Gone are the days when only doctors and engineers were the top choice among the students. Nowadays, with the increasing demand for designers across the world, students are direly in search of the best design colleges in India. These colleges firstly help you sharpen your skills and later on provide you with the platform to showcase your talent.
India has many excellent design schools that help creative people become better at what they do. Students who love art and design often look for the best design colleges in India. India is a lively and diverse country with a lot of different cultures, and this diversity makes it a great place to learn about design. People here are inspired by their rich history but also use modern ideas and tools.
Many students want to find the best design colleges in India because they want to learn how to be better designers. In India, you can find these colleges in big cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, or in peaceful places surrounded by nature. These colleges teach various types of design like fashion, graphic design, and interior design.
So, before getting directly on the list of the top design colleges in India, we will first look at the different specializations offered by them.
Topics covered
Different Specializations in Design
Design is like a big puzzle with many different pieces. These pieces are called specializations, and each one is like a unique path you can take in the world of creativity and work. Imagine you love making things look nice and useful. Here are some of the top specializations offered by the best design colleges in India:
| Specializations | Description |
| Industrial Design | Industrial designers develop and enhance everyday products, from consumer electronics to furniture. They prioritize form, function, and user-friendliness. |
| Architectural Design | Architects design and plan buildings and structures, encompassing residential houses, commercial complexes, and public edifices. |
| UX/UI Design | User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) designers create user-friendly digital experiences, shaping the layout, interactions, and visuals of websites and applications. |
| Game Design | Game designers conceive the rules, gameplay, and overall experience of video games. They work on game mechanics, storytelling, and level design. |
| Product Design | Product designers craft everyday items, from household appliances to consumer goods, emphasizing functionality, aesthetics, and user experience. |
| Jewellery Design | Jewellery designers create intricate and unique pieces of jewelry, combining precious metals and gemstones to produce wearable art. |
| Textile Design | Textile designers develop patterns, textures, and designs for fabrics, ensuring they meet the requirements of fashion, interior, and industrial applications. |
These specializations represent the broad spectrum of creative opportunities within the design field. Aspiring designers have the chance to delve into these niches, honing their skills and expressing their artistic visions while making a meaningful impact on various industries.
Best Design Colleges in India as per Specializations
You have seen the list of the top specializations offered by the best design colleges in India. Are you looking for fashion designing or interior designing? No worries, we have already got you covered! Well, it is now time to discuss about the top design colleges in India as per their specializations.
Top Industrial Design Colleges in India
Here are the top 5 Industrial Design colleges in India that you can look forward to:
- National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
- National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi
- Symbiosis Institute of Design, Pune
Discover More by accessing the Free Career Dashboard
This will help us share relevant information with you.
Top Architectural Design Colleges in India
Here are the top 5 Architectural Design colleges in India that you can look forward to:
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee
- School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Delhi
- Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Mesra
- Chandigarh College of Architecture
Top UI/UX Design Colleges in India
Here are the top 5 UI/UX Design colleges in India that you can look forward to:
- National Institute of Design (NID), Bangalore
- Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore
- National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay
- National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi
Top Game Design Colleges in India
Here are the top 5 Game Design colleges in India that you can look forward to:
- DSK Supinfocom, Pune
- National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad
- Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore
- Arena Animation
- DSchool of Design, Pune
Top Product Design Colleges in India
Here are the top 5 Product Design colleges in India that you can look forward to:
- National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
- National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi
- Symbiosis Institute of Design, Pune
Top Jewellery Design Colleges in India
Here are the top 5 Jewellery Design colleges in India that you can look forward to:
- National Institute of Jewellery Design and Technology (NIJDT), Delhi
- Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery (IIGJ), Mumbai
- SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai
- Gemological Institute of India (GII), Mumbai
- Symbiosis Institute of Design, Pune
Top Textile Design Colleges in India
Here are the top 5 Textile Design colleges in India that you can look forward to:
- National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi
- National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Mumbai
- National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Bangalore
- National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad
- Pearl Academy, Delhi
Know Top Colleges from Different Fields of Education:
List of the Top Design Colleges in India
You have seen the list of the top colleges in India based on the different specializations. Now, let’s look at the best design colleges in India. The list of the best design colleges in India includes:
| Name of the College | IIRF Rankings 2023 (Design) |
| National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad | 01 |
| National Institute of Design, Bengaluru | 02 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi | 03 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai | 04 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati | 05 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur | 06 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad | 07 |
| National Institute of Design, Kurukshetra | 08 |
| National Institute of fashion Technology, New Delhi | 09 |
| Indian Institute of Information Technology, Jabalpur | 10 |
| Delhi Technological University | 11 |
| National Institute of Design, Bhopal | 12 |
| National Institute of Design, Jorhat | 13 |
| National Institute of Fashion Technology, Gandhinagar | 14 |
| National Institute of Fashion Technology, Bengaluru | 15 |
About the Top 10 Best Design Colleges in India
Overwhelmed with the list of colleges? Haha, we are not done now! We will be looking at the popular courses offered, the tuition fees, ranking and recognitions, and the average salary. So, without any further delay, let’s begin..
