Top 10 Fashion Design Colleges in Mumbai 2025: Admissions, Courses, Eligibility, Exams
Mumbai, also known as India's fashion capital, is home to some of India’s top fashion design institutes. With its vibrant industry connections, renowned designers, and major fashion events, the city offers aspiring designers the perfect environment to learn and grow. In this article, we will explore the top 10 fashion design colleges in Mumbai, helping students make informed career choices.
- How Top Fashion Design Colleges in Mumbai are Selected
- Top 10 Fashion Design Colleges in Mumbai
- Why Pursue a Fashion Design Course?
- Popular Fashion Design Colleges in Mumbai
- Top Fashion Design Colleges in Mumbai: Eligibility Criteria 2025
- Top Fashion Designing Colleges in Mumbai: Admission Process 2025
- Top 20 Fashion Designing Colleges in Mumbai: Exam 2025
- Top 10 Fashion Designing Colleges in Mumbai
How Top Fashion Design Colleges in Mumbai are Selected
Selecting the top Fashion Designing colleges in Mumbai usually involves a thorough assessment of various factors that include reputation and accreditation, quality of education, infrastructure, faculty, and industry exposure. You can refer below for the key aspects that are considered when determining the best Fashion Design institutions in Mumbai:
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- Academic Standing: Recognition by government bodies such as the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), University Grants Commission (UGC), or All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) serves as an important benchmark for evaluating colleges.
- Seasoned Faculty: Experienced and well-qualified faculty members play a crucial role in ensuring high academic standards and effective learning.
- Industry Exposure: Partnerships with leading companies and brands for curriculum development provide students with practical knowledge and a competitive edge in their careers.
- Diverse Specialisations: Colleges that offer a wide range of specialized courses cater to diverse interests and career paths, making them more desirable.
- Infrastructure: Modern facilities equipped with cutting-edge technology foster creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning.
- Scholarships: Financial assistance for meritorious and underprivileged students enhances accessibility and encourages talent.
By considering these factors, students can make well-informed decisions and choose the best Fashion Design colleges in Mumbai that best aligns with their academic and career aspirations.
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.
The eligibility criteria may differ depending on the course opted by the candidate. For instance, candidates seeking admission to the B. Des course needs to have passed 10+2 exam from a recognised institute and should be less than 24 years as of August 1, 2026. Relaxation of 5 years in the upper age limit applies for candidates belonging to SC, ST and PwD candidates.
There are currently 18 participating institutes of NIFT 2025. However, there is one combined NID application form for admission to all the participating colleges. The candidate will be able to select their choice of colleges, in the order of preference, at the time of counseling. Note that the option to select college preferences will only be available for B. Des applicants. M.Des applicants are not required to enter campus preferences. The application form for NID that 2025 will open sometime in September 2024. Candidates who meet the prescribed eligibility criteria may fill out the application form, irrespective of the campus they want to get admission into.
Top 10 Fashion Design Colleges in Mumbai
According to India Today for the year 2024 there are only 4 top colleges in Mumbai under the Fashion Design category:
| College Name |
India Today 2024 |
|---|---|
| 2 |
|
| 21 |
|
| 30 |
|
| 37 |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website of the ranking body listed and may vary.
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Why Pursue a Fashion Design Course?
If you have a passion for creativity, self-expression, trends, etc., pursuing a fashion design course can be a great choice for you. You can refer below to learn why students choose Fashion Design courses as their career option:
- Creativity: Fashion design allows you to bring your artistic ideas and creativity to life through clothing, accessories, merchandise, etc.
- Career Opportunities: Students can work as a designer, merchandiser, director, stylist, fashion consultant, or you can even start your own brand. The industry also offers opportunities in film, fashion shows, media, retail, and luxury brands.
- Global Industry: Fashion is a billion-dollar industry with demand for fresh ideas and unique designs worldwide.
- Personal Expression: Fashion influences culture, identity, and even sustainability. You can make an impact by promoting ethical fashion and inclusivity.
- Entrepreneurial Opportunities: If you dream of launching your own fashion label or boutique, this course can provide the skills and knowledge to do so.
Popular Fashion Design Colleges in Mumbai
Given below are the best Fashion Designing colleges in Mumbai with their tuition fee and eligibility criteria:
| College Name |
Tuition Fee |
Eligibility / Exams |
|---|---|---|
| INR 1.89 lakh – INR 11.68 lakh |
CUET and Merit-Based |
|
| INR 1.64 lakh – INR 12.34 lakh |
NIFT Entrance Exam and Merit-Based |
|
| INR 2.1 lakh – INR 29.94 lakh |
Pearl Academy Entrance Exam, MAT, XT, CAT, NMAT and Merit-Based |
|
| INR 16.8 lakh |
NIFT Entrance Exam, UCEED, NID Entrance Exam, NATA, UID Design Aptitude Test, SEED, ITM IDM Entrance Exam and DAT |
|
| INR 8 lakh – INR 11.56 lakh |
UCEED |
|
| INR 26.8 lakh |
Merit-Based |
|
| INR 18,000 – INR 8.4 lakh |
Merit-Based |
|
| INR 80,000 – INR 3.8 lakh |
Merit-Based |
|
| -- |
Merit-Based |
|
| INR 36,000 – INR 2.07 lakh |
Merit-Based |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.
Top Fashion Design Colleges in Mumbai: Eligibility Criteria 2025
The eligibility criteria followed by the top 20 Fashion Design colleges in Mumbai can differ from college to college. However, you can refer below for the common eligibility criteria for admission to the best Fashion Design colleges in Mumbai:
The NIFT Bengaluru admission cut-offs are now available for Round I, II, and III.
The cut-off has been released for all the 18 participating colleges.
