Fashion Designing Courses: Duration, Fees, Course List, Eligibility, Top Colleges

Know the list of courses you can study in the Fashion Design field. Also, check the admission process, eligibility criteria, and top institutes offering these courses. 

Fashion Design is a good career choice for people who like staying in trend and have a good fashion sense. A career in fashion design would require you to have adequate knowledge about fabric, material, colours, weave, draping qualities and changing trends.

However, in order to pursue a career in the fashion design industry, you need to seek admission at a good design college. After pursuing a course in fashion design, one can explore different job profiles in the fashion industry.

Industry experts share that it is mandatory to receive training as well as required exposure in order to make a mark in the fashion design field.

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Types of Fashion Design Courses

Today, students have a lot of options before them when selecting a fashion design course. For instance, after passing the 10+2 exam, they can opt for a B.Des course, an undergraduate diploma course, or even a B.Voc programme. What is more, there are also short-term certificate courses, in case the student can’t afford a regular program.

• Regular Bachelor programmes - Candidates in this category can opt for programs like B.Des, B.Sc, and BA in Fashion Design courses.
• Regular Master’s programmes - Popular programmes in this category include programs like M.Des and M.Sc in Fashion Design
• Vocation courses - B.Voc in Fashion Design and M.Voc in Fashion Design is another option for candidates who are more interested in the practical skills of a course than its theoretical nitty gritty.
• Diploma courses - Candidates can opt for diploma courses in fashion design at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Popular programs include 2-year Diploma in Fashion Design & Technology.
• Certificate courses - Certificate courses are short-term courses with direct admission offered based on qualifying exam marks.  For instance, Certificate Course in Fashion Design and Clothing Technology is a 20-week course.
• Online courses - While still not all the rage, online fashion design courses definitely are gaining ground. Again, online courses can be an option for candidates who don’t want to travel or feel that they can manage without classroom guidance. 

B.Des in Fashion Design Degree Course

The B.Des is a 4-year course (spread over eight semesters). Admission to the course is open for candidates who have completed their 10+2. Check the table below for full details.

Particulars	Details
Name of the course	B.Des in Fashion Design
Duration	4 years
Who should apply?	Candidates with an aptitude for creativity, innovation, and fashion may apply for the programme.
Eligibility Criteria	Academic Qualification The minimum academic criteria is a pass in 10+2 exam from a recognized institute. However, the following qualifications may also be accepted: A pass grade in  Senior Secondary School Examination conducted by the National Open School with a minimum of five subjects. Or, Any Public School/Board/University Examination in India or in foreign countries recognized by the Association of Indian Universities as equivalent to 10+2 system. Or, General Certificate Education (GCE) Examination (London/Cambridge/Sri-Lanka) at the Advanced (A) level/ International Baccalaureate (IB).
	Age Limit The age limit may vary from one institute to another.
Admission process	Entrance exam-based: Admission to the top institutes is more or less based on a Design Aptitude Test (DAT). Also, the DAT is typically followed by: A Situation or Studio Test + Portfolio Review
What next?	Candidates who have completed their B.Des program can next pursue the M.Des course.
Job profiles	Fashion Designer, Jewellery Designer, Stylist, Textile Designer, Garment Technologist, Fashion Consultants, Consumer Behaviorist, Fashion Educator, Fashion Entrepreneurs, Data Analyst & Researcher, Merchandiser, Fashion Influencer, etc.

B.Des Fashion Design course - Key Points

• The B.Des is the go-to course for candidates planning to pursue a course in fashion design.
• Also, the B.Des course is offered by most of the top design institutes, including the likes of Symbiosis Institute of Design, NIFTs, and ARCH College of Design and Business.
• Unlike diploma and certificate courses, the B.Des course is more comprehensive and deals with the subject matter in greater detail. 
• The course will offer more practical classes so that the student gets a first-hand experience of the practical world. 
• Research and critical thinking are a big part of the program.
• The student will also be taught about global fashion trends, and how fashion design is linked to ecological, environmental, ethical, technological, and aesthetic factors.

Also Read: 

• Fee Structure for B.Des and M.Des courses at NIFT
• NIFT Placement - Step-wise process, Salary, Participating Companies

B.Des in Fashion Design course - Top entrance exams

Here are the popular entrance exams for admission to the B.Des in Fashion Design programme.

