Top 10 Design Institutes in India
Look around you. Every aspect of human life includes design. Furniture, car, mobile phones, kitchenware, beauty products, websites – it is designed that helps us create and build both the mundane and important aspects of life. Today, design has moved beyond art and conceptualisation. It helps us communicate every aspect of life through creativity and ingenuity. Designing skills ensure both practicality of the products as well as the visual appeal.
Apple’s products (iPod/iPhone/iPad/iMac), VW Beetle, Google’s search page or Coke’s Contour Bottle are some of the iconic examples of design that changed our world. At design schools, students can opt to pursue various aspects such as communication design, graphic design, information architecture, industrial design, visual design, product design, apparel design, ceramic design, etc. The list is endless. Presenting, top ten design schools in India:
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
Location: New Delhi
(India Today: Rank 1)
Admissions via: NIFT Entrance Exam
In its inaugural year, NIFT was established in Delhi with only one Fashion Design programme. During its early years, the campus operated from a temporary two-room setup before expanding to a full-fledged campus in 1994. Delhi is the largest campus that offers all programmes of NIFT. Given below are the design courses offered by the institute:
| UG Programmes | PG Programme |
|---|---|
| B.Des. (Fashion Design) | M.Des. |
| B.Des. (Leather Design) |
M.F.M (Master of Fashion Management) |
| B.Des. (Accessory Design) |
M.F.Tech. (Master of Fashion Technology) |
| B.Des. (Textile Design) |
(-) |
| B.Des. (Knitwear Design) |
(-) |
| B.Des. (Fashion Communication) |
(-) |
| B.F.Tech. (Apparel Production) |
(-) |
Note: The Master's programme is of two years duration while the Bachelor's programme is for four years at NIFT Delhi.
Other courses:
- A doctoral programme which is in recognition of high academic achievements, independent research and application of knowledge
- One-year programme in various specialisations like Graphic Design & Communication, Fashion Retail Management, Garment Export Merchandising, Creative Thinking & Design Development, Design in Boutique Apparel & Accessory, Fashion & Clothing Technology, Fashion e-Business Management and more
- 6-month programmes in Creative Fashion Styling, Illustration for Fashion Industry, Pattern Making for Fashion Industry and the Arts & Aesthetics of Fashion Photography
- Below 6-month programme in Ceramic & Studio Pottery
Read more NIFT Delhi Courses with Fees
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
Location: Mumbai
(India Today: Rank 2)
Admissions via: NIFT Entrance Exam
NIFT Mumbai was founded in 1995 in the “Fashion Capital of India,” and today it is located across 10 acres in Navi Mumbai. The design institute has state-of-the-art hostel facilities for girls and boys, world-class infrastructure, and well-equipped labs and machine rooms. The campus has the most up-to-date sports infrastructure as well as a well-managed and well-equipped mess facility. The faculty of the institute is highly qualified and experienced as well. Given below are the courses offered at NIFT Mumbai:
| UG Programmes | PG Programme |
|---|---|
| B.Des. (Fashion Design) | M.Des. |
| B.Des. (Fashion Communication) |
M.F.M (Master of Fashion Management) |
| B.Des. (Accessory Design) |
(-) |
| B.Des. (Textile Design) |
(-) |
| B.Des. (Knitwear Design) |
(-) |
| B.F.Tech. (Apparel Production) |
(-) |
Note: Besides offering regular degree programmes, the institute also offers short duration part-time evening/ weekend courses under Continuing Education (CE). After the completion of the programme, the participants also receive a completion certificate for the same.
