What are your options if you are looking for the best design colleges in Mumbai? How many can even match up to the top and popular design colleges? Who are the other close contenders? The list is wide! Looking for a definitive list of the top design colleges in Mumbai? Yes? No doubt this is a massively debatable topic, and you’ll find multiple answers everywhere. To cut down your exhaustive list of design colleges and to make your choice easier we have put together the list of best design colleges in Mumbai.
Mumbai’s design colleges are not just institutions; they are incubators of innovation, nurturing raw talent and transforming it into exceptional design prowess. Whether your heart beats for fashion, interior design, graphic arts, or any other creative domain, Mumbai’s design colleges offer a plethora of courses catering to your every aspiration.
But it’s not just about academics. Mumbai’s unique blend of culture, heritage, and modernity provides the perfect backdrop for your creative journey. From the bustling streets of Colaba to the serene charm of Bandra, this city inspires and encourages the artist within.
Jaana hai na sapnon ki duniya Mumbai? Design colleges ki list and information chahiye? So let’s dive in… But before that…
Topics covered
Design Colleges in Mumbai: Different Specializations
Students with creative inclinations often pursue design as a profession, available at undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD levels. The wide range of design careers accommodates various skills and educational backgrounds, making it a favored choice for many.
Here are some of the top specializations offered by Design Colleges in Mumbai:
- Animation Design
- Apparel Design
- Ceramic & Glass Design
- Environmental Design
- Fashion & Apparel Design
- Footwear Design
- Game Design
- Graphic Design
- Industrial Design
- Interior Design
- Jewellery Design
- Leather Design
- Lifestyle Accessory Design
- Multimedia Design
- Product Design
- Textile Design
- UI/UX Design
- Vehicle & Transportation Design
- Visual Communication Design
- Web Design
Best Design Colleges in Mumbai as per specializations
In this section, we will be exploring the list of best design colleges in Mumbai based on some of the popular specializations.
Fashion Designing colleges in Mumbai
Some of the top fashion designing colleges in Mumbai are listed below:
- National Institute of Fashion Technology, Mumbai
- Whistling Woods International, Mumbai
- Pearl Academy, Mumbai
- Amity University, Mumbai
- ITM Institute of Design and Media, Mumbai
Interior Design colleges in Mumbai
Below are some of the best interior design colleges in Mumbai:
- Aditya College of Architecture
- Hiray Groups of Institutes
- L.S. Raheja School of Architecture
- Sir JJ School of Art
- ITM Institute of Design & Media
- Mumbai University
Also, read: Best Interior Designing Colleges in India
Web/Graphics/Games Design Colleges in Mumbai
The following are the best design colleges in Mumbai in the web/graphics/games designing field.
- Arena Mumbai
- Sir JJ School of Art
- WLCI Mumbai
- Whistling Woods International
- Mumbai University
To know more about this industry, read: Career in Game Designing & Development
Ceramic & Glass Design colleges in Mumbai
The top ceramic & glass design colleges in Mumbai are:
- Sir JJ School of Art
- Mumbai University
- Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
Want to know about other colleges as per your interest? Connect with our experts! Visit – Career Counselling in Mumbai
Know Top Colleges in Mumbai from Different Fields of Education:
List of top design colleges in Mumbai
Here’s the list of top design colleges in Mumbai:
- Tata Institute of Social Science – School of Vocational Education
- College of Home Science Nirmala Niketan
- Whistling Woods International Institute of Film, Communication, and Creative Arts
- SNDT Women’s University
- Industrial Design Centre – IIT Bombay
- NMIMS School of Design
- National Institute of Fashion Technology
- Raffles Design International, Mumbai
- Arena Animation
- Amity University, Mumbai
- Dr. BMN College of Home Science
- Kohinoor Technical Institute
- Rizvi College of Architecture, Mumbai
- Sophia Polytechnic, Mumbai
- St. Xavier’s Colleges, Mumbai
Also, read: Best Design Colleges in India
About the top 10 design colleges in Mumbai
In this section, we will be exploring the in-depth information about the top 10 design colleges in Mumbai mentioned above. So, let’s get started…
Tata Institute of Social Science
Ranked among the Best Design Colleges in Mumbai, TISS – School of Vocational Education, offers innovative design programs that focus on social impact. Known for its interdisciplinary approach, TISS integrates social sciences with design, producing socially conscious designers.
Particulars | Highlights |
Courses Offered | B. Voc. In Graphics And Multimedia |
Placements and Industry Tie-Ups | NA |
Average Package | As per placement report – Rs. 3 lakhs per annum as a fresher |
Fees | Rs. 48000 per year |
College of Home Science Nirmala Niketan
Nirmala Niketan, affiliated with the University of Mumbai, offers comprehensive programs in home science, including courses related to interior design and fashion. Known for its holistic approach to education, it provides students with a strong foundation in design principles.
Particulars | Highlights |
Courses Offered | MA in Textile & Fashion Technology, Diploma in Interior Design & Certificate in Visual Merchandising |
Placements and Industry Tie-Ups | DWG Designs, Lawrence & Mayo, Fort, etc. |
Average Package | As per placement report – Rs. 3 to 5 lakhs per annum as a fresher |
Fees | NA |
Whistling Woods International Institute of Film, Communication, and Creative Arts
Whistling Woods is renowned for its film and media education but also offers design-related programs, emphasizing creativity and innovation in fields like animation and graphic design.
