Apparel Design Courses: Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exams, Top Colleges, Career Scope
The Apparel Design course involves technical and artistic creativity of the Fashion Industry, where Apparel Designers need to conceptualize, create as well and monitor the manufacturing of clothes. A person specializing in this stream works in the broad areas of the Apparel Industry such as Ready to Wear, Specialized Fashion, Activewear, Sports Wear, Functional Clothing (clothes specially designed for particular professions), etc.
Students interested in studying Apparel Design can study it at undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate levels at fees ranging between INR 4 lakh to INR 8 lakh. The course in Apparel Designing involves studying the history of costumes, fashion designing, science, and liberal arts, design management, fashion art and sketching, and production of cloth. Apparel pattern making, different kinds of knitting, computerised aided knitting, trends, planning, retailing, and marketing are also taught in Apparel Design course.
The graduates of Apparel Design can become Apparel Designer, Fashion Forecaster, and Apparel Quality Controller and earn an average salary ranging between INR 6 LPA to 10 LPA. The field of Apparel design is dynamic and flexible, providing room for individuality, ingenuity, and invention. A combination of technical proficiency, commercial savvy, artistic talent, and an acute awareness of industry trends are frequently required for success in the area.
Latest Updates About Apparel Design Courses:
- CUET UG RE-exam for admission to undergraduate-level courses will be conducted on Jul 19 2024 for affected candidates.
- Apparel Design Course Highlights
- Why pursue an Apparel Design Course?
- Apparel Design Course Eligibility Criteria
- Types of Apparel Design Courses
- Apparel Design Course Entrance Exams 2024
- Apparel Design Course Syllabus
- Popular Colleges for Apparel Design
- 7.1 Top Government Colleges for Apparel Design
- 7.2 Top Private Colleges for Apparel Design
- Apparel Design Career, Scope and Job Profiles
- 8.1 Job Profiles and Salary after Apparel Design
- 8.2 Top Recruiters for Apparel Design
Apparel Design Course Highlights
The highlights table gives a quick information about the course types, duration, course fee and entrance exams for pursuing Apparel Design course. Candidates can check key points related to the course:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Certificate, Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| Eligibility | For Certificate/Diploma course: 10+2 in any stream For Undergraduate courses-10+2 in any stream |
| Duration | Certificate:Â 1 year Diploma:Â 3 years UG:Â 4 years PG:Â 2 years |
| Examination Type | Semester-wise |
| Course Fee | For UG - Up to 8 lakh For PG - Up to 5 lakh |
| Top Colleges | NIFT Chennai, NIFT Mumbai, NIFT Delhi, NIFT Bangalore, NIFT Patna |
| Average Salary | Up to INR 10 lakh |
| Job Positions | Apparel Designer, Fashion Forecaster, Apparel Quality Controller |
| Entrance Exams | NIFT, UCEED, Pearl Academy Entrance Exam,  IIAD Entrance Exam, etc. |
| Top Recruiters | Levi's, Raymond, BIBA, Park Avenue, Peter England, Van Heusen |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
Quick Links About Apparel Design Courses:
List of NIFTs in India: 2024 Ranks, Admissions, Courses and Fees
Q: Â What is Apparel Design?
The term "apparel design" describes the entire process of making clothing, from the first conceptualization to the actual manufacturing of the items. It is the duty of apparel designers to create clothes that are both aesthetically beautiful and practical, taking into consideration elements like silhouette, fit, colour, fabric choice, and style.
In Apparel Design course one can learn about creating original garments/ clothes. An apparel designer first makes a sketch of the design, selects the fabrics that are required, decides the pattern, and work in order to make the end-product.
Why pursue an Apparel Design Course?
For those who are passionate about fashion, creativity, and have a good eye for detail, a career in Apparel Design can be gratifying and enjoyable. The creation of clothes provides a medium for creative expression, enabling designers to realize their artistic ambitions.
