Planning to pursue Design in India? With 672 Design colleges offering M.Des, BFA, BFM, and B.FTech, choosing the right college depends on key factors such as rankings, fees, placements, and entrance exams accepted.
India's Design landscape includes top government institutes like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College, NIFT Delhi, and NIFT Chennai, along with leading private universities such as World University of Design, Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikkode, and Pearl Academy Jaipur. Admissions are conducted through exams like NIFTEE, CEED, UCEED, depending on the course and institution.
This page provides a complete list of Design colleges in India 2026, helping you compare colleges based on fees, placements, courses, and admission criteria to shortlist the best options.
Overview of Design Colleges in India
India has a diverse mix of design colleges across government, private, and deemed categories, offering programs in core and emerging fields. These colleges vary in terms of fee structure, admission process, and placement outcomes, making comparison essential for informed decision-making.
Admissions to most top colleges are based on national-level exams like NIFTEE, CEED, UCEED, while state and private colleges accept CETs and institute-level entrance exams.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Data |
| Total Design Colleges in India | 672 |
| Government Colleges | 206 |
| Private Colleges | 460 |
| Popular Courses | Bachelor of Fashion Design, B.Des. in Interior Design, Diploma in Fashion Design, B.Sc. in Fashion Design |
| Top Exams Accepted | NIFTEE, CEED, UCEED, NID DAT |
| Average Fees | ₹800 - ₹79 L |
| Average Placement (sample) | ₹1.9 L - ₹36.2 L |
| Top Recruiters | Wipro, Infosys, TCS, IBM |
Top Design Colleges in India 2026 (Rankings)
Design college rankings are based on parameters such as academic reputation, faculty quality, research output, placements, and infrastructure. Rankings from sources like NIRF, India Today, and The Week are widely used by students to shortlist top colleges.
Government vs Private Design Colleges in India
Design colleges in India are broadly divided into government and private institutions, with key differences in fees, placements, admission process, and ROI. Government colleges are generally more competitive with lower fees, while private colleges offer higher seat availability and modern infrastructure.
Top Government Design Colleges
Government institutes such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College, NIFT Delhi, and NIFT Chennai are known for high ROI, strong placements, and national-level competition.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Popular Course |
| Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College | ₹10 K - ₹1.9 L | — | 12 | MBA in Textile Business Analytics |
| NIFT Delhi | ₹1.5 L - ₹16.8 L | ₹4.3 L | 32 | B.Des. in Accessory Design |
| NIFT Chennai | ₹8.4 L - ₹17.2 L | — | 16 | B.Des. in Accessory Design |
| NIFT Hyderabad | ₹6.5 L - ₹16 L | ₹4.1 L - ₹4.2 L | 13 | B.Des. in Accessory Design |
| UPID | — | — | 3 | Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) |
| NIFT Patna | ₹1.8 L - ₹17 L | — | 9 | Bachelor of Fashion Design |
| NIFT Gandhinagar | ₹6.6 L - ₹18.8 L | — | 13 | B.Des. in Accessory Design |
| NIFT Kolkata | ₹1.1 L - ₹17.2 L | — | 31 | Bachelor of Fashion Design |
| NIFT Bhubaneswar | ₹10.3 L - ₹11.2 L | ₹4.3 L | 6 | B.Des. in Accessory Design |
| NID Ahmedabad | ₹13.2 L - ₹18 L | — | 16 | Ph.D. in Design |
Top Private Design Colleges
Top private colleges offer higher seat intake, industry-focused curriculum, and strong infrastructure.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Popular Course | Latest Ranking |
| World University of Design | ₹3.6 L - ₹14.7 L | ₹5.3 L | 37 | B.Des. in Product Design | — |
| Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikkode | — | — | 2 | Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) | — |
| Pearl Academy Jaipur | ₹11.8 L - ₹26.4 L | — | 7 | B.Des. in Interior Architecture and Design | — |
| Symbiosis Institute of Design | ₹7.7 L - ₹19.4 L | — | 5 | Bachelor of Fashion Design | — |
| Army Institute of Fashion and Design | ₹10.3 L | — | 2 | B.Sc. in Fashion and Apparel Design | — |
| JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore | — | — | 35 | B.Sc. In Interior Design & Decoration | — |
| IMS Design and Innovation Academy | ₹1.2 L - ₹16 L | ₹7 L | 30 | B.Sc. in Jewellery Design | — |
| NIF Global Ghatkopar | — | — | 24 | B.Sc. (Interior Design) | — |
| Anant University Ahmedabad | ₹8.2 L - ₹37.7 L | ₹4.5 L | 13 | Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) | #40 NIRF 2025 |
| Artemisia College of Art and Design | ₹1.7 L - ₹10.7 L | — | 16 | B.Des. in Game Design and Development | — |
Fee Comparison (Govt vs Private)
| Govt Colleges | Private Colleges | |
| After 10th Diploma | ₹18.6 K | ₹75 K - ₹21.3 L |
| B.A. | — | ₹5.3 L - ₹21 L |
| B.A. (Hons) | — | ₹5.3 L - ₹21 L |
| BBA | ₹1 L | ₹18.3 L |
| BCA | — | ₹3 L |
| B.Des | ₹1.6 L - ₹18.8 L | ₹1.2 L - ₹47.2 L |
| BFA | — | ₹5.4 L |
| B.FTech | ₹5.6 L - ₹17.2 L | — |
| B.Sc. | ₹1 L | ₹95 K - ₹31.2 L |
| B.Sc(Hons.) | — | ₹6 L |
Government colleges are significantly more affordable compared to private institutions.
Placement Comparison
| Govt Colleges | Private Colleges | |
| Highest Package | — | ₹15 L |
| Average Package | ₹5.7 L | ₹7 L |
| Median Package | ₹4.3 L | ₹7 L |
Government colleges generally have stronger placement outcomes, especially in Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College, NIFT Delhi, and NIFT Chennai.
