Choosing a design college after Class 12 is a major decision that directly impacts your creative career. With multiple institutes offering fashion, interior, graphic, and product design programs, students often struggle to identify the right option. This Student Guide is created to help aspiring designers understand what truly matters while selecting from the Top 5 Design Colleges in India.
India’s design education ecosystem has evolved rapidly, combining creativity, industry exposure, and global learning opportunities. Below, we explore institutions that consistently rank among the Top 5 Design Colleges, based on academic excellence, industry relevance, and student outcomes.
Why Choosing the Right Design College Matters
Design education is not just about learning software or sketching techniques. A good institute offers exposure to real-world projects, mentorship from experienced faculty, and strong placement support. Students searching for the Top 5 Design Colleges often look for a balance between creativity and career opportunities.
This Student Guide focuses on institutions that offer holistic design education and are recognised across India and internationally.
Top 5 Design Colleges in India
1. ARCH College of Design and Business, Jaipur
ARCH College of Design and Business, located in the creative heart of Jaipur, Rajasthan, stands tall among the Top 5 Design Colleges in India with over 25 years of legacy in shaping future design leaders. Established in 2000, ARCH has consistently evolved, blending tradition with contemporary design education to empower more than 7,500 students with global design fluency and real-world skills.
A Legacy of Creative Excellence
For over two and a half decades, ARCH has been a trailblazer in design education in India, earning recognition for its commitment to artistic innovation, entrepreneurial mindset, and industry relevance. Its 25-year legacy is reflected in its alumni, who excel across creative domains including fashion, interior, product, jewellery, and communication design.
Strong Affiliations & Academic Recognition
ARCH’s academic credentials are robust and nationally recognized. The college is affiliated with the University of Rajasthan for its flagship Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programs, ensuring students receive accredited degrees that are respected across the design industry. Additionally, its Masters in Design Entrepreneurship is offered in partnership with Vishvakarma Skills University (VSU), making it the first institute in Rajasthan with such vocational-industry integrated postgraduate credentials.
In strategic collaboration with Pearson, UK, ARCH is accredited to deliver six BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) qualifications in art and design — offering a unique international academic pathway.
Global Exposure & Abroad Programs
One of ARCH’s standout features is its international study opportunities. Through its Pearson HND progression route, students can complete two years at ARCH and then transfer directly into the third year of a BA degree abroad at universities in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and more.
Beyond degree progression, ARCH also facilitates semester exchanges, industry internships abroad, summer schools, and joint classroom projects with international design institutions across Europe, North America, and other regions. These programs broaden students’ creative perspectives and expose them to global design trends and practices.
AIEED — All India Entrance Examination for Design
ARCH conducts the All India Entrance Examination for Design (AIEED) — a national entrance screening designed to assess creative aptitude, design thinking, problem-solving skