Fashion Designing Courses: Duration, Fees, Course List, Eligibility, Top Colleges
Pallavi Priyadarshini PandaContent Writer
Know the list of courses you can study in the Fashion Design field. Also, check the admission process, eligibility criteria, and top institutes offering these courses.
If you enjoy wearing latest designed fashion clothes, Fashion Design is a good career choice for you. Search for a good college in order to seek good knowledge of this course. It is mandatory to receive training as well as required exposure in order to make a mark in the fashion design field. Know more about different job profiles in the fashion industry through this article.
Types of Fashion Design Courses
These are the popular types of Fashion Design programs -
- Regular Bachelor programmes
- Regular Master’s programmes
- Vocation courses
- Diploma courses
- Certificate courses
- Online courses
B.Des in Fashion Design Degree Course
The B.Des is a 4-year course (spread over eight semesters). Admission to the course is open for candidates who have completed their 10+2. Check the table below for full details.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Name of the course |
B.Des in Fashion Design |
|
Duration |
4 years |
|
Who should apply? |
Candidates with an aptitude for creativity, innovation, and fashion may apply for the programme. |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
Academic Qualification The minimum academic criteria is a pass in 10+2 exam from a recognized institute. However, the following qualifications may also be accepted: A pass grade in Senior Secondary School Examination conducted by the National Open School with a minimum of five subjects. Or, Any Public School/Board/University Examination in India or in foreign countries recognized by the Association of Indian Universities as equivalent to 10+2 system. Or, General Certificate Education (GCE) Examination (London/Cambridge/Sri-Lanka) at the Advanced (A) level/ International Baccalaureate (IB). |
|
Age Limit The age limit may vary from one institute to another. |
|
|
Admission process |
Entrance exam-based: Admission to the top institutes is more or less based on a Design Aptitude Test (DAT). Also, the DAT is typically followed by: A Situation or Studio Test + Portfolio Review |
|
What next? |
Candidates who have completed their B.Des program can next pursue the M.Des course. |
|
Job profiles |
Fashion Designer, Jewellery Designer, Stylist, Textile Designer, Garment Technologist, Fashion Consultants, Consumer Behaviorist, Fashion Educator, Fashion Entrepreneurs, Data Analyst & Researcher, Merchandiser, Fashion Influencer, etc. |
B.Des Fashion Design course - Key Points
- The B.Des is the go-to course for candidates planning to pursue a course in fashion design.
- Also, the B.Des course is offered by most of the top design institutes, including the likes of Symbiosis Institute of Design, NIFTs, and ARCH College of Design and Business.
- Unlike diploma and certificate courses, the B.Des course is more comprehensive and deals with the subject matter in greater detail.
- The course will offer more practical classes so that the student gets a first-hand experience of the practical world.
- Research and critical thinking are a big part of the program.
- The student will also be taught about global fashion trends, and how fashion design is linked to ecological, environmental, ethical, technological, and aesthetic factors.
B.Des in Fashion Design course - Top entrance exams
Here are the popular entrance exams for admission to the B.Des in Fashion Design programme.
- NIFT - The National Institute of Fashion Technologies is amongst the foremost design institutes in the country. Admission to these institutes is on the basis of NIFT scores.
- AIEED (All India Entrance Examination for Design) - ARCH College of Design & Business conducts the exam for admission to its B.Des course.
- Pearl Academy Entrance Exam - Pearl Academy conducts the entrance exam in multiple cycles - February Cycle, May Cycle, June Cycle, July Cycle, and August Cycle. The candidate can appear in any of the cycles.
- SEED - The Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) conducts the exam for admission to its B.Des programme offered at its Pune campus.
- FDDI AIST - The Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) conducts this exam.
- SOFT CET - School of Fashion Technology (SOFT) conducts the CET, which carries 50% weightage; the 10+2 or qualifying exam carries the remaining 50% weightage.
- TDV Entrance Exam - The Design Village (TDV) conducts this exam.
- UID Aptitude Test - The Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID) conducts the admission process in two parts: 1) The Design Aptitude Test and 2) Situation Test and Portfolio Evaluation (ST-PE).
