Top 10 Bachelor of Design Colleges in India: Your Ultimate Guide

 Choosing a good Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) college is difficult for aspiring designers due to the many universities and colleges offering numerous design programs. There are several design colleges in India, which offer top-notch education, exposure to the world, and industry connections. Whether you are interested in fashion, product design, or user experience (UX), the right design college can shape your creative career.

Here is the list of the top 10 Bachelor of Design colleges in India, along with their unique features, admission process, and fee structure of each college.

1. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi

NIFT Delhi is one of the most prestigious design colleges in India and is known for its rigorous curriculum and industry-driven approach. However, getting into NIFT is not easy, as it has a highly competitive entrance exam.

Key Highlights:

● Established in 1986 under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

● NIFT offers admission based on the entrance exam, which has a low acceptance rate.

● Tuition Fee: ₹12,30,000 (for complete course)

● Strong industry collaborations and internship opportunities with top fashion brands.

2. Rishihood University, Sonepat

Rishihood University, a leading modern and innovation-focused institution, is an excellent choice for those students who are exploring their options for a B.Des. program. Rishihood University employs a new way of combining design thinking with entrepreneurial skills that help students gain industry-ready skills along with strategic entrepreneurial skills from day one.

Why Choose Rishihood University for B.Des?

- Specialisations: Offers pathways in User Experience (UX) & Interaction Design (ID) and Product, Space & Fashion Design.

- Seed Funding & Paid Internships: Students can access startup seed funding of around ₹1 lakh and semester-long paid internships, helping them gain financial independence while studying.

- All Paid Software Subscriptions: The university provides free access to 6+ industry-standard design software such as Adobe Suite, Behance Pro, MS Office, Autodesk and more.

- MacBook for Every Student: All students get a MacBook so they have the best tools to develop their creative projects.

- Real-World Learning: The curriculum is focused on delivering hands-on experience through design labs, industry projects, and internships.

- Mentorship by Industry Experts: Students receive guidance from renowned 50+ alpha design leaders and entrepreneurs as mentors.

- State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Cutting-edge 13+ advanced laboratories, studios, and creative spaces for all innovation-focused specialisations.

- Career & Startup Support: Rishihood is designed for entrepreneurial-spirited students, preparing them to pursue their entrepreneurial goals while studying at the university.

- Future-Focused Curriculum: While many legacy institutions follow the same textbook knowledge, Rishihood features new-age skills like digital design, AI in design, and sustainable fashion in its curriculum.

Fee Structure:

● Tuition Fee: ₹4,20,000 per year

● Admission Fee: ₹85,000 (one-time payment)

● Hostel Fee: ₹1,80,000 per year

● For students looking for a future-ready and immersive B.Des. Rishihood University offers a perfect mix of traditional design fundamentals with modern innovation.

3. National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad

NID Ahmedabad is one of the most prestigious design institutes in India with its strong research-driven approach. However, securing admission to this institution is highly competitive.

Key Highlights:

● Established in 1961, under the Government of India.

● Offers programs in industrial design, communication design, and textile & apparel design.

● Admission through the NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT), which has a very low selection rate.

● Tuition fee: ₹16,84,000 (for four years-course).

● Hostel fee: ₹15,000 per semester

● Limited number of seats makes it tough for several aspirants to seek admission.

4. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi

IIT Delhi offers a B.Des. course integrating design with technology. But, admissions are extremely competitive and tough.

Key Highlights:

● Admission is based on the results of UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design).

● Annual tuition fee: ₹200,000.

● Focuses on engineering-based design principles.

● Limited seats make it highly competitive.

5. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay

IIT Bombay’s Industrial Design Centre (IDC) is a very reputed college, but getting admission requires one of the top UCEED ranks.

Key Highlights:

● Admission via UCEED.

● Specializations include Product Design, Communication Design, Animation, Mobility & Vehicle Design.

● Annual tuition fee: ₹2,25,000.

● Tough selection process with only a few seats available.

6. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Gandhinagar

NIFT Gandhinagar is known for its focus on sustainable and innovative design, but admission is highly competitive.

Key Highlights:

● Admission through the NIFT entrance exam, which has a challenging selection process.

● Tuition fee: ₹12,34,000 (for complete course)

● Strong industry collaborations, but limited specialisation options.

7. Delhi Technological University (DTU)

DTU offers a well-structured B.Design program, but its technical focus may not suit all creative students.

Key Highlights:

● Admission is based on UCEED scores.

● Tuition fee: ₹6,87,000 (for complete course)

● More technical than creative, making it less flexible for pure design students.

8. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati

IIT Guwahati offers strong design education but with a major emphasis on research and technology.

Key Highlights:

● Admission through UCEED.

● Specialisations in Industrial Design, Communication Design, and Interaction Design.

● Tuition fee: ₹8,00,000 (for complete course)

● Tough competition with only a few seats available.

9. National Institute of Design (NID), Kurukshetra

NID Kurukshetra is a reputed design college, but it has a smaller campus and fewer specialisation options compared to the institute in Ahmedabad.

Key Highlights:

● Admission via NID DAT.

● Tuition fee: ₹11,00,000 (for complete course)

● Strong focus on experiential learning but with limited exposure to newer design fields.

10. Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design, and Technology, Bangalore

Srishti Manipal is a popular institute for design education, but the admission cost is high.

Key Highlights:

● Multi-stage admission process including a design aptitude test and portfolio review assessment.

● Tuition fee: ₹17,22,000 (for complete course)

● Focus on interdisciplinary learning, but it is expensive compared to other options.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right B.Design course is the right choice towards a successful career in design. While legacy institutions like NIFT, NID, and IITs are some of the most reputed institutions in the country, they are extremely hard to access due to their rigid structure and limited seats. Likewise, Rishihood University offers a fresh, future-ready approach to design education with strong industry connections, real-world exposure, and modern infrastructure.

When selecting a college, consider factors like specialisation, faculty, industry connections, and campus facilities to make an informed choice.

Whether you want to explore fashion, industrial, UX, or communication design, these Bachelor of Design colleges in India will help you build a strong foundation in the world of creativity and innovation.