Designers have the chance to produce one-of-a-kind and cutting-edge clothing items that showcase their individuality and ingenuity. There are many industries where apparel designers can find work, such as ready-to-wear, haute couture, sportswear, costume design, and sustainable fashion.
Apparel Design Course Eligibility Criteria
The course specialisation in Apparel Designing is offered either as a specialisation or as a core subject of the Fashion Designing course. In India, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) offers Bachelor of Fashion Technology (BFTech) in Apparel Production, the National Institute of Design (NID) offers a Bachelor of Design in Apparel Design, as a part of the Textile Design stream, WLCI School of Fashion offers BA in Fashion Design, Army Institute of Fashion and Design (AIFD) offers BSc in Fashion and Apparel Design.
The basic eligibility criteria for admission to a design course at the UG, PG and Doctorate levels are mentioned in the table below.
| Course |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| UG Design Courses |
Candidates can secure admission in a UG-level design course if they have completed 10+2 from a recognised board with passing marks. Aspirants from any stream (Science/ Commerce/ Arts) are eligible to apply for admission to a UG design course. |
| PG Design Courses |
To secure admission in a PG-level design course, candidates should have completed graduation from a recognised college/ institute. It may be noted that for PG-level admissions, most colleges prefer graduates with a bachelor’s degree in design stream only. However, aspirants from other streams are also sometimes eligible to apply for admission in a PG design course if they possess the required skill set and aptitude. |
| PhD in Design |
The applicants for the PhD in Design programme must hold a Master's degree in design from an accredited institution or university, or any equivalent degree. A candidate is required to have received at least 50% in their postgraduate exams. |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
Types of Apparel Design Courses
Given below are the various types of Apparel Design courses available in India:
| Types of Apparel Design Courses | |
|---|---|
| Diploma in Apparel Design | BSc Apparel Design |
| UG Diploma in Apparel Design | MDes in Apparel Design |
| B.Voc in Apparel Design | M.Voc in Apparel Design |
| BDes in Apparel Design | MA in Apparel Design |
| BA in Apparel Design | MSc Apparel Design |
Popular Courses
- B.FTech. in Apparel ProductionNational Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
- B.F.Tech. in Apparel ProductionNational Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore
- B.FTech. in Apparel ProductionNational Institute of Fashion Technology, Mumbai
- B.F. Tech in Apparel ProductionNational Institute of Fashion Technology, Gandhinagar
- B.FTech. in Apparel ProductionNational Institute of Fashion Technology, Kolkata
- B.FTech. in Apparel ProductionNational Institute of Fashion Technology, Jodhpur
- Undergraduate Diploma in Fashion DesignJD Institute of Fashion Technology- Corporate Center, Hauz Khas
- Post Graduate Diploma in Fashion Design (Industrial Collaboration Subharti University)JD Institute of Fashion Technology- Corporate Center, Hauz Khas
- Diploma in Fashion Design and Boutique ManagementIndian Institute of Fashion Technology
- Post Graduate Diploma in Fashion Designing and Boutique ManagementIndian Institute of Fashion Technology
Q: Â What is the difference between Fashion Design and Apparel Design?
Fashion Designing is an art of designing clothes, fashion accessories and sometimes footwears etc., whereas Apparel Designers apply knowledge of fabrics, coordinate colors and textures, and monitor quality and fit.