Other courses:
- One-year programme in various specialisations like Design Development for Indian Ethnic wear, Fashion Clothing Technology, Fashion Retail Management, Fashion Graphic & Product Modelling, Luxury Product Design, and Garment Manufacturing & Fashion Merchandising
- 6-month programmes in Apparel Costing & Fashion Merchandising Management, Contemporary Bridal Trousseau Design, Creative Fashion Styling, Creative Pattern Making and Visual Merchandising
- Below 6-month programme in e-Commerce for Fashion Business & UI/UX Design
Read more NIFT Mumbai Courses with Fees
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
Location: Bangalore
(India Today: Rank 3)
Admissions via: NIFT Entrance Exam
In India, NIFT has been a pioneer in fashion education, combining knowledge, creative thinking, and critical independence. It has served as a beacon for inclusive thinking for the past 30 years, producing qualified professionals with expertise in Design, Technology, and Management. The campus of NIFT Bengaluru is at a prime location, with all facilities and infrastructure in and around it. Given below are the courses offered:
| UG Programmes | PG Programme |
|---|---|
| B.Des. (Fashion & Lifestyle Accessories - Interior Products & Handcrafted Accessories) | M.Des. |
| B.Des. (Fashion Communication) |
M.F.M (Master of Fashion Management) |
| B.Des. (Fashion Design) |
M.F.T (Master of Fashion Technology) |
| B.Des. (Textile Design) |
(-) |
| B.Des. (Knitwear Design) |
(-) |
| B.F.Tech. (Apparel Production) |
(-) |
Other courses:
- One-year programme in various specialisations like Fashion & Clothing Technology, Fashion Integration for Textiles, Fashion Retail Management, Garment Export Merchandising Management, Luxury Product Design, and Fashion Knitwear Production & Technology
- 6-month programmes in Apparel Design & Development, Apparel Merchandising & Manufacturing Technology, Design, Pattern Making & Design Studio Management, Digital media & Visual Communication, and Management of Family Run Fashion Business
- Below 6-month programme in Digital Business Branding and Promotion
Read more NIFT Bangalore Courses with Fees
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
Location: Chennai
(India Today: Rank 4)
Admissions via: NIFT Entrance Exam
The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Chennai was founded in 1995. After a fantastic journey spanning more than two decades, the centre has created a remarkable and excellent platform for the striving and creative new generation in the fields of Fashion, Technology, and Management. Given below are the courses offered at the NIFT Chennai campus:
| UG Programmes | PG Programme |
|---|---|
| B.Des. (Fashion Design) | M.F.T (Master of Fashion Technology) |
| B.Des. (Accessory Design) |
M.F.M (Master of Fashion Management) |
| B.Des. (Leather Design) |
(-) |
| B.Des. (Textile Design) |
(-) |
| B.Des. (Knitwear Design) |
(-) |
| B.Des. (Fashion Communication) |
(-) |
| B.F.Tech. (Apparel Production) |
(-) |
Other courses:
- Two-year Diploma in Fashion Fit & Style, Diploma in Textile CAD and Fashion & Retail Store Operations
- One-year programme in Footwear Design & Production Technology
- 6-month programmes in CAD for Footwear, Fashion Boutique Management & Merchandising, CAD for Fashion & Textiles and Fashion Bags & Wallet Design
- Below 6-month programme in Basic Photography
Read more NIFT Chennai Courses with Fees
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
Location: Patna
(India Today: Rank 5)
Admissions via: NIFT Entrance Exam
NIFT Patna began operations in June 2008 from a transit campus in the famous Udyog Bhavan, Gandhi Maidan, Patna. The final operations began from its own permanent campus in Mithapur Farms, Patna, in July 2014. It has won various championships and has various international linkage. Currently, the courses offered are:
| UG Programmes | PG Programme |
|---|---|
| B.Des. (Fashion Design) | M.F.M (Master of Fashion Management) |
| B.Des. (Accessory Design) |
(-) |
| B.Des. (Apparel Production) |
(-) |
| B.Des. (Textile Design) |
(-) |
| B.Des. (Fashion Communication) |
(-) |
Note: For now, Fashion & Clothing Technology is the only programme that is offered under the Continuing Education category at NIFT Patna.
Read more NIFT Patna Courses with Fees
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
Location: Gandhinagar
(India Today: Rank 6)
Admissions via: NIFT Entrance Exam
The NIFT Campus in Gandhinagar, India's greenest city, was founded in 1995 in a temporary campus building granted by the Gujarat government in Gandhinagar. Later, the Gujarat government allocated a 20,000-square-meter block of land for NIFT Gandhinagar's permanent campus near Infocity, which opened in February 2004.
