The top fashion design colleges in India 2025 include NIFT Delhi, NIFT Mumbai, NIFT Bangalore, Pearl Academy, Symbiosis Institute of Design and Amity School of Fashion Technology. Admission is through NIFT, CUET, UCEED or Pearl Academy exams. Fees range from ₹2 lakh to ₹30 lakh, with placements averaging ₹3–12 LPA. Students can specialize in Fashion Design, Textile Design or Apparel Design with strong industry exposure and career opportunities.
Fashion design has become one of the most sought-after career options in India, thanks to its blend of creativity, style and career opportunities in the global fashion industry. Students aspiring to become designers, merchandisers, stylists or textile experts look for top-ranked institutions that not only provide academic excellence but also guarantee strong industry exposure and placements.
In this guide, we will explore the best fashion design colleges in India with their ranking, fees, admission process, placements and cutoff details to help you make an informed choice.
Highlights
- Total Colleges in India: 50+
- Annual Fee Structure:
- Less than ₹1 lakh – 2 colleges
- ₹1–2 lakh – 4 colleges
- ₹2–3 lakh – 3 colleges
- ₹3–5 lakh – 5 colleges
- More than ₹5 lakh – 27 colleges
- Top Institutes: NIFT Delhi, NIFT Mumbai, NIFT Bangalore, NIFT Hyderabad, Pearl Academy, Amity School of Fashion Technology, Symbiosis Institute of Design
- Top Specialisations: Fashion Design, Apparel Design, Textile Design, Jewellery Design, Knitwear Design
- Admission Process: Merit-based and entrance exams like NIFT Entrance Exam, UCEED, CEED, CUET, Pearl Academy Exam, IIAD Exam
Admission Process for Fashion Design Colleges in India 2025
Admissions to fashion design colleges in India are merit-based or entrance-based through exams like NIFT, CUET, CEED, or UCEED.
Fashion design courses are offered at both UG and PG levels. Here’s a breakdown:
Undergraduate (UG) Courses
- Eligibility: Class 12 passed in any stream (Science/Commerce/Arts) from a recognised board.
- Popular Degrees: B.Des in Fashion Design, B.F.Tech, B.Sc in Fashion Design.
- Course Duration: 3–4 years.
- Admission: Based on NIFT Exam, UCEED, CUET, or college-level entrance exams.
Postgraduate (PG) Courses
- Eligibility: Graduation in a related field from a recognised institute.
- Popular Degrees: M.Des, M.F.M, M.F.Tech.
- Course Duration: 2 years.
- Admission: Based on CEED, NIFT PG Exam, or university-specific entrance.
Top 10 Fashion Design Colleges in India 2025
The top-ranked fashion design colleges in India 2025 are led by NIFT Delhi, NIFT Mumbai, and NIFT Bangalore, followed by Pearl Academy and Symbiosis Institute of Design.
| College Name | Courses Offered | India Today Rank 2024 | Fees (Approx.) |
| NIFT Delhi | B.Des, B.F.Tech, M.Des, MFM | 1 | ₹12 Lakh |
| NIFT Mumbai | B.Des, B.F.Tech, MFM | 2 | ₹12 Lakh |
| NIFT Bangalore | B.Des, B.F.Tech, MFM, M.F.Tech | 3 | ₹12 Lakh |
| NIFT Hyderabad | B.Des, B.F.Tech, MFM | 4 | ₹12 Lakh |
| NIFT Chennai | B.Des, B.F.Tech, MFM, M.F.Tech | 5 | ₹12 Lakh |
| NIFT Gandhinagar | B.Des, B.F.Tech, M.Des, MFM | 6 | ₹12 Lakh |
| NIFT Kolkata | B.Des, B.F.Tech, MFM | 7 | ₹12 Lakh |
| NIFT Patna | B.Des, B.F.Tech, MFM | 8 | ₹12 Lakh |
| Pearl Academy Delhi | B.Des, M.Des | 9 | ₹3–30 Lakh |
| NIFT Jodhpur | B.Des, B.F.Tech, MFM | 10 | ₹12 Lakh |
Entrance Exams for Fashion Design Colleges 2025
NIFT Entrance Exam, UCEED, CEED and Pearl Academy Exam are the most widely accepted fashion design entrance exams in India.
- NIFT Entrance Exam – Conducted annually by the National Institute of Fashion Technology.