- ITM-IDM Entrance Exam - ITM Institute of Design and Media conducts the exam.
M.Des in Fashion Design Course
Candidates who have completed their B.Des can pursue the M.Des in Fashion Design. That being said, graduates from other academic streams can also pursue the programme.
|
Particulars |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Name of the course |
M.Des (Master of Design) |
|
Course duration |
2 years |
|
Education qualification |
Undergraduate Degree in any discipline from any Institute / University recognized by law in India Or, Undergraduate Diploma of a minimum of three years duration from NIFT / NID. |
|
Age limit |
The NIFTs don’t have restrictions on age limits. However, some institutes may have age requirements, so the candidate needs to check the eligibility requirements of the institute before applying. |
|
Admission Process |
Admission to the M.Des in Fashion Design course in most of the top institutes is entrance exam-based. However, in some of the lower-ranked institutes, direct admission is also offered. In such cases, a personal interview may be conducted. |
|
Job profiles |
Fashion Designer, Fashion Strategist, Fashion Consultants, Fashion Educator, Fashion Entrepreneurs, Data Analyst & Researcher, Creative Heads for Fashion and Lifestyle Products, etc. |
Popular entrance exams for the M.Des in Fashion Design course:
- TDV Entrance Exam
- IICD Entrance Exam
- UPES DAT
- WWI Entrance Exam
M.Des in Fashion Design course - A few additional pointers
- The master’s program is an advanced course, so it is recommended for candidates to have a fair understanding of design fundamentals.
- Also, note that the course may not cover the basic theories or include any skill development classes.
Integrated B.Des-M.Des in Fashion Design
Integrated courses in Fashion design are also an option for candidates. Currently, UPES University is one of the leading design institutes offering the course.
|
Particulars |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Name of the course |
Integrated (B.Des - M.Des) in Fashion Design |
|
Duration |
5 years |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
Minimum 50% marks at Higher and Senior Secondary Level (X and XII any Stream) |
|
Where to study |
UPES University |
|
Seat intake |
10 |
|
Admission process |
Merit-based |
|
Course fee |
Around INR 28, 00, 000. |
|
Career prospects |
Fashion Designer, Personal Designer, Fashion Blogger/Journalist, Retail Buyer, Fabric designer, Footwear designer, Fashion Illustrator, Visual Merchandiser |
BSc in Fashion Design Course
Unlike a B.Des course, the BSc program is not the most natural course for candidates looking to do a fashion design course. But still, the course offers yet another option for the curious-minded.
|
Particulars |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Name of the course |
BSc in Fashion Design |
|
Duration |
3 years |
|
Where to study |
Maxx Academy |
|
Admission process |
Merit-based |
|
Career prospects |
Fashion Designers, Fashion Stylists & Coordinators, Product Developers in Design Merchandising Apparel Merchandisers, Sampling coordinators |
MSc in Fashion Design Course
Like the B.Sc in Fashion Design, the MSc in Fashion design is also a bit uncommon. But that shouldn't be a reason for you to not take a close look into the course and see if the porgramme goal meets your requirements.
|
Particulars |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Name of the course |
MSc in Fashion Design |
|
Duration |
2 years |
|
Where to study |
Maxx Academy |
|
Admission process |
Merit-based |
|
Career prospects |
Fashion Designers, Fashion Stylists & Coordinators, Product Developers in Design Merchandising Apparel Merchandisers, Sampling coordinators |
Diploma courses in Fashion Design
For candidates who don't want to pursue a regular B.Des or M.Des course, the diploma course can be an ideal substitute. The diploma course in some cases follows the same trajectory as a regular degree programme, so that candidates won't miss out on key elements of the subject which may hamper their future career prospects.