| UG Programmes | PG Programme |
|---|---|
| B.Des. (Fashion Design) | M.F.M (Master of Fashion Management) |
| B.Des. (Accessory Design) |
M.F.T (Master of Fashion Technology) |
| B.Des. (Fashion Communication) |
(-) |
| B.Des. (Textile Design) |
(-) |
| BFT (Apparel Production) |
(-) |
Other courses:
- One-year programme in Fashion Designing & Apparel Technology and Fashion & Media Communication
- Below 6-month programme in Designing for Home Furnishings
Read more NIFT Gandhinagar Courses with Fees
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
Location: Hyderabad
(India Today: Rank 7)
Admissions via: NIFT Entrance Exam
The NIFT Hyderabad campus is located between India's IT hub, Hi-tech city, and the statecraft town, Shilparamam, aptly illustrating one of the institute's key mottos, tradition meets modernity. The permanent campus opened in 1999, and the main structure is known for its architectural grandeur and adaptability. The campus facilities are excellent for a well-rounded learning experience and holistic development. Listed below are the degree programmes offered at the campus:
| UG Programmes | PG Programme |
|---|---|
| B.Des. (Fashion Design) | M.F.M (Master of Fashion Management) |
| B.Des. (Accessory Design) |
(-) |
| B.Des. (Knitwear Design) |
(-) |
| B.Des. (Textile Design) |
(-) |
| BFT (Apparel Production) |
(-) |
| B.Des Fashion & Lifestyle Accessories - Interior Products & Handcrafted Accessories | (-) |
Other courses:
- One-year programme in Fashion Clothing Technology
- 6-month programmes in Home Decor & Styling and Process Improvement in Garment Industry
- Below 6-month programme in Apparel Retailing & Visual Merchandising, Costume Jewellery & Fashion Accessories Designing for Business, Fashion Branding & Supply Chain
Read more NIFT Hyderabad Courses with Fees
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
Location: Kolkata
(India Today: Rank 8)
Admissions via: NIFT Entrance Exam
NIFT, Kolkata, established in 1995, is a frontrunner in the eastern part of India for design, technology, and management education. NIFT Kolkata is one of the NIFT fraternity's five oldest centres. The institute is a pioneer in fashion training and research, thanks to a symbiotic relationship between the state government and the garment businesses.
| UG Programmes | PG Programme |
|---|---|
| B.Des. (Fashion Design) | M.F.M (Master of Fashion Management) |
| B.Des. (Accessory Design) |
(-) |
| B.Des. (Knitwear Design) |
(-) |
| B.Des. (Textile Design) |
(-) |
| BFT (Apparel Production) |
(-) |
| B.Des. (Leather Design) |
(-) |
| B.Des (Fashion Communication) | (-) |
Other courses: One-year programme in Fashion Integration for Apparel Industry, Design in Boutique Apparel & Accessory, Fashion & Clothing Technology, Clothing Production Technology and Fashion Knitwear Production & Technology Read more NIFT Kolkata Courses with Fees
Pearl Academy
Location: New Delhi
(India Today: Rank 9)
Admissions via: PAF Entrance Exam (Pearl Academy of Fashion Entrance exam)
Pearl Academy is India's foremost design, fashion, business, and media institute, and has been a catalyst for student achievement in the creative professions for the past 28 years. The college has campuses in Delhi-West, Delhi-South, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Bengaluru, and provides over 40 specialised courses. Tabulated below are the fashion and design courses offered by Pearl Academy campus in Delhi:
| UG Programmes | PG Programme |
|---|---|
| B.Des. (Fashion Design) | Accessory Design |
| B.Des. (Accessory Design) |
Fashion Business |
| B.Des. (Fashion & Lifestyle Business Management) |
Fashion Communication |
| B.Des. (Interior Design) |
Fashion Design |
| BFT (Fashion Styling & Image Design) |
Fashion Styling & Image Design |
| B.Des. (Textile Design) |
Communication Design |
| B.Des (Fashion Communication) | Interior Design & Styling |
| B.Des. (Communication Design) | Luxury Brand |
Other courses:
- MA in Design (Fashion & Textile) and MA in Fashion Marketing & Management
- Professional degree in Styling for Interiors, Fashion & Celebrity Makeup, Personal Styling & Image Consultancy and Fashion Design for Women's wear
Symbiosis Institute of Design
Location: Pune
(India Today: Rank 10)
Admissions via: SEED or Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design
Symbiosis Institute of Design or SID is a part of Symbiosis International University which was established in 1956. The college currently offers the following undergraduate programmes:
- Communication Design
- Industrial Design
- Fashion Communication
- Fashion Design
- Textile Design
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