List of Top 10 Design Colleges in India 2026: Features, Courses, Fees

India has become a global center for creative education by fusing cutting-edge innovation with traditional craftsmanship. Selecting a suitable institution has become more crucial than ever as the need for design professionals expands across all sectors, from fashion and communication to product and interaction design. The list of top 10 design colleges in India 2026 are NID Ahmedabad, NID Bangalore, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Guwahati, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, NID Kurukshetra, NIFT New Delhi and IIIT Jabalpur.

Admission to these premier design colleges typically involves competitive entrance exams and studio tests. For example, many NID campuses use the National Institute of Design Entrance Exam (NID DAT) — which includes a creative aptitude test followed by a design studio test and personal interview. Similarly, admission to IIT design programs often require candidates to clear the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) for B.Des, and the CEED exam for postgraduate design programs, along with portfolio reviews and interviews.

To be eligible for undergraduate design programs, students generally need to have completed their 10+2 with a minimum of 50% in any stream, with strong creative portfolios often giving an edge. For postgraduate design courses, applicants are usually expected to hold a relevant bachelor’s degree and demonstrate design aptitude through portfolios or qualifying design-specific entrance tests. This article is intended to guide design aspirants like you through the first step in shaping a successful career by exploring the top 10 Design colleges in India 2026, the courses they offer, and their fee structures.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Design Courses in India 2026

Best Colleges for Design in India - Highlights

The table shown below highlights the key points related to the top Design schools in India 2026:

Particulars	Details (Top 10 Design Colleges in India – 2026)
Exams Accepted	NID DAT (Design Aptitude Test) UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design) CEED (Common Entrance for Design – PG) NIFT Entrance Exam
Top Government Colleges	National Institute of Design (NID) – Ahmedabad & other campuses Industrial Design Centre (IDC), IIT Bombay NIFT (multiple campuses) – Delhi/Mumbai/Bangalore IIT Delhi (Design Dept) IIT Guwahati (Design Dept)
Top Private Colleges	MIT Institute of Design Pearl Academy Symbiosis Institute of Design, Pune World University of Design, Sonipat Indian Institute of Art & Design, Delhi
Eligibility	Undergraduate (B.Des): 10+2 (any stream) from a recognized board, usually with minimum aggregate (varies by institute). Entrance exam qualification required for most top colleges. Postgraduate (M.Des): Bachelor’s degree in relevant field. Some private colleges also accept merit/portfolio review in lieu of entrance exams.
Basis of Admission	Admissions in top institutes are primarily merit + entrance exam score + design test/studio/practical rounds. NID DAT (two-stage test) for NID campuses. UCEED/CEED for IIT design departments. NIFT Entrance Exam for NIFT campuses. Institute-specific tests + interview/portfolio review for many private colleges.

List of Top 10 Design Colleges in India 2026

We spoke to Mr Arvind Kedia currently employed at Bloombox and also a passout of IIT Bombay regarding what could be the top notch colleges in India for Design and who are the top recruiters from those institutes so that students can get good placement offers.

Best Design Colleges in India

This list of the top 10 Design colleges in India provides a good platform for design enthusiasts with an important acumen that enhances one's potential and grounds them at every step leading to advanced studies and rewarding careers in design. Their popular programs focus on essential concepts, key ideas, and practical applications across industries. Here's a closer look into what makes these top design colleges in India stand out and shape your design journey.

National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad

Established in 1961, the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad is known as one of the top design colleges in India. Students need to qualify for the NID DAT exam to get admission to the institute. The test is organised across the 12 exam centres in India. Any student who has qualified for the class 12th exam from CBSE or any other recognised board is eligible to apply for undergraduate courses. A candidate with a bachelor’s degree of three or four-year duration in any discipline or a full-time diploma for at least four years in Design/Fine Arts/Architecture/Applied Arts can apply for a postgraduate course.