|
Name of the course |
Course Details |
Where to study |
|---|---|---|
|
Professional Diploma in Fashion Design & Technology |
Duration: 4 years Eligibility: 10+2 in any discipline Admission Process: Entrance exam-based Pearl Academy Entrance Exam (UG) Career path: Fashion Designer, Product Developer, Creative Pattern Maker, Fashion Co-coordinator, Sampling Designer, Design Merchandiser, Fashion Trend Forecaster, Fashion Educator, Fashion Illustrator, Costume Designer |
Pearl Academy |
|
Diploma in Fashion Design & Technology |
Duration: 2 years Eligibility: Graduation in any stream. Admission Process: Entrance exam-based Pearl Academy Entrance Exam (PG) Career path: Assistant Designer Stylist, Visual Merchandiser, Freelance Designer, Design Consultant, Entrpreneur |
Pearl Academy |
|
PG Diploma in Fashion Design Specialisation In Fashion |
Duration: 2 years Eligibility: Graduate (Degree or Diploma) in any Discipline Admission Process: Entrance exam-based Pearl Academy Entrance Exam (PG) Career path: Fashion Designer, Fashion Strategist, Retail Buyer, Garment Technologist, Fashion Consultants, Consumer Behaviorist, Fashion Educator, Fashion Entrepreneurs, Data Analyst & Researcher, Creative Heads for Fashion and Lifestyle Products, etc. |
Pearl Academy |
Certificate Courses in Fashion Design
Candidates looking for short-term courses in Fashion Design can pursue certificate courses, which typically extend a couple of weeks.
Short-term (Certificate) courses in Fashion Design
|
Certificate Courses |
Institute |
Course Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Certificate Course in Fashion Design for Women’s Wear |
Pearl Academy |
Duration: 11 months Eligibility: Class X pass Age limit: Minimum 17 years of age |
|
Certificate Course in:
|
ARCH College of Design and Business |
Duration: 10 weeks Eligibility: 10+2 Teaching hours: 2 Hours/ 4 Days a week |
|
Certificate Course in Fashion Design and Clothing Technology |
ARCH College of Design and Business |
Duration: 20 weeks Eligibility: 10+2 Teaching hours: 2 Hours/ 4 Days a week |
|
Certificate in Fashion Design |
ARCH College of Design and Business |
Duration: 40 weeks Eligibility: 10+2 Teaching hours: 2 Hours/ 4 Days a week |
Vocational courses in Fashion Design
Candidates who want to learn the practical aspects of Fashion Design may get enrolled in a vocation course in the subject. Vocational courses are available at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
|
Name of the course |
Course details |
Where to study |
|---|---|---|
|
B.Voc in Fashion Design |
Duration: 3 years Career opportunities: Fashion Designer, Fashion Entrepreneur, Costume Designer, Creative Pattern Maker, Fashion Illustrator, Quality Control Specialist, Fashion Merchandiser Fashion Stylist, Fashion Blogger and Trend Analyst. |
ARCH College of Design and Business |
|
M.Voc in Design Entrepreneurship |
Duration: 2 years Career prospects: Fashion Designer, Fashion Entrepreneur, Fashion Illustrator, Costume Designer, Fashion Brand Manager, Fashion Merchandiser, Fashion Stylist, Fashion Blogger and Trend Analyst, Fashion Academician and Researcher, Fashion Journalist and Editor |
ARCH College of Design and Business |
BA in Fashion Design
The Bachelor of Arts is yet another interesting option for fashion design hopefuls. Important details about the programme are given in the table below.