ROI Analysis
ROI is a key factor for most candidates, calculated based on fees vs placement outcomes.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Popular Course | ROI Insight |
| Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College | ₹10 K - ₹1.9 L | — | MBA in Textile Business Analytics | — |
| World University of Design | ₹3.6 L - ₹14.7 L | ₹5.3 L | B.Des. in Product Design | Moderate ROI |
| NIFT Delhi | ₹1.5 L - ₹16.8 L | ₹4.3 L | B.Des. in Accessory Design | Moderate ROI |
| Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikkode | — | — | Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) | — |
| NIFT Chennai | ₹8.4 L - ₹17.2 L | — | B.Des. in Accessory Design | — |
| Pearl Academy Jaipur | ₹11.8 L - ₹26.4 L | — | B.Des. in Interior Architecture and Design | — |
| NIFT Hyderabad | ₹6.5 L - ₹16 L | ₹4.1 L - ₹4.2 L | B.Des. in Accessory Design | Moderate ROI |
| Symbiosis Institute of Design | ₹7.7 L - ₹19.4 L | — | Bachelor of Fashion Design | — |
| UPID | — | — | Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) | — |
| Army Institute of Fashion and Design | ₹10.3 L | — | B.Sc. in Fashion and Apparel Design | — |
Government colleges offer higher ROI due to lower fees and strong placements, while private colleges provide better infrastructure, flexibility, and more seat availability.
From a decision-making perspective, candidates targeting top ranks and ROI should prioritise government colleges, while those looking for backup options and infrastructure can consider top private design institutes.
Govt and Private
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Popular Course | ROI |
| Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College | ₹10 K - ₹1.9 L | — | MBA in Textile Business Analytics | — |
| World University of Design | ₹3.6 L - ₹14.7 L | ₹5.3 L | B.Des. in Product Design | 58% |
| NIFT Delhi | ₹1.5 L - ₹16.8 L | ₹4.3 L | B.Des. in Accessory Design | 47% |
| Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikkode | — | — | Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) | — |
| NIFT Chennai | ₹8.4 L - ₹17.2 L | — | B.Des. in Accessory Design | — |
| Pearl Academy Jaipur | ₹11.8 L - ₹26.4 L | — | B.Des. in Interior Architecture and Design | — |
| NIFT Hyderabad | ₹6.5 L - ₹16 L | ₹4.1 L - ₹4.2 L | B.Des. in Accessory Design | 37% |
| Symbiosis Institute of Design | ₹7.7 L - ₹19.4 L | — | Bachelor of Fashion Design | — |
| UPID | — | — | Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) | — |
| Army Institute of Fashion and Design | ₹10.3 L | — | B.Sc. in Fashion and Apparel Design | — |
Top Design Colleges in India by Fees
Fees is a key parameter while shortlisting design colleges, as it directly impacts the overall cost of education and return on investment (ROI). In India, design college fees vary significantly based on the type of institution—government colleges are more affordable, while private universities have higher fee structures due to infrastructure and facilities.
Low Fee Design Colleges (Below ₹1 L)
Low-fee design colleges are primarily state government institutions and central universities, offering Design programs at subsidised costs. Admissions are usually based on state-level entrance exams together with NIFTEE, CEED, and UCEED (where applicable).
| College Type | Fees | Popular Course | Total Courses |
| Private | ₹15 K - ₹9.8 L | Design | ~15 avg courses (17 colleges) |
| Private Institute | ₹30 K - ₹6.8 L | Design | ~20 avg courses (6 colleges) |
| Public/Government | ₹10 K - ₹2.1 L | Design | ~5 avg courses (3 colleges) |
| Public-Private | ₹95 K | Design | ~2 avg courses (1 colleges) |
These colleges are suitable for candidates looking for affordable design education with reasonable placement opportunities, especially in core sectors and government roles.
Mid-Range Design Colleges (₹1 L - ₹10 L)
Mid-range colleges include World University of Design, NIFT Delhi, and NIFT Chennai, offering a balance between fees, academic quality, and placement outcomes.
| College Type | Fees | Popular Course | Total Courses |
| National | ₹4.5 L - ₹11.1 L | Design | ~6 avg courses (1 colleges) |
| Private | ₹1.1 L - ₹47.2 L | Design | ~11 avg courses (40 colleges) |
| Private Institute | ₹1 L - ₹15 L | Design | ~7 avg courses (6 colleges) |
| Public/Government | ₹1 L - ₹18.8 L | Design | ~7 avg courses (25 colleges) |
| Public-Private | ₹5.2 L - ₹15.1 L | Design | ~18 avg courses (1 colleges) |
These institutes provide strong ROI, with moderate fees and competitive placement packages, making them a preferred choice for many aspirants.
High Fee Design Colleges (Above ₹10 L)
High-fee design colleges are mainly private universities, offering modern infrastructure, higher seat intake, and flexible admission options through institute-level exams.
| College | Fees | Popular Course | Total Courses |
| NIFT Bhubaneswar | ₹10.3 L - ₹11.2 L | B.Des. in Accessory Design | 6 |
| Pearl Academy Jaipur | ₹11.8 L - ₹26.4 L | B.Des. in Interior Architecture and Design | 6 |
| Army Institute of Fashion and Design | ₹10.3 L | B.Sc. in Fashion and Apparel Design | 2 |
| NID Ahmedabad | ₹13.2 L - ₹18 L | Design | 16 |
| ISDI Mumbai | ₹11.5 L - ₹27.6 L | Design | 2 |
| NIFT Jodhpur | ₹13.7 L - ₹14.8 L | Design | 6 |
| Pearl Academy Mumbai | ₹11.8 L - ₹29.9 L | Design | 15 |
| NID Bangalore | ₹11.5 L | Design | 5 |
| The Design Village | ₹13.5 L - ₹26.9 L | Design | 12 |
| ITM Institute of Design and Media | ₹19.6 L | Design | 3 |
These colleges are suitable for candidates seeking private design colleges with better infrastructure, diverse course offerings, and higher seat availability.
