It covers the overall architecture, where the engine or battery sits, how people fit inside, how the chassis and suspension are arranged, which materials are used and how the body shape handles air. Designers balance safety rules, comfort, cost, manufacturing limits and looks, and they work closely with styling, testing and production teams.
A Digital Mock-Up (DMU) is the complete 3D assembly of a vehicle or sub-system, checked on screen before any metal is cut. Engineers use DMU tools to review how parts fit, measure gaps, find clashes, cut sections and simulate moving parts. Vehicle makers and their engineering service partners rely on DMU reviews to catch problems early, so engineers who understand both vehicle layout and mock-up checks are useful in design centres.
Vellore district sits on the Chennai–Bengaluru industrial corridor, where many vehicle and component plants operate, and design centres in Chennai and Bengaluru are within reach. Automotive design and DMU skills help students from Vellore, Katpadi and Ranipet aim for these roles.
What you will be able to do
- Explain the main vehicle architectures and how the layout of a car is planned
- Plan basic vehicle packaging for occupants, powertrain and luggage space
- Describe chassis and suspension types and where each is used
- Apply simple ergonomics checks for seating, reach and visibility
- Compare materials and manufacturing methods used for vehicle parts
- Relate exterior shape to aerodynamics and styling choices
- Outline how an EV architecture differs from a combustion vehicle
- Review a digital mock-up for fit, clearance and clashes using sections and measurements
02Why learn it
Why learn Automotive Design & DMU now?
Six reasons students and professionals in Vellore district pick this skill.
Grounded in real standards
The concepts course introduces automotive design standards and ergonomics studies that guide real vehicle programmes.
EV and future mobility
Understand how battery, motor and power electronics change the layout of an electric vehicle.
Catch problems before tooling
DMU checks for clashes, clearances and sections save cost and are a routine part of vehicle design reviews.
Adds value to your CAD skill
If you already know CATIA, Creo or NX, these courses show you how that skill is applied in a vehicle team.
Strong regional demand
Vehicle and component plants along the Chennai–Bengaluru corridor need engineers who understand automotive design.
03Who can learn
Who can join this course?
BE/BTech Automobile and Mechanical students
Build vehicle-level understanding to go with your core subjects.
Diploma holders in Automobile or Mechanical
Learn the design side of the vehicles you have studied.
CAD users who know CATIA, Creo or NX
Apply your modelling skill to vehicle layout and mock-up reviews.
Engineers in component or supplier companies
Understand how your part fits into the full vehicle and its checks.
EV enthusiasts and project students
Learn the basics of EV architecture for final-year or club projects.
Working engineers moving into design
Shift from production or service roles towards vehicle design work.
Before you start: Basic computer use and an interest in vehicles are needed. Knowledge of engineering drawing and some experience with a 3D CAD tool such as CATIA will help, especially for the DMU course.
04Levels & syllabus
Every Automotive Design & DMU level, topic by topic.
2 programmes on one page. Pick a level to see its modules and every topic covered.
Foundation level
Certificate in Automobile Design Concepts
Students and engineers who want a 40-hour grounding in how vehicles are designed, from architecture and packaging to aerodynamics and EVs.
40 hours9 modules · 27 topicsCode CEAUD2601Certificate: CADD Centre network
9 modules · 27 topics
01Vehicle Design Fundamentals3 topics
Vehicle design fundamentalsStages of a vehicle design programmeVehicle types and segments
02Automotive Architecture3 topics
Automotive architecture basicsMajor vehicle systems and how they connectFront, rear and mid-engine layouts
03Layout and Packaging3 topics
Vehicle layout and packagingOccupant, powertrain and cargo space planningKey vehicle dimensions
04Chassis and Suspension3 topics
Chassis and suspension designChassis frame typesCommon suspension types
05Ergonomics3 topics
Ergonomics studySeating position, reach and visibilityEntry, exit and comfort considerations
06Materials and Manufacturing3 topics
Material selectionManufacturing methods for vehicle partsWeight, cost and strength trade-offs
07Design, Aesthetics and Standards3 topics
Vehicle design and aesthetics studyAutomotive design standardsSafety and regulatory considerations in design
08Aerodynamics and Exterior Design3 topics
Aerodynamics basics for vehiclesExterior design and body shapeDrag and how shape affects it
09EV Architecture and Future Mobility3 topics
EV architectureBattery, motor and controller placementFuture mobility trends
Foundation level
Certificate in Automotive Digital Mock Up (DMU)
Learners who already know a 3D CAD tool and want to review full vehicle assemblies digitally in a 40-hour course.
40 hours6 modules · 23 topicsCode CEAUD2609Certificate: CADD Centre network
These are the core topics this programme always covers. Ask the counsellor on WhatsApp for the detailed, session-wise syllabus.