Particulars | Highlights |
Courses Offered | Advanced Certificate in Editing Software Operation, Advanced Certificate in Animation Art, Bachelor’s in Visual Communication, Certificate in Web Designing, BA/B.Sc. Post Graduate Diploma in Game Design, BA/B.Sc. Post Graduate Diploma in Animation, Certificate in 2D Animation, Certificate in Graphic (Indesign), BA in Fashion Design, BDes in Visual Communication Design, BDes in Fashion Design, BDes in Animation, BDes in Game Design, |
Placements and Industry Tie-Ups | Manish Malhotra, Reliance Brands Limited, Gavin Miguel, The Souled Store, Falguni and Shane Peacock, Zuilee, Divya Gambhir & Nidhi Gambhir, Match Box Production, etc. |
Average Package | NA |
Fees | The total cost for the program is different for different courses. Students can check the official website for more details https://www.whistlingwoods.net/programmes/ |
SNDT Women’s University
SNDT Women’s University offers diverse design courses, empowering women in creative fields. It has a rich history of nurturing talent in areas such as fashion, textile, and interior design.
Particulars | Highlights |
Courses Offered | M.Sc. – Resource Management and Interior Design; M.Sc. – Textile Science and Apparel Design; P.G. Diploma in Fashion Design; B.Voc. in Jewellery Design and Manufacture/Fashion Design/Interior Design; B.Sc. (H.Sc. – Resource Management and Interior Space Design); etc. |
Placements and Industry Tie-Ups | NA |
Average Package | NA |
Fees | For Master’s somewhere around Rs. 2-3 lakhs per year & for a Bachelor’s – NA |
IIT Bombay
The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay boasts a prestigious design program, including the IDC (Industrial Design Centre). IDC offers various design courses and is known for its focus on innovation and technology in design, producing graduates with strong engineering and design backgrounds.
Particulars | Highlights |
Courses Offered | B.Des., M.Des., Ph.D |
Placements and Industry Tie-Ups | NA |
Average Package | The average package offered during IIT Bombay placement season 2022-2023 stood at INR 21.82 LPA |
Fees | For Bachelor’s – Rs. 135500 per semester & for Master’s – Rs. 165200 & for Ph.D. Rs. 195800 |
NMIMS School of Design
NMIMS is recognized for its design programs that focus on innovation and sustainability. Students here receive a well-rounded design education with an emphasis on real-world applications.
Particulars | Highlights |
Courses Offered | B.Des. |
Placements and Industry Tie-Ups | EY, Deloitte, Learning Mate, Nexweave, Future Factory, Walmart, Yuj Designs, PWC, Axis Bank, Freecharge, Human Factors International, MSCI Services Pvt. Ltd, Parallax Labs, SaathHealth, Beyond Design among others. |
Average Package | As per the placement report – 2019-2023 stood at INR 20,97,000/ pa |
Fees | NA |
National Institute of Fashion Technology
NIFT is a premier institution for fashion and design in India. Its Mumbai campus provides cutting-edge design education and is a breeding ground for fashion industry professionals.
Particulars | Highlights |
Courses Offered | B.Des. in (Fashion Design/Fashion Communication/ Accessory Design/Textile Design/ Knitwear Design), B. F. Tech (Apparel Production); M.Des.(Master of Design); M.F.M.(Master of Fashion Management) |
Placements and Industry Tie-Ups | Nandini West; Shahenaz Home Fashion Pvt. Ltd; Gofab Lifestyle; Fab jewels Pvt Ltd; among others. |
Average Package | NA |
Fees | For Bachelors’ – Rs. 161900 per semester & for Masters – Rs. 154000 per semester |
Raffles Design International, Mumbai
Raffles Design International in Mumbai is renowned for its excellence in design education. It offers a wide range of programs in fashion, interior, graphic, and multimedia design. With experienced faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, it provides students with a holistic design education, preparing them for successful careers in the creative industry.
Particulars | Highlights |
Courses Offered | Advanced Diploma or Diploma in Fashion Design/Product Design/Digital Media Design/Visual Communication Design/Fashion Marketing & Management; Bachelor of Arts (Honours Degree) in Interior Design/Product Design/Visual Communication Design/International Fashion Business/Digital Media Design [Degree in Raffles Singapore from Coventry University, UK] |
Placements and Industry Tie-Ups | Pantaloons, Satyam Computer Service, Priti B Couture, Conde Nast India, Elle Magazine, Urban Studio, Collette & Yvonne, among others. |
Average Package | NA |
Fees | The course fees here vary depending on the course you undertake. For more information check out – https://rafflesmumbai.com/course/ |
Arena Animation
Arena Animation is a well-known institution offering design courses in Mumbai. They provide comprehensive training in animation, multimedia, and graphics design, equipping students with skills for the creative industry. With experienced faculty and an industry-relevant curriculum, Arena Animation stands as one of the top design colleges in Mumbai.
