NIFT vs Other Design Colleges: Which one is right for you?
NIFT is the first name that comes to our mind when someone mentions design colleges. But is it the right college for you? The market today is full of colleges, how to choose a design college is a challenge. Read on to get a clear picture.
NIFT vs Other Institutes
The most important step in building a successful career in the creative industry is choosing the right college or institute. There are so many institutes in India, but the National Institute of Fashion Technology always stands out. But there are many other good institutions, like FDDI, Pearl Academy, Symbiosis Institute of Design, Shrishti Manipal, etc., with great faculty and placements. How do we compare them and choose the best for us? This article will help you choose the right design college for you.
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Also Read:
- NIFT Statistics 2025
- NIFT Marks vs NIFT Rank: What Your Score Means
- Colleges Accepting NIFT Scores: Total Seats, Course-wise Seat Intake
Curriculum and Industry Exposure
NIFT Curriculum is rigorous and rigid and it focuses on theory as well as hands-on training. Students have the opportunity to participate in national-level competitions, fashion weeks and other workshops.
If you are seeking admission to the B.Des program, you can opt for SEED and NIFT. NIFT is the most important national level entrance exam in the country for design. NIFTs are ranked among the top design colleges in the country. So, NIFT should be your first preference. Keep SEED as a backup option.
NIFT Delhi is ranked 9 for Design by IIRF 2023 whereas NIFT Jodhpur is ranked 23 for Design by IIRF 2023. Both of them are highly-ranked colleges present in India. The scholarships provided by both college is good. Both of the colleges offer placement opportunities to students. The total fee for BDes at NIFT Jodhpur is INR 11.74 lakh. The total fee for BDes at NIFT Delhi is INR 12.34 lakh. Hence, which is the best college depends on what the person is actually looking for in a college or university. For more information please click here.
Private colleges, on the other hand, have a more flexible curriculum. They collaborate with brands for live sessions, mentorship, internships, etc. The depth of the academic rigor can vary here.
Placement Opportunities
There is a centralized placement process in NIFT. NIFT Placements include Pre-placement offers, on-campus placement, off off-campus placement. The curriculum is designed to give students a more practical approach. There are two mandatory internships that must be completed by the students. There are also ample opportunities where there are interactions with industry leaders and alumni.
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Private colleges such as Symbiosis, Shrishti Manipal, etc., also have good placement cells. The placements here depend on the course, campus and profile. There are also internship programmes offered by these colleges.
Campus and Infrastructure
NIFT has 19 NIFT campuses all over India. These campuses have well-equipped labs, design studios, etc. The infrastructure helps to foster learning and creativity.
Almost all the top private institutes have all the facilities that make an ideal infrastructure for learning and development. They have all the modern facilities on their campus.
In comparison with NIFT Gandhinagar, the National Institute of Fashion Technology is thought to be better for B.Des students. Assuring a standard in design education, both colleges share the same NIFT curriculum. However, the faculty expertise or teaching approaches for specific specialisations may differ slightly. The instructors are both skilled and experienced. Depending on the college, some professors may be experts in particular fields.
With more guest lectures and internship opportunities available, Chennai has a modest advantage because it is close to important textile and apparel export firms. Both have strong placement histories, with graduates landing positions in respectable businesses. However, Chennai's close proximity to industry may provide it a small benefit. Due to the greater cost of living in the city, Chennai may provide slightly higher starting earnings on average, though actual pay will depend on individual success and the employer of choice.
Fees and Affordability
NIFT is relatively more affordable as compared to most of the private design institutes because it is a government institution. There are also scholarships and financial aid for weaker sections.
Private colleges have expensive fees. The annual fees are higher and sometimes match the international standards. Scholarships may be available, but they are very competitive. Their fee structure is more complex.
Also Read: NIFT Fee Structure 2026 (UG/PG)
Global Exposure
NIFT also has international exposure. It has some tie-ups and exchange programmes, but not like private colleges. Private colleges have more opportunities for global exposure. International fashion schools like Istituto Marangoni or Polimoda offer unmatched global exposure but have high tuition costs.
Which Institutes should you choose?
- If you want a government-recognized, cost-effective education with national-level exposure and alumni support, go for NIFTs. Some of the notable NIFT alumni are Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Neha Sharma, Ritu Beri, Kusha Kapila, etc.
- If you want global exposure, niche specialization, and flexibility, then go for private institutes for design.
- If you have a budget and you wish to work abroad, then go for International Design schools.
We cannot exactly compare which organization is good. Both NIFT and other fashion colleges have their strengths. The decision to choose one depends upon goals, locations, budget, and learning styles. One should do proper research and attend counselling sessions, and connect with alumni before making a final choice.
NIFT vs. Other Design Institutes
The difference between NIFT and Other design colleges is given below:
| Basis |
NIFT |
Private Colleges |
International Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recognition |
Government recognized and high national reputation |
Well-known and may have international affiliations |
Globally reputed |
| Fees |
Moderate (2-3 lakhs/years approx..) |
Higher (₹5 - 7 lakhs/year or more) |
Very high (₹20 lakhs/year and above) |
| Placement |
Centralized process; industry connections |
Good, varies by institute and course |
Internships are common, but placements are not guaranteed |
| Campus Presence |
19 Campus |
Selected campuses in major cities |
Campuses in Fashion Hubs, like Milan, Paris, London, etc. |
| Global Exposure |
Limited |
May have international tie-ups |
Great Global exposure |
| Curriculum |
Rigid but comprehensive, government-structured |
Flexible and industry-integrated |
Contemporary and international-focused |
| Alumni Network |
Strong and influential in Indian fashion industry |
Good in some institutes; still developing phase |
Global network across fashion capitals |
| Ideal for |
Students seeking affordable, reputed govt education. |
Students seeking specialization and flexibility |
Students seeking a global career and who have a budget for international study |
We cannot exactly compare which institute is good. Both NIFT and other fashion colleges have their strengths. The decision to choose one depends upon goals, locations, budget, and learning styles. One should conduct proper research, attend counselling sessions, and connect with alumni before making a final choice.
