Good Design Colleges Besides NID & NIFT: Admission 2027, Courses & More Updates

Good Design Colleges Besides NID & NIFT: Admission 2027, Courses & More Updates

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Sayeba
Sayeba Naushad
Assistant Manager
Updated on Oct 29, 2026 11:08 IST
While NID and NIFT are the most prestigious design institutes in India, several other colleges also offer quality design education. Institutes like MIT Institute of Design (Pune), Symbiosis Institute of Design (Pune), Pearl Academy (multiple campuses), UID (Gandhinagar), Srishti Manipal (Bengaluru), World University of Design (Sonipat).
Getting admission into the NIDs and NIFTs is tough because they have very limited seats and a large number of candidates apply for admission. Here we bring you a number of good options beyond the NIDs and NIFTs where you can try your luck.

Design Colleges Besides NID & NIFT

We all certainly want the best for ourselves in whatever we aim for...and why not? If we have it in us and work hard enough, we deserve it! However, the fact of the matter is that even though we desire and deserve to secure admission to a good college, sometimes we may not be able to achieve it because there is a third ‘D’ that plays an equally important role, if not bigger, in shaping our lives – Destiny! Indeed, sometimes certain things may just not be destined for us. A major reason why it is so difficult to get admission to the NIDs and NIFTs is that they have very limited seats, especially if we are speaking of the top institutes like NIFT Delhi and NIFT Ahmedabad. So, it is not a bad idea to look beyond the NIFTs and NIDs. After all, many private colleges have come up in recent years that offer good education.

Let us thoughtfully plan our course of action if you are not selected for admission to NID or NIFT. Some equally good design colleges of repute in the industry are as follows:

Table of contents
  • Design Admission 2027 for Top Entrance Exams
  • Eligibility Criteria for B.Des Course
  • B.Des Admission Process 2027
  • List of Private B.Des Colleges
  • Top Design Courses after 12th
  • List of Specialisation for B.Des

Design Admission 2027 for Top Entrance Exams

The entrance exam for Design in the top design colleges is:

Institute

Location

Programmes

Forms

Exam date

National Institute Of Design (NID)

NID Institutes

B.Des

MDes

September 10, 2026 to November 30, 2026

NID Entrance Exam - December 20, 2026

NID DAT Mains for B.Des: April 2027

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)

20 NIFTs

B.Des, B.F.Tech, M.Des, M.F.M, M.F.Tech

October 16, 2026 to November 16, 2026

NIFT Exam Stage 1: January 10, 2027

NIFT Exam Stage 2: April, 2027

UCEED

IIT Bombay and other participating IITs

B.Des

October 01, 2026 to October 31, 2026

January 17, 2027

CEED

IIT Bombay and other participating IITs

M.Des

October 01, 2026 to October 31, 2026

January 17, 2027

Pearl Academy Of Fashion (PAF)

Delhi, Noida, Jaipur, Mumbai

B.Des

Open

January 19, 2027

Footwear Design Development Institute (FDDI)

Noida, Raibareli, Chennai, Kolkata, Jodhpur, Rohtak, Chindwara, Guna

B.Des and M.Des

Open

April 2027

Northern India Institute of Fashion Technology (NIIFT)

Mohali, Ludhiana, Jalandhar

B.Des

Open

First week of June

MIT Institute of Design (MITID)

Pune

B.Des

Open

April, 2027

Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID)

Pune

B.Des and M.Des

Open

January 2027

JD Institute of Fashion Technology

Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Guwahati

B.Des in Fashion Design, Interior Design, Fashion Communication, Fashion Business Management

Open

-

MAH CET B.Design

Colleges in Maharashtra

B.Des

To be out

April 2027

School of Fashion Technology (SOFT)

Pune

B.Des and M.Des

Open

-

All the above-mentioned colleges follow an entrance process similar to NIFT entrance exam. Therefore, if you have prepared for NIFT and NID, you will be well-equipped to attempt these entrance exams with continued practice. I would also like to emphasize that, regardless of the NIFT/NID written results, you should begin preparing for the second stages, such as the Situation Test and Personal Interview, as these skills are essential for other entrance processes as well.

Also Read:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the exam pattern for NIFT Situation Test?
A: 

Candidates will be shortlisted for NIFT Situation Test on the basis of their performance in NIFTEE exams. Situation Test will test material handling and innovative ability of the candidate. Some of factors that will be checked include Space Visualization, Innovative and creative use of given material, the composition of elements, color scheme, construction skill, the finesse of the model and overall presentation.