Points of Difference | Fashion Designing | Apparel Designing |
|---|---|---|
Scope | Encompasses the entire fashion industry, including clothing, accessories, and footwear. | Focuses specifically on the design of clothing and related items. |
Creativity Emphasis | Emphasizes creativity and innovation, often involving trendsetting and unique designs. | Emphasizes a balance between creativity and practical considerations in clothing design. |
Elements Included | Includes clothing, accessories (jewelry, handbags), and footwear. | Primarily focused on the design of garments, considering factors like pattern making and fabric selection. |
Industry Knowledge | Requires a comprehensive understanding of fashion trends, textiles, and the fashion industry. | Requires knowledge of garment construction, pattern making, and practical aspects of clothing design. |
Job Focus | Fashion designers may work on a range of items beyond clothing, including accessories. | Apparel designers focus specifically on designing various types of clothing. |
Practical Aspects | Emphasizes aesthetics and trendsetting. May involve conceptual and avant-garde designs. | Balances creativity with functionality, comfort, and practical considerations in clothing design. |
Apparel Design Course Entrance Exams 2024
These Fashion and Design institutes shortlist candidates for admission in their Apparel Design courses on the basis of entrance tests including Design Aptitude Test or General Ability Test followed by Personal Interview/Studio Tests. To know the complete admission process of these fashion and design institutes for admission to Apparel Design Courses click on the links below:
Most educational institutes shortlist candidates for admission in their Apparel Design course based on a design aptitude test followed by reviewing the candidate’s portfolio and conducting a personal interview round. Some popular Apparel Design entrance exams aspirants should consider giving are:
| Name of Exam |
Registration Details | Exam Details |
|---|---|---|
| Closed | NIFT Exam Schedule | |
| Closed | UCEED Exam Schedule | |
| Closed | NID Entrance Exam Schedule | |
| Closed | CEED Exam Schedule | |
| Closed | Pearl Academy Entrance Exam Schedule | |
| Closed |
Note: This information is sourced from official website of the institute/exam.
Jun '24 | CT SET 2024 Counselling Start TENTATIVE |
Jun '24 | CT SET 2024 Result TENTATIVE |
Dec '24 | NIFT 2025 application form START Date TENTATIVE |
Feb '25 | NIFT 2025 (Written Exam) TENTATIVE |
20 Sep ' 24 | SAT Registration Deadline for October Test |
24 Sep ' 24 | SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a... |
3 Sep ' 24 - 3 Dec ' 24 | NID DAT 2025 Registration Date |
4 Dec ' 24 - 9 Dec ' 24 | NID DAT 2025 Application Correction Window |
Q: Â How can I prepare for NIFT? Can you refer some books to prepare for NIFT?
Q: Â What is the difference between UCEED and CEED?
CEED is an entrance exam for postgraduate Design courses such as M.Des and UCEED entrance exam is for undergraduate Design courses such as B. Des. UCEED is open to all nationals (Indian/Foreign). Many reputed colleges such as Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB), Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) and Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and Manufacturing Jabalpur (IIITDMJ) aceept UCEED scores. You should have qualified for CEED exam if you wish to seek admission to Master of Design M.Des programmes at IISc Bangalore, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, IIITDM Jabalpur, and IIT Kanpur, and to Ph.D. programmes in Design at IISc Bangalore, IIT Bombay, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, and IIT Kanpur.
Apparel Design Course Syllabus
Learning Apparel design entails developing a blend of technical, business, and creative abilities. The Apparel Designing course curriculum is designed to impart technical skills among the students. Apparel design courses enable students to learn the fundamental principles of design, including colour theory, balance, proportion, and harmony.