National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad
The National Institute of Design (NID) is a renowned educational institution in India, founded in 1961. NID offers top-notch programs in design, embracing tradition and modernity. It’s a vital hub for Industrial, Communication, Textile, and IT Integrated Design, known for innovation and excellence.
| Popular Courses | Bachelor of Design Master of Design |
| Tuition Fees | BDes: INR 11,43,200 MDes: INR 8,16,100 |
| Industry Tie-Ups | Microsoft, Wipro, VIP Indsutries, Trident Group, and more |
| Average Placement | INR 15-17 LPA |
National Institute of Design, Bengaluru
The National Institute of Design (NID) in Bengaluru, India, is part of a prestigious design institution. Established in 2006, it offers Master’s programs in various design disciplines, focusing on digital innovation and research collaborations with industry partners.
| Popular Courses | Bachelor of Design Master of Design |
| Tuition Fees | N/A |
| Industry Tie-Ups | Titan, Mahindra & Mahindra, Godrej, Myntra, Tanishq, and more |
| Average Placement | INR 12-15 LPA |
Still confused about the colleges? Do not worry! We have got you covered. Now, you can get Career Counseling in Bangalore!
Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi
Another name on the list of the best design colleges in India is the department of design at IIT Delhi. This was founded in 2017 and has a rich history in design education. They offer Ph.D. and M.Des. programs and are launching a B.Des. program soon. The department provides diverse learning experiences to students.
| Popular Courses | Bachelor of Design Master of Design PhD |
| Tuition Fees | BDes: N/A MDes: INR 2,42,300 PhD: N/A |
| Industry Tie-Ups | Accenture, Barclays, Flipkart, Deloitte, and more |
| Average Placement | INR 06-08 LPA |
Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
IDC School of Design (IDC SoD) at IIT Bombay offers M.Des and Ph.D. programs in various design fields, emphasizing research and problem-solving. They also have B.Des and Dual Degree options, promoting innovation and academic excellence in a credit-based system, with English as the medium of instruction.
| Popular Courses | Bachelor of Design Master of Design PhD |
| Tuition Fees | BDes: INR 8,45,600 MDes: INR 1,65,200 PhD: INR 1,95,800 |
| Industry Tie-Ups | Amway India LTD, Bennet & Coleman, American Express, British Airways, and more |
| Average Placement | INR 10-15 LPA |
Want to study in the IITs but without the JEE? Read our blog How to Get into IIT without JEE for more details.
Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati
The Department of Design at IIT Guwahati is a hub for creative minds, offering B.Des, M.Des, and Ph.D. programs. Their focus is on using technology for innovative and user-friendly experiences, integrating design with engineering, psychology, and more.
| Popular Courses | Bachelor of Design Master of Design PhD |
| Tuition Fees | N/A |
| Industry Tie-Ups | Larsen & Toubro, Schlumberger, Piramal, TVS R&D, and GAIL, and more |
| Average Placement | INR 12-15 LPA |
Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur
The Department of Design at IIT Kanpur fosters creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship in engineering design and visual communication. It offers interdisciplinary programs, encouraging students to synthesize technology and aesthetics while preparing them for careers and higher studies.
| Popular Courses | Bachelor of Design Master of Design PhD |
| Tuition Fees | MDes: 1,18,650 PhD: 1,73,250 |
| Industry Tie-Ups | Rakuten, Intel, Capital One, Google, Barclays, Citi Bank, and more |
| Average Placement | INR 15-17 LPA |
Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad
IIT Hyderabad’s Department of Design is a dynamic hub for design education, research, and innovation. They aim to bridge technology and human needs, fostering creativity and solving real-world challenges. Their programs prepare designers to make a positive impact on society while maintaining cultural values.
| Popular Courses | Bachelor of Design Master of Design PhD |
| Tuition Fees | BDes: 2.22 lakh per semester |
| Industry Tie-Ups | TCS, Microsoft, Wipro, Google, and more |
| Average Placement | INR 15-17 LPA |
You can also check out the list of the top Fashion Design colleges in Hyderabad here!