|
Particulars |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Name of the course |
3-year BA in Fashion Design |
|
Where to study? |
School of Fashion Technology, Nagpur |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
10+2 in any stream - Arts/Commerce/Science/Home science minimum competency vocational courses (MCVC). Or Maharashtra state board of technical education (MSBTE)/ State Govt. technical education full time diploma of minimum 2 years after standard 10 th (any stream) |
|
Admission process |
Merit-based |
|
Description |
The program seeks to eqip students with tools and technology that are in sync with current trends. The program adopts a multidisciplinary approach. |
Additional details about the program:
- Candidates who exit the program after successful completion of:
- 1-year - Awarded a Diploma
- 2-year - Awarded an Advanced Diploma
- 3-year - Awarded a Degree
Distance (Online) courses in Fashion Design
|
Name of the course |
Details |
Where to study |
|---|---|---|
|
How To Create A Fashion Collection and Launch Your Own Brand |
Comprises a step-by-step 8-video series explaining the process of starting a fashion brand, development, and launching. |
Udemy |
|
Sketching for Fashion Design ~ Beginner Course for Designers |
The student will get to learn about Fashion Drawing Techniques, and how to use Croquis, Plumb Lines, and Body Movement. |
Udemy |
|
Fashion Drawing Course from Beginner to Advanced |
The course will deal with topics like - illustration, technical drawing, intonation, and collection design. |
Udemy |
|
Diploma in Fashion Designing |
Duration: 1 year Fee: 24,000 One to One individual support to students is provided through Phone/Mail/Video Chats/Virtual Classes. |
Maxx Academy |
Top Colleges to Study Fashion Design Course
Here is the list of the top design institutes, and the various fashion design courses offered by them are given in the table below:
|
Name of the institute |
Fashion Design courses offered |
|---|---|
|
B.Des in Fashion Design |
|
|
NIFTs |
B.Des in Fashion Design |
|
B.Des in Fashion Design B.Voc in Fashion Design M.Voc in Design Entrepreneurship |
|
|
B.Des in Fashion Design M.Des in Fashion Design |
|
|
B.Des in Fashion Design |
|
|
B.Des in Fashion Design |
|
|
B.Des in Fashion Design M.Des in Fashion Design |
|
Integrated (B.Des - M.Des) in Fashion Design |
|
|
B.Des in Fashion Design |
|
|
4-year Professional Diploma in Fashion Design & Technology 2-year Diploma in Fashion Design & Technology 2-year PG Diploma in Fashion Design Specialisation In Fashion |
|
|
M.Des in Fashion and Textile Design 4-year Bachelor of Fashion and Textile Design |
|
|
ISDI - School of Design and Innovation |
4-year UG program in Fashion Design |
|
School of Fashion Technology, Nagpur |
BA Fashion Design |
|
BSc in Fashion Design MSc in Fashion Design Diploma in Fashion Designing |
|
|
B.Des in Fashion Design |
Fashion Design Courses - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What are the popular Fashion design courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate level?
Q. What is the admission process to a B.Des Fashion Design course?
Q. What is the eligibility criteria for admission to the B.Des in Fashion Design course?
Q. What is the eligibility criteria for admission to the M.Des program?
Q. What is the admission process to a B.Des in Fashion Design course?
Q. What are the popular diploma courses that I can pursue in Fashion Design?
Q. What is the eligibility criteria for admission to the diploma course in Fashion Design?
Q. Do I need to have prior knowledge of design fundamentals for pursuing a M.Des program is Fashion Design?
Q. Are there any vocational courses that I can pursue in Fashion Design?
Q. Are Fashion Design courses also offered in online mode?
Q. What are the top design institutes to study Fashion Design course?
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8 Dec ' 25 - 6 Jan ' 26 | NIFT 2026 application form OPEN (Regular fees) |
7 Jan ' 26 - 10 Jan ' 26 | NIFT 2026 application form (Late fees) |
27 Feb ' 26 | Last date to apply for March Attempt |
14 Mar ' 26 | SAT India exam (March attempt) |
2 Jan ' 26 | UCEED 2026 Issue of Admit Cards |
18 Jan ' 26 | UCEED 2026 Exam DATE |
21 Dec ' 25 | NID DAT 2026 (Prelims) Date: B.Des & M.Des |
17 Feb ' 26 | NID DAT 2026 (Prelims) - Results for M.Des |
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313 Colleges
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- B.Des. in Accessory DesignNational Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
- B.Des. in Leather DesignNational Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
- B.Des. in Knitwear DesignNational Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
- B.FTech. in Apparel ProductionNational Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
- Master of Fashion Technology (M.FTech)National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
- Master of Fashion Management (MFM)National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
- B.Des. in Textile DesignNational Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
- Certificate in Garment Export Merchandising and ManagementNational Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
- B.Des. in Fashion DesignNational Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
- B.Des. in Fashion CommunicationNational Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
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416 Colleges
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327 Colleges
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120 Colleges
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Popular Fashion Designing PG Courses
PG Courses
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News & Updates
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