6 modules · 23 topics
01Introduction to Digital Mock-Up4 topics
What a DMU is and why it is usedRole of DMU in vehicle design reviewsDMU interface and navigationOpening and saving DMU sessions
02Working with Large Assemblies4 topics
Loading and organising product structuresViewing, hiding and filtering componentsVisualisation modesUsing saved views and scenes
03Design Review Tools4 topics
Sectioning the assemblyMeasuring distances and gapsAdding annotations and review markersCapturing images for review
04Clash and Clearance Checks4 topics
Detecting clashes and contactsClearance checks between partsReviewing and reporting resultsSuggesting fixes for common clash issues
05Basic Motion Checks4 topics
Defining simple joints for movementSimulating simple mechanism movementChecking moving parts for interferenceRecording a motion sequence
06Practice Project3 topics
Preparing the product structure for reviewDMU review of a vehicle sub-assembly with a findings reportPresenting the findings
05Choose your level
Which level is right for me?
Start with Automobile Design Concepts if you are new to vehicle design and want to understand how a vehicle is planned. Choose the Automotive DMU course if you already model in CATIA or a similar tool and want to learn how assemblies are reviewed. Many learners take both, concepts first.
| Programme | Level | Hours | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate in Automobile Design Concepts Code CEAUD2601 | Foundation | 40 h | Students and engineers who want a 40-hour grounding in how vehicles are designed, from architecture and packaging to aerodynamics and EVs. |
| Certificate in Automotive Digital Mock Up (DMU) Code CEAUD2609 | Foundation | 40 h | Learners who already know a 3D CAD tool and want to review full vehicle assemblies digitally in a 40-hour course. |
Foundation
Course on · Essential · Certificate · SKEP · Executive DiplomaStart here. Core tools, workflow and a practice project.
Professional
Proficient · ProfessionalIndustry-style exercises, advanced features and a portfolio project.
Master
Advanced · Expert · MastersComplete programmes that combine several tools and a capstone project.
06Hands-on
Projects you will build
You learn by making real deliverables – reviewed by your trainer before certification.
Hatchback packaging study
Plan the placement of occupants, powertrain and luggage space for a compact car and justify the main dimensions.
Suspension comparison
Compare two suspension types for a chosen vehicle and explain which suits its use.
Driver ergonomics check
Study seating, reach and visibility for a driver position and list the improvements.
EV layout concept
Sketch a battery and motor layout for a small electric vehicle and note its effect on space and weight.
DMU clash review
Check a sub-assembly for clashes and clearances, cut sections and write a short review report.
Tools & features covered
Vehicle layout and packaging methodsErgonomics study methodsAutomotive design standardsEV architecture conceptsDigital Mock-Up review toolsSection and measurement toolsClash and clearance analysis
Talk to a counsellor about Automotive Design & DMU
Get the full syllabus PDF, current fee, offers and the next batch date on WhatsApp – usually within minutes during centre hours.
07Careers
Jobs you can apply for after Automotive Design & DMU
Roles that list this skill in Indian job postings.
Automotive Design Engineer
Designs vehicle parts and sub-systems to fit the overall layout.
Vehicle Packaging Engineer
Plans space for occupants, systems and components in the vehicle.
DMU Engineer
Runs digital mock-up reviews to find clashes and clearance issues.
Chassis Design Engineer
Works on frame, suspension and related parts.
Interior and Ergonomics Engineer
Checks seating, controls and visibility against ergonomic targets.
EV Design Engineer (trainee)
Supports layout work for battery and electric drive systems.
CAD Engineer at an engineering services firm
Delivers design and mock-up work for automotive clients.
Salary you can expect
Fresher0–2 years₹2.4–4.2 LPA
Experienced3–5 years₹5–9 LPA
Senior6+ years₹10–18 LPA
Indicative ranges for India; pay varies by company, city, skills and experience. Figures in lakh per annum (LPA).
Industries that use it
Passenger vehiclesTwo-wheelersCommercial vehiclesElectric vehiclesAutomotive component manufacturingEngineering servicesTractors and farm equipmentAutomotive R&D centres
Companies that use these skills
Tata MotorsMahindra & MahindraMaruti SuzukiHyundai Motor IndiaAshok LeylandTVS Motor CompanyRoyal EnfieldOla ElectricAther EnergyRenault NissanBoschTata TechnologiesL&T Technology ServicesHCLTechTata Elxsi
Examples of well-known companies and sectors in India that use these skills. They are not CareerKraft partners or recruiters.
Your career path
1
Graduate Engineer Trainee / CAD Trainee
Supports design and mock-up tasks under a senior engineer.
2
Design or DMU Engineer
Owns parts or review tasks for a vehicle sub-system.
3
Senior Design Engineer
Leads packaging or sub-system design and reviews others' work.
4
Lead Engineer / Vehicle Integration Lead
Coordinates design reviews across systems and signs off releases.
Placements
Students placed from our centres
Naresh N
Knitwear Designer & Quality Checker
SGS India Pvt. Ltd, Bengaluru
Surendar S
Design Engineer, Assistant Engineer - Design
Hirise Drafting and Consulting Pvt. Ltd, Eversendai Construction Pvt. Ltd (ECPL), Chennai
Suresh K
CNC Lathe Programmer
Propel Valve Pvt. Ltd
Anish R
Design Engineer
New Auto Tech Pvt. Ltd
08How you learn
Classroom, online or both.
