Design

Leather Design students should gain some of the following skills and qualities to make a successful career in India or abroad:

• Designing skills
• Good numerical skills
• Sound knowledge of computer-aided design software
• Strong planning ability
• Problem-solving ability

Here are some of the top Leather Design college options in India for certificate programs:

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

Some of the most important subjects you should study as a Leather Design student are:

• Leather Craftsmanship: It will teach you about the types of leathers, their properties, and how they can be molded to craft different products.
• Product Design: It will teach you about the creative and innovative designs, aesthetics, functionality, and the latest trends.
• Manufacturing Techniques: It will teach you about different manufacturing techniques for the products.

Well, it's not possible to completely customize the syllabus according to your interests, but you can choose electives based on your interests. Elective subjects are usually offered in a programme to let students independently customize their programme to some extent.  

Leather Design programs generally cover subjects allied to leather materials, processing, and Design principles, also covering a wider field of the luxury goods industry. Some important areas among them include leather technology, product development, design techniques, and industry trends. 

Many entrance exams are conducted for Leather Design course admission, and their mode depends on the conducting body, however, the NIFT entrance exam among them, is one of the most sought-after exam which is conducted on both online and offline modes. The General Aptitude Test (GAT) is conducted in an online, computer-based (CBT) mode. The Creativity Aptitude Test (CAT) is conducted offline, typically in a pen-and-paper format. 

Whether the NIFT entrance exam is easy or tough depends on your knowledge, skills, and preparation. The NIFT entrance primarily contains two sections: the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and the General Ability Test (GAT). It tests your general awareness, verbal ability, and creativity. 
Candidates generally consider this exam moderately difficult; however, with good preparation, you can easily pass the exam.

Of course, many top Leather Design colleges like AAFT, GLS University, YMCA, Madras Institute of Fashion Technology, and JD Institute of Fashion Technology offer admission on the merit system. However, it also depends on the course level and type you choose. For instance, if you choose to pursue an MDes in Leather Design, you would probably have to go through the entrance exam and Group Discussion or Personal Interview (GDPI) rounds.

Leather Design programs are offered by both government and private institutes, and their fee structure varies depending on the college rating, faculty rating, placement records, infrastructure, etc. However, the average Leather Design course fee for government colleges ranges from INR 4,620 to INR 12.34 Lakh. Similarly, for private colleges, the fee ranges from INR 34,730 to INR 15.85 Lakh.

The eligibility criteria for an MDes in Leather Design may vary depending on the institution; however, the general eligibility requirements are a degree in BDes or any relevant course in an appropriate discipline from a recognised university. Many top Design colleges also require candidates to have a portfolio to showcase during the interview or discussion rounds.