To check the cut-off, you need to go to the https://admissions.nic.in/ portal.
Under eServices, select OR-CR.
The roundwise NIFT 2024 cut-off or closing rank (All-India Quota) for the open category for NIFT Bengaluru for the 3rd Round are given below:
- Round I - 29 (opening rank), 234 (closing rank)
- Round II - 208 (opening rank), 236 (closing rank)
- Round III - 256 (closing rank)
Admission to Amity University Mumbai BBA course is based on merit in the last qualifying exam. Aspirants can also get admission through CUET UG score. For admission to BBA International, the university conducts an English test followed by a PI round. Additionally, aspirants who have passed Class 12 with at least 50% aggregate can apply for BBA Banking & Finance and BBA General. Candidates must pass Class 12 with at least 55% aggregate for all other BBA specialisations. Candidates passing Class 12 with at least 80% aggregate are eligible for direct admission to BBA course. After the completion of the selection rounds, aspirants need to pay a course fee to confirm their seat in the college. .
The selection criteria for BCA course is based on merit in the last qualifying exam. Additionally, the university also accepts CUET UG score for providing admission to BCA course. Candidates who have passed Class 12 with Maths/ Computer Science/ Information Practice/ Computer Applications/ Multimedia & Web Technology/ Data Management/ Application/ Web Application (provision of a bridge course in Maths available for non-Maths background applicants) can apply for the BCA course. Candidates passing Class 12 with at least 80% aggregate are eligible for direct admission to BCA course. After the completion of the selection rounds, aspirants need to pay a course fee to confirm their seat in the university. The total tuition fee for BCA is INR 4.80 Lacs as per an unofficial source. In case, a candidate is unable to pay the fee within the specified time, his or her admission will stand cancelled.
| Course Level |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate/UG Diploma |
|
| Postgraduate/PG Diploma/PGDM |
|
| After 10th Diploma/Certification |
|
| Doctorate |
|
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.
Top Fashion Designing Colleges in Mumbai: Admission Process 2025
Admission to best Fashion Design colleges in Mumbai can be secured either on the basis of merit or entrance exams. You can refer below for the step-by-step procedure to be followed for admission to top 20 Fashion Design colleges in India through various entrance exams:
Step 1: Check the eligibility criteria for the Fashion Design course
Step 2: Read the official notification of the Fashion Design entrance exam
Step 3: Complete the Registration process for the Fashion Design entrance exam
Step 4: Download the admit card for the Fashion Design entrance exam
Step 5: Appear for the Fashion Design entrance examination
Step 6: Secure admission to the Fashion Design entrance exam
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.
Top 20 Fashion Designing Colleges in Mumbai: Exam 2025
Please refer to the table below for the exam schedule for admission to best colleges for Fashion Designing in India:
| Entrance Exams |
Exam Dates |
Entrance Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| NIFT Entrance Exam |
Over for 2025 |
|
| CUET |
May 8 – June 1, 2025 |
|
| CUET-PG |
March 13 - April 1, 2025 |
|
| CEED |
Over for 2025 |
|
| UCEED |
Over for 2025 |
|
| CAT |
To Be Announced |
|
| MAT |
23 Mar ' 25 |
|
| GATE |
Over for '25 |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.
Top 10 Fashion Designing Colleges in Mumbai
Please refer below for the top Fashion Designing colleges in Mumbai according to India Today for the year 2024 under the Fashion Design category with their course fees, eligibility, etc.
- National Institute of Fashion Technology Mumbai
NIFT Mumbai was established in 1995 and is ranked No.2 by India Today for the year 2024 under the Fashion Design category. Admission to NIFT Mumbai is through the NIFT Entrance Exam. NIFT Mumbai offers 20+ UG, PG, Diploma and CE Fashion Design courses with a tuition fee of INR 1.64 lakh – INR 12.34 lakh.
- Pearl Academy Mumbai
Pearl Academy Mumbai was established in 2014 and was set up by the Creative Arts Education Society. The institute has been ranked 21st among the top 25 Fashion Design institutes in India by India Today for the year 2024. Pearl Academy offers 10+ UG, PG and Diploma Fashion Designing courses with a tuition fee of INR 2.1 lakh – INR 29.94 lakh. Admissions to these courses are done on the basis of Pearl Academy Entrance Exam score.
- Amity University Mumbai
Amity University Mumbai was established in the year 2014 and offers 10+ UG, PG, Degree and Diploma Fashion Design courses. Admissions to these courses are done based on merit or CUET score. The tuition fee for Fashion Designing courses offered by Amity University is around INR 1.89 lakh – INR 11.68 lakh.
- ITM IDM – Institute of Design & Media
ITM IDM was established in the year 2010. The institute has received an “A” grade accreditation from the NAAC and is approved by the NBA as well as the AICTE. ITM IDM offers undergraduate programmes, namely BDes across five specialisations, including Fashion Design, Visual Communication, VFX and Animation and Interior Design. The tuition fee offered for these courses is INR 16.8 lakh. NIFT Entrance Exam, UCEED, NID Entrance Exam, NATA, UID Design Aptitude Test, SEED, ITM-IDM Entrance Exam and DAT are the popular entrance exams for admission to Fashion Design courses at ITM-IDM.
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.
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Aneena is passionate about helping students find the right college for the right course. She spends hours analysing college data to simplify the admission process for students. From B.Tech colleges in India to Law,
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No, Maths is not required for NIFT. It is not compulsory to have studied Maths in Class 12 to appear for NIFT Entrance Exam. However, some questions from Mathematics are asked in the NIFT GAT section. Therefore, it is always beneficial to have some knowledge about the subject. The NIFT question paper for GAT will include questions from sections like logical and analytical reasoning, general awareness, verbal reasoning, and English.