• NIFT - The National Institute of Fashion Technologies is amongst the foremost design institutes in the country. Admission to these institutes is on the basis of NIFT scores.
• AIEED (All India Entrance Examination for Design) - ARCH College of Design & Business conducts the exam for admission to its B.Des course.
• Pearl Academy Entrance Exam - Pearl Academy conducts the entrance exam in multiple cycles - February Cycle, May Cycle, June Cycle, July Cycle, and August Cycle. The candidate can appear in any of the cycles. 
• SEED - The Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) conducts the exam for admission to its B.Des programme offered at its Pune campus. 
• FDDI AIST - The Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) conducts this exam.
• SOFT CET - School of Fashion Technology (SOFT) conducts the CET, which carries 50% weightage; the 10+2 or qualifying exam carries the remaining 50% weightage.
• TDV Entrance Exam - The Design Village (TDV) conducts this exam. 
• UID Aptitude Test - The Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID) conducts the admission process in two parts: 1) The Design Aptitude Test and 2) Situation Test and Portfolio Evaluation (ST-PE).
• ITM-IDM Entrance Exam - ITM Institute of Design and Media conducts the exam.

M.Des in Fashion Design Course

Candidates who have completed their B.Des can pursue the M.Des in Fashion Design. That being said, graduates from other academic streams can also pursue the programme. 

Particulars	Description
Name of the course	M.Des (Master of Design)
Course duration	2 years
Education qualification	Undergraduate Degree in any discipline from any Institute / University recognized by law in India Or, Undergraduate Diploma of a minimum of three years duration from NIFT / NID.
Age limit	The NIFTs don’t have restrictions on age limits. However, some institutes may have age requirements, so the candidate needs to check the eligibility requirements of the institute before applying.
Admission Process	Admission to the M.Des in Fashion Design course in most of the top institutes is entrance exam-based. However, in some of the lower-ranked institutes, direct admission is also offered. In such cases, a personal interview may be conducted.
Job profiles	Fashion Designer, Fashion Strategist, Fashion Consultants, Fashion Educator, Fashion Entrepreneurs, Data Analyst & Researcher, Creative Heads for Fashion and Lifestyle Products, etc.

Popular entrance exams for the M.Des in Fashion Design course:

• TDV Entrance Exam
• IICD Entrance Exam
• UPES DAT
• WWI Entrance Exam

M.Des in Fashion Design course - A few additional pointers

• The master’s program is an advanced course, so it is recommended for candidates to have a fair understanding of design fundamentals. 
• Also, note that the course may not cover the basic theories or include any skill development classes.

Integrated B.Des-M.Des in Fashion Design

Integrated courses in Fashion design are also an option for candidates. Currently, UPES University is one of the leading design institutes offering the course.

Particulars	Description
Name of the course	Integrated (B.Des - M.Des) in Fashion Design
Duration	5 years
Eligibility Criteria	Minimum 50% marks at Higher and Senior Secondary Level (X and XII any Stream)
Where to study	UPES University
Seat intake	10
Admission process	Merit-based
Course fee	Around INR 28, 00, 000.
Career prospects	Fashion Designer, Personal Designer, Fashion Blogger/Journalist, Retail Buyer, Fabric designer, Footwear designer, Fashion Illustrator, Visual Merchandiser

BSc in Fashion Design Course

Unlike a B.Des course, the BSc program is not the most natural course for candidates looking to do a fashion design course. But still, the course offers yet another option for the curious-minded.    

Particulars	Description
Name of the course	BSc in Fashion Design
Duration	3 years
Where to study	Maxx Academy
Admission process	Merit-based
Career prospects	Fashion Designers, Fashion Stylists & Coordinators, Product Developers in Design Merchandising Apparel Merchandisers, Sampling coordinators

MSc in Fashion Design Course

Like the B.Sc in Fashion Design, the MSc in Fashion design is also a bit uncommon. But that shouldn't be a reason for you to not take a close look into the course and see if the porgramme goal meets your requirements.

