Design Admission 2026: Registration Fees, Eligibility, Top Institutes/Colleges in India

Updated on May 9, 2025 05:07 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtSenior Executive

A Design course has many specializations include Fashion Design, Interior Design, Product Design, Graphic Design, Automotive Design, Footwear Design, Web Design, and so on. 

Design courses are offered at various levels, including UG, PG, Doctorate, Diploma, and Certification. BDes (Bachelor of Design) and MDes (Master of Design) are the two main programs in the Design field.

Admission to Design courses is based on both merit and the entrance exam process or entrance based like NIFT Entrance, NID Entrance, CEED, UCEED, Pearl Academy Entrance, etc.

Design Admission 2025: Eligibility Criteria

The tables below shows the top colleges and general eligibility criteria for various Design courses in India.

Design Admission 2025: Top Colleges Eligibility Criteria

Listed below is the Design course eligibility criteria -

Design Courses Top Design Colleges Eligibility Criteria
BDes NIFT Delhi
  • The candidate must have passed Class 12 from any recognized Central/State Board of Secondary Education.
Amity University Noida
  • 50% aggregate score in Class 12 from a recognized board.
Pearl Academy
  • 50% aggregate score in Class 12 from a recognized board.
World University of Design
  • 50% aggregate score in Class 12 from a recognized board.
JD Institute of Fashion Technology
  • 50% aggregate score in Class 12 from a recognized board.
MDes NIFT Bangalore
  • The candidate must hold a UG degree in any discipline from any Institute/ University recognized by law in India.
  • Applicants with an Undergraduate diploma of a minimum of three years duration from NIFT/NID are also eligible to apply.
Amity University Noida
  • BDes degree from a recognized university.
Pearl Academy Mumbai
  • The candidate must hold a Bachelor's degree in any stream from any recognized University.
World University of Design
  • A bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate score from a recognized university.
MIT Institute of Design
  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Industrial Design, Communication Design, BCA (Computer Application), BSc in Computer Science, or BSc in Interior & Animation from a recognized university.
  • The maximum age should be 30 years and should not exceed.

Source: Official site and may vary.

Design Admission 2025: General Eligibility Criteria

Candidates can see the table below for the general eligibility criteria -

Design Course Level Eligibility Criteria
Undergraduate/UG Diploma
  • Class 12 or equivalent from any stream,
  • With a minimum of 50% aggregate score from a recognized board.
Postgraduate/PG Diploma
  • A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline,
  • With a minimum of 50% aggregate score from a recognized university.
Doctoral
  • A master's degree in a relevant discipline,
  • With a minimum of 50% aggregate score from a UGC-approved university.
Certification
  • Class 12 or equivalent from any stream,
  • With a minimum of 50% aggregate score from a recognized board.

Source: Official site and may vary.

Design Course Admission Process 2025

Students can get Design College in two ways.

  • Merit-Based Admission
  • Entrance Exam Admission

Steps to Get Admission to Design Courses

Given below is the step-wise admission process in Design courses in India:

  • Check the eligibility criteria.
  • Fill the application form
  • Start the registration process.
  • Make a fee payment
  • Download the admit card
  • Appear for the entrance exam.
  • Wait for the result
  • Verify the documents

Popular Design Entrance Exams 2025

Candidates can see the table below for the Design course entrance exams with schedule -

Entrance Exams

Exam Dates

Exam Schedule

NIFT 2025

February 9, 2025 (Result Out)

NIFT Exam Date 2025

UCEED 2025

January 19, 2025 (Result Date Declared)

UCEED Exam Date 2025

NID Entrance Exam 2025

May 16, 2025 (BDes Result)

NID Entrance Exam Date 2025

CEED 2025

10 Mar ' 25 - 11 Jun ' 25 (Scorecard)

CEED Exam Date 2025

Pearl Academy Entrance Exam 2025

May 31, 2025, to June 2, 2025

Pearl Academy Entrance Exam Date 2025

WUD Aptitude Test 2025

May 24, 2025 - May 25, 2025

WUD Aptitude Exam Date 2025

CUET-PG 2025

March 13 - April 1, 2025 (Result Declared)

CUET-PG Exam Date 2025

CUET UG 2025

May 13 - June 3, 2025 (Result Declared)

CUET UG Exam Date 2025

Sources - Official site nd may differ.

Links useful for Design Admission 2025:

Top 10 NIFT Colleges in India 2025: Ranking, Fees, Admission, Placements

Design Admissions 2025: Quick Preparation Tips

Listed below is the quick preparation tips -

  • Understand the Requirements
  • Build a Strong Portfolio
  • Practice Aptitude Tests
  • Research Schools
  • Prepare for Interviews
  • Stay Updated

Design Courses Admission 2025: Top Entrance Exams Syllabus

Candidates can see the table below -

Design Entrance Exams

Exam Syllabus

NIFT Syllabus

The written exams comprise the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and the General Ability Test (GAT). The GAT paper is mandatory for all courses. However, only B.Des and M.Des candidates need to take the CAT.