Best ROI Design Colleges in India
Return on Investment (ROI) is a key factor while selecting design colleges, as it compares the total cost of education with placement outcomes. Colleges with lower fees and higher salary packages offer better long-term value.
ROI Comparison Across Top Colleges
| College | Average Fees | Average Salary |
| IMS Design and Innovation Academy | ₹1.2 L - ₹16 L | ₹7 L |
| World University of Design | ₹3.6 L - ₹14.7 L | ₹5.3 L |
| NIFT Delhi | ₹1.5 L - ₹16.8 L | ₹4.3 L |
| NIFT Bhubaneswar | ₹10.3 L - ₹11.2 L | ₹4.3 L |
| NIFT Hyderabad | ₹6.5 L - ₹16 L | ₹4.1 L - ₹4.2 L |
| Anant University Ahmedabad | ₹8.2 L - ₹37.7 L | ₹4.5 L |
| Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College | ₹10 K - ₹1.9 L | — |
| NIFT Chennai | ₹8.4 L - ₹17.2 L | — |
| NIFT Patna | ₹1.8 L - ₹17 L | — |
Government institutes such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College, NIFT Delhi, and NIFT Chennai consistently offer high ROI due to subsidised fees and strong placement records.
Design Colleges in India with Best Placements
Placements are a critical parameter in evaluating design colleges, as they reflect career opportunities, industry exposure, and earning potential. Top colleges in India maintain strong placement records across technology, consulting, and core sectors.
Colleges with Highest Placement Packages
Top design institutes, especially IMS Design and Innovation Academy, World University of Design, and Anant University Ahmedabad, report some of the highest placement packages in India.
| College | Highest Package |
| IMS Design and Innovation Academy | ₹15 L |
| World University of Design | ₹13.5 L |
| Anant University Ahmedabad | ₹12 L |
These offers are typically made by international recruiters and top product-based companies.
Colleges with Best Average Salary
Average salary provides a more realistic view of placement outcomes across the student cohort.
| College | Average Salary |
| IMS Design and Innovation Academy | ₹7 L |
| NIFT Bhubaneswar | ₹4.3 L - ₹5.7 L |
| NIFT Hyderabad | ₹4 L - ₹5.3 L |
| World University of Design | ₹5.3 L |
| Anant University Ahmedabad | ₹4.5 L |
| NIFT Delhi | ₹4.3 L |
Colleges with higher average salaries generally indicate strong industry connections, better training, and higher-quality recruiters.
Top Recruiters Hiring Design Professionals
Leading companies regularly recruit from top design colleges in India across domains such as software, consulting, analytics, and core design:
- Bata India
- Gokuldas exports
- Pantaloon
- Park Avenue
- Raymonds
Popular Design Courses in India
Design colleges in India offer a wide range of specialisations, with demand driven by placement trends, industry requirements, and long-term career growth. Among these, certain branches consistently attract higher enrolment due to better salary outcomes and job opportunities.
Bachelor of Fashion Design
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹2.5 L - ₹8 L
- Top Recruiters: Puma, Zara, Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| Bachelor of Fashion Design | 3–9 Years | ₹41 K - ₹29.9 L | 70+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
Diploma in Fashion Design
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹4 L
- Top Recruiters: Tommy Hilfiger, H M, Raymonds, Shoppers Stop
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| Diploma in Fashion Design | 1–11 Years | ₹18.6 K - ₹5.4 L | 52+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
Diploma in Interior Design
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹3 L
- Top Recruiters: Tommy Hilfiger, Shoppers Stop, H M, Calvin Klein
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| Diploma in Interior Design | 1–3 Years | ₹54 K - ₹5.4 L | 51+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
Design Admission Process in India 2026
Admission to design colleges in India follows a structured process based on entrance exams, result evaluation, and centralised or institute-level counselling. Candidates can apply through national, state, or college-level exams, depending on their target institutions and courses.
National Level Entrance Exams
National-level exams are the primary gateway to top government design colleges such as World University of Design, NIFT Delhi, and NIFT Chennai. These exams have high competition and wider acceptance across India.
Key National Design Exams
| Exam | Full Form | Conducting Body | Duration (Minutes) | Application Mode | Exam Mode | Level | Colleges Participating |
| NIFTEE | National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Examination | National Testing Agency | 180 | Online | Online | UG | 18+ Colleges |
| UCEED | Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) | 180 | online | Online | UG | 22+ Colleges |
| CEED | Common Entrance Examination for Design | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) | 180 | Online | Online | PG | 15+ Colleges |
| NID DAT | National Institute of Design - Design Aptitude Test | National Institute of Design | 180 | Online | Online/Offline | UG | 11+ Colleges |
| IICD Entrance Exam | Indian Institute of Crafts and Design Entrance Test | Indian Institute of Crafts and Design | 60 | online | hybrid mode | UG | 1+ College |
| MITID DAT | MIT Institute of Design - Design Aptitude Test | MIT Institute of Design | 180 | online | offline | UG | 1+ College |
These exams are widely accepted by top-ranked design colleges and require strong preparation due to their competitive nature.
Counselling Process
After qualifying entrance exams, candidates must participate in counselling for seat allocation based on rank, preferences, and availability.
Counselling Overview
| Counselling Type | Conducting Authority | Colleges Covered | Basis |
| National Counselling | National Testing Agency and Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) | All-India design colleges | National exam rank / score |
The counselling process includes choice filling, seat allotment, document verification, and final admission confirmation.
Entrance Exams for Design Colleges in India
Design admissions in India are conducted through a mix of national and state-level entrance exams, each varying in terms of acceptance, difficulty, and participating colleges. A structured comparison helps candidates choose the right exams based on their target colleges and preparation level.