Particulars	Description
Name of the course	MSc in Fashion Design
Duration	2 years
Where to study	Maxx Academy
Admission process	Merit-based
Career prospects	Fashion Designers, Fashion Stylists & Coordinators, Product Developers in Design Merchandising Apparel Merchandisers, Sampling coordinators

Diploma courses in Fashion Design

For candidates who don't want to pursue a regular B.Des or M.Des course, the diploma course can be an ideal substitute. The diploma course in some cases follows the same trajectory as a regular degree programme, so that candidates won't miss out on key elements of the subject which may hamper their future career prospects.

Name of the course	Course Details	Where to study
Professional Diploma in Fashion Design & Technology	Duration: 4 years Eligibility: 10+2 in any discipline Admission Process: Entrance exam-based Pearl Academy Entrance Exam (UG) Career path: Fashion Designer, Product Developer, Creative Pattern Maker, Fashion Co-coordinator, Sampling Designer, Design Merchandiser, Fashion Trend Forecaster, Fashion Educator, Fashion Illustrator, Costume Designer	Pearl Academy
Diploma in Fashion Design & Technology	Duration: 2 years Eligibility: Graduation in any stream. Admission Process: Entrance exam-based Pearl Academy Entrance Exam (PG) Career path: Assistant Designer Stylist, Visual Merchandiser, Freelance Designer, Design Consultant, Entrpreneur	Pearl Academy
PG Diploma in Fashion Design Specialisation In Fashion	Duration: 2 years Eligibility: Graduate (Degree or Diploma) in any Discipline Admission Process: Entrance exam-based Pearl Academy Entrance Exam (PG) Career path: Fashion Designer, Fashion Strategist, Retail Buyer, Garment Technologist, Fashion Consultants, Consumer Behaviorist, Fashion Educator, Fashion Entrepreneurs, Data Analyst & Researcher, Creative Heads for Fashion and Lifestyle Products, etc.	Pearl Academy

 Certificate Courses in Fashion Design

 Candidates looking for short-term courses in Fashion Design can pursue certificate courses, which typically extend a couple of weeks.

 Short-term (Certificate) courses in Fashion Design 

Certificate Courses	Institute	Course Description
Certificate Course in Fashion Design for Women’s Wear	Pearl Academy	Duration: 11 months Eligibility: Class X pass Age limit: Minimum 17 years of age
Certificate Course in:  Fundamentals of Fashion Design Fashion Portfolio Digital Fashion Digital Pattern Making Advanced fashion Draping	ARCH College of Design and Business	Duration: 10 weeks Eligibility: 10+2 Teaching hours: 2 Hours/ 4 Days a week
Certificate Course in Fashion Design and Clothing Technology	ARCH College of Design and Business	Duration: 20 weeks Eligibility: 10+2 Teaching hours: 2 Hours/ 4 Days a week
Certificate in Fashion Design	ARCH College of Design and Business	Duration: 40 weeks Eligibility: 10+2 Teaching hours: 2 Hours/ 4 Days a week

Vocational courses in Fashion Design

Candidates who want to learn the practical aspects of Fashion Design may get enrolled in a vocation course in the subject. Vocational courses are available at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Name of the course	Course details	Where to study
B.Voc in Fashion Design	Duration: 3 years Career opportunities: Fashion Designer, Fashion Entrepreneur, Costume Designer, Creative Pattern Maker, Fashion Illustrator, Quality Control Specialist, Fashion Merchandiser Fashion Stylist, Fashion Blogger and Trend Analyst.	ARCH College of Design and Business
M.Voc in Design Entrepreneurship	Duration: 2 years Career prospects: Fashion Designer, Fashion Entrepreneur, Fashion Illustrator, Costume Designer, Fashion Brand Manager, Fashion Merchandiser, Fashion Stylist, Fashion Blogger and Trend Analyst, Fashion Academician and Researcher, Fashion Journalist and Editor	ARCH College of Design and Business

BA in Fashion Design

The Bachelor of Arts is yet another interesting option for fashion design hopefuls. Important details about the programme are given in the table below.

Particulars	Description
Name of the course	3-year BA in Fashion Design
Where to study?	School of Fashion Technology, Nagpur
Eligibility Criteria	10+2 in any stream - Arts/Commerce/Science/Home science minimum competency vocational courses (MCVC). Or Maharashtra state board of technical education (MSBTE)/ State Govt. technical education full time diploma of minimum 2 years after standard 10 th (any stream)
Admission process	Merit-based
Description	The program seeks to eqip students with tools and technology that are in sync with current trends. The program adopts a multidisciplinary approach.

