Looking for the top Design colleges in India in 2026? India has over 136+ design colleges. Top government institutes include Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College, NIFT Delhi, NIFT Chennai, NIFT Hyderabad, NIFT Patna , and leading private universities are World University of Design, Symbiosis International Pune, Pearl Academy Jaipur, Symbiosis Institute of Design, Army Institute of Fashion and Design . These colleges offer B.Des, Certificate and other design programs. Admissions to these colleges are primarily conducted through exams such as NIFT , UCEED , CEED , NID DAT , AIEED .
When selecting the best design colleges in India, students should consider factors such as NIRF rankings, placement records, return on investment (ROI), location, faculty, and specializations. This guide highlights the top-ranked design colleges in India 2026 providing all key details on fees, placements, and entrance exams to help students make an informed choice.
Top Design Colleges in India 2026: Key Highlights
| Metric | Details |
| Total Colleges in India | 136+ |
| Top Exams Accepted | NIFT , UCEED , CEED , NID DAT , AIEED |
| Ownership | ~75% Private, ~25% Government |
| Top Recruiters | Tommy Hilfiger, Raymonds, Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop, Pantaloon |
| Average Fees | ₹ 3.0 K - ₹ 47.22 L |
| Average Placement | ₹ 2.50 L - ₹ 8.50 L |
Government vs Private Design Colleges in India 2026
Design aspirants in India can choose between government-funded institutes known for their affordability and high ROI, and private universities that offer modern infrastructure, global exposure, and multiple entrance options. The comparison below will help you determine which path best aligns with your academic and career goals.
Top Government Design Colleges in India 2026
| College | Avg Annual Fees (Total) | Entrance Exams | Average Placement Package | Median Placement Package |
| Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College | ₹ 10.0 K - ₹ 1.95 L | - | - | - |
| NIFT Delhi | ₹ 1.01 L - ₹ 16.80 L | NIFT, CEED | ₹ 4.30 L | ₹ 4.30 L |
| NIFT Chennai | ₹ 8.45 L - ₹ 17.20 L | NIFT | - | - |
| NIFT Hyderabad | ₹ 6.45 L - ₹ 15.98 L | NIFT | ₹ 4.00 L - ₹ 5.30 L | ₹ 4.10 L - ₹ 4.20 L |
| NIFT Patna | ₹ 1.81 L - ₹ 17.03 L | NIFT | - | - |
Top Private Design Colleges in India 2026
| College | Avg Annual Fees (Total) | Entrance Exams | Average Placement Package | Median Placement Package | Highest Placement Package |
| World University of Design | ₹ 3.61 L - ₹ 14.72 L | NIFT, CEED, NID DAT, UCEED, WUD Aptitude Test | ₹ 5.30 L | ₹ 5.30 L | ₹ 13.50 L |
| Symbiosis International Pune | ₹ 7.70 L - ₹ 28.28 L | - | - | - | - |
| Pearl Academy Jaipur | ₹ 2.46 L - ₹ 26.40 L | - | - | - | - |
| Symbiosis Institute of Design | ₹ 7.70 L - ₹ 19.40 L | - | - | - | - |
| Army Institute of Fashion and Design | ₹ 10.30 L | - | - | - | - |
Top Trending Courses in Design 2026
Design in India offers a wide range of courses to match industry demand and student interest. The most popular fields include Diploma in Fashion Design , Diploma in Interior Design , B.Des. in Fashion Design . The table below highlights the top courses, their leading colleges, entrance exams, average fees, and placement packages.