 

Q:   What is the expected cutoff for NIFT for B.Des?
A: 

The expected cutoff for NIFT 2027 for B.Des is:

CategoryExpected Cutoff for B.Des
Open30-80
EWS26-29
OBC26-29
SC22
ST19
Q:   What is NIFT Write Up?
A: 

After completing NIFT 3D model in Situation Test, candidates are required to write a brief explanation of model. This is known as Write Up. It should be clear, concise and structured. It should explain process, inspiration, theme and materials.

Q:   When do I need to start my preparation for NIFT 2027 exam?
A: 

NIFT exam is among the most competitive and the toughest. So, it is recommended that candidate start their exam preparation in advance, around 1 year before.

Eligibility Criteria for B.Des Course

The eligibility criteria for the Bachelor of Design course are decided by the institutions offering it. It can also vary by specialization. Given below are the eligibility criteria that must be fulfilled by candidates who wish to pursue a B. Des course.

Particulars
Details
B.Des Academic Qualifications
Candidates should have completed Class 12 from any stream ( Science, Arts, or Commerce) or equivalent qualification.
B.Des Marks Criteria
Should have secured at least 50% aggregate marks in Class 12 or an equivalent qualification.
B.Des Appearing or Passed Criteria
Those students appearing for Class 12 board exams and those who have already passed Class 12 are eligible.
B.Des Age Limit
Those who are not more than 24 years of age on 1st August of the year of B.Des admission.
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B.Des Admission Process 2027

The admission process for the B.Design can be different for colleges, courses, specialisation, etc. The admission process given below is generic and is mostly followed by all.

Parameters Details
Eligibility Criteria Check out the eligibility criteria for the desired college and make sure you meet the same.
Application Form Fill the college application forms before the last date.
Appear for Entrance Exam

Give entrance exams and get qualified.

Result Wait for the college to release the entrance results. For merit admissions, the college will send a confirmation email to the selected candidates.
Portfolio A majority of the top colleges ask for a solid portfolio showcasing individual skills and work.
Counselling and Seat Allotment and Fee Payment Appear for the counselling session and pay the B.Des admission fees to confirm admission.
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is there negative marking in NIFT Situation Test?
A: 

No, there is no negative marking in NIFT Situation Test. Negative marking is only there in NIFT GAT part in stage 1.

Q:   What is the NIFT syllabus for GAT paper for the design courses?
A: 

Topics for NIFTEE GAT paper are given below.

Quantitative AbilityAddition, Multiplication, Division, Fractions, Percentage, Rate of Interest, Work and Task, Ratio and Proportion, and Distance. 
Communication Ability and EnglishComprehension, synonyms, antonyms, words with corresponding meanings, singular, plural, one-word substitutes, idioms and phrases, correct spellings, comprehend a situation from a given passage, etc. 
Analytical Ability and Logical AbilityConcepts and practices of creative and lateral thinking 
GKGeneral knowledge and Current Affairs

 

Q:   When was NIFT Situation Test conducted?
A: 

NIFT 2027 Situation Test will be tentatively conducted on April 26, 2027.

Q:   Do I need to check previous years NIFT cut-off to prepare for the exam?
A: 

Yes, you can check NIFT cutoff of previous year to get an idea of seat allotment and counselling. When checking cutoff table, you should check programme and respective category. After checking cut-off and analyzing trends, you need to prepare accordingly.

Explore colleges based on AIEED

Based on ,B.A.,AIEED

Jaipur
Popular Specialisation
Product Design,Photography,Fashion Design,Interior Design,Digital Design
₹17.55 L
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List of Private B.Des Colleges

Check out the table to find the list of colleges apart from NID and NIFT.

Best Private Colleges B.Des Course Fees (Approx.)
Amity University, Kolkata INR 3.88 Lakh - 5.72 Lakh
Amity University, Mumbai INR 4.88 Lakh - 11.68 Lakh
Parul University INR 5.4 Lakh - 14.16 Lakh
Amity University, Noida INR 7.92 Lakh - 8.8 Lakh
Chandigarh University (CU) INR 8.72 Lakh
DOT School of Design INR 10 Lakh - 32 Lakh
Pearl Academy INR 15.86 Lakh - 27.89 Lakh
MIT Institute of Design, MIT-ADT University INR 17.8 Lakh
Unitedworld Institute of Design, Karnavati University INR 24 Lakh - 40 Lakh
FLAME University INR 37.5 Lakh

Top Design Courses after 12th

The table shows the top Fashion Design courses after Class 12, with their top colleges.