The institute also has an active placement cell that arranges the interface between industry and the college every year. This arrangement leads to a great placement record every year, making NID Ahmedabad one of the top 10 design colleges in India. Furthermore, some popular companies like Adidas, Adobe, Microsoft, and Oracle visit the institution and hire deserving candidates.

Top Courses Offered by NID Ahmedabad

Here are some of the top design courses offered at NID Ahmedabad:

Programme Name	Specialisations
B.Des (four-year)	Industrial Design : This course includes three specifications such as Product Design Furniture & Interior Design Ceramic & Glass Design Communication Design : The communication design includes: Graphic Design Animation Film Design Film & Video Communication Exhibition (Spatial) Design Textile, Apparel and Lifestyle Design
M.Des (two-year)	Animation Film Design Ceramic and Glass Design Furniture & Interior Design Film & Video Communication Graphic Design Product Design Textile Design

National Institute of Design (NID), Bengaluru

NID Bengaluru, also referred to as the National Institute of Design (NID) R&D campus, was founded in 2006 in collaboration with the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Ministry of Information Technology of the Government of India. Design for Digital Experience and Design for Retail Experience were the only two research-intensive master's degrees that NID Bengaluru initially offered.

The Knowledge Management Centre (KMC) at the National Institute of Design offers print, digital, and audio-visual resources. It offers the widest selection of international books, journals, and other non-book materials. Being one of the top design colleges in India, NID Bangalore has a large campus, a library, a cafeteria, classrooms, design studios, an auditorium, and more.

Top Courses Offered by NID Bengaluru

Being on the list of the 10 best design colleges in India, the NID campus in Bangalore provides two-year research and development programs in various fields. Here are the programs available:

• Design for Retail Experience

• Digital Game Design

• Information Design

• Interaction Design

• Universal Design

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), New Delhi

Originally called the College of Engineering in Delhi when it was founded in 1961, the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (also known as IIT Delhi) was renamed when it was designated as an "Institution of National Importance". After this, it ranked among the best colleges and hence was bestowed with the Deemed University status. The NIRF Rankings 2026 place IIT Delhi in the second and third places, respectively, for the engineering and overall categories, making it one of the 10 best colleges for design in India. Internationally, IIT Delhi is ranked 197th by the QS World Rankings 2024 in the Global University category.

Of the 19 Centres of Excellence that make up IITD, four were established by IIT Delhi, eight are sponsored by the industry, and seven are financed by sponsored projects. As per the latest update, IIT Delhi is expanding its reach by establishing two extension campuses: one in Sonepat and the other scheduled to open in Haryana, Jhajjar, shortly.

Top Courses Offered by IIT New Delhi

At the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD), you can dive into the design world through various programs offered by the Department of Design. Check out the options available:

• Bachelor of Design (BDes): Explore the realms of design in this four-year immersive program. This course offers a holistic design education, covering a wide array of design disciplines, such as product design, interaction design, and communication design.

• Master of Design (MDes): Delve deeper into your passion for design with this two-year program. Tailored for those aiming to specialise, the M.Des program offers diverse specializations including Industrial Design, Visual Communication, and Interaction Design.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): Embark on a research journey with this program for those inclined to explore a specific design field. Conduct groundbreaking research and contribute to the advancement of design knowledge.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay

The first public institution to be founded with support from UNESCO is the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, usually referred to as IIT Bombay or IIT Mumbai, which is one of the top design schools in India. Established in the year 1958, it was then Designated as one of the institutes of national importance by the Indian Parliament in 1961. It has also been granted autonomy and been Designated as a 'Deemed University'.

Being one of the top design colleges in India with a sixty-year history, the IITB campus now houses 15 academic departments, 34 centres, 17 departments, and three schools. At the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels, it offers more than 60 courses in the science, engineering, and management streams.

Top Courses Offered by IIT Mumbai

IIT Bombay's Industrial Design Centre (IDC) presents a range of design courses. These programs are detailed below, as found on their official website:

• Bachelor of Design (BDes): This four-year undergraduate program introduces students to design thinking fundamentals and enables specialisation in diverse design fields.