| Course | Top Colleges | Entrance Exams | Average Fees (Total) | Average Package |
| Diploma in Fashion Design | JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore, IMS Design and Innovation Academy, International Institute of Fashion Design, Artemisia College of Art and Design, INSD Andheri | - | ₹ 18.6 K - ₹ 5.39 L | ₹ 4.00 L |
| Diploma in Interior Design | JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore, IMS Design and Innovation Academy, International Institute of Fashion Design, Artemisia College of Art and Design, INSD Andheri | - | ₹ 54.0 K - ₹ 5.39 L | ₹ 3.00 L |
| B.Des. in Fashion Design | Symbiosis International Pune, NIFT Delhi, NIFT Kolkata, Symbiosis Institute of Design, IMS Design and Innovation Academy | NIFT, NID DAT, UCEED, CEED, AIEED | ₹ 1.48 L - ₹ 28.28 L | ₹ 3.80 L - ₹ 8.50 L |
| B.Sc. in interior Design | JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore, International Institute of Fashion Design, INSD Andheri, BGI, INIFD | NIFT, NID DAT, UCEED, AIEED | ₹ 1.43 L - ₹ 9.90 L | ₹ 3.50 L |
| B.Des. in Interior Design | IMS Design and Innovation Academy, Artemisia College of Art and Design, INSD Andheri, NIF Borivali, Dilkap School of Design | NIFT, NID DAT, UCEED, CEED, AIEED | ₹ 1.48 L - ₹ 20.72 L | ₹ 3.80 L - ₹ 7.00 L |
| Advance Diploma in Interior Design | International Institute of Fashion Design, NIF Borivali, Dilkap School of Design, JD Institute of Fashion Technology Hauz Khas, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Siliguri | WUD Aptitude Test | ₹ 1.70 L - ₹ 6.60 L | ₹ 4.00 L |
| Certificate in Interior Design | Artemisia College of Art and Design, INSD Andheri, NIF Borivali, IIAD Delhi, Dilkap School of Design | NIFT | ₹ 39.9 K - ₹ 4.86 L | ₹ 3.00 L |
| B.Des. in Fashion Communication | World University of Design, Symbiosis International Pune, NIFT Delhi, NIFT Chennai, NIFT Kolkata | NIFT, NID DAT, UCEED, CEED, AIEED | ₹ 1.53 L - ₹ 28.28 L | ₹ 4.30 L - ₹ 8.00 L |
| Certificate in Fashion Design | Artemisia College of Art and Design, INSD Andheri, NIF Borivali, Dilkap School of Design, Lakhotia College of Design | NIFT | ₹ 50.9 K - ₹ 4.00 L | ₹ 3.00 L |
| B.Sc. in Fashion Design | International Institute of Fashion Design, INSD Andheri, BGI, Avantika University, INIFD | NIFT, NID DAT, UCEED, AIEED | ₹ 1.43 L - ₹ 9.90 L | ₹ 8.50 L |
Entrance Exams Accepted by Top Design Colleges in India 2026
Admission to the top Design colleges in India is primarily determined through national, institute-level, and state-level entrance exams.
| Exam | Top Accepting Colleges | Exam Date (2026) |
| NIFT | World University of Design, NIFT Delhi, NIFT Chennai | 9 Feb 2026 |
| NID DAT | World University of Design, Avantika University, NID Bangalore | - |
| UCEED | World University of Design, Avantika University, DPU-SOD | 18 Jan 2026 |
| CEED | World University of Design, NIFT Delhi, Avantika University | 18 Jan 2026 |
| IICD Entrance Exam | IICD, Rajasthan ILD Skills University | - |
| MITID DAT | Avantika University, MIT Institute of Design | - |
| AIEED | Arch College of Design and Business | - |
| IIAD Entrance Exam | IIAD Delhi | 13 Dec 2025 |
| WUD Aptitude Test | World University of Design | - |
| ADEPT | Anant University Ahmedabad | - |
State-wise & City-wise Top Design Colleges in India 2026
Design education in India varies by state and city, with some regions offering better institutions, private universities, and placement opportunities. Use the list below to explore the top Design colleges by state and city.
Top States for Design Colleges in India 2026
Top Design Colleges in Maharashtra
| College | Ownership | Avg Fees (Total) | Avg Package |
| Poona College of Pharmacy | Private | - | - |
| Bombay College of Pharmacy | Public/Government | - | - |
| Symbiosis International Pune | Private | ₹ 3.9 K - ₹ 71.47 L | ₹ 2.36 L - ₹ 28.83 L |
| Symbiosis Institute of Design | Private | ₹ 7.70 L - ₹ 19.40 L | - |
| KMKCP | Private | - | - |
Top Design Colleges in Karnataka
| College | Ownership | Entrance Exams | Avg Fees (Total) | Avg Package |
| JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore | Private | - | - | - |
| Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences | Private | - | - | - |
| NID Bangalore | Public/Government | NID DAT | ₹ 11.53 L | - |
| NIFT Bangalore | Public/Government | NIFT | ₹ 60.0 K - ₹ 16.23 L | ₹ 4.30 L |
| Army Institute of Fashion and Design | Private | - | ₹ 10.30 L | - |