Some common topics that are taught as part of an undergraduate course in Apparel Design are as follows:
| Bachelor of Design (BDes) in Apparel Design | ||
|---|---|---|
| History of Costume and Fashion Design |
Design Management | Concept Designing |
| Apparel Quality Procedures and Practices |
Fabric Manufacturing and Dyeing | Apparel Standard & Quality Control |
| Auto CADÂ |
Fashion Research and Forecasting | Apparel Production |
| Bachelor of Fashion Technology in Apparel Production | ||
| Apparel manufacturing technology, Information Technology |
Quality management | Artificial Intelligence |
| Fundamentals governing aesthetic and design elements |
Fundamentals of management |
Extensive knowledge of raw materials |
| BA (Hons)Â Fashion Design | ||
| Drawing Techniques and Processes in Art and Design |
Visual Communication in Art and Design |
Design Principles |
| Ideas Generation and Development in Art and Design |
CAD/CAM for Fashion and Textiles |
Personal and Professional Development |
| Techniques and Processes in Fashion |
Textile Manufacture Production Operations |
Pattern Drafting in Fashion |
Popular Colleges for Apparel Design
Many colleges offer various courses in Apparel Design. Some popular colleges are listed below:
Top Government Colleges for Apparel Design
Candidates can have a look at the table below to know about the best Apparel Designing colleges which are semi-government or government colleges. The colleges have excellent tie-ups with the leather industry. Some of these colleges are as follows:
| Institute | Total Course Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
| NIFT Bangalore | INR 74000- INR12.3 lakh |
| NIFT Chennai | INR 6.1 lakh- INR 12.3 lakh |
| NIFT Delhi | INR 1.1 lakh-INR 12.3 lakh |
| NIFT Gandhinagar | INR 6.1 lakh-INR 12.3 lakh |
| NIFT Hyderabad | INR 6.1 lakh -INR 12.3 lakh |
| NIFT Kolkata | INR 5.5 lakh-INR 12.3 lakh |
| NIFT Mumbai | INR 5.6 lakh-INR 11.7 lakh |
| NIFT Patna | INR 12.3 lakh |
| NIFT Rae Bareli | -- |
| NIFT Kangra | INR 6.1 lakh-INR 11.7 lakh |
Top Private Colleges for Apparel Design
Candidates can have a look at the table below to know about the best Apparel Design colleges running privately. The colleges have excellent tie-ups with the leather industry. Some of these private colleges are as follows:
| Institute | Total Course Fees in INR |
|---|---|
| Acharya Institute of Graduate Studies | -- |
| Army Institute of Fashion and Design | INR 43600 -INR 6.1 lakh |
| Garden City University | INR 2.1 lakh-INR 3.1 lakh |
| Hindusthan College of Arts and Science | INR 80000- INR 2.1 lakh |
| IIAD Delhi | INR 21.1 lakh |
| JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore | INR 3.6 lakh-INR 7.5 lakh |
| Kanya Maha Vidyalaya | -- |
| Pearl Academy, Mumbai | -- |
| St. Teresa's College | INR 42000 |
| Vogue Institute of Art and Design | INR 6 lakh |
| Whistling Woods International | INR 9 lakh |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute.
Top 20 in India
Q: Â Is NID worth joining, if you're interested Apparel Design?
For those who are enthusiastic about Apparel design, joining National Institute of Design (NID) can be a fulfilling experience that gives them the information, abilities, and chances they need to achieve a successful career in the fashion sector.
But, before making a choice, you must thoroughly analyse the advantages and disadvantages as well as your unique objectives and situation. Students should be aware of the list of NIDs in India so that they can make their decision accordingly:
- NID is renowned for design education.
- It offers specialised courses in apparel design.
- The faculty is experienced.
- NID provides networking opportunities.
- It has strong industry connections.
- Students build strong portfolios.
- Consider location and lifestyle.
- Costs vary; evaluate affordability.
- Explore alternative options.
- Make an informed decision.
Popular Private Apparel Design Colleges in India
Apparel Design Applications open. Apply Now
Apparel Design Applications open. Apply Now
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Popular Apparel Design UG Courses
UG Courses
- UG Diploma
145 Colleges
- B.Sc.
64 Colleges
- B.Des
29 Colleges
- B.Voc
15 Colleges
- B.FTech
11 Colleges
Popular Apparel Design PG Courses
PG Courses
- M.Sc.
47 Colleges
- PG Diploma
38 Colleges
- M.Des
7 Colleges
- MBA/PGDM
6 Colleges
- M.Voc
4 Colleges
Apparel Design Career, Scope and Job Profiles
There are various job profiles one can opt for after completing their UG or PG level courses in Apparel Design. The salary offered in the apparel industry is determined by multiple factors like the Institute from which the student has passed out, the job role selected, academic performance, practical skills, etc.