National Level Design Entrance Exams (UG & PG)
| Exam | Level | Conducting Body | Mode | Duration | Colleges Accepting | Difficulty |
| NIFTEE | UG | National Testing Agency | Online | 180 mins | 18+ Colleges | Medium–High |
| UCEED | UG | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) | Online | 180 mins | 22+ Colleges | Medium–High |
| CEED | PG | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) | Online | 180 mins | 15+ Colleges | Medium–High |
| NID DAT | UG | National Institute of Design | Online/Offline | 180 mins | 11+ Colleges | Medium–High |
| IICD Entrance Exam | UG | Indian Institute of Crafts and Design | hybrid mode | 60 mins | 1+ College | Medium–High |
| MITID DAT | UG | MIT Institute of Design | offline | 180 mins | 1+ College | Medium–High |
| AIEED | UG | Arch College of Design and Business | online | 120 mins | 1+ College | Medium–High |
| IIAD Entrance Exam | UG | Indian Institute of Art and Design | online and on-campus (offline) modes | 150 mins | 1+ College | Medium–High |
| WUD Aptitude Test | UG | World University of Design (WUD) | Online | 120 mins | 1+ College | Medium–High |
| ADEPT | UG | Anant National University | Online | — | 1+ College | Medium–High |
These exams are the primary pathway to top government design colleges and postgraduate programs in India.
State Level Design Entrance Exams
State-level exams provide access to government and private colleges within specific states, often with domicile-based advantages.
State-wise Design Colleges in India
India has 672 design colleges distributed across states like Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, with a mix of government and private institutions. Top government colleges include Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College and NIFT Delhi, while leading private colleges include World University of Design and Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikkode.
State-wise distribution helps candidates shortlist colleges based on location preference, fees, and admission through state-level exams like state-level exams.
Design Colleges in Maharashtra
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| NIF Global Ghatkopar | — | — | 24 Courses | — |
| INIFD | — | — | 8 Courses | — |
| INSD Andheri | ₹50 K - ₹1.6 L | — | 28 Courses | — |
| NIFT Mumbai | ₹1.6 L - ₹15.9 L | — | 14 Courses | IndiaToday #3 |
| NIF Global Borivali | ₹2.1 L - ₹8.9 L | — | 12 Courses | — |
| Pearl Academy Mumbai | ₹2.1 L - ₹29.9 L | — | 25 Courses | IndiaToday #19 |
| DPU-SOD | ₹3.5 L - ₹20 L | — | 9 Courses | — |
| Symbiosis Institute of Design | ₹7.7 L - ₹19.4 L | — | 5 Courses | TheWeek #3 |
| MIT Institute of Design | ₹6.9 L - ₹18.9 L | ₹8 L | 26 Courses | — |
| ISDI Mumbai | ₹11.5 L - ₹27.6 L | — | 3 Courses | — |
Design Colleges in Delhi
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| UDIT University Delhi | ₹3.5 L - ₹23.2 L | ₹7.5 L | 14 Courses | — |
| IIFT | ₹2.2 L - ₹6.6 L | — | 40 Courses | — |
| JD Institute of Fashion Technology Hauz Khas | ₹28.8 K - ₹5.4 L | ₹3 L - ₹4.8 L | 29 Courses | TheWeek #14 |
| Leher School of Design | ₹30 K - ₹5.4 L | — | 23 Courses | — |
| Apeejay Institute of Design | ₹2.7 L - ₹9.1 L | — | 18 Courses | — |
| Ecole Inutit Lab Delhi NCR - Managed by JSID | ₹5.8 L - ₹27.4 L | ₹6.5 L | 5 Courses | — |
| Edu Brain Academy, Delhi | ₹20 K - ₹6.4 L | ₹2 L - ₹4.8 L | 43 Courses | — |
| AND Academy, New Delhi | ₹1 L - ₹2.5 L | — | 4 Courses | — |
| NIFT Delhi | ₹1 L - ₹16.8 L | ₹4.3 L | 32 Courses | IndiaToday #1 |
| International Institute of Fashion Technology, Naraina | ₹75.5 K - ₹3.6 L | — | 14 Courses | — |
Design Colleges in Karnataka
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| Gupta College, Bangalore | ₹1.4 L - ₹3.6 L | — | 6 Courses | — |
| IDeA World College | ₹50 K - ₹13.2 L | — | 18 Courses | — |
| IIFT | ₹45 K - ₹5.2 L | ₹2.1 L - ₹3.5 L | 12 Courses | IndiaToday #49 |
| JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore | — | — | 35 Courses | TheWeek #8 |
| NID Bangalore | ₹11.5 L | — | 5 Courses | — |
| NIFT Bangalore | ₹60 K - ₹16.2 L | ₹4.3 L | 21 Courses | IndiaToday #2 |
| NSFTID Bangalore | ₹1.5 L - ₹10 L | ₹4.5 L | 6 Courses | — |
| Army Institute of Fashion and Design | ₹10.3 L | — | 2 Courses | TheWeek #2 |
| Ecole Intuit Lab Bengaluru | ₹6.5 L - ₹24 L | — | 8 Courses | — |
| Vogue Institute of Art and Design | ₹15 K - ₹9.1 L | — | 52 Courses | TheWeek #10 |
Design Colleges in Gujarat
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| IID | — | — | 4 Courses | — |
| INSD | ₹50.8 K - ₹1.7 L | — | 58 Courses | — |
| JD Institute of Fashion Technology Surat | ₹25 K - ₹4.7 L | — | 24 Courses | — |
| Gandhi Institute of Fashion and Textile | — | — | 3 Courses | — |
| NID Ahmedabad | ₹13.2 L - ₹18 L | — | 16 Courses | — |
| NID Gandhinagar | ₹10.8 L - ₹12.4 L | — | 8 Courses | — |
| NIFT Gandhinagar | ₹6.6 L - ₹18.8 L | — | 13 Courses | IndiaToday #6 |
| UID | ₹1.6 L - ₹47.2 L | ₹8 L | 29 Courses | — |
| Anant University Ahmedabad | ₹1.3 L - ₹37.7 L | ₹3 L - ₹4.2 L | 13 Courses | IndiaToday #20 |
| FDDI Ankleshwar | ₹1.9 L - ₹2.7 L | — | 3 Courses | — |
Design Colleges in Rajasthan
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| IICD | ₹4 L - ₹15.1 L | — | 30 Courses | — |
| Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery, Jaipur | ₹30 K - ₹7.6 L | — | 15 Courses | — |
| JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Jodhpur | — | — | 13 Courses | — |
| NIFT Jodhpur | ₹13.7 L - ₹14.8 L | — | 6 Courses | IndiaToday #9 |
| Neewara College of Design | ₹2.6 L - ₹12.4 L | ₹5 L | 27 Courses | — |
| Pearl Academy Jaipur | ₹2.5 L - ₹26.4 L | — | 7 Courses | IndiaToday #17 |
| Arch College of Design and Business | ₹4.3 L - ₹18.7 L | — | 40 Courses | — |
| Ellen College of Design | ₹1.1 L - ₹5.8 L | — | 10 Courses | — |
| FDDI Jodhpur | ₹1.6 L - ₹7.7 L | — | 2 Courses | — |
City-wise Design Colleges in India
Top cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, and Kolkata host a large number of design colleges, including both government and private institutions. Leading colleges include Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College, NIFT Delhi, and NIFT Chennai, along with private institutes like World University of Design, Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikkode, and Pearl Academy Jaipur.
City-wise selection helps candidates choose colleges based on placement opportunities, industry exposure, and proximity to tech hubs.
Design Colleges in Mumbai
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| IDC School of Design | ₹4.5 L - ₹11.1 L | ₹17.9 L - ₹19.6 L | 7 Courses | — |
| NIF Global Ghatkopar | — | — | 24 Courses | — |
| INIFD | — | — | 8 Courses | — |
| INSD Andheri | ₹50 K - ₹1.6 L | — | 28 Courses | — |
| NIF Global Borivali | ₹2.1 L - ₹8.9 L | — | 12 Courses | — |
| Pearl Academy Mumbai | ₹2.1 L - ₹29.9 L | — | 25 Courses | IndiaToday #19 |
| CGA | ₹9.6 L | — | 18 Courses | — |
| Dilkap School of Design | ₹98 K - ₹3 L | ₹3 L - ₹5 L | 25 Courses | — |
| ITM Institute of Design and Media | ₹19.6 L | — | 5 Courses | — |
| ISDI Mumbai | ₹11.5 L - ₹27.6 L | — | 3 Courses | — |
Design Colleges in Delhi
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| UDIT University Delhi | ₹3.5 L - ₹23.2 L | ₹7.5 L | 14 Courses | — |
| IIFT | ₹2.2 L - ₹6.6 L | — | 40 Courses | — |
| JD Institute of Fashion Technology Hauz Khas | ₹28.8 K - ₹5.4 L | ₹3 L - ₹4.8 L | 29 Courses | TheWeek #14 |
| Leher School of Design | ₹30 K - ₹5.4 L | — | 23 Courses | — |
| Apeejay Institute of Design | ₹2.7 L - ₹9.1 L | — | 18 Courses | — |
| Ecole Inutit Lab Delhi NCR - Managed by JSID | ₹5.8 L - ₹27.4 L | ₹6.5 L | 5 Courses | — |
| Edu Brain Academy, Delhi | ₹20 K - ₹6.4 L | ₹2 L - ₹4.8 L | 43 Courses | — |
| AND Academy, New Delhi | ₹1 L - ₹2.5 L | — | 4 Courses | — |
| NIFT Delhi | ₹1 L - ₹16.8 L | ₹4.3 L | 32 Courses | IndiaToday #1 |
| International Institute of Fashion Technology, Naraina | ₹75.5 K - ₹3.6 L | — | 14 Courses | — |
Design Colleges in Bangalore
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| IDeA World College | ₹50 K - ₹13.2 L | — | 18 Courses | — |
| IIFT | ₹45 K - ₹5.2 L | ₹2.1 L - ₹3.5 L | 12 Courses | IndiaToday #49 |
| JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore | — | — | 35 Courses | TheWeek #8 |
| NID Bangalore | ₹11.5 L | — | 5 Courses | — |
| NIFT Bangalore | ₹60 K - ₹16.2 L | ₹4.3 L | 21 Courses | IndiaToday #2 |
| NSFTID Bangalore | ₹1.5 L - ₹10 L | ₹4.5 L | 6 Courses | — |
| Army Institute of Fashion and Design | ₹10.3 L | — | 2 Courses | TheWeek #2 |
| Bangalore School of Design | ₹70.8 K - ₹8.5 L | — | 14 Courses | — |
| Ecole Intuit Lab Bengaluru | ₹6.5 L - ₹24 L | — | 8 Courses | — |
| Vogue Institute of Art and Design | ₹15 K - ₹9.1 L | — | 52 Courses | TheWeek #10 |
Design Colleges in Pune
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| Imagin XP - ADYPU | — | — | 3 Courses | — |
| NIF Global Kothrud Pune | ₹40 K - ₹8.8 L | — | 14 Courses | — |
| INSD Baner | — | — | 45 Courses | — |
| INIFD Global Koregaon | ₹82 K - ₹2.5 L | — | 19 Courses | — |
| INIFD Pimpri | ₹89 K - ₹9.2 L | — | 24 Courses | — |
| NIF Koregaon Park Pune | ₹1.6 L - ₹4.9 L | — | 16 Courses | — |
| DPU-SOD | ₹3.5 L - ₹20 L | — | 9 Courses | — |
| TTA Deccan | ₹45 K - ₹3.2 L | — | 36 Courses | — |
| Symbiosis Institute of Design | ₹7.7 L - ₹19.4 L | — | 5 Courses | TheWeek #3 |
| MIT Institute of Design | ₹6.9 L - ₹18.9 L | ₹8 L | 26 Courses | — |
Design Colleges in Kolkata
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| NIF Global Kolkata Salt Lake | ₹3.6 L - ₹7.4 L | — | 6 Courses | — |
| INSD Kolkata | ₹55.5 K - ₹4.9 L | — | 37 Courses | — |
| SinGem | — | — | 63 Courses | — |
| Ecole Intuit Lab, Kolkata, Techno India University | ₹8.7 L - ₹15.4 L | ₹12 L - ₹15 L | 8 Courses | — |
| ESEDS School of Design | ₹1.3 L - ₹7.2 L | — | 17 Courses | — |
| FDDI Kolkata | ₹1.9 L - ₹2.1 L | — | 3 Courses | — |
| NIFT Kolkata | ₹18.9 K - ₹17.2 L | — | 31 Courses | IndiaToday #8 |
Top Design Colleges Accepting Different Exams
Top design colleges in India accept scores from exams like UCEED, NIFTEE, CEED, NID DAT, and AIEED, depending on the course and college type. Government institutes such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College, NIFT Delhi, and NIFT Chennai accept national and state-level exam scores, while private colleges like World University of Design, Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikkode, and Pearl Academy Jaipur may conduct their own entrance exams.
