NEW DELHI, April 17, 2026 — Pearl Academy, India’s leading AI-first design institution, successfully hosted Portfolio 2026, its premier annual graduation showcase. The two-day event, held across the Rajouri Garden (West Campus) and Pearl Academy School of Business (South Campus), celebrated a new era of creative entrepreneurship, bringing together graduating students, global luxury icons, and industry titans.
The showcase transformed the campuses into immersive exhibition spaces. From live runway presentations to AI-integrated projects, the event offered a first-hand look at the convergence of design, technology, and real-world business applications.
Bridging the Gap: AI as a Creative Partner
One of the most significant highlights was Pearl Academy’s visible collaboration with OpenAI. Students across various disciplines—including Product Design, Fashion, and UI/UX—presented portfolios featuring AI as a collaborator. Notable projects included:
- Smart home systems and gesture-based creative tools.
- Children’s literacy apps and AI-powered historical avatars.
- Extended Reality (XR) projects reflecting the institution’s future-forward approach.
Record Placements and Global Brand Interest
The event underscored a massive industry demand for “new-age” skills. The Communication Design program reported a staggering 99% placement rate, with salary offers reaching ₹26 LPA.
The showcase attracted recruiters and senior leaders from global giants such as Aditya Birla Group, Reliance Group, and Lamborghini. Simultaneously, the Creative Business Conclave 2026 at the South Delhi campus hosted panel sessions with leaders from Victoria’s Secret, Hero Motors, and Dior, resulting in spot offers from elite brands like Ferrari, Burberry, and Lenskart.
Leadership Perspectives
Aditi Srivastava, President of Pearl Academy, emphasized the importance of the moment:
“Portfolio 2026 is where years of learning and creative courage come together. What excites me most is the quality of professionals walking out of these halls—designers who can lead boardroom conversations and innovators who are equally at home in a studio and a global marketplace.”
Amod Vijayvargiya, Director of Pearl Academy School of Business, added:
“With AI increasingly shaping how businesses operate, this year’s portfolios reflect how students are thinking about scale and efficiency. This marks the beginning of their professional journey in a creative economy that demands both creativity and business acumen.”
Future-Focused Expansion
In alignment with India’s AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) policy, Pearl Academy has introduced an M.Des in Game Design & Extended Reality. Furthermore, the institution announced a new B.Des in Product Design with a specialization in Jewellery Design at its Jaipur campus, aimed at reinterpreting traditional craftsmanship through a modern, contemporary lens.
Fact Box: About Pearl Academy
- Legacy: Established in 1993, with over 33 years of excellence in creative education.
- Network: Campuses in Delhi-South, Delhi-West, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Jaipur.
- Placement: Consistently maintains a 99% placement record with 15,000+ successful alumni.
- Pioneer Status: The first design-focused institute in India to implement OpenAI Edu institution-wide starting the 2026-27 academic year.
- Affiliation: Programs are offered in affiliation with the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD).
Disclaimer: This article is a curated report based on the official Pearl Academy Portfolio 2026 press release. All placement data and salary figures are accurate as of April 17, 2026.
