Top Fashion Designing Colleges in India

Fashion designing in India has evolved from a niche career to a thriving, billion-dollar industry, currently valued at $53 billion and projected to reach $115-125 billion by 2025. With its rich textile traditions and diverse cultural aesthetics, India presents unique opportunities for aspiring designers to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern sensibilities. The rapid growth of the fashion sector has heightened the demand for skilled designers who can navigate contemporary trends while valuing heritage. Aspiring fashion designers now benefit from world-class education and cutting-edge facilities, as top colleges offer programs that emphasize practical skills, industry exposure, and creative development.

How to Choose the Best Fashion Designing Colleges in India?

Choosing the right fashion design college in India takes careful thought. Start by checking if the college is approved by bodies like AICTE or UGC, as this ensures your degree will be recognized in the industry. The best fashion colleges provide a good mix of theory and practical learning, with well-equipped design studios and modern computer labs. Experienced teachers, including designers and industry professionals, can make a big difference in your education. Also, looking at the college’s track record of student placements can give you an idea of your career opportunities after graduation.

Ranking Criteria for the Best Fashion Designing Colleges in India

Choosing the right college can significantly shape a student’s future in fashion design. Our rankings are based on a holistic evaluation of factors that directly impact the learning experience and career prospects.

• Accreditation and Recognition:
  • Prioritizing accreditation from bodies like AICTE or UGC to ensure degrees are industry-recognized.
• Curriculum Quality:
  • Colleges that balance theory with hands-on training through well-equipped studios, CAD software, and practical sessions receive higher weight.
• Faculty Expertise and Industry Connections:
  • Institutions with experienced faculty and ties to the fashion industry are rated higher for offering valuable insights and opportunities.
• Internships and Fashion Events:
  • Opportunities to participate in internships, masterclasses, and fashion events enhance practical learning.
• Placement Records and Alumni Success:
  • Strong placement records and successful alumni reflect the college’s ability to produce job-ready graduates.
• Infrastructure and Extracurricular Opportunities:
  • Participation in fashion competitions, exhibitions, and other extracurricular activities enriches the learning experience.
• Affordability and Financial Aid:
  • Considering the availability of scholarships, financial aid, and flexible payment plans to ensure accessibility for students.
• Reputation and Student Feedback:
  • Real feedback from students and the institute’s reputation in the industry play a key role in shaping our rankings.

Top-Ranked Fashion Designing Colleges in India

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) – Delhi

• Type: Government
• NIFT, one of the top fashion design institutes in India, offers a cutting-edge curriculum with excellent placements.
• It offers courses in design, technology, and management related to the fashion industry.
• Students gain hands-on experience through industry projects, internships, and participation in major fashion events.

National Institute of Design (NID) – Ahmedabad

• Type: Government
• NID is recognized globally for its focus on innovation and design thinking.
• The institute offers specialized programs in textile, apparel, and lifestyle design.
• NID emphasizes practical learning through studio sessions and design projects.

Pearl Academy – New Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Bangalore

• Type: Private
• Pearl Academy offers UG, PG, and diploma programs in fashion, styling, and luxury brand management.
• It is known for global partnerships with top fashion schools and international internship opportunities.
• The academy has a strong focus on employability and industry-readiness.

Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) – Pune

• Type: Private
• SID offers a comprehensive B.Des program in fashion, with a focus on practical training.
• The institute encourages students to participate in fashion shows, workshops, and live projects.
• It has strong industry connections, helping students secure internships and placements.

Amity School of Fashion Technology – Noida

• Type: Private
• Amity offers fashion programs focusing on design, entrepreneurship, and retail management.
• It has state-of-the-art facilities, including textile labs and design studios.
• The institute regularly hosts fashion shows and provides exposure through industry collaborations.

Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) – New Delhi

• Type: Private
• IIAD partners with Kingston University, London, offering globally recognized degrees.
• It emphasizes studio-based learning with access to industry mentors and live projects.
• Students gain exposure to real-world scenarios through internships and international exchanges.

Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) – Multiple Locations

• Type: Government
• FDDI specializes in footwear, leather goods, and fashion merchandising programs.
• It offers world-class infrastructure, including manufacturing labs and CAD facilities.
• The institute has strong ties with the footwear and retail industries, ensuring excellent placements.

Vogue Institute of Art and Design – Bangalore

• Type: Private
• Vogue offers programs in fashion, jewelry, and interior design with a creative approach.
• The institute focuses on industry internships and collaborations for real-world learning.
• It participates in several national fashion events, giving students exposure to the industry.

INIFD (International Institute of Fashion Design) – Multiple Locations

• Type: Private
• INIFD offers fashion programs in various cities, focusing on practical skills and design thinking.
• It collaborates with Lakmé Fashion Week, giving students a platform to showcase their work.
• The institute emphasizes experiential learning through workshops, events, and exhibitions.

JD Institute of Fashion Technology – Multiple Cities

• Type: Private
• JD Institute offers courses in fashion, interior, and jewelry design.
• It is known for fostering creativity and innovation through practical projects.
• Students benefit from industry collaborations, mentorship, and placement opportunities.

Raffles Design International – Mumbai

• Type: Private
• Part of the Raffles Education Network, it offers fashion programs with an international curriculum.
• The institute focuses on hands-on projects and personalized mentoring from global faculty.
• Raffles provides exposure through internships and study-abroad programs.

