If you are someone who looks forward to working towards understanding cultures, coming up with innovative ideas and wanting to work around utilizing clothes for meaningful dialogues, then the fashion industry is what you need to choose.
A passionate fashion designing aspirant would have a lot of questions in mind: What course to go for? Which college to choose?
What would the syllabus be like? And much more. We are here to answer all of your questions. In this article, we intend to elucidate on the top fashion design colleges you can consider, admission processes and eligibility criteria. Keep reading further to know more.
What is a Fashion Design Course?
Fashion designing courses in Raipur are educational programs that teach you how to create, curate and design clothes, accessories and various other fashion commodities.
Essentially the end result of the process you indulge in is your idiosyncratic creativity. Though most fashion designers follow a standard procedure, which is recommended, the course you opt for will equip you with the skills to be innovative, along with learning the foundations and best practices followed in the industry.
The concept of fashion and clothing is as old as the Harappan Civilization, it has evolved and transposed into what we see today, evincing that the industry is dynamic and ever – evolving.
Top 10 Fashion Design Colleges in India
Irrespective of the field of study or work you go for, research is an important aspect to draw a conclusion.
With advancements in technology and new techniques being introduced, the fashion industry has also integrated these changes and institutes have upgraded their course structures, providing you with a holistic learning experience.
College |
Location |
Course Offered |
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Raipur |
| |
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Amity School of Fashion Technology |
Noida |
|
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IIFD – Indian Institute of Fashion Design |
Chandigarh |
|
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Glam Institute of Fashion Designing |
Jharkhand |
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IIFT – International Institute Of Fashion Technology |
Delhi |
|
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NIFT – National Institute of Fashion Technology |
Various Cities
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|
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Ionic Fashion Academy |
Kolkata |
|
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Vogue Institute of Art and Design |
Bangalore |
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Manipal School of Architecture and Planning |
Manipal |
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Mahatma Gandhi University |
Kerala |
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How We Selected These Fashion Design Colleges?
As aforementioned, research is an important aspect before going for the best option. Some of the criteria you can consider as follows:
1) Curriculum
College websites mandatorily have a page dedicated to detailing curriculum structure and course constituents. We recommend going through all the details to understand effectively what the program offers.
2) Faculty
An experienced and proficient faculty can effectively guide you through your course and provide you with insightful knowledge.
3) Placements Records
Look out for leading companies and organizations the institute is associated with and past placement developments. You can also speak to peers and alumni, if you know anyone, and best understand what circumstances were like.
4) Accreditation
Read more about the college’s affiliations and accreditations. Most reputed institutes in India are recognized and accredited by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) and the UGC (University Grants Commission)
5) Infrastructure
Read up more about the equipment and tools you may require to fulfill your educational needs and evaluate whether the college(s) you look forward to have the infrastructure to provide you quality education.
Fashion Design Colleges: Detailed Overview
1) AAFT University
AAFT is a pioneer in various creative arts and programs offered in the same niche. AAFT’s School of Fashion and Design, gives you the opportunity to design outfits and costumes for short films and web series’. The institute believes in offering industry-oriented courses for excellence.
2) Amity School of Fashion Technology, Noida
Located in Noida and part of the Amity group of institutes, School of Fashion Technology offers a well – curated course that provides you with the scope to explore various avenues within the fashion industry. One if is important highlight are Fashion Forecasting and associations with various fashion houses
3) IIFD – Indian Institute of Fashion Design, Chandigarh
The IIFD is one of the most reputed names within the fashion industry and the educational spectrum, offering you the opportunity to be part of various fashion shows and real-world projects.
4) Glam Institute of Fashion Designing, Jharkhand
The Glam institute in Jharkhand focuses more on providing practical and technical knowledge to excel in the industry. It offers comprehensive courses and modern-lab technologies for an enhanced learning experience.
5) IIFT – International Institute Of Fashion Technology, Delhi
The IIFT is another prominent name in the fashion industry offering you the scope to branch out within the industry and equipping you with the skills for entrepreneurial opportunities.
6) NIFT – National Institute of Fashion Technology, Various Cities
The hub for all things fashion and is often an important name in the fashion world – NIFT. Situated in various locations and offering various apparel and fashion centric courses, NIFT is a premiere fashion school in India.
7) Ionic Fashion Academy, Kolkata
With an extensive course curriculum, the Ionic Fashion Academy offers programs that are inclined towards a blend of traditional and new – age fashion concepts. The institute also offers scope for hands-on learning and collaborations.
8) Vogue Institute of Art and Design, Bangalore
A leading institute in Bangalore offering state-of-the-art design courses and programs that teach you everything from the basics, foundations and fundamentals to critical thinking, practical knowledge and technical expertise.
9) Manipal School of Architecture and Planning, Manipal
A coherent part of the Manipal group of institutes, School of Architecture and Planning offers programs that are curated around sustainable, economical, ecological and social values.
10) Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala
A prominent and sought-after institute in Kerala, The MG University offers exemplary undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fashion design. The course also places emphasis on understanding and appreciating textile histories.
Fashion Design Courses Offered
Fashion design courses are offered at different academic levels, making it easier for students to choose a programme that matches their interests and career plans. A B.Sc. in Fashion Design is one of the most popular choices after 12th, as it provides in-depth training in fashion illustration, pattern making, garment construction, textiles, draping, CAD, and portfolio development through studio-based learning and industry exposure.
