India’s fashion education scene is now one of the strongest in Asia, with institutes that beautifully blend heritage, innovation and global exposure. From NIFT Delhi, which has designed India’s new army uniform, to NID Ahmedabad, built on the vision of the Eameses’ India Report and Bauhaus principles, these colleges have shaped generations of designers. At the same time, today’s modern institutions like Pearl Academy bring tools such as VR, AR, and AI right into the classroom. Symbiosis, MITID and JD Institute provide students with hands-on experience through real-world projects, multidisciplinary learning and industry collaborations.
Read along to find out the top fashion design colleges in India, what makes each campus stand out and the entrance exams you’ll need to take to get in.
1. National Institute of Fashion Technology Delhi
NIFT Delhi was established in 1986 as India’s 1st fashion institute. The Delhi campus serves as the academic and administrative headquarters of the NIFT system. The campus was designed by renowned architect B.V. Doshi and features a sustainable step-well for rainwater conservation. It has notable achievements, including designing India’s new digitally camouflaged army uniform. It also offers a dual-degree program in partnership with the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.
Popular Courses:
- B.Des in Fashion Design
- M.Des in Fashion Design
- M.FTech in Fashion Technology
Entrance Exam Accepted: NIFT Entrance Exam
2. JD Institute of Fashion Technology Delhi
JD Institute of Fashion Technology Delhi is recognised for its industry-driven education and expert faculty, who bring extensive real-world experience into the classroom. Its Hauz Khas campus houses specialised labs for fashion, textiles, interior design and makeup. The institute has strong ties with the fashion industry, engaging students in live projects, events and community initiatives, while also offering global learning opportunities through international collaborations.
Popular Courses:
- B.Sc in Interior Design
- B.Des in Fashion Design
- Diploma in Fashion Design
Entrance Exam Accepted: General Aptitude Test (GAT)
3. National Institute of Design Ahmedabad
NID Ahmedabad is India’s 1st design institute, established in 1961. It is regarded as an Institution of National Importance. The campus is designed by Gira and Gautam Sarabhai and stands out for its striking architecture, with modular structures and an open-plan layout, all set against the historic backdrop of a tomb near the Sabarmati River. The institute’s curriculum has been shaped by insights from the Eameses’ India Report and European design principles from the Bauhaus and focuses on practical, project-based learning.
Popular Courses:
- B.Des in Textile and Apparel Design
- M.Des in Design
Entrance Exam Accepted: NID Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT)
4. Pearl Academy Delhi
Pearl Academy Delhi is known for its industry-driven approach and state-of-the-art campus with VR/AR studios, 3D printing facilities and advanced textile labs. Pearl Academy maintains global collaborations and works with the Royal College of Art on AI design programs, also collaborates with Snapchat to create interactive fashion designs using augmented reality. The academy gives importance to learning through live projects, internships, and also organises an annual portfolio showcase. Its strong industry connections have contributed to the 99% placement rate in the 2022-23 academic year, with graduates recruited by leading brands like Amazon, Myntra, Walt Disney and the Aditya Birla Group.
Popular Courses:
- B.Des in Fashion Design
- M.Des in Fashion Design
Entrance Exam Accepted: Pearl Academy Entrance Exam
5. Symbiosis Institute of Design Pune
SID Pune is known to offer a number of design specialisations, including Animation Film Design, Product Design, User Experience Design and Fashion Communication. The campus emphasises hands-on, project-based learning, with students working on real-world client projects, industry collaborations and live workshops. SID integrates historical context and critical design thinking into its curriculum, which helps students understand the evolution of design alongside contemporary trends. The institute is NAAC re-accredited with an A++ grade, reflecting its high academic standards.
Popular Courses:
- B.Des in Fashion Design
- B.Des in Communication Design
Entrance Exam Accepted: Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED)
6. MIT Institute of Design Pune
MITID Pune is distinguished by its Indian philosophy-inspired curriculum, emphasising the 3 domains of Skill, Knowledge and Formation to develop well-rounded designers. The institute maintains a multidisciplinary learning ecosystem that encourages innovation, sustainability and converting ideas into practical solutions. MITID integrates global collaborations and maintains a strong alumni network of over 1,000 design professionals. Its programs prepare students to create products that address real-world challenges.
Popular Courses:
- B.Des in Fashion Design
- M.Des in Fashion Design
Entrance Exam Accepted: MIT Design Aptitude Test (MIT DAT)
In a nutshell..
A career in fashion design is also a journey of creativity and a way of self-expression. All Design colleges listed above bring something unique to the table, whether it’s NIFT’s rich legacy, NID’s practical approach, Pearl Academy’s tech-driven classrooms, or the real-world focus at SID, MITID and JD Institute. There is something for all aspiring fashion designers.
Even though getting in requires passing entrance exams, don’t think of them as hurdles, but as chances to showcase your individuality. Make an effort to understand what each program demands, practice your skills and trust your instincts. With passion and persistence, your dream of a career in fashion can become a reality.