UCEED Syllabus

Part A now has the following sections: Visualization and spatial reasoning, Practical and scientific knowledge, Observation and design sensitivity, Environment and Society, Analytical and logical reasoning, Language, and Creativity.

NID Entrance Exam Syllabus

Topics like colour terminology, optical illusion, form and function, picture analysis, literal thinking, story pictures, memory drawing, etc.

CEED Syllabus

The exam is anticipated to test visual aptitude through drawing, painting, sketching, design concepts, visual perception, and creativity. Additionally, the design communication test is expected to assess verbal and nonverbal communication, visual language, typography, information design, and user interface design.

Pearl Academy Entrance Exam Syllabus

Aspirants can prepare subjects/topics such as English language (comprehension, vocabulary, and expression), Language Ability, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, and Basic Mathematics.

WUD Aptitude Test Syllabus

 It covers topics of Basic Mathematics & Quantitative Ability, General IQ level questions, logical reasoning, and Language Ability. This exam evaluates the candidates based on their aptitude in Design.

Sources - Official site nd may differ.

Design Admission 2025: Top Colleges Admission Details

Candidates can see below for the top government and private Design colleges -

Design Admission 2025 in Top Government Colleges

Candidates can see the table below -

Best Government Colleges Admission Details Tuition Fee
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Design Admission INR 2.8 Lakh
NSUT Design Admission INR 3.95 Lakh
The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda Design Admission INR 5.85 Lakh
Gujarat University Design Admission INR 6 Lakh - 7.2 Lakh
Delhi Technological University Design Admission INR 6.87 Lakh
IIT Delhi Design Admission INR 8 Lakh
IIT Hyderabad Design Admission INR 8 Lakh
IIT Guwahati Design Admission INR 8 Lakh
NIFT Delhi Design Admission INR 12.34 Lakh
NID Ahmedabad Design Admission INR 16.84 Lakh

Sources - Official site nd may differ.

Design Admission 2025 in Top Private Colleges

Candidates can see the table below -

Best Private Colleges Admission Details Tuition Fee
Amity Noida Design Admission INR 7.92 Lakh - 8.8 Lakh
HITS Design Admission INR 5.5 Lakh
IMS Design and Innovation Academy Design Admission INR 16 Lakh
ITM Institute of Design and Media Design Admission INR 16.8 Lakh
JD Institute of Fashion Technology Design Admission INR 5.25 Lakh - 5.4 Lakh
JECRC University Design Admission INR 3.72 Lakh - 4.86 Lakh
Parul University Design Admission INR 5.46 Lakh - 13 Lakh
Pearl Academy Mumbai Design Admission INR 22.16 Lakh - 29.94 Lakh
Poornima University Design Admission INR 1.29 Lakh - 3 Lakh
World University of Design Design Admission INR 11 Lakh - 16.1 Lakh

Sources - Official site nd may differ.

Links useful for Design Admission 2025:

10 tips to crack interviews for design courses at NID, NIFT & IIT

Design Admission 2025: Placements in Top Colleges

Candidates can see the table below for the top Design colleges in India with average salary -

Best Design Colleges Average Package Offered
IIT Guwahati Placements INR 13.76 - 30.75 LPA
IIT Hyderabad Placements INR 14 - 21.88 LPA
IIT Delhi Placements INR 17 - 20 LPA
Delhi University Placements INR 16 LPA
Vijaybhoomi School of Design Placements INR 13.3 LPA
Srishti Manipal Institute Placements INR 3 - 11.75 LPA
Manipal School of Architecture and Planning Placements INR 8.9 - 11.75 LPA
School of Art and Design Placements INR 10.7 LPA
Welingkar Mumbai Placements INR 10 LPA
KIIT School of Fashion Technology Placements INR 9.5 LPA

 

Table of contents
  • Popular Exams
  • Top Ranked Colleges by Location
  • Popular Design Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Design Colleges in India
  • Popular Design Specializations
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Design UG Courses
  • Popular Design PG Courses
View More

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Design. Students interested in pursuing a career on Design, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

May '26 - Jun '26

NIFT Stage 2: M.Des and M.F.M Interview

TENTATIVE

Jun '26

NIFT Stage 2 Admit Card

TENTATIVE

14 Mar ' 26

SAT India exam (March attempt)

17 Apr ' 26

Last date to apply for May Attempt

10 Mar ' 26 - 31 Jul ' 26

UCEED 2026 Score Card

Apr '26

Seat Allotment Round I

TENTATIVE

Mar '26

NID DAT 2026 (Mains) Studio Test and Interview

TENTATIVE

21 Mar ' 26 - 1 Apr ' 26

NID Mains Exam: M.Des Interview

Top Ranked Colleges by Location

Following are the top ranked colleges for Design based on rankings published by The Week, Business Today and National Institutional Ranking Framework (MHRD).