Understanding exam-wise college acceptance helps candidates shortlist colleges based on their exam performance and admission pathway.
Colleges Accepting UCEED
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| World University of Design | ₹2.4 L - ₹16.1 L | ₹5.3 L | 37 Courses | TheWeek #19 |
| Anant University Ahmedabad | ₹1.3 L - ₹37.7 L | ₹3 L - ₹4.2 L | 13 Courses | IndiaToday #20 |
| FDDI Noida | ₹2.4 L - ₹11.9 L | — | 8 Courses | — |
| DPU-SOD | ₹3.5 L - ₹20 L | — | 9 Courses | — |
| ITM Institute of Design and Media | ₹19.6 L | — | 5 Courses | — |
| IDC School of Design | ₹4.5 L - ₹11.1 L | ₹17.9 L - ₹19.6 L | 7 Courses | — |
| Arch College of Design and Business | ₹4.3 L - ₹18.7 L | — | 40 Courses | — |
| FDDI Hyderabad | ₹2.3 L - ₹11.5 L | — | 6 Courses | — |
| FDDI Chennai | ₹2.7 L - ₹6.9 L | — | 3 Courses | — |
| FDDI Kolkata | ₹1.9 L - ₹2.1 L | — | 3 Courses | — |
Colleges Accepting NIFTEE
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| World University of Design | ₹2.4 L - ₹16.1 L | ₹5.3 L | 37 Courses | TheWeek #19 |
| NIFT Delhi | ₹1 L - ₹16.8 L | ₹4.3 L | 32 Courses | IndiaToday #1 |
| NIFT Chennai | ₹8.4 L - ₹17.2 L | — | 16 Courses | IndiaToday #5 |
| NIFT Hyderabad | ₹6.5 L - ₹16 L | ₹4 L - ₹5.3 L | 13 Courses | IndiaToday #4 |
| NIFT Patna | ₹25.6 K - ₹17 L | — | 9 Courses | IndiaToday #6 |
| NIFT Gandhinagar | ₹6.6 L - ₹18.8 L | — | 13 Courses | IndiaToday #6 |
| NIFT Kolkata | ₹18.9 K - ₹17.2 L | — | 31 Courses | IndiaToday #8 |
| NIFT Bhubaneswar | ₹10.3 L - ₹11.2 L | ₹4.3 L - ₹5.7 L | 6 Courses | TheWeek #11 |
| NIFT Mumbai | ₹1.6 L - ₹15.9 L | — | 14 Courses | IndiaToday #3 |
| NIFT Bangalore | ₹60 K - ₹16.2 L | ₹4.3 L | 21 Courses | IndiaToday #2 |
Colleges Accepting CEED
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| World University of Design | ₹2.4 L - ₹16.1 L | ₹5.3 L | 37 Courses | TheWeek #19 |
| NIFT Delhi | ₹1 L - ₹16.8 L | ₹4.3 L | 32 Courses | IndiaToday #1 |
| MIT Institute of Design | ₹6.9 L - ₹18.9 L | ₹8 L | 26 Courses | — |
| FDDI Noida | ₹2.4 L - ₹11.9 L | — | 8 Courses | — |
| DPU-SOD | ₹3.5 L - ₹20 L | — | 9 Courses | — |
| IDC School of Design | ₹4.5 L - ₹11.1 L | ₹17.9 L - ₹19.6 L | 7 Courses | — |
| FDDI Hyderabad | ₹2.3 L - ₹11.5 L | — | 6 Courses | — |
| FDDI Chennai | ₹2.7 L - ₹6.9 L | — | 3 Courses | — |
| Ecole Inutit Lab Delhi NCR - Managed by JSID | ₹5.8 L - ₹27.4 L | ₹6.5 L | 5 Courses | — |
| FDDI Rohtak | ₹1.9 L - ₹7.7 L | — | 3 Courses | — |
Colleges Accepting NID DAT
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| World University of Design | ₹2.4 L - ₹16.1 L | ₹5.3 L | 37 Courses | TheWeek #19 |
| NID Ahmedabad | ₹13.2 L - ₹18 L | — | 16 Courses | — |
| NID Bangalore | ₹11.5 L | — | 5 Courses | — |
| DPU-SOD | ₹3.5 L - ₹20 L | — | 9 Courses | — |
| ITM Institute of Design and Media | ₹19.6 L | — | 5 Courses | — |
| NID Assam | ₹14.5 L | — | 3 Courses | — |
| BITS Design School | ₹42.4 L | — | 1 Courses | — |
| NID Gandhinagar | ₹10.8 L - ₹12.4 L | — | 8 Courses | — |
| NID Haryana | ₹13.5 L | — | 3 Courses | — |
| NID Vijayawada | ₹6.1 L | — | 3 Courses | — |
Colleges Accepting AIEED
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| Arch College of Design and Business | ₹4.3 L - ₹18.7 L | 40 Courses |
Course wise Design Colleges in India
Design colleges in India offer admissions across popular branches and emerging fields. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College, NIFT Delhi, and NIFT Chennai lead in core and tech branches, while private colleges like World University of Design, Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikkode, and Pearl Academy Jaipur offer a wide range of specialisations.