Top Design Colleges in Telangana
| College | Ownership | Entrance Exams | Avg Fees (Total) | Avg Package |
| INSD | Private | - | - | - |
| Lakhotia College of Design | Other | - | ₹ 15.1 K | - |
| Cadence Academy, Hyderabad | Private | - | - | - |
| Footwear Design and Development Institute, Hyderabad | Public/Government | - | ₹ 6.88 L - ₹ 11.48 L | - |
| NIFT Hyderabad | Public/Government | NIFT | ₹ 6.45 L - ₹ 15.98 L | ₹ 4.00 L - ₹ 5.30 L |
Top Design Colleges in Delhi
| College | Ownership | Entrance Exams | Avg Fees (Total) | Avg Package |
| IIAD Delhi | Private | IIAD Entrance Exam | ₹ 10.84 L - ₹ 23.20 L | ₹ 7.50 L |
| JD Institute of Fashion Technology Hauz Khas | Private | - | ₹ 28.8 K - ₹ 5.40 L | ₹ 6.25 L |
| NIFT Delhi | Public/Government | NIFT, CEED | ₹ 1.01 L - ₹ 16.80 L | ₹ 4.30 L |
| International Institute of Fashion Technology, Naraina | Private | - | ₹ 75.5 K - ₹ 3.60 L | - |
| Pearl Academy New Delhi | Private | - | - | - |
Top Design Colleges in Uttar Pradesh
| College | Ownership | Avg Fees (Total) | Avg Package |
| IMS Design and Innovation Academy | Private | ₹ 75.5 K - ₹ 16.00 L | ₹ 7.00 L |
| Sanskar Educational Group | Private | ₹ 1.50 L - ₹ 8.75 L | ₹ 3.30 L |
| FDDI Noida | Public/Government | ₹ 7.08 L - ₹ 11.88 L | - |
| UPID | Other | ₹ 1.93 L | - |
| Amity University Noida UP | Private | ₹ 90.0 K - ₹ 31.01 L | ₹ 3.00 L - ₹ 4.00 L |
Top Cities for Design Colleges in India 2026
Top Design Colleges in Mumbai
| College | Ownership |
| International Institute of Fashion Design | Private |
| INSD | Private |
| Bombay College of Pharmacy | Public/Government |
| KMKCP | Private |
| NIF Global Andheri | Private |
Top Design Colleges in Pune
| College | Ownership | Entrance Exams | Avg Fees (Total) | Avg Package |
| P. E. Society`s Modern College of Pharmacy | Other | - | - | - |
| Poona College of Pharmacy | Private | - | - | - |
| Symbiosis International Pune | Private | - | ₹ 3.9 K - ₹ 71.47 L | ₹ 2.36 L - ₹ 28.83 L |
| Symbiosis Institute of Design | Private | - | ₹ 7.70 L - ₹ 19.40 L | - |
| MIT Institute of Design | Private | CEED, MITID DAT | ₹ 6.90 L - ₹ 18.90 L | ₹ 8.00 L |
Top Design Colleges in Bangalore
| College | Ownership | Entrance Exams | Avg Fees (Total) | Avg Package |
| JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore | Private | - | - | - |
| NID Bangalore | Public/Government | NID DAT | ₹ 11.53 L | - |
| NIFT Bangalore | Public/Government | NIFT | ₹ 60.0 K - ₹ 16.23 L | ₹ 4.30 L |
| Army Institute of Fashion and Design | Private | - | ₹ 10.30 L | - |
| Vogue Institute of Art and Design | Private | - | ₹ 15.0 K - ₹ 9.10 L | - |
Top Design Colleges in Delhi
| College | Ownership | Entrance Exams | Avg Fees (Total) | Avg Package |
| IIAD Delhi | Private | IIAD Entrance Exam | ₹ 10.84 L - ₹ 23.20 L | ₹ 7.50 L |
| JD Institute of Fashion Technology Hauz Khas | Private | - | ₹ 28.8 K - ₹ 5.40 L | ₹ 6.25 L |
| NIFT Delhi | Public/Government | NIFT, CEED | ₹ 1.01 L - ₹ 16.80 L | ₹ 4.30 L |
| International Institute of Fashion Technology, Naraina | Private | - | ₹ 75.5 K - ₹ 3.60 L | - |
| Pearl Academy New Delhi | Private | - | - | - |
Top Design Colleges in Hyderabad
| College | Ownership | Entrance Exams | Avg Fees (Total) | Avg Package |
| INSD | Private | - | - | - |
| Lakhotia College of Design | Other | - | ₹ 15.1 K | - |
| Cadence Academy, Hyderabad | Private | - | - | - |
| Footwear Design and Development Institute, Hyderabad | Public/Government | - | ₹ 6.88 L - ₹ 11.48 L | - |
| NIFT Hyderabad | Public/Government | NIFT | ₹ 6.45 L - ₹ 15.98 L | ₹ 4.00 L - ₹ 5.30 L |
FAQ About Design Colleges in India 2026
Which is the No.1 design college in India?
According to NIRF 2026, the No.1 design college in India is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College , followed by NIFT Delhi and NIFT Chennai .
Which entrance exam is required for design ?
For admission to top design colleges in India, students primarily need to appear for NIFT , UCEED , CEED , NID DAT and AIEED .
What is the average design fee in India?
The average fees range from ₹ 3.0 K - ₹ 47.22 L per year. Government colleges typically charge ₹ 10.0 K - ₹ 1.95 L per year, while private colleges may charge ₹ 3.61 L - ₹ 14.72 L per year.
Which private design college has the best placements?
Among private institutions, World University of Design and Symbiosis International Pune and Pearl Academy Jaipur have the strongest placement records.