Popular Design Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Design Colleges in India. Learn more about these Design colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
94.4 K - 12.96 L
4.5
15 Courses
47.2 K - 12.96 L
3.1
16 Courses
5.86 L - 12.34 L
3.8
6.07 L - 12.96 L
3.5

Popular Private Design Colleges in India

38 Courses
1.65 L - 40 L
2.8
62.5 K - 14.16 L
4.0

Design Applications open. Apply Now

10 Courses
11.6 L - 23.2 L
4.6

Design Applications open. Apply Now

2.88 L - 16.72 L
3.8

Design Applications open. Apply Now

20 L - 46.17 L
5.5 LPA

Design Applications open. Apply Now

3.02 L - 35.31 L
3.6

#1 The Week

Design Applications open. Apply Now

Popular Design Specializations

Following are the most popular Design Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Popular Design UG Courses

Following are the most popular Design UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Design PG Courses

Following are the most popular Design PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Answered Yesterday

IMS DIA Noida BSc fee payment can be done in an online mode. Students can pay the fee via credit card/ debit card/ UPI/ net banking. The total course fee is INR 12 lakh. This fee is as per official sources and hence, is indicative.

V

Virajita Mehra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Candidates applying for BDes at IMS Design and Innovation Academy can apply for its scholarship schemes. The academy offers merit-based, need-based, and talent scholarship for supporting students. It helps students for career growth in creative and design industries. Students wanting to avail schola

...Read more

A

Aishwarya Kumari

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

IMS Design and Innovation Academy BDes students can apply for the Special Talent Scholarship. It is provided to candidates who shows exceptional creative abilities in Art, Design, or related fields. The aim of this scheme is to support students pursuing professional design courses.

M

Manori Sahni

Contributor-Level 9

Answered Yesterday

IMS Design and Innovation Academy has a total of 60 seats for BDes in Interior Design course. Students are admitted as per sanctioned intake and performance in selection rounds. The academy or sanctioning body has the right to revise the sanctioned seat count. This seat intake is as per information

...Read more

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Virajita Madavi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

IMS DIA, Noida, has a seat intake of 240 for the BDes programmes. Candidates are admitted as per sanctioned intake and performance in selection rounds. There are 60 seats in each specialisation. This seat intake is as per the official website/ sanctioning body. The information is still subject to re

...Read more

R

Raushan Piplani

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

IMS Design and Innovation Academy BDes aspirants need to be Class 12 or equivalent exam pass. The eligible candidates can visit the website to register and apply. It is advised to keep the important documents handy for verification purposes. The process of admission for BDes Luxury Product Design is

...Read more

M

Mohit Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

IMS Design and Innovation Academy is accepting registrations for the 2026 admissions. Candidates fulfilling the eligibility requirements can apply now. The registration and application process is carried out in online mode. Eligible students can visit its website to apply. It should be noted that ad

...Read more

R

Ranjeeta Karan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

IMS DIA Noida BDes total tuition fee amount is INR 16 lakh. Candidates can pay the course fee amount in an online mode. The accepted mode of payments are credit card/ debit card/ UPI, etc. It should be noted that the mentioned fee is as per the official website/ sanctioning body. It is still subject

...Read more

P

Piyush Anand

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Campus life at GIBS Bengaluru is more than just studying—being here really shapes you as a person. The environment encourages you to step out of your comfort zone, interact with different kinds of people, and build confidence.

  • There are clubs, events, and workshops where you can take part in debates,

...Read more

P

Prasadsai

Beginner-Level 5

Answered Yesterday

IMS Design and Innovation Academy BDes in Interior Design course is of four-year duration. It is further divided into semester pattern. Students wanting to take admission need to be Class 12 or equivalent exam pass. The seat confirmation is done based on performance as per the selection criteria. 

V

Virajita Mehra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Yes, Pearl Academy, Mumbai does offer MDes programme. It is offered for a duration of two years in full-time mode. The programme is offered in the following specialisations - 

  • Fashion Design
  • Fashion Styling
  • Fashion Communication
  • Interior Design
  • Communication Design
  • Product Design

U

Upasana Harsha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

No, the Board Merit Scholarship offered to Pearl Academy, Mumbai BDes students is only applicable for the first year of the curriculum. Candidates who wish to avail the Board Merit Scholarship are not required to apply separately for this scholarship scheme.