Job Profiles and Salary after Apparel Design
Listed below are the average base salary for a few popular job roles in the apparel design industry.  Some of the job profiles are mentioned below:
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Apparel Designer | An Apparel Designer is involved in designing and maintaining the clothing line of an apparel brand. They create, illustrate designs and patterns, estimate the cost of manufacturing and maintain their associated brands' clothing lines.  | INR 6 LPA-INR 9 LPA |
| Fashion Trends Forecasters | The fashion industry is ever-changing. Every day a new trend is set. Therefore, as fashion forecasters, they are required to research and analyze the worldwide fashion industry. The fashion forecasters work with fashion designers to identify and create apparel designs that will set the trends in the market. | INR 5 LPA-INR 9 LPA |
| Apparel Quality Controllers | The quality controllers are involved in setting standards for the fabric to differentiate original and quality products from faux material. | INR 6 LPA-INR 10 LPA |
Note: This information is sourced from multiple sources on the web. Hence, is subject to vary.Â
Top Recruiters for Apparel Design
There are several channels via which employment in apparel design can be filled, including fashion houses, retail establishments, design studios, and manufacturing corporations. The following are some possible resources and categories of recruiters you may run into in the clothing design industry:
Given below are the top Indian and International recruiters for the Apparel Design aspirants. Also Read Career in Fashion Designing.
| Top Recruiters for Apparel Design | ||
|---|---|---|
| Allen Solly | Van Heusen | Levis |
| Park Avenue | H & M | Uniqlo |
| Marks and Spencer | Zara | Louis Phillipe |
Q: Â What jobs can I get with an Apparel Design degree?
After completing an Apparel Design course, aspirants can become Apparel designer, Fashion marketer, Fashion Trend Forecaster, Retail merchandiser, Quality controller or Stylist.
Given below are some job profiles that can be pursued by Apparel Design graduates:
Job Profile | Description | Average CTC (INR) |
|---|---|---|
Fashion Designer | Creates original clothing designs, considers market trends. | INR 3-5 Lacs (entry-level), INR 10 Lacs or more (experienced) |
Textile Designer | Specializes in creating designs for fabrics, patterns. | INR 3-4 Lacs (entry-level), INR 6 Lacs or more (experienced) |
Pattern Maker | Develops templates for cutting fabric based on design specifications. | INR 2-4 Lacs (entry-level), potential for higher based on experience |
Fashion Merchandiser | Manages buying and selling of clothing, ensures products meet market demand. | INR 3-5 Lacs (entry-level), INR 8 Lacs or more (experienced) |
Fashion Illustrator | Specializes in sketching and illustrating fashion designs. | INR 2-4 Lacs (entry-level), potential for higher based on experience |
Fashion Coordinator | Coordinates various aspects of the fashion design process. | INR 3-5 Lacs (entry-level), potential for higher based on experience |
Fashion Consultant/Stylist | Advises individuals or clients on fashion choices and styling. | INR 4-8 Lacs (employed), freelance rates may vary per project |
Q: Â Is Apparel Designing a good career?
Apparel Designing can be a good career choice for you if you are artistic and creative and have good communication and decision-making skills. There are many career opportunities that you can pursue after Apparel Design course. If you have an enthusiasm for fashion, creativity and design then a career in apparel design can be gratifying and enjoyable. Nevertheless, personal tastes, professional objectives, and the status of the fashion business at the time all have a role in whether or not it's seen as a "good" vocation.
The following elements should be taken into account while assessing a career in Apparel design:
Creativity and Expression: Through the creation of distinctive and visually appealing garment designs, apparel designers enable people to express their creativity.
Dynamic Industry: Professionals can keep up with the latest trends, technologies, and design techniques thanks to the fashion industry's constant evolution.
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