Fashion Design Courses after 12th Fashion Design Colleges Fashion Design Course Fees (approx)
BDes Fashion Design NIFT Delhi INR 12.96 Lakh
NIFT Bangalore INR 12.96 Lakh
Amity University Mumbai INR 6.48 Lakh
NIFT Mumbai INR 12.96 Lakh
Pearl Academy New Delhi INR 22.77 Lakh
MDes Fashion Design Amity University Mumbai INR 2.92 Lakh
Pearl Academy New Delhi INR 11.38 Lakh
Pearl Academy Mumbai INR 11.38 Lakh
World University of Design INR 8.05 Lakh
HITS INR 2.17 Lakh
Diploma in Fashion Design NIFT Delhi INR 2.83 Lakh - 3.54 Lakh
NIFT Mumbai INR 2 Lakh
IIFT Bangalore INR 1.25 Lakh - 1.75 Lakh
DOT School of Design INR 1.4 Lakh - 1.75 Lakh
HAMSTECH College of Creative Education INR 3.6 Lakh
Certificate in Fashion Design NIFT Delhi INR 94,400 - INR 1.65 Lakh
HAMSTECH College of Creative Education INR 65,000 - INR 1.8 Lakh
Pearl Academy New Delhi INR 3.55 Lakh
Manipal School of Architecture and Planning INR 84,000
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the components of NIFT Stage 2 Exam?
A: 

NIFT Stage 2 will have Situation Test and Personal Interview. 

ProgrammeStage 2 Components
B.Des (Bachelor of Design)Situation Test – Model-making, material handling, creativity, innovation
B.Des (NLEA)Studio Test + Personal Interview
B.Des (Artisans)Artisan Skill Test + Personal Interview
B.F.Tech (NLEA)Technical Ability Test (OMR-based) + Personal Interview
PG Programmes (M.Des, M.F.M., M.F.Tech)Personal Interview
Q:   What is Design aptitude test?
A: 

Design Aptitude is a test that is a part of most of the Design entrance exams in India. Through this test, the Design institutes examines the designing and creative ability of candidates. It includes questions related to sketching, drawing and reasoning. This test usually is the first step of any design exam. Candidates must focus on its preparations.

Q:   Is NID exam conducted online or offline?
A: 

NID DAT (Prelims) exam will be conducted as a paper-and-pencil/pen test. The question paper will be set in English only. DAT Mains will be held in offline mode.

Q:   What is the duration of the NIFT 2027 Situation Test?
A: 

NIFT Situation Test will be of 2 hours. In this time, candidates have to draw the given 3D model and write about it. 

Explore more Design exams with upcoming dates

UCEED 2027 Registration with L...

6 Nov '26 - 10 Nov '26

NIFT 2027 application form OPE...

16 Oct '26 - 16 Nov '26

NID 2027 Registration Date

10 Sep '26 - 30 Nov '26

U-DAT 2027 - Application Round 1

15 Sep '26 - 30 Nov '26

SAT India Exam (December) Attempt

5 Dec '26

WWI Entrance Exam

9 Dec '26 - 10 Dec '26

SEED 2027 Online registration ...

29 Sep '26 - 25 Dec '26

ADEPT Application 2027

1 Nov '26 - 31 Dec '26

NMIMS DAT 2027 Online registrations

1 Nov '26 - 31 Dec '26

UID DAT 2027 Application

1 Oct '26 - 31 Dec '26

List of Specialisation for B.Des

The following table presents the top B.Des specialisations and the career opportunities they offer.

B.Des Specialisation Popular Career Options
Fashion Design Fashion Designer, Stylist, Merchandiser, Illustrator, Trend Forecaster
Leather Design Footwear Designer, Leather Goods Developer, Accessory Designer, QC Manager
Accessory Design Jewelry Designer, Bag Designer, Watch Designer, Lifestyle Product Developer
Textile Design Textile Designer, Fabric Developer, Print Designer, Surface Pattern Expert
Knitwear Design Knitwear Designer, Apparel Developer, Sampling Coordinator, Pattern Maker
Fashion Communication Fashion Stylist, Visual Merchandiser, Photographer, Brand Manager, PR Executive
Apparel Production (B.FTech) Production Manager, Industrial Engineer, Supply Chain Executive, Quality Analyst
Film and Video Communication Director, Editor, Scriptwriter, Content Creator, Cinematographer
Exhibition Design Exhibition Designer, Museum Curator, Installation Artist, Event Designer
Animation Film Design Animator (2D/3D), VFX Artist, Storyboard Artist, Motion Graphics Designer
Graphic Design Graphic Designer, UI/UX Designer, Illustrator, Art Director, Branding Consultant

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About the Author
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Sayeba Naushad
Assistant Manager

Sayeba Naushad is a commerce postgraduate from Banaras Hindu University. She has over five years of experience in content writing and editing. She has a nose for current events in design field. At Shiksha.com, she s

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Comments

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neha goyal

8 years ago

Great list of designing colleges have been provided besides NID or NIFT. Arch College of Design & Business is the most established fashion, art & design college in India. For more details visit at a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.archedu.org/b-des-fashion-design.html" style='word-w

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