Top 10 Design Colleges in India
With India’s design sector experiencing rapid growth, the number of design colleges has increased over the years. Apart from the National Institute of Fashion Technology & National Institute of Design, top institutes such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) and Symbiosis are also offering design courses. Through this blog, we have compiled a list of some of the best design colleges in India. Also, explore eligibility, the admission process and the entrance exams required for admission to design schools.
Top 10 Design Colleges in India
Here’s the list of some of the best design colleges in India. Admission to top design colleges are generally done based on the candidate’s performance in the entrance exam.
| S. No | Top Design Schools in India |
| 1 | National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad |
| 2 | National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) |
| 3 | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay |
| 4 | Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), Pune |
| 5 | Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID), Karnavati University |
| 6 | MIT Institute of Design, Pune |
| 7 | World University of Design, Sonipat |
| 8 | Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design & Technology, Bangalore |
| 9 | Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), Delhi |
| 10 | Pearl Academy |
Overview of Best Design Colleges in India
The top design schools in India teach students more than just academics. It offers hands-on experience with how the business works via internships, runway shows, design exhibits, competitions, and group projects. Moreover, fashion weeks in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore have made formal fashion education even more important by linking students with renowned designers, buyers, and media outlets. Let’s explore the best fashion design colleges in India that are shaping the future of style and the environment.
NIFT and NID are at the top of the list
The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and the National Institute of Design (NID) are two design institutes in India that stand out right away. NIFT, with its main campus in Delhi has long been thought of as the best place to learn about fashion in India. NIFT Delhi is known for its disciplined approach, modern facilities, and great placement records. Its alumni often go on to work for top fashion companies, global firms, and even start their businesses. It has both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and some of the most famous personalities in the Indian fashion business have graduated from there.
NID, on the other hand, has its main campus in Ahmedabad. It has a broader range of interests, including textile design, communication design, and product design. NID courses train students for design thinking, sustainability, and research-based approaches. The design philosophy at NID pushes students to challenge the usual and come up with new ways to make things seem good. This makes NID graduates not just great designers but also innovators and thought leaders in the design world.
Broadening Horizons with Private Schools
Although NIFT & NID are considered to be popular choices, many private design colleges in India have also been included in the list of top design schools. One such institution is Pearl Academy, which has campuses in Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. It provides a globally linked curriculum, regular meetings between teachers and global professionals, and regular involvement in events like the FDCI India Fashion Week.
More schools in the list of design colleges in India private that are part of a larger design curriculum are the Symbiosis Institute of Design in Pune and Unitedworld Institute of Design. It encourages students to engage in a variety of industries, including fashion merchandising and lifestyle accessory design.
Indian Institute of Technology, which are known for offering engineering education, have also entered in the field of design education. For instance, the Industrial Design Centre at IIT Bombay has a undergraduate as well as a postgraduate degree that integrates design as part of wearable technology and user experience design.
Entrance Exams for Admission to Top Design Schools
Admission to some of the best design colleges in India are done on the basis of entrance exam. Every year, many design entrance exams are held at national, university and state level. Aspirants seeking admission are advised to know details on the entrance exam scores required based on their college preference.
| Top Design Schools in India | Entrance Exam |
| National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad | NID DAT |
| National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) | NIFT Entrance Exam |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay | BDes – UCEED
MDes – CEED |
| Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), Pune | SEED |
| Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID), Karnavati University | UID DAT |
| MIT Institute of Design, Pune | MITID DAT |
| World University of Design, Sonipat | WUDAT |
| Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design & Technology, Bangalore | SMEAT |
| Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), Delhi | IIAD Entrance Exam |
| Pearl Academy | Pear Academy Entrance Exam |
Conclusion
Fashion education in India has entered a golden age. Students at top design colleges now have more chances than ever to make their mark, thanks to world-class schools, cutting-edge technology, and a flourishing creative community. The best design colleges in India include a broad range of curricula, from conventional design schools to tech-integrated ones. The first step to a successful career in designing is to choose the proper school. It should foster creativity, support new ideas, and keep students up to date on what’s going on in the business. This might be via a bachelor’s degree in design or a master’s degree in fashion innovation.