Updated on May 9, 2025 05:07 IST

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.

27 Feb ' 26

Last date to apply for March Attempt

14 Mar ' 26

SAT India exam (March attempt)

17 Feb ' 26

NID DAT 2026 (Prelims) - Results for M.Des

17 Feb ' 26 - 18 Feb ' 26

NID DAT 2026 (Prelims) - Results Recheck for M.Des

6 Mar ' 26

UCEED 2026 Result Date

10 Mar ' 26 - 31 Jul ' 26

UCEED 2026 Score Card

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
2.88 L - 16.72 L
3.8

Design Applications open. Apply Now

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

Design Applications open. Apply Now

2.88 L - 16.72 L
3.8

Design Applications open. Apply Now

1.4 L - 32 L
4.0
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

20 L - 46.17 L
5.5 LPA

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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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 16 hours ago

ARCH College of Design and Business BDes fee related queries can be discussed with the subject advisor. Students can also reach out to the admission office for contact details. 

S

Saumya Shukla

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 16 hours ago

ARCH College of Design and Business BDes admission is done based on score in AIEED. Candidates interested in the UG course have to apply for this programme. AIEED 2025 application fee amount was INR 3,000. Students had to pay this fee to submit the application form successfully. 

V

Virajita Mehra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 17 hours ago

ARCH College of Design and Business BDes Fashion and Textile Design fee structure include tuition fee, registration fee, caution money, etc. The payment frequency varies for each fee component. Its tuition fee amount is INR 18 lakh. The onetime fee of INR 70,000 includes registration fees and refund

...Read more

H

Himanshi Gupta

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 18 hours ago

The Symbiosis School of Planning, Architecture and Design the highest package offered to the batch 2024 was INR 10 LPA. In addition to this, the average package offered was INR 6 LPA. 

A

Abhay Panda

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 18 hours ago

The Symbiosis School of Planning, Architecture and Design placements 2024 concluded with 90% of students placed. The highest package offered was INR 10 LPA. The average package for 2024 drive stood at INR 6 LPA.

B

Bhumika Gupta

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 19 hours ago

After completing a M.Des abroad - graduate students can expect to earn a higher starting salary than what they could earn after graduating from India. This is because of two reasons - a degree from abroad makes you recognised by various companies abroad, especially in the country from where you grad

...Read more

J

Jagriti Shukla

Contributor-Level 8

Answered Yesterday

Anant National University BDes 2026 application end date was Jan 1, 2026 as per the official website. The candidates can contact the admission office to get more details. 

M

Manori Sahni

Contributor-Level 9

Answered Yesterday

Anant National University has a total seat intake of 600 for its BDes course. Candidates are admitted as per the sanctioned intake and selection procedure. This seat count is as per the official website. It is still subject to revision and hence, is indicative. 

V

Virajita Madavi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Anant National University require students to take the Anant Design Entrance and Proficiency Test for selection. It is a mandatory examination for all the aspirants of BDes course. This entrance test is conducted in 10 different languages, including Hindi, English, Marathi, Bengali, etc. It is an ho

...Read more

M

Mohit Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Anant National University offers on and off campus hostel facility to BDes students. It provide double occupancy accommodation. The first year fee for on campus double occupancy is INR 3.38 lakh. For off campus double occupancy, the first year fee is INR 3.03 lakh.

The given fee information is taken

...Read more

P

Piyush Anand

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Anant National University BDes tuition fee amounts to INR 6.25 lakh, per annum. This fee component is subject to an increase of 7.5% year on year. The fee has to be paid per-semester and no GST is applicable. Candidates should note that the mentioned fee is as per the official website. Hence, is ind

...Read more

R

Ranjeeta Karan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Anant National University BDes application fee amount is INR 1,500. This is a one time fee component. Students need to pay this amount to submit application forms successfully. The mentioned fee is as per the official website and hence, is indicative. 