Course-wise selection helps candidates choose colleges based on branch preference, placement trends, and career opportunities.
Bachelor of Fashion Design Colleges in India
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| World University of Design | ₹2.4 L - ₹16.1 L | ₹5.3 L | 37 Courses | TheWeek #19 |
| NIFT Delhi | ₹1 L - ₹16.8 L | ₹4.3 L | 32 Courses | IndiaToday #1 |
| NIFT Chennai | ₹8.4 L - ₹17.2 L | — | 16 Courses | IndiaToday #5 |
| NIFT Hyderabad | ₹6.5 L - ₹16 L | ₹4 L - ₹5.3 L | 13 Courses | IndiaToday #4 |
| NIFT Patna | ₹25.6 K - ₹17 L | — | 9 Courses | IndiaToday #6 |
| NIFT Gandhinagar | ₹6.6 L - ₹18.8 L | — | 13 Courses | IndiaToday #6 |
| NIFT Kolkata | ₹18.9 K - ₹17.2 L | — | 31 Courses | IndiaToday #8 |
| NIFT Bhubaneswar | ₹10.3 L - ₹11.2 L | ₹4.3 L - ₹5.7 L | 6 Courses | TheWeek #11 |
| Pearl Academy Jaipur | ₹2.5 L - ₹26.4 L | — | 7 Courses | IndiaToday #17 |
| Symbiosis Institute of Design | ₹7.7 L - ₹19.4 L | — | 5 Courses | TheWeek #3 |
Diploma in Fashion Design Colleges in India
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore | — | — | 35 Courses | TheWeek #8 |
| IMS Design and Innovation Academy | ₹75.5 K - ₹16 L | ₹7 L | 30 Courses | TheWeek #9 |
| NIF Global Ghatkopar | — | — | 24 Courses | — |
| Artemisia College of Art and Design | ₹1.5 L - ₹10.7 L | — | 16 Courses | — |
| INSD Andheri | ₹50 K - ₹1.6 L | — | 28 Courses | — |
| NIF Global Borivali | ₹2.1 L - ₹8.9 L | — | 12 Courses | — |
| Vogue Institute of Art and Design | ₹15 K - ₹9.1 L | — | 52 Courses | TheWeek #10 |
| JD Institute of Fashion Technology Hauz Khas | ₹28.8 K - ₹5.4 L | ₹3 L - ₹4.8 L | 29 Courses | TheWeek #14 |
| International Institute of Fashion Technology, Naraina | ₹75.5 K - ₹3.6 L | — | 14 Courses | — |
| JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Vijayawada | — | — | 10 Courses | — |
Diploma in Interior Design Colleges in India
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore | — | — | 35 Courses | TheWeek #8 |
| IMS Design and Innovation Academy | ₹75.5 K - ₹16 L | ₹7 L | 30 Courses | TheWeek #9 |
| NIF Global Ghatkopar | — | — | 24 Courses | — |
| Artemisia College of Art and Design | ₹1.5 L - ₹10.7 L | — | 16 Courses | — |
| INSD Andheri | ₹50 K - ₹1.6 L | — | 28 Courses | — |
| NIF Global Borivali | ₹2.1 L - ₹8.9 L | — | 12 Courses | — |
| Dilkap School of Design | ₹98 K - ₹3 L | ₹3 L - ₹5 L | 25 Courses | — |
| Vogue Institute of Art and Design | ₹15 K - ₹9.1 L | — | 52 Courses | TheWeek #10 |
| IIFT | ₹45 K - ₹5.2 L | ₹2.1 L - ₹3.5 L | 12 Courses | IndiaToday #49 |
| JD Institute of Fashion Technology Hauz Khas | ₹28.8 K - ₹5.4 L | ₹3 L - ₹4.8 L | 29 Courses | TheWeek #14 |
B.Des. in Interior Design Colleges in India
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| IMS Design and Innovation Academy | ₹75.5 K - ₹16 L | ₹7 L | 30 Courses | TheWeek #9 |
| Artemisia College of Art and Design | ₹1.5 L - ₹10.7 L | — | 16 Courses | — |
| INSD Andheri | ₹50 K - ₹1.6 L | — | 28 Courses | — |
| NIF Global Borivali | ₹2.1 L - ₹8.9 L | — | 12 Courses | — |
| Dilkap School of Design | ₹98 K - ₹3 L | ₹3 L - ₹5 L | 25 Courses | — |
| ITM Institute of Design and Media | ₹19.6 L | — | 5 Courses | — |
| Arch College of Design and Business | ₹4.3 L - ₹18.7 L | — | 40 Courses | — |
| CGA | ₹9.6 L | — | 18 Courses | — |
| NIFD Global Bhopal | ₹1.2 L - ₹6.9 L | — | 17 Courses | — |
| NSFTID Bangalore | ₹1.5 L - ₹10 L | ₹4.5 L | 6 Courses | — |
Advance Diploma in Fashion Design Colleges in India
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses |
| NIF Global Ghatkopar | — | — | 24 Courses |
| NIF Global Borivali | ₹2.1 L - ₹8.9 L | — | 12 Courses |
| Dilkap School of Design | ₹98 K - ₹3 L | ₹3 L - ₹5 L | 25 Courses |
| International Institute of Fashion Technology, Naraina | ₹75.5 K - ₹3.6 L | — | 14 Courses |
| JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Siliguri | ₹25 K - ₹3.8 L | — | 28 Courses |
| INSD Kolkata | ₹55.5 K - ₹4.9 L | — | 37 Courses |
| NIF Global Bandra | ₹2.6 L - ₹10.4 L | — | 19 Courses |
| INSD Baner | — | — | 45 Courses |
| NIF Koregaon Park Pune | ₹1.6 L - ₹4.9 L | — | 16 Courses |
| Raffles Design International Mumbai | ₹4 L - ₹21.3 L | — | 36 Courses |
Design Colleges in India with Cutoff
Cutoffs play a key role in design admissions, as they indicate the minimum rank or score required to secure a seat in a college. Top institutes like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College, NIFT Delhi, and NIFT Chennai have highly competitive cutoffs based on exams like NIFTEE, CEED, and UCEED, while state colleges follow CET-based cutoffs.