• Master of Design (MDes): A two-year postgraduate program offered in five specializations:

  • Industrial Design

  • Visual Communication

  • Animation Design

  • Interaction Design

  • Mobility and Vehicle Design.

• PhD in Design: This research program emphasises both theoretical and applied design research.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati

Located in Guwahati, the sixth Indian Institute of Technology, or IIT, was founded in 1994 by the Indian government. North East India's first research park is situated at IIT Guwahati, Assam, on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. As with the other IITs, IIT Guwahati is an Institute of Importance and also one of the best designing colleges in India.

Intending to foster staff and student exchange programmes, expanding possibilities for overseas internships, collaborating on conferences, and holding seminars, IIT Guwahati has inked Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with a wide range of national and international institutions. Additionally, there are five academic and five extramural centres at IIT Guwahati.

Top Courses Offered by IIT Guwahati

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate design courses. Here’s a list of the top design courses:

Programme Name	Offered Course
Bachelor of Design (B.Des)	Interaction Design
Master of Design (M.Des)	Interaction Design Visual Communication Industrial Design
PhD in Design	NA

Also Read: How to Choose a Design Institute?

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur

An extremely esteemed institution and one of the 10 top design colleges in India founded by the government is the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, which dates back to 1959. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate courses in five major domains. IIT Kanpur collaborates or has partnerships with most of the top research and academic institutions in the world, including Deakin University, Imperial College of London, Melbourne School of Engineering, and so forth. Being one of the best colleges for design in India, scholarships are another benefit that IIT Kanpur provides to deserving students.

Top Courses Offered by IIT Kanpur

As one of the best colleges for design, the IIT Kanpur offers an array of postgraduate design courses waiting for eager minds:

• Master of Design (MDes): This program is tailored to draw in students from various fields, especially those brimming with creativity and intellect.

• Dual Degree MDes: Here, bachelor's students from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to delve into the area of design and nurture their expertise.

• PhD in Design: For graduates seeking to carve their paths in different research arenas within the design field, IIT Kanpur provides ample opportunities to flourish.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Hyderabad

Founded in 2008 alongside seven other IITs, the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, or IITH, is a second-generation IIT that ranks among the top design schools in India. IIT Hyderabad is a government institution that was founded by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. It provides a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programmes in subjects like science and liberal arts, engineering, Design and management. To cooperate with businesses and academic institutions on both a national and international level, IITH has inked several MoUs. Additionally, ST/SC and merit-cum-means scholarships are the two categories of institutional scholarships that IITH grants.

Top Courses Offered by IIT Hyderabad

IITH is among the top design colleges in India and offers the following design courses:

• Bachelor of Design (BDes): This is a full-time undergraduate program aimed at giving students a solid grounding in design thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and innovation.

• Master of Design (MDes): This is a two-year full-time postgraduate program that offers students a more focused education in design. The M.Des program allows students to specialise in three areas: Visual Design, Product Design, and Interaction Design.

National Institute of Design (NID), Kurukshetra

Known by another name, NID Kurukshetra, NID Haryana was founded in 2016 by the Indian government's Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Information Technology, and Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP). Offering three specialisations: Communication Design, Industrial Design, and Textile and Apparel Design, NID Haryana, an autonomous institute, offers a Graduate Diploma Programme in Design (GDPD).

The college collaborates both domestically and internationally with institutions and organisations such as the King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT Thailand), the MSME Technology Centre in Rohtak, IIT Roorkee, the National Backward Classes Finance Development Corporation, and Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem.

Top Courses Offered by NID Kurukshetra

The Design Graduate Diploma Program (GDPD) delivers a robust Foundation Program spanning two semesters. This is then followed by six semesters dedicated to specialised studies in one of three faculties:

• Industrial Design

• Communication Design Textile

• Apparel Design

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi

Established in the year 1986, NIFT Delhi originally began with just one fashion Design course. The institute is associated with the Ministry of Textiles and the Government of India. It was also ranked number 17 among the top fashion institutes in the world.