Yes, TDV Entrance Exam 2026 will be conducted online. The exam will have two parts. Part 1 is Aptitude Test and Part 2 is an online Interview.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
SOFT CET Entrance Examination will consist of General Ability Test + Creative Ability Test / Group Discussions + Personal Interview. All candidates must give all three tests.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
The eligibility critria for SOFT M.Des is
- Full-time Degree of minimum 4 year duration in Design/Fine Arts/Applied Arts/Architecture
- Three Year Bachelor Degree from any recognised University, In B Design/ Fashion Technology, B Tech. / 3 years Diploma of Government Polytechnic + Any Bachelor's Degree &
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
The eligibility criteria for SOFT B.Des is
- XIIth Pass in any Stream – Arts/Commerce/Science/Home-Science/Minimum Competency Vocational Course (MCVC), including National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
- Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education (MSBTE)/ other State Govt. Technical Education ful
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
The application fee for SOFT CET 2026 is INR 4,000 for B.Des and M.Des programes. The applications are open for all the programmes. The institute has not specified the last date.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
SOFT CET exams will be on January 09, 2026 and January 10, 2026. The exam will include three tests: 1) General Ability Test, 2) Studio Test, and 3) Personal Interview + Portfolio Statement of Purpose. The applications are open for UG and PG programmes.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Candidates can see the table below or the top NIFT accepting Fashion Designing colleges in India with tuition fees -
| College Names | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| NIFT Bangalore Admission | INR 12 lakh |
| NIFT Patna Admission | INR 12 lakh |
| NIFT Kolkata Admission | INR 12 lakh |
| NIFT Raebareli Admission | INR 12 lakh |
| NIFT Shillong Admission | INR 12 lakh |
Source: Official site and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
Yes, you can work abroad after completing Fashion Technology from NIFT. But, it would require a strong portfolio, try gain experience from international freelancing projects, and if possible, go for higher studies.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
To fill application form for UID DAT B.Des, candidate should have passed Class 12 in any stream or should have a 3year Diploma equivalent to 10+2 from any recognised university.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
UID DAT 2026 will be conducted online. The exam will be conducted in two tiers, Tier 1 and Tier 2. The weightage of Tier 1 is 40% and Tier 2 is 60%.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
UID DAT Application fee for B.Des and M.Des is INR 2000. The application is open for all categories. Forms can be filled online and offline.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes, you can fill UID DAT application form offline and online. The Application is open for 2026 for all categories. The online exam will be on January 11, 2026.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Of Course, fashion merchandising and retail are strong career paths after B.Design Fashion Design at Chandigarh University. The university not only teaches design but also focuses on business aspects of fashion. With collaboration and tie-ups with fashion houses, students get internships in retail c
S
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 months ago
Fashion design is where skill and imagination go together. When such a student thinks of starting a career, it matters a lot course structure and kind of exposure. The university, Chandigarh, has a programme that focuses on modern training and includes traditional design learning. Here, students can
B
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 months ago
After finishing B.Design in Fashion Design from Chandigarh University you do not just step into a single career path you actually get multiple options to choose from. Some students become designers working with retail brands or start their own labels, while others get into the business side of fashi
U
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 2 months ago
It is possible to publish research papers while pursuing a B.Design in Fashion at Chandigarh University. Research opportunities exist in areas such as sustainable fabrics, textile innovation, fashion technology, traditional crafts, and design processes, despite the fact that fashion is a creative fi
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, Campus tours at chandigarh University include a complete overview of the Fashion & Design Department as well as general campus amenities. Visitors can see labs such as garment construction, textile and dyeing, design studeios, and computer-aided design labs, all equipped with industry-standard
V
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
Fashion and Design students at CU do receive good support when it comes to placements. The university organizes placement drives, inviting companies from apparel, retail, and lifestyle sectors. Students also attend workshops on communication and presentation skills, which are important in this creat
V
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 months ago
Chandigarh University's B.Design in Fashion Design is a four-year undergraduate course. It's spread across eight semesters, where students balance theory and practical learning. The programme gives access to labs like pattern making, garment construction, textile and dyeing, and computer-aided desig
G
Beginner-Level 4
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Will TDV Entrance Exam 2026 be conducted online?