Particulars | Highlights |
Courses Offered | Certification or Diploma – 3D Animation & Design; Design; Animation, VFX & Gaming, Web Design & Development; Graphic Design; etc. |
Placements and Industry Tie-Ups | NA |
Average Package | NA |
Fees | The course fees here vary depending on the course you undertake. For more information check out – https://www.arena-multimedia.com/in/en |
Amity University, Mumbai
Amity University, Mumbai campus, is renowned for its multidisciplinary approach and inclusion among the Best Design Colleges in the city, offering various design programs that nurture creativity and innovation.
Particulars | Highlights |
Courses Offered | Bachelor of Science [B.Sc] (Animation & VFX); Bachelor of Design [B.Des] (Textile Design); Bachelor of Interior Design [B.I.D] |
Placements and Industry Tie-Ups | Reliance, Adobe, EY, Event Special, and Amazon, among others. |
Average Package | NA |
Fees | The course fees here vary depending on the course you undertake. For more information check out – https://www.amity.edu/mumbai/ |
Admission process in Design Colleges in Mumbai
When it comes to pursuing a career in design, Mumbai offers a plethora of opportunities through its esteemed design colleges. Whether you’re eyeing an undergraduate, postgraduate, or even a doctoral degree in design, the admission criteria and processes can vary. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
Undergraduate Degree Admission
- Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have scored a minimum of 50% marks in their 10+2 examinations. Interestingly, this field welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds.
- Admission Procedure: Admission can be based on either merit or an entrance exam, depending on the university’s policies. Some institutions may require you to take an entrance test to assess your aptitude for design.
Postgraduate Degree Admission
- Eligibility Criteria: To pursue a master’s degree in design, you should have secured between 50% to 55% in your previous bachelor’s degree, regardless of the field of study.
- Academic Background: Your bachelor’s degree should be in any design-related field from a recognized college or university.
- Admission Process: Expect a rigorous process involving an entrance examination and a subsequent personal interview. These steps help institutions identify candidates with the potential and passion for design.
Entrance Examinations
Several entrance exams open doors to design colleges in Mumbai:
- CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design): Conducted by IIT Bombay, CEED is for postgraduate design courses. It’s a national-level exam held online and evaluates your design aptitude.
- NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology): NIFT conducts an offline exam for various design courses in collaboration with 19 participating colleges. This exam is held annually and consists of CAT and GAT tests.
- IICD Entrance Exam (Indian Institute of Crafts and Design): This university-level exam assesses candidates through written and interview rounds. IICD offers diverse design courses and conducts this offline exam once a year.
- UCEED: The full form of the UCEED exam is Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design. It is a competitive entrance exam conducted in India. It is aimed at assessing the aptitude and creativity of candidates aspiring to pursue undergraduate studies in design-related fields such as Industrial Design, Visual Communication, Animation, and Interaction Design, among others.
- NID Exam: The NID entrance exam, short for the National Institute of Design entrance examination, stands as a rigorous and sought-after evaluation conducted by NID, a globally acclaimed institution for design education and research in India.
In Mumbai’s design colleges, your journey begins with meeting these admission requirements and successfully navigating through the entrance examinations. Each step is designed to identify and nurture the creative talent needed for a successful career in the dynamic field of design.
Final words!
Lastly, design colleges in Mumbai are like guiding lights for creativity and innovation. They don’t just teach a lot but also help students nurture their artistic side. Mumbai is a lively and fashion-forward place. It has strong connections with the fashion industry and excellent facilities for learning. Colleges in Mumbai offer various programs to teach students everything they need for the design world.
They also help students find jobs with famous brands and keep up with the latest trends. Mumbai’s mix of cultures and its love for fashion make it a perfect place for students to turn their love for design into a successful career.
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.
Design Colleges in Mumbai: FAQs
The best design colleges in Mumbai include the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art, Arena Animation, Amity University, IIT Bombay, and Raffles Design International. These institutions offer diverse design programs and have a strong reputation in the field.
To apply to design colleges in Mumbai, visit the respective college websites, fill out application forms, and submit required documents such as transcripts, portfolios, and entrance exam scores. Be sure to check each college’s specific admission criteria and deadlines.
Design colleges in Mumbai offer a variety of programs, including fashion design, interior design, graphic design, industrial design, and multimedia design. Students can choose the specialization that aligns with their career goals and interests.
Graduates from design colleges in Mumbai can pursue careers in various industries, such as fashion, advertising, interior design, and multimedia. They can work as fashion designers, graphic designers, and interior decorators, or pursue entrepreneurship in their chosen design field.

Anushree Rastogi is a Senior Content Writer at iDreamCareer, bringing over 5 years of expertise to the field of career counseling. She has done a PGDM in Marketing and Finance and possesses a unique blend of skills that allows her to craft engaging and informative content. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate their career paths and has dedicated her career to providing valuable insights through her content. Her commitment to excellence and keen understanding of the career landscape make her a trusted guide for those seeking professional direction. With a flair for clear and engaging writing, Anushree is on a mission to empower others to make informed and fulfilling career choices.