- Pearl Academy Exam (PAF) – For Pearl Academy admissions.
- UCEED/CEED – IIT Bombay-administered exams for design courses.
- CUET (NTA) – National-level exam for multiple private and government institutions.
- IIAD Entrance Exam – For Indian Institute of Art & Design.
Top Private Fashion Design Colleges in India 2025
Private fashion design colleges like Pearl Academy and Symbiosis are known for international tie-ups, modern infrastructure and high placement packages.
| College Name | Fees | Ranking |
| Pearl Academy Delhi | ₹30 Lakh | Rank 9 |
| Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), Pune | ₹19 Lakh | Rank 12 |
| Army Institute of Fashion & Design, Bangalore | ₹6 Lakh | Rank 16 |
| Pearl Academy Jaipur | ₹26 Lakh | Rank 18 |
| Amity School of Fashion Technology, Noida | ₹9 Lakh | Rank 20 |
Top Government Fashion Design Colleges in India 2025
Government colleges like NIFTs dominate fashion design education in India, offering excellent ROI with strong placements and lower fees compared to private colleges.
| College Name | Fees | Ranking |
| NIFT Delhi | ₹12 Lakh | Rank 1 |
| NIFT Mumbai | ₹12 Lakh | Rank 2 |
| NIFT Bangalore | ₹12 Lakh | Rank 3 |
| NIFT Hyderabad | ₹12 Lakh | Rank 4 |
| NIFT Chennai | ₹12 Lakh | Rank 5 |
| NIFT Gandhinagar | ₹12 Lakh | Rank 6 |
| NIFT Patna | ₹12 Lakh | Rank 8 |
Placements & ROI – Top Fashion Design Colleges
Fashion design graduates from NIFT and Pearl Academy get placements in leading brands like Zara, H&M, Myntra and Reliance with average salaries of ₹4–8 LPA.
| College | Average Package | Top Recruiters |
| NIFT Delhi | ₹5–6 LPA | H&M, Zara, Adidas, Reliance Trends |
| NIFT Mumbai | ₹4–5 LPA | Marks & Spencer, Myntra, Pantaloons |
| Pearl Academy | ₹4–6 LPA | Raymond, Shoppers Stop, Amazon |
| Amity Fashion Tech | ₹6 LPA | FabIndia, Ritu Kumar, Lifestyle |
| Symbiosis Institute of Design | ₹6–8 LPA | Tata, Arvind Mills, Tommy Hilfiger |
Cutoff for Top Fashion Design Colleges (2025 Expected)
NIFT Delhi cutoff is the most competitive (Top 300 rank), followed by NIFT Mumbai and NIFT Bangalore in the range of 400–600 ranks.
- NIFT Delhi: 150–300 rank (General Category)
- NIFT Mumbai: 350–500 rank
- NIFT Bangalore: 400–600 rank
- NIFT Hyderabad/Chennai: 500–700 rank
- Pearl Academy: Separate exam, requires above 60% in entrance + interview.
Low-Cost Fashion Design Colleges in India
Affordable fashion design colleges in India like Bon Secours and Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya offer courses under ₹2 Lakhs.
| College Name | Fees |
| Bon Secours College for Women | ₹44,000 |
| Sardar Patel Mahavidyalaya, Chandrapur | ₹69,000 |
| Punjab College of Technical Education | ₹93,000 |
| Rathinam College of Arts & Science | ₹1.8 Lakh |
| Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya | ₹1.6 Lakh |
Specialisations Offered
Fashion design colleges in India offer multiple specialisations including apparel, textile, knitwear and jewellery design.
- Fashion Design – Offered in most NIFTs, Pearl Academy, SID Pune.
- Apparel Design – NIFT Kannur, Army Institute of Fashion Tech.
- Textile Design – JD Birla Institute, Nehru Arts & Science College.
- Knitwear Design – NIFT Chennai, Patna.
Conclusion
Fashion design as a career is rapidly growing in India, and getting into a reputed institution plays a big role in shaping your professional journey. From NIFTs to Pearl Academy and SID, each institute offers a unique blend of creativity, exposure, and placements. While government colleges like NIFTs are considered the best due to strong ROI, private institutes like Pearl Academy and Symbiosis provide international exposure and industry tie-ups.