The institute offers BDes and MDes courses which are hugely popular amongst students. NIFT Delhi has an amazing placement record and is also one of the major reasons why it is one of the top design schools in India.

Top Courses Offered by NIFT New Delhi

Here is a list of all the design courses offered at NIFT, New Delhi as per their official website:

• Bachelor of Design (B.Des) in:

  • Fashion Design

  • Leather Design

  • Accessory Design

  • Textile Design

  • Knitwear Design

  • Fashion Communication

• Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.F.Tech) in Apparel Production

• Master of Design (M.Des) with 14 different specializations

Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Jabalpur

Established in 2005, IIITDM Jabalpur is the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, which presently stands as one of the best colleges in India for the design stream. Under the IIIT Act, IIITDM Jabalpur was Designated as an Institute of National Importance. Within India's engineering institutions, this institute was placed 75th by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). Furthermore, one of the BTech specialisations offered by IIITDM Jabalpur is Smart Manufacturing.

Engineering and architecture, animation and Design, and sciences are among the various disciplines in which the courses are provided by the institution. These include BDes, MDes, PhD, ME/MTech, and BE/BTech. Being one of the top design colleges in India, it provides placement opportunities and other necessary amenities to students depending upon their needs while on campus.

Top Courses Offered by IIIT Jabalpur

The BDes program spans four years, offering a comprehensive approach to design education. Its goal is to nurture well-rounded designers equipped with a strong foundation, prepared to explore various design domains, such as:

• Product Design

• Communication Design

• Space Design

• Interaction Design

• Service Design

Admission Process at Best Design Colleges in India 2026

If you want to get admissions in any one of the top-notch collleges you must know certain eligibility criteria applicable to those institutions, whether undergraduate or postgraduate. These might vary from institution to institution; however, here is the general eligibility:

• UG Programs: To pursue a UG course in design, you must have passed Class 12 with good grades from an excellent board. The best thing is that students from all streams need to apply be it Science, Commerce, or Arts.
• PG Programs: A bachelor's degree from a recognized university is the requirement for entry into PG design courses. Most colleges prefer candidates with a design background, but if your graduation is in some other field, do not get disheartened. Even then, you can apply for the course if you have the correct kind of skill and aptitude required for the program.

Exam Schedule for Top Design Colleges in India

The table given below highlights the top design entrance exams in India that are accepted by the list of best Design colleges:

Specialisations Offered at the Top Design Colleges in India 2026

The goal of design is to make the objects around you more appealing, and design is necessary in every area of life. It can therefore not be covered in a single academic program, and to address this, it is further broken down into several branches and areas of specialisation. The best colleges for design in India provide a wide range of design specialities and branches, some of which are listed in the following table.

Also Read: Top 10 Specialisations in Design

Top 10 Private Design Colleges in India 2026

Here is a list of the 10 private best design colleges in India that guarantee quality education and exposure:

List of Semi-Government Best Design Colleges in India

The following table outlines some of the top design colleges in India along with their admission eligibility requirements and estimated total tuition fees:

List of Best Design Colleges in India 2026: Location-wise

Find the best design colleges in India for each location along with their tuition fees and their eligibility or accepted entrance exams:

Top Design Colleges in Delhi/NCR

Name of the College	Admission Criteria	Total Tuition Fee (in INR)
Amity School of Fashion Technology Courses	Merit-Based	2,88,000 - 11,84,000
Amity University Noida Courses	CUET and Merit-Based	2,90,000 - 12,54,000
DTU Courses	UCEED, CEED	2,88,000
IIAD Entrance Exam Courses	IIAD Entrance Exam and Merit-Based	9,66,000 - 21,08,000
NIFT Delhi Courses	NIFT Entrance Exam and Merit-Based	70,800 - 12,34,000
Pearl Academy Courses	Pearl Academy Entrance Exam, DAT	1,40,000 - 3,20,000

