Designers hold the ability to bring dreams to life, and pursuing a course in design can equip aspiring individuals with the fundamentals and diverse applications of design across various industries. The possibilities for those pursuing a degree in design are vast, encompassing areas such as history, drawing, photography, and modelling. If an individual is enthusiastic about transforming the world through design and has creativity, focus, drawing skills, and communication abilities, they can thrive in this field.

In India, Design Specialization is a burgeoning field with numerous opportunities for individuals with an artistic outlook and imaginative minds. Design courses impart knowledge on design fundamentals and their applications in various sectors. While no subject is mandatory to pursue a design course except for robotic, sound, and web designing, individuals can opt for UG, PG, and PhD courses in specialized areas such as interior design, textile design, apparel design, jewellery design, graphic design, web design, industrial design, product design, furniture design, and more.

This article lists the top 10 design colleges in India, their courses, and fees, based on zones such as north, south, west, and east, along with other criteria. This information will serve as a helpful guide for candidates seeking answers to their questions about design colleges.

Top 10 design colleges in India

National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad

Established in 1961, the National Institute of Design (NID) is India's premier design institute. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate industrial design, communication design, and textile and apparel design programs. The institute is known for its world-class infrastructure, faculty, and alumni network. It collaborates with top international design institutes and regularly conducts design research and consultancy projects for leading companies. The fees for the undergraduate program are approximately INR 3,00,000 per annum.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay

IIT Bombay is one of the premier engineering institutes in India that also offers a Master's program in Industrial Design. The program focuses on design thinking, product design, interaction design, and design research. The curriculum is designed to enable students to solve complex design problems in various domains. The fees for the program are approximately INR 2,50,000 per annum.

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi

Established in 1986, NIFT is India's top fashion design institute. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fashion design, textile design, accessory design, communication, and management. The institute collaborates with top fashion institutes worldwide and offers students opportunities to showcase their designs at international fashion events. The fees for the undergraduate program are approximately INR 2,00,000 per annum.

Indian School of Design and Innovation (ISDI), Mumbai

ISDI is a private design institute offering undergraduate and postgraduate design, communication, and fashion programs. The institute collaborates with the Parsons School of Design, New York, and offers students opportunities to study abroad and work on international design projects. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the design industry. The fees for the undergraduate program are approximately INR 7,00,000 per annum.

Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore

Srishti is a multidisciplinary design institute that offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields of design, such as product design, communication design, space design, and more. The institute focuses on experiential learning and offers students opportunities to work on live projects with industry partners. The fees for the undergraduate program are approximately INR 4,00,000 per annum.

Pearl Academy, Delhi

Pearl Academy is a private design institute that offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields of design, such as fashion, communication, interior design, and product design. The institute collaborates with top international design institutes and regularly conducts workshops, seminars, and exhibitions to expose students to the latest design trends and practices. The fees for the undergraduate program are approximately INR 4,50,000 per annum.

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MIT Institute of Design, Pune

MIT Institute of Design is a design institute affiliated with the Maharashtra Academy of Engineering and Education Research (MAEER). The institute offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields of design, such as industrial design, communication design, transportation design, and more. The institute develops students' creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills through practical training and industry collaborations. The fees for the undergraduate program are approximately INR 3,50,000 per annum.

DJ Academy of Design, Coimbatore

DJ Academy of Design is a private design institute that offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in industrial design, communication design, and animation design. The institute focuses on providing students with hands-on training and real-world experience through industry collaborations and live projects. The fees for the undergraduate program are approximately INR 3,50,000 per annum.

Arch Academy of Design, Jaipur

Arch Academy of Design is a design institute that offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields of design, such as fashion, interior design, product design, and graphic design. The institute collaborates with top international design institutes and offers students opportunities to study abroad and work on international design projects. The fees for the undergraduate program are approximately INR 2,50,000 per annum.

MIT Institute of Design, Avantika University, Ujjain

MIT Institute of Design, Avantika University is a design institute affiliated with MIT Pune. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields of design, such as industrial design, communication design, and fashion design. The institute develops students' design thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship skills. The fees for the undergraduate program are approximately INR 4,00,000 per annum.

Tuition Fees

Eligibility Criteria

• Undergraduate (UG) level design courses can be pursued by candidates who have completed their 10+2 education from a recognized board with passing marks. Eligibility for UG design courses is open to aspirants from any stream, be it Science, Commerce or Arts.
• To be eligible for Postgraduate (PG) level design courses, candidates must have completed their graduation from a recognized college/institute. It is worth noting that most colleges prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in design stream for PG-level admissions. However, aspirants from other streams can also apply if they possess the required skill set and aptitude.
• Candidates applying for a PhD in Design program must have a Master's degree in design from an accredited institution or university or an equivalent degree. Candidates must have secured at least 50% in their postgraduate exams to be eligible.
• An entrance exam is required.

Popular Design Courses in India

• Fashion design
• Communication design
• Product design
• Textile design
• Graphic design
• Exhibition design
• Interior design
• Web design