Additional details about the program:

• Candidates who exit the program after successful completion of: 
• 1-year - Awarded a Diploma 
• 2-year - Awarded an Advanced Diploma
• 3-year - Awarded a Degree 

Distance (Online) courses in Fashion Design

Candidates who don’t have the time or resources to visit a brick-and-mortar institute may learn the  

Name of the course	Details	Where to study
How To Create A Fashion Collection and Launch Your Own Brand	Duration: 42-minutes on-demand video Fee: INR.449 (with discount) Comprises a step-by-step 8-video series explaining the process of starting a fashion brand, development, and launching.	Udemy
Sketching for Fashion Design ~ Beginner Course for Designers	Duration: 32-minutes on-demand video Fee: INR.449 (with discount) The student will get to learn about Fashion Drawing Techniques, and how to use Croquis, Plumb Lines, and Body Movement.	Udemy
Fashion Drawing Course from Beginner to Advanced	Duration: 137 hours on-demand video Fee: INR.2999  The course will deal with topics like - illustration, technical drawing, intonation, and collection design.	Udemy
Diploma in Fashion Designing	Duration: 1 year Fee: 24,000 One to One individual support to students is provided through Phone/Mail/Video Chats/Virtual Classes.	Maxx Academy

Top Colleges to Study Fashion Design Course

Here is the list of the top design institutes, and the various fashion design courses offered by them are given in the table below:

Name of the institute	Fashion Design courses offered
Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID)	B.Des in Fashion Design
NIFTs	B.Des in Fashion Design
ARCH College of Design and Business	B.Des in Fashion Design B.Voc in Fashion Design M.Voc in Design Entrepreneurship
Indian Institute of Crafts and Design (IICD), Jaipur	B.Des in Fashion Design M.Des in Fashion Design
Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI)	B.Des in Fashion Design
MKSSS’s School of Fashion Design	B.Des in Fashion Design
Karnavati University	B.Des in Fashion Design M.Des in Fashion Design
University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES)	Integrated (B.Des - M.Des) in Fashion Design
ITM Institute of Design	B.Des in Fashion Design
Pearl Academy	4-year Professional Diploma in Fashion Design & Technology 2-year Diploma in Fashion Design & Technology 2-year PG Diploma in Fashion Design Specialisation In Fashion
The Design Village	M.Des in Fashion and Textile Design 4-year Bachelor of Fashion and Textile Design
ISDI - School of Design and Innovation	4-year UG program in Fashion Design
School of Fashion Technology, Nagpur	BA Fashion Design
Maxx Academy	BSc in Fashion Design MSc in Fashion Design Diploma in Fashion Designing
Whistling Wood International	M.Des in Fashion Design

Read More:

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• Interior Design: Types of job profiles
• Fashion Design: Types of job profiles
• Accessory Design: Types of Job Profiles

Fashion Design Courses - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What are the popular Fashion design courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate level?

Q. What is the admission process to a B.Des Fashion Design course?

Q. What is the eligibility criteria for admission to the B.Des in Fashion Design course?

Q. What is the eligibility criteria for admission to the M.Des program?

Q. What is the admission process to a B.Des in Fashion Design course?

Q. What are the popular diploma courses that I can pursue in Fashion Design?

Q. What is the eligibility criteria for admission to the diploma course in Fashion Design?

Q. Do I need to have prior knowledge of design fundamentals for pursuing a M.Des program is Fashion Design?

Q. Are there any vocational courses that I can pursue in Fashion Design?

Q. Are Fashion Design courses also offered in online mode?

Q. What are the top design institutes to study Fashion Design course?

Following are the top exams for Fashion Designing. Students interested in pursuing a career on Fashion Designing, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Following are the most popular Fashion Designing courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Fashion Designing.

Following are the most popular Fashion Designing Colleges in India. Learn more about these Fashion Designing colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.

Following are the most popular Fashion Designing UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

Following are the most popular Fashion Designing PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

Following are the top ranked colleges for Fashion Designing based on rankings published by The Week, Business Today and National Institutional Ranking Framework (MHRD).

Following are the most popular Fashion Designing Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.