Satyam Fashion Institute – Noida

• Type: Private
• Satyam focuses on sustainable fashion practices and women-centric education.
• The institute offers UG and PG programs in design and fashion technology.
• It collaborates with industry experts to provide practical exposure and internships.

Army Institute of Fashion & Design (AIFD) – Bangalore

• Type: Private
• AIFD offers programs in apparel design and fashion merchandising.
• The institute emphasizes discipline, creativity, and practical learning through workshops.
• Graduates benefit from a robust network of alumni and partnerships with fashion brands.

List of Fashion Designing Colleges based on Location

Top Fashion Designing Colleges in Delhi

1. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi

2. Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), New Delhi

3. Pearl Academy, Delhi

4. JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi

5. International Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD), Delhi

6. Amity School of Fashion Technology, Noida (NCR Region)

7. World University of Design (WUD), Sonipat (NCR Region)

8. International College of Fashion (ICF), Delhi

9. IMS Design and Innovation Academy (IMS DIA), Noida

Top Fashion Designing Colleges in Mumbai

1. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Mumbai

2. Pearl Academy, Mumbai

3. JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Mumbai

4. International Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD), Mumbai

5. Raffles Design International, Mumbai

6. Amity University – Mumbai Campus

7. L.S. Raheja School of Art, Mumbai

8. SASMIRA’s Institute of Design and Textiles 

9. Istituto Marangoni, Mumbai

Top Fashion Designing Colleges in Chennai

1. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Chennai

2. Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology

3. NIFD Global Chennai

4. Chennai Fashion Institute

5. Tamil Nadu Open University

6. Madras Institute of Fashion Technology – MIFT

7. DOT School of Design

Top Fashion Designing Colleges in Bangalore

1. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Bangalore

2. JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore

3. NIFD Global Bangalore

4. Army Institute of Fashion and Design

5. T. John Group of Institutions

6. Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore

7. Vogue Institute of Art and Design

8. Garden City University

Top Fashion Designing Colleges in Kolkata

1. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Kolkata

2. NSOU – Netaji Subhas Open University

3. International Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD), Kolkata

4. J.D Birla Institute (JDBI)

5. International School of Design, Kolkata

6. NIFT TEA Knitwear Fashion Institute, Kolkata

7. Indian Institute of Fashion and Design (IIFD)

8. Amity University

Top Fashion Designing Colleges in Pune

1. Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), Pune

2. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Pune

3. MIT Institute of Design, Pune

4. International Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD), Pune

5. Institute of Fashion Technology (IFT), Pune

6. Ajeenkya D Y Patil University – School of Design, Pune

7. SNDT Women’s University – Fashion Designing Department, Pune

8. Suryadatta Institute of Fashion Technology 

Top Fashion Designing Colleges in Ahmedabad

1. National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad

2. Silver Oak Institute of Design

3. INIFD (International Institute of Fashion Design), Ahmedabad

4. International School of Design Ahmedabad

5. GLS University, Ahmedabad

6. GLS Institute of Design

7. Unitedworld Institute of Design

8. L J School of Design, Ahmedabad

Top Fashion Designing Colleges in Hyderabad

1. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Hyderabad

2. International Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD), Hyderabad

3. Bonfire Institute of Design

4. Jubilee Institute of Fashion Design

5. Woxsen University

6. Lakhotia Institute of Design, Hyderabad

Top Fashion Designing Colleges in Jaipur

1. NIFD Global Jaipur

2. Pearl Academy, Jaipur

3. International Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD), Jaipur

4. Amity School of Fashion Technology, Jaipur

5. Jaipur National University – School of Fashion and Design

6. Biyani Institute of Science and Management – Fashion Design Course

7. NIMS Institute of Management and Commerce

Admission Process and Eligibility Criteria

Government Colleges

Admission to Government Fashion Colleges The admission process for government institutions like NIFT and NID is highly competitive and structured. Candidates must clear the national-level entrance exam – NIFT entrance test for NIFT colleges and NID DAT for National Institute of Design. These exams typically test creative ability, general awareness, logical reasoning, and English proficiency. The basic eligibility criteria include completion of 10+2 from any recognized board with a minimum aggregate of 50%. The selection process involves multiple stages: written examination, situation test/studio test, and personal interview. Government colleges start their admission process in December-January, with entrance exams usually conducted in February.

Private Colleges

Admission to Private Fashion Design Colleges Private fashion institutes offer more flexible admission pathways. Most reputed private colleges like Pearl Academy and SOFT conduct their own entrance tests, focusing on creativity, design aptitude, and basic sketching skills. The eligibility criteria generally remain 10+2 completion, with some premier institutes requiring a minimum of 45-50% aggregate marks. Unlike government colleges, many private institutions offer multiple admission cycles throughout the year. The selection process typically includes a portfolio review, creative ability test, and personal interview. Some private colleges also accept scores from national-level design entrance exams like UCEED or FDDI entrance test, offering direct admission to students who have performed well in these examinations.

Placement and Career Opportunities for Graduates

Fashion design graduates today step into a diverse and expansive career landscape that extends far beyond traditional design roles. Leading institutions like NIFT and Pearl Academy boast impressive placement records, with average starting packages ranging from ₹4-8 lakhs annually for fresh graduates. Top performers often secure positions with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Sabyasachi, while others join retail giants such as H&M, Zara, and Myntra. The rise of sustainable fashion and digital retail has created new opportunities in eco-friendly design and e-commerce styling, with companies actively seeking specialists in these emerging fields. Opportunities provided are as follows –