When you finish your 12th and are deciding on choosing your future career, it becomes extremely important to look into various factors. And when it comes to fashion designing, India has several top colleges to choose from. It is a fact that designing comes from the heart, but thriving in the fashion industry requires skill, structure, and the right education. Exploring the top 10 fashion designing colleges mentioned in this blog can help you in deciding the one that will be your perfect partner to start this journey in fashion design education. 

With a breakdown into the fashion design course fees, eligibility to join, and job opportunities offered by the top fashion designing colleges in India, you will be able to make a thoughtful decision on which college and course can build a strong foundation for your fashion education career.

BENEFITS OF STUDYING AT TOP FASHION DESIGNING COLLEGES IN INDIA

Whichever field you choose to go ahead for your career, you can reach a step closer to success when you choose to complete your education from the top colleges. Choosing from the top 10 fashion designing colleges in India will benefit you in several ways, like : 

• Industry-Relevant Curriculum

Top 10 fashion designing colleges in India have their curriculum in sync with current fashion trends, ensuring you’re always learning what the industry demands.

• Experienced Faculty & Mentorship

Learn directly from fashion experts, seasoned designers, and visiting faculty who’ve worked with leading fashion houses and international brands.

• Hands-On Learning

Expect less theory and more action — live projects, internships, styling labs, textile exploration, garment construction, and fashion shows.

• Placement & Career Opportunities

The top 10 fashion designing colleges in India will have dedicated placement cells and strong industry connections, helping students land jobs at brands like Zara, H&M, Sabyasachi, Myntra, and more.

• Exposure to Fashion Weeks & Competitions

Students get chances to participate in Lakmé Fashion Week, FDCI events, and international design competitions, building both confidence and visibility.

• State-of-the-Art Facilities

Access to well-equipped studios, computer labs with fashion software (CAD, Adobe Suite, CLO 3D), and textile labs gives students a technical edge.

Top 10 Fashion Designing Colleges in India 

Let’s see which are the top 10 fashion designing colleges in India, with features that make them the most chosen among students. 

NIFT

About NIFT 

Established in 1986 under the Ministry of Textiles, National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is one of India’s premier destinations for fashion education. NIFT has various campuses across major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai offering various courses under the study of fashion design. Being among the top choices of students looking to pursue fashion designing as their career, NIFT has produced top designers and fashion entrepreneurs.

Key Features of the University

• Government-affiliated with national recognition.
• Comprehensive programs in design, technology, and management.
• Strong industry connections and placement records.
• Multiple campuses across India.

JD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

About JD Institute of Fashion Technology: 

With a legacy of more than 30 years, JD Institute of Fashion Technology is one of the most reputed names you will come across while you are looking for the top 10 fashion designing colleges in India. Spanning across India in various locations, JDI offers cutting edge fashion designing courses among other disciplines. Students are made to nurture their creative spirit while also emphasizing business acumen and real-world exposure.

Key Features of the University : 

• Pan India presence with over 40 campuses. 
• Collaborations with leading brands like Zara, H&M, Shantanu & Nikhil. 
• Global exposure through international programs. 
• Emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and eco-friendly practices in the curriculum.

PEARL ACADEMY

About Pearl Academy : 

Established in 1993, Pearl Academy is one of India’s most prestigious design, fashion, and media institutions. The institute has academic collaborations with several international universities, such as Torrens University (Australia), NABA (Milan), and Domus Academy, allowing students to gain exposure to global trends, internships, and even semester exchange programs.

Key Features:

• • Strong industry connections with leading brands.
  • International collaborations and exchange programs.
  • State-of-the-art infrastructure and labs.
  • Emphasis on experiential learning through live projects and internships.
    

VOGUE INSTITUTE

About Vogue : 

Vogue Institute of Art and Design, located in Bengaluru, is a well-recognized name in the Indian fashion and design education landscape. Established in 1996, the institute has steadily built a strong reputation for nurturing creative minds in fields like fashion design, interior design, animation, jewelry design, and more. The curriculum is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with real-world exposure through studio work, live projects, fashion shows, and internships.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive curriculum with a blend of theory and practical sessions.
• Regular workshops and seminars by industry experts.
• Strong placement support with reputed fashion houses.
• Modern infrastructure with well-equipped labs and studios.