They will be granted this scholarship duri

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

In order to secure the NIFT Rank scholarship at Pearl Academy, Mumbai, candidates need to secure a rank between 1 and 1000 in the NIFT entrance exam. Aside from this, candidates are also required to qualify and appear for the Creative Arts Education Society Entrance Examination.

Only candidates who h

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

No, Pearl Academy, Mumbai does not accept NIFT scores to decide the admissions to the BDes course. Thus, candidates who have a valid NIFT score must appear for the Pearl Academy Entrance Exam to qualify for BDes admissions.

However, NIFT scores can be used to secure scholarships by BDes students at P

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

No, candidates who wish to apply for BDes admissions at Pearl Academy, Mumbai cannot get direct admissions into the course. In order to get admission to Pearl Academy, Mumbai BDes course, candidates must appear for the Pearl Academy Entrance Exam.

The selection will be based on the aforementioned ent

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Yes, students showcase their collections in curated exhibitions and academic fashion presentations.  Industry juries and portfolio reviews provide direct feedback from professionals, preparing students for competitive career environments. 

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Admissions for fashion design at IMS Design and Innovation Academy typically based on an application review followed by a personal interaction or creative assessment as per institute guidelines. 

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Below are the careers students can opt after completing B.Des Luxury Product Design programme at IMS DIA Noida: 

Students may pursue careers in Product design, Accessories design, Furniture design, Sustainable design, or Entrepreneurship. 

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) has released the updated syllabus for the SEED 2026 exam. You can download the syllabus online at the website.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Candidates can download the syllabus of SEED 2026 from the official website of the Symbiosis Institute of Design.

  • Go to the homepage of SID,
  • click on Admission Process under Programmes.
  • The window that opens will contain information on the SEED syllabus.
  • The candidate can note down the syllabus.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

In 2025, IMS Design and Innovation Academy climbed 2 ranks to #24 rank in the 'Fashion Design' category by the India Today ranking. This is the second consecutive year that the institute has ascended in the rankings.

Find below the latest rankings and category breakdowns from several ranking bodies.

Category20242025
Fashion Design2624

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

In 2025, IMS Design and Innovation Academy climbed 2 ranks to #9 rank in the 'Fashion Technology (Private)' category by The Week ranking.

Explore the most recent rankings from other ranking bodies and their respective categories below.

Category20242025
Design– / –9
Fashion Design2522

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Yes, IMS DIA has a good record of placements for its BDes course. The the highest package secured by students of batch 2026 stood at INR 15 LPA. The IMS DIA average package offered was ranged between INR 7 LPA and INR 10 LPA. 

39519231
Shoaib Mehdi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

MDes in Fashion Design at Pearl Academy, Mumbai has the same fees as the other MDes courses offered by the institute. All MDes courses offered by Pearl Academy, Mumbai have the same course and hostel fees.

MDes in Fashion Design has a course fees of INR 17 Lacs for the academic year 2026.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

No, candidates who did not pursue a BDes course as their UG level degree are still eligible for MDes at Pearl Academy, Mumbai. The eligibility criteria for Pearl Academy, Mumbai MDes course only requires candidates to clear an undergraduate course from a recognised institute.

The discipline of the UG

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

The Pearl Academy, Mumbai MDes students are charged a total hostel fees of INR 4.2 Lacs throughout the duration of the MDes course. The aforementioned hostel fees is charged on per annum basis at INR 2.1 Lacs each year.

Aside from the aforementioned Pearl Academy, Mumbai hostel fees, candidates might

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

The Pearl Academy, Mumbai MDes fees is INR 17 Lacs for the academic year 2026. The aforementioned fees is the combination of total MDes course fees and Pearl Academy, Mumbai hostel fees.

Candidates are charged the aforementioned Pearl Academy, Mumbai fees on a per semester basis in four equal instalm

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Yes, candidates who are still awaiting their final year result can still apply for MDes admissions at Pearl Academy, Mumbai.

If such candidates are selected for admissions after the Pearl Academy Entrance Exam, they will be provided provisional admission.

The final admission will be offered to these c

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

To complete the Pearl Academy, Mumbai MDes admission process, candidates must provide copies of the following documents in either digital or physical form:

  • Class 10th and Class 12th marksheet as well as passing certificate
  • UG level passing degree
  • Pearl Academy Entrance Exam scorecard
  • Transfer Certificat

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

The last date to apply for the Pearl Academy, Mumbai MDes admissions is scheduled on Apr 23, 2026. Candidates who wish to apply for the MDes at Pearl Academy, Mumbai need to go to the admission portal and register for the Pearl Academy Entrance Exam before the aforementioned deadline.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

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