Top Design Colleges in Mumbai

Name of the College	Admission Criteria	Total Tuition Fee (in INR)
Amity University Mumbai	CUET and Merit-Based	1,68,000 - 10,56,000
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University	Merit-Based	80,000 - 3,80,000
IDC-IIT Bombay	UCEED, CEED	70,000 - 11,56,000
IIAD-IIT Bombay	UCEED, CEED	1,00,000 - 11,56,000
NIFT Mumbai	NIFT Entrance Exam and Merit-Based	1,30,000 - 11,74,000
NMIMS School of Design, NMIMS	UCEED, NMIMS DAT and Merit-Based	17,80,000
Pearl Academy Mumbai	Pearl Academy Exam and Merit-Based	2,20,000 - 21,52,000

Best Design Institutes in Bangalore

Name of the College	Admission Criteria	Total Tuition Fee (in INR)
NID Bengaluru	NID Entrance Exam	9,97,000
NIFT Bangalore	NIFT Entrance Exam and Merit-Based	60,000 - 12,34,000
Srishti Manipal Insitute of Art, Design and Technology	UCEED, SAT India and SMEAT	1,35,000 - 5,61,000
Vogue Institute of Art and Design	Merit-Based	1,36,000 - 6,00,000
RV University	UCEED	6,00,000 - 15,00,000

Best Design Colleges in Pune

Name of the College	Admission Criteria	Total Tuition Fee (in INR)
MIT-ADT University	MITID DAT	4,90,000 - 12,65,000
SID Pune	SEED and Merit-Based	17,60,000
MIT-WPU Pune	NIFT Entrance Exam and Merit-Based	8,00,000 - 14,00,000
School of Design, MIT WPU	NIFT Entrance Exam and Merit-Based	14,00,000
International School of Design	Merit-Based	62,000 - 5,85,000

Expected Salary Range

The profit or advantage you will receive if you enroll in a degree at a specific university is referred to as the Return on Investment. The top Design colleges in India along with their annual average package have been provided below:

College Name	Annual Average Package
Amity University Mumbai	INR 6 LPA - 7 LPA
NIFT Kannur	INR 4 LPA - 6 LPA
JD Institute of Fashion Technology	INR 3 LPA - 5 LPA
PSG College of Arts and Science	INR 3 LPA - 4 LPA
Indian Institute of Fashion Technology	INR 2 LPA - 4 LPA
NID Ahmedabad	INR 3.65 LPA
NID Bengaluru	INR 3.54 LPA
IIT New Delhi	INR 3.7 LPA - 6 LPA
IIT Mumbai	INR 3.4 LPA
NIFT New Delhi	INR 4.5 LPA - 5.7 LPA

Design is a creative field which requires students to have a knack for it. So, selecting a college out of the many best becomes significant for candidates who are about to start their academic journey in the design field. Clarity in selecting colleges and getting into the best design colleges in India will help candidates have a foot in the door in this already competitive field. So take the first step today to flourish with your artistic approach and creative talent!
Candidates applying for multiple top design colleges in the country often get confused about different colleges across the regions. So we have a region-wise list of colleges in India that you can check out as per your preference of location or region below:

Selecting a college for design studies can be a tricky task for students, especially those who have yet to begin their academic journey in the design field. This article is to help out these students and guide them in this journey. Undoubtedly, these design institutes can give a great kick-start in your career in Design. So start preparing for the design entrance exams for either of these best colleges in India and fulfil your dream of entering the design world. The field is open to exploration for designing aspirants with an artistic outlook and creative minds.

To get guidance for admission to any of the top design colleges in India, feel free to dial our toll-free number 1800-572-9877 or fill out the Common Application Form of CollegeDekho . An admission counsellor would be assigned to you to make the process hassle-free. In case of any concerns or queries, write to us in the QnA zone .