MIT ADT UNIVERSITY

About MIT : 

MIT ADT University, based in Pune, is a unique blend of tradition, creativity, and technological advancement. Founded under the Maharashtra Academy of Engineering and Educational Research (MAEER), MIT ADT was established to create a platform where art and technology intersect. It is a UGC-recognized institution known for providing design education that fosters imagination, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Key Features:

• Interdisciplinary approach combining design with technology.
• Collaborations with international universities.
• Focus on research and development.
• State-of-the-art campus with modern amenities.

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ART & DESIGN

About IIAD: 

The Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), located in New Delhi, is a leading design institute that offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in collaboration with Kingston University, London — one of the top design schools in the UK. This global collaboration makes IIAD’s programs uniquely structured, offering a curriculum that is both academically rigorous and internationally relevant. Founded with the goal of redefining design education in India, IIAD blends studio-based learning with academic theory, critical thinking, and professional practice.

Key Features:

• International curriculum with a focus on creativity and innovation.
• Experienced faculty from India and abroad.
• Emphasis on project-based learning.
• Strong industry connections for internships and placements.

INSTITUTO MARANGONI

About Instituto Marangoni : 

Istituto Marangoni, founded in Milan in 1935, is one of the most prestigious fashion and design schools in the world. Its Mumbai campus, launched in 2017, brings European-quality education to India, allowing students to experience international design culture without having to go abroad. The school offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fashion design, styling, and fashion business, all taught using a curriculum rooted in Italian aesthetics and innovation.

Key Features:

• International faculty and curriculum.
• Opportunities for global exposure through exchange programs.
• Strong emphasis on practical skills and industry readiness.
• Modern campus with cutting-edge facilities.

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF FASHION TECHNOLOGY

About IIFT : 

Founded in 2001, the Indian Institute of Fashion Technology (IIFT) is based in Bengaluru and is a key player in South India’s fashion education ecosystem. It was established with the aim to offer quality fashion education that combines design aesthetics with a deep understanding of garment production and fashion business. IIFT is affiliated with Bangalore University and recognized by the Government of Karnataka, giving students the assurance of an accredited degree.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive curriculum covering design and technology aspects.
• Experienced faculty with industry backgrounds. 
• Regular industry interactions and workshops.
• Placement support with reputed fashion companies.

SYMBIOSIS INSTITUTE OF DESIGN

About Symniosis: 

The Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), part of Symbiosis International University, Pune, is one of the most reputed design colleges in India offering a Bachelor of Design (B.Des) across disciplines, including fashion design. Established to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, SID has grown into a nurturing space for young designers who want to be innovators and leaders in fashion and lifestyle domains.

Key Features of the University:

• Part of the prestigious Symbiosis University network
• Specialization in fashion and fashion communication
• Strong industry linkage and alumni presence in top fashion houses
• Infrastructure that rivals international design schools
• Emphasis on sustainable and responsible fashion

STRATE SCHOOL OF DESIGN

About Strate School of Design:

Strate School of Design is the Indian campus of the prestigious Strate École de Design in France, one of Europe’s most forward-thinking design schools. Launched in Bengaluru in 2017, Strate India brings French excellence in design education to South Asia with a curriculum focused on user-centricity, sustainable development, innovation, and global relevance.

Key Features of the University:

• Direct lineage from Strate École de Design, France
• Curriculum focused on future of fashion, sustainability, and luxury
• Faculty with international experience and industry exposure
• Project-based learning with real-world impact
• Opportunity for semester abroad at Strate campuses in France

FAQS ABOUT THE TOP 10 FASHION DESIGNING COLLEGES IN INDIA

Q1. Which is the best college to study fashion designing in India?