Students looking to deepen their expertise can pursue an M.Sc. in Fashion Design, which focuses on advanced design concepts, research, and fashion business practices. Those who want to enter the industry quickly can opt for a diploma in fashion design, which builds practical skills and prepares them for entry-level roles or further education.
Admission Processes and Eligibility Criteria
Admission requirements essentially may differ according to the institute of your choice and the entrance exams it deems mandatory for eligibility (NIFT Entrance Exam, NID Entrance Exam, AIEED)
To enrol for undergraduate courses the eligibility criteria would be 12th Grade and not less than 50% in your board examinations. This is inclusive of the above mentioned entrance exams
For postgraduate courses: bachelor of fashion design program preferably in the same niche and not less than 50% in your exams from recognized and accredited colleges. Also inclusive of entrance exams such as AIEED and CEED.
Eligibility for Fashion Design Colleges
The eligibility for fashion design courses varies depending on the programme you choose. For undergraduate courses, candidates are generally required to have completed Class 12 from a recognised board, and students from any stream like Science, Commerce, or Arts, can apply.
Postgraduate programmes usually require a bachelor's degree in fashion design or a related discipline. While some colleges offer admission based on Class 12 or graduation marks, others may conduct an entrance exam, personal interview, or portfolio review. Diploma courses often have more flexible eligibility and may accept students after Class 10 or 12, depending on the institute.
Fashion Design Entrance Exams
Admission to top fashion design colleges in India is largely entrance-exam driven. The NIFT Entrance Exam is required for National Institute of Fashion Technology campuses and tests creative ability, general knowledge, and quantitative aptitude. The NID Entrance Exam serves the National Institute of Design and evaluates design thinking through prototype and studio tests.
AIEED (All India Entrance Exam for Design) is widely accepted by private design institutes, while CEED is primarily for postgraduate design admissions, including M.Des. Some universities also accept CUET scores for undergraduate fashion design admissions, where applicable.
Fashion Design College Fees
Fashion design course fees vary depending on the programme, institute, and the industry exposure offered. For undergraduate degree programmes, government institutes generally charge around ₹2 lakh to ₹2.7 lakh per year, while private colleges may range from ₹3.5 lakh to ₹6 lakh annually.
At many reputed private institutions, such as AAFT University, Raipur, the total fee for a B.Sc. in Fashion Design is approximately ₹3.64 lakh, while B.Des. and B.Sc. (Hons.) in Fashion Design programmes typically cost around ₹4.79 lakh for the entire duration of the course.
For students interested in postgraduate education, the total fee for an M.Des. in Fashion Design is approximately ₹2.72 lakh. Diploma programmes are generally more affordable, with fees ranging from ₹80,000 to ₹1.5 lakh, while certificate courses typically cost between ₹30,000 and ₹80,000. As fee structures may change over time, students should always verify the latest details on the institute's official website before applying.
Salary After Fashion Design
The salary after a fashion design course depends on factors such as qualification, skills, experience, job role, and employer. Fresh graduates typically earn ₹3 to 6 LPA, while experienced fashion designers, merchandisers, stylists, and design consultants can earn ₹8 to 15 LPA or more. Freelancers and entrepreneurs have the potential to achieve even higher earnings.
|
Experience |
Salary |
|
Fresher |
₹3–5 LPA |
|
2–5 Years |
₹5–8 LPA |
|
Senior |
₹8–15+ LPA |
Why Choose Fashion Design as a Career?
Fashion design is ideal for those who want to turn creativity into a profession. It offers global opportunities, from working with international fashion houses to showcasing at fashion weeks abroad. The field also supports entrepreneurship, letting designers launch their own labels or boutique studios rather than relying solely on employment.
As a high-growth industry, it accommodates diverse paths, including freelancing for flexible, project-based work. Emerging fashion technology, like 3D garment design and sustainable textiles, is also reshaping the field, giving designers new tools to innovate.
To Conclude
Determining a successful career requires you to choose what is best for you and the options to choose from are immense. With new advancements happening every other day, we are optimistic that more avenues will come your way for a holistic fashion design career scope in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courses are offered by top fashion design colleges in India?
Leading fashion design colleges offer B.Sc. in Fashion Design, B.Des. (Fashion Design), M.Des. in Fashion Design, PG Diploma in Fashion Design, and Diploma in Fashion Design. These programmes combine design fundamentals, pattern making, garment construction, textiles, styling, and industry exposure.
What are the eligibility criteria for fashion design colleges?
For undergraduate fashion design programmes, candidates must have completed Class 12 from a recognised board, irrespective of their stream. Postgraduate programmes require a bachelor's degree, while diploma courses generally accept students who have completed Class 12.
Which entrance exams are required for fashion design admission?
Admission requirements vary by institute. Many colleges conduct their own entrance test, while others offer merit-based admission. At AAFT University, Raipur, applicants for fashion design programmes are required to appear for the AAFT Global Entrance Exam (GEE) as part of the admission process.
What is the fee range for fashion design colleges in India?
Fashion design course fees vary by programme and institution. Government institutes generally charge ₹2 lakh to 2.7 lakh per year for degree programmes, while private colleges may range from ₹3.5 to 5 lakh annually. The fee depends on factors such as infrastructure, practical training, and industry exposure.
What are the placement and career opportunities after fashion design college?
Fashion design graduates can pursue careers as Fashion Designers, Fashion Stylists, Fashion Merchandisers, Fashion Illustrators, Textile Designers, Pattern Makers, Fashion Consultants, Retail Managers, and Creative Designers. Many also work with designer labels, export houses, retail brands, or establish their own fashion ventures