National Institute of Design, Kurukshetra
The National Institute of Design, Haryana, founded in 2016, is a hub for innovative design education and research. It offers a four-year Bachelor of Design program with specializations in Industrial Design, Communication Design, and Textile and apparel Design, focusing on real-world needs and industry exposure. Their vision is to impart design education rooted in values to address global challenges and improve lives.
| Popular Courses | Bachelor of Design |
| Tuition Fees | BDes: 1.5-1.6 lakh per semester |
| Industry Tie-Ups | IBM, Maruti, Philips, Borosil, and More |
| Average Placement | INR 10-12 LPA |
National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi
NIFT Delhi, established in 1986, has grown into a leading fashion institute. It began with just one program and evolved into a campus with a distinctive, rainwater-conserving architecture. Today, it offers a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s programs in fashion and design.
| Popular Courses | Bachelor of Design Master of Design |
| Tuition Fees | NA |
| Industry Tie-Ups | ACE Exports, Achal Jewels Pvt Ltd, Actoserba Active Wholesale, afdindia, and more |
| Average Placement | INR 05-07 LPA |
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Jabalpur
The Indian Institute of Information Technology Design & Manufacturing (IIITDM) Jabalpur, established in 2005, focuses on IT, Design, and Manufacturing. It promotes innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and industry collaboration, preparing students for modern engineering challenges in India’s evolving manufacturing landscape.
| Popular Courses | Bachelor of Design Master of Design PhD |
| Tuition Fees | BDes: INR 7,35,500 MDes: INR 3,05,800 PhD: INR 4,06,500 |
| Industry Tie-Ups | Amazon, American Express, BEL, CRED, Commvault, Gameskraft, media.net, Oracle, and more |
| Average Placement | INR 12-15 LPA |
Note: The availability of the courses and the fees might change depending on the availability and with respect to time. Students are kindly advised to check the official website of the institutes for specific information.
Admission Process
Now that you are aware of the best design colleges in India, it is high time we should be focusing on the admission process required for them. Keep a note that the admission process for different colleges might be different. However, a general overview of the admission process has been given below:
- First, make sure you are eligible for the college and the course by checking the general eligibility requirements.
- Then, you need to register for the entrance exams like UCEED, CEED, NID, or NIFT for admission into the prominent design colleges in India.
- Afterwards, you need to wait for the results. If you have qualified for the exams and met the respective cutoffs, you need to fill the application form for the respective colleges via the counseling method.
- Then, you are expected to submit the necessary documents for verification and pay the applicable tuition fees.
- Now, after all the formalities have been met, you are good to go to live your dream career.
Time’s Up!
Studying design in India opens up exciting opportunities for creativity and innovation. There are several best design colleges in India, each with its own strengths. Schools like NID, NIFT, and IDC at IIT Bombay consistently rank among the best. They offer comprehensive programs, modern facilities, and top-notch teachers to nurture the next generation of designers. These colleges don’t just teach design skills; they also help students understand culture, society, and the environment.
As students start their design journeys, they enter a vibrant, collaborative community that encourages trying new things, thinking critically, and solving problems. The best design colleges in India don’t just train designers; they empower students to make a positive impact on the ever-changing world of design and innovation.
iDreamCareer provides a detailed list of the best colleges for those who are passionate about having a bright career. The information includes admission procedures, course offerings, fees, and other relevant details. Aspiring students can use this page to make an informed decision about their future. Don’t hesitate any longer! Check out iDreamCareer’s College Selection Program and take the first step toward your dream career.
Useful Links:
- Fashion Designing Course After 10th
- Fashion Designing Colleges in Bangalore
- Best Fashion Designing Colleges in Mumbai
Design Colleges in India: FAQs
The best designing institute in India can vary depending on your specific field of interest in design. However, some of the top institutions known for design education include the National Institute of Design (NID), National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), and the Industrial Design Centre at IIT Bombay. Each of these institutions excels in different design domains.
The best institute of design can also depend on your chosen design specialization. NID and NIFT are consistently ranked among the top design institutes in India, offering a wide range of design programs. Additionally, institutions like IDC at IIT Bombay and IDC at IIT Delhi are renowned for their design courses.
The No. 1 fashion designing college in India is often considered to be the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). NIFT is known for its comprehensive fashion design programs, experienced faculty, and industry exposure, making it a top choice for aspiring fashion designers.
Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) is recognized as a good college for design education. It offers various design programs and has collaborations with international institutions. IIAD focuses on providing a holistic design education experience.
The choice between IIAD and Pearl Academy depends on your specific design interests and career goals. Both institutions have their strengths, so it’s essential to research their programs, faculty, and industry connections to determine which one aligns better with your aspirations.
Discover More by accessing the Free Career Dashboard
This will help us share relevant information with you
Trending Posts
Sushant has been writing since his early days of childhood and currently, he’s serving as a Content Writer with iDreamCareer. Sushant has two start-ups of his own and he has been writing content for them since their inception. Apart from that he is passionate about writing which is why he is following his passion for writing with iDreamCareer.