A

Aayush Bhatnagar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Candidates can apply for BDes after completing Class 12. Sasi Creative Colleges has not specified the minimum aggregate to apply for BDes. Aspirants can apply with 55% in Class 12 provided they also meet the other criteria.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered Yesterday

Candidates must complete graduation from a recognised institute or university to apply for MDes programme at Sasi Creative Colleges. Aspirants must have documents proving their eligibility for verification at the time of admission. Admission to MDes programme is entrance-based.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered Yesterday

NIFT Chennai offers a BDes programme to students at the UG level. It is offered in full-time mode for a duration of 4 years. The college offers this programme in several specialisations such as Fashion Design, Accessory Design, Fashion Communication, etc. 

A

Anya Singh

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 days ago

Yes, the Istituto Marangoni Italy is considered one of the best fashion design universities in the world. It is the best Italian fashion school based on a recent poll by a local Italian magazine.

The instiute is based in the heart of the fashion capital of the world. This provides students immediate

...Read more

A

Akash Gaur

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

Istituto Marangoni Milan graduates work as Fashion Designers, Stylists, Illustrators, Technical Designers, Product Managers, Interior Designers, and Fashion Buyers.

The institute maintains strong connections with companies across industries and uses them to offer internships during studies. 

IM Italy

...Read more

A

Akash Gaur

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

There are many top universities abroad that are best for Fashion Designing, Some of the top Fashion Design universities abroad are mentioned below for your reference -

  • Harvard University
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • University of Manchester
  • The University of Queensland
  • Carnegie Mellon University

...Read more

A

Abhay Dixit

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 5 days ago

Application and entrance test fees paid for BFA admission at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design And Technology, MAHE are non-refundable under all circumstances. This is regardless of withdrawal timing. 

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

Refunds are processed within 45 days from the date when Admissions Office receives hard copy of withdrawal application. Refund eligibility and deductions depend on date when withdrawal notice is submitted. 

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

If withdrawal occurs on or after the class commencement/orientation date, physical reporting to the campus is mandatory. For hostel fees, INR 20,000 may be deducted, and additional deductions may apply based on the duration of stay. Program fee refunds are processed as per UGC norms. 

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

If BFA students submit withdrawal request 15 days or more before class starts or before orientation date, they will get a full refund of programme fee and hostel fee, as per UGC refund policy. 

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design And Technology, MAHE, BFA students can expect to pay approximately INR 30.82 Lacs in total. This includes a refundable caution deposit and consistent annual fees of INR 7.58 Lacs each year.

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

BFA students can go for merit-based scholarships based on academic excellence, portfolio or entrance performance, need-based scholarships for financial assistance, and special category awards. There are UG scholarships like Freeship, Scholar, and Achiever categories that may also apply to BFA studen

...Read more

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

After fee payment, a BFA applicant at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design And Technology, MAHE is considered provisionally admitted. To withdraw, the student must submit an online withdrawal request through the MAHE portal. Depending on the timing, physical reporting to the Admissions Office an

...Read more

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design And Technology, MAHE BFA fee consists of a refundable caution deposit of INR 50,000 paid in the first year, an annual tuition fee of INR 4.32 lac, and an other academic fee of INR 3.26 lac each year. Annual fee is INR 7.58 Lacs from Year 1 to Year 4 which exc

...Read more

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

At IILM University, Gurugram the following are offered

  • B.Des Fashion Design 
  • B.Des Product Design
  • B.Des Interior Design

M

Manya

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 5 days ago

Students who do well in a Fashion Design course are those who:

  • Are open to criticism

  • Life-long learning attitude
  • Can manage time well

  • Are willing to redo work

  • Enjoy hands-on learning

  • Value creativity and expression

 

M

Manya

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 5 days ago

Fashion Design is more time-intensive than many theory-based courses.

Students often spend long hours in studios, especially near submissions. It requires physical stamina as well as creativity. However, students who genuinely enjoy design usually find the workload challenging but rewarding.

M

Manya

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 5 days ago

The course prepares students through:

  • Strict deadlines

  • Repeated feedback and corrections

  • Studio discipline

  • Exposure to industry expectations

Students learn that fashion is not just creativity but also patience, precision, and consistency.

M

Manya

Contributor-Level 8

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