Your choice depends on budget, career goals, and preferred specialisation. If you want cutting-edge exposure and placement opportunities, aim for the top 10 NIFTs and private institutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which are the top fashion design colleges in India in 2025?
The top fashion design colleges in India include NIFT Delhi, NIFT Mumbai, NIFT Bangalore, NIFT Hyderabad, NIFT Chennai, Pearl Academy, and Symbiosis Institute of Design. These institutes are known for strong academics, placements, and industry tie-ups.
2. What is the eligibility for fashion design courses in India?
For UG courses, students must complete Class 12 from a recognized board. For PG courses like MDes or MFTech, graduation in a relevant field is required along with entrance exam scores.
3. Which entrance exam is required for fashion design in India?
The main entrance exams are NIFT Entrance Exam, UCEED, CEED, CUET, and Pearl Academy Entrance. Among these, NIFT is the most widely accepted for both UG and PG admissions.
4. What is the average fee for top fashion design colleges in India?
Fees vary from ₹2 lakh to ₹30 lakh depending on the institute. NIFT campuses charge about ₹12 lakh, while private institutes like Pearl Academy may cost up to ₹30 lakh.
5. Which fashion design college in India has the best placement record?
NIFT Delhi, NIFT Mumbai, and Pearl Academy have some of the best placement records. Top recruiters include AND Design, Reliance Brands, H&M, Amazon, and global fashion houses.
6. What is the average salary of a fashion design graduate in India?
Fashion design graduates earn between ₹3 LPA to ₹9 LPA on average. NIFT and Pearl Academy students often receive the highest offers, with top salaries going above ₹15 LPA.
7. Is NIFT better than Pearl Academy?
NIFT offers affordable fees, national recognition, and government affiliation, while Pearl Academy provides global exposure, strong industry connections, and creative programs. The choice depends on budget and career goals.
8. Are there low-cost fashion design colleges in India?
Yes, colleges like Bon Secours College for Women, Sardar Patel Mahavidyalaya, and Rathinam College of Arts & Science offer programs at fees under ₹2 lakh while still maintaining good training quality.
9. Which is the number 1 fashion design college in India?
According to India Today 2024 rankings, NIFT Delhi is ranked as the #1 fashion design college in India due to its academic excellence and placement record.
10. Can I study fashion design after Class 12 in India?
Yes, after Class 12, students can pursue BDes, BFTech, or BSc in Fashion Design. Admissions are based on merit or entrance exams like NIFT, UCEED, or CUET.
11. What are the popular specialisations in fashion design?
Specialisations include fashion design, apparel design, textile design, knitwear design, jewellery design, and fashion communication. NIFT campuses offer the widest range of options.
12. Which private fashion design college is best in India?
Pearl Academy, Symbiosis Institute of Design, and Amity School of Fashion Technology are among the best private colleges offering strong placements and global tie-ups.
13. What is the cutoff for NIFT Delhi in 2025?
NIFT cutoffs vary each year based on the number of applicants and difficulty of the exam. NIFT Delhi usually has the highest cutoff among all campuses, requiring top ranks.
14. Is CUET accepted for fashion design admissions?
Yes, several private universities like Amity University and Axis College accept CUET scores for BDes and related fashion design programs.
15. What is the duration of a fashion design degree in India?
A BDes or BFTech program usually takes 4 years, while PG programs like MDes or MFTech take 2 years. Some diploma programs may be shorter, around 1–2 years.
16. Which fashion design colleges are best in South India?
NIFT Bangalore, NIFT Chennai, and NIFT Hyderabad are the top fashion design colleges in South India, known for high rankings and strong industry placements.
17. Do fashion design colleges in India provide internships?
Yes, most top fashion colleges like NIFT and Pearl Academy have internship programs with fashion houses, retail brands, and export companies to give students industry exposure.
18. Are scholarships available for fashion design students?
Many institutes, including NIFT and Amity, offer need-based and merit-based scholarships. Pearl Academy also provides financial aid and international study scholarships.
19. Can I get a fashion design degree without appearing for NIFT?
Yes, colleges like Pearl Academy, Symbiosis Institute of Design, and Amity University offer admissions through their own entrance exams or CUET scores.
20. What is the ROI of top fashion design colleges in India?
ROI depends on fees versus placement salary. For example, NIFT Kannur (₹12 lakh fees) offers ₹4 LPA packages, while Amity Noida (₹9 lakh fees) offers around ₹6 LPA.