India offers several prestigious institutions for fashion design, each known for unique strengths. The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), being government-backed, is one of the most well-known. However, in the private sector, JD Institute of Fashion Technology stands out due to its widespread presence, industry-oriented curriculum, and legacy of over 30 years in fashion education. The best college for fashion designing depends on what you’re seeking — government recognition, global exposure, affordability, or creative freedom. While NIFT excels in structured learning and national outreach, JDI is known for its hands-on training, industry collaborations with brands like H&M and Zara, and campuses across more than 40 Indian cities. It also emphasizes sustainability, trend research, and fashion innovation.

Q2. Is 12th marks important for fashion designing?

While 12th marks are considered during admission to fashion designing courses, they are not the sole deciding factor. Most top design colleges in India, including JD Institute of Fashion Technology, require candidates to have passed 10+2 from a recognized board, but they do not typically expect high cut-off percentages. Fashion design is a field where creativity, passion, and problem-solving abilities matter more than academic scores. Hence, entrance exams, portfolio assessments, and interviews often carry more weight in the selection process than board marks. For instance, JDI conducts a General Aptitude Test (GAT) that evaluates your creative thinking, logical reasoning, and visual ability rather than your past academic record.

Q3. Which entrance exams are required for admission into fashion designing colleges in India?

Fashion design colleges in India usually conduct their own entrance exams to evaluate students’ creativity, design aptitude, and problem-solving skills. The most well-known is the NIFT Entrance Exam, which includes CAT (Creative Ability Test), GAT (General Ability Test), and a Situation Test. Similarly, Pearl Academy and MIT Institute of Design conduct their proprietary exams like DAT (Design Aptitude Test). At JD Institute of Fashion Technology, admission is based on the General Aptitude Test (GAT), which is designed to assess a student’s creative and logical thinking, basic design sense, and comprehension. The exam is followed by a personal interview. One of the reasons JDI’s admission process is appreciated is that it doesn’t solely rely on academic achievements but encourages students from all streams and backgrounds to apply, focusing instead on passion and talent.

Q4. What is the average course fee for fashion design in India?

The cost of pursuing a fashion design course in India varies significantly based on the institution, location, and course type. On average, the fee for a 3–4 year undergraduate program in fashion design ranges from ₹2.5 lakhs to ₹30 lakhs. Government colleges like NIFT charge between ₹12–13 lakhs for the full course. Private institutions, depending on their facilities, faculty, and global exposure, can cost higher. However, colleges like the JD Institute of Fashion Technology offer a more affordable yet high-quality education, with fees generally ranging from ₹2.5 to ₹6 lakhs, depending on the program and campus. This makes it one of the more accessible options among top-tier design colleges, especially for students who want quality training without the high expense of international programs.

Q5. Can I pursue fashion design after 12th without a background in arts?

Absolutely, you do not need an arts background to study fashion design. Most fashion design colleges in India, including JD Institute of Fashion Technology, welcome students from all academic streams — Science, Commerce, or Arts, as long as they have passed their 12th standard from a recognized board. Fashion designing is a multidisciplinary field that requires creativity, observation, communication, and technical understanding — not necessarily prior drawing skills or arts knowledge. In fact, at JDI, the programs are designed to nurture these skills from scratch, making them suitable for students new to design.

Why Choose to Study in Top Fashion Designing Colleges in India 

When you decide to start your career in Fashion Designing, choosing the right fashion designing college is a pivotal step in shaping your creative career. With India emerging as a global player in fashion, the demand for professionally trained designers is at an all-time high. The colleges listed in this blog — including government institutions like NIFT and premier private institutes like JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Pearl Academy, and Symbiosis Institute of Design — represent the very best the country has to offer in 2025.

Each of these institutions brings something unique to the table — whether it’s a government-backed reputation, international affiliations, or an industry-integrated curriculum. Factors such as eligibility, course fees, placement records, and practical exposure should guide your decision. While colleges like NIFT require competitive entrance exams, others like JD Institute of Fashion Technology offer equally robust programs with a more accessible admission process, creative mentorship, and wide-ranging industry tie-ups.

Fashion design is no longer just about sketching clothes — it’s about creating experiences, communicating ideas, and solving real-world problems through aesthetics. As the fashion industry evolves, so must your education. Look for a college that not only teaches technical skills but also encourages innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.