Analysing cutoff trends helps candidates estimate their admission chances, target colleges, and safe options during counselling.
UCEED Cutoff 2024 Rank
| College | Cutoff |
| IDC School of Design | 14–14 |
NIFTEE Cutoff 2025 Rank
| College | Cutoff |
| NIFT Delhi | 1–974 |
| NIFT Chennai | 15–1692 |
| NIFT Hyderabad | 9–1220 |
| NIFT Patna | 396–3609 |
| NIFT Gandhinagar | 1–751 |
| NIFT Kolkata | 7–3060 |
| NIFT Bhubaneswar | 10–6578 |
| NIFT Bangalore | 4–908 |
| NIFT Mumbai | 52–655 |
| NIFT Jodhpur | 18–3620 |
Previous Year Trends
| Year | Cutoff |
| 2024 | 1–14 |
| 2023 | 3–16 |
| 2022 | 2–14 |
| 2021 | 376–376 |
Comparison of Top Design Colleges
Comparing top design colleges helps candidates evaluate options based on fees, placements, rankings, infrastructure, and ROI. Government colleges like IITs, NITs, and IIITs offer lower fees and higher ROI, while private colleges such as BITS, VIT, and SRM provide better infrastructure and higher seat availability.
A structured comparison allows candidates to shortlist colleges based on their budget, rank, preferred course, and career goals, ensuring better decision-making during admission.
Private vs Government Comparison
| Private | Government | |
| Total Colleges | 460 | 206 |
| Top Colleges | World University of Design, Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikkode, and Pearl Academy Jaipur | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College, NIFT Delhi, and NIFT Chennai |
| College distribution % | 69% | 31% |
| Top Courses | B.Des and B.Sc. | B.Des and B.Sc. |
| Fees Range | ₹15 K - ₹47.2 L | ₹10 K - ₹18.8 L |
| Highest Salary | ₹12 L - ₹15 L | — |
| Median Salary | ₹4.5 L - ₹7 L | ₹4.1 L - ₹4.3 L |
| Average Salary | ₹4.5 L - ₹7 L | ₹4 L - ₹5.7 L |
Top Colleges Comparison Table
| College | Type | Fees | Average Salary | Median Salary |
| Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College | Government | ₹10 K - ₹1.9 L | — | — |
| NIFT Delhi | Government | ₹1.5 L - ₹16.8 L | ₹4.3 L | ₹4.3 L |
| NIFT Chennai | Government | ₹8.4 L - ₹17.2 L | — | — |
| NIFT Hyderabad | Government | ₹6.5 L - ₹16 L | ₹4 L - ₹5.3 L | ₹4.1 L - ₹4.2 L |
| UPID | Government | — | — | — |
| NIFT Patna | Government | ₹1.8 L - ₹17 L | — | — |
| NIFT Gandhinagar | Government | ₹6.6 L - ₹18.8 L | — | — |
| NIFT Kolkata | Government | ₹1.1 L - ₹17.2 L | — | — |
| NIFT Bhubaneswar | Government | ₹10.3 L - ₹11.2 L | ₹4.3 L - ₹5.7 L | ₹4.3 L |
| NID Ahmedabad | Government | ₹13.2 L - ₹18 L | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many design colleges are there in India?
There are over 672 design colleges in India, including government, private, and deemed universities offering UG, PG, and doctoral programs.
Which are the top design colleges in India?
Top design colleges in India include Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College, NIFT Delhi, NIFT Chennai, NIFT Hyderabad, UPID, and World University of Design, based on rankings, placements, and academic reputation.
What exams are required for admission to design colleges in India?
Admission is mainly through exams like NIFTEE, CEED, UCEED, NID DAT, and AIEED, along with other institute-specific and state-level entrance tests depending on the course and college.
What is the average fee for design colleges in India?
The fee range for design colleges in India is ₹800 - ₹79 L.
Which design colleges have the best placements?
Colleges with strong industry connections, high placement rates, and better salary outcomes typically include top-ranked institutes and leading private universities in India.
Which is better: government or private design colleges?
Government colleges often offer lower fees and higher ROI, while private colleges may provide better infrastructure and more seat availability. The best choice depends on budget, location, and goals.
What is the admission process for design colleges in India?
The process generally includes application → entrance exam → result → counselling/selection → seat allotment → admission, depending on the exam and college.
How to choose the best design college in India?
Compare colleges by rankings, fees, placements, available courses, location, and the exams they accept to shortlist options that match your goals.
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