Same syllabus and certificate in every mode. Your counsellor confirms the mode based on trainer availability for your batch.
Classroom
Learn in our labs at Katpadi, Vellore or Ranipet with your trainer beside you and classmates to build with.
Online
Live sessions from home with the same syllabus, projects and certificate. Good if you cannot travel every day.
Hybrid
Lab days plus online sessions around college or work. The mode depends on trainer availability for your batch.
Certificate
On completing a level and its project assessment, you receive the course certificate of the CADD Centre network, issued through CareerKraft as the authorised training partner.
Batches & timings
Weekday, weekend and fast-track batches within centre hours (Mon–Sat 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM · Sun 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM). Ask for the next start date at your centre.
Fees & EMI
The fee depends on the level and mode. Your counsellor shares the current fee, offers and EMI options on WhatsApp.
Why learn at CareerKraft
Authorised partner training
Structured syllabi and certificates from the CADD Centre, Livewire and SynergySBS networks.
Learn by doing
Hands-on lab work and a project assessed before you are certified.
Personal attention
Industry-experienced trainers and batches small enough to ask questions.
Placement support
Resume help, mock interviews and job leads when you are ready – no false promises.
Career guides that include this course
11Where to learn
Learn Automotive Design & DMU at any of 3 centres
Same syllabus, trainer standard and certificate at every centre. Tap the centre you want.
Automotive Design & DMU in Katpadi
Near Aascars Cinemas, Katpadi
CADD Centre Katpadi
Automotive Design & DMU in Vellore
Near Raja Theatre, Vellore
CADD Centre Vellore
Automotive Design & DMU in Ranipet
Near SBI, Muthukadai, Ranipet
CADD Centre Ranipet
Guides about Automotive Design & DMU
Design & Engineering
CATIA vs NX vs Creo: Which Is Best for Automotive Design?
CATIA, NX and Creo all appear in automotive job listings. Here is how they differ and how to choose one based on the kind of automotive work you want.
8 min readRead
Design & Engineering
EV Design Careers in Tamil Nadu: Roles, Skills and How to Start
What EV design work actually involves, which roles exist in Tamil Nadu's auto belt, and the skills engineers and diploma holders need to get started.
9 min readRead
09FAQ
Automotive Design & DMU course – your questions answered
12 answers about levels, duration, eligibility, certificate, placement support and fees.
Still have a question? The counsellor at the centre you prefer replies on WhatsApp.
Ask on WhatsAppWhat is Automotive Design & DMU?
It is a pair of courses. Automobile Design Concepts teaches how vehicles are planned, from architecture and packaging to aerodynamics and EVs. The DMU course teaches how to review a full 3D vehicle assembly for fit, clashes and clearances.
Who can join these courses?
Automobile and Mechanical engineering students, diploma holders and working engineers can join. For the DMU course, some experience with a 3D CAD tool such as CATIA is helpful.
How long is each course?
Certificate in Automobile Design Concepts is 40 hours. Certificate in Automotive Digital Mock Up (DMU) is also 40 hours.
Which course should I take first?
Take Automobile Design Concepts first if you are new to vehicle design. Go straight to DMU if you already use CAD and want to learn assembly reviews. Our counsellor can suggest the right order after a short chat.
Can I learn online?
Yes. Classroom, online and hybrid modes are offered, depending on trainer availability. The centre will confirm which modes are open for the next batch.
Is a free demo available?
Yes, ask your chosen centre on WhatsApp or phone for a demo or counselling session. They will explain the syllabus and batch options.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes. On completing each course and its assessment, you receive a certificate from CADD Centre, our training partner.
Do you offer placement support?
We offer placement support – resume help, mock interviews and job leads. A job is not guaranteed; your skills and project work matter most.
What is the fee?
Please contact the counsellor at your chosen centre. They will share the current fee, any offers and EMI options on WhatsApp.
Do I need a laptop?
Not for classroom batches, as the centre provides systems. For online classes you need a laptop that can run the CAD or DMU software; the counsellor can share the recommended specification.
What jobs and salary can I expect?
Roles include automotive design engineer, packaging engineer and DMU engineer. Freshers usually start around ₹2.4–4.2 LPA, with higher pay in metros and with experience. These figures are indicative only.
Which centre should I choose and what are the timings?
All three centres – Katpadi, Vellore and Ranipet – run these courses. Hours are Monday to Saturday 9:30 am to 6:30 pm and Sunday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
10Keep exploring
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Fill this in and WhatsApp opens with your details, addressed to the centre you choose. The counsellor replies with the full syllabus, current fee, offers and the next batch.
- Free counselling and demo class
- Real projects and placement support
- Classroom, online or hybrid batches
- Replies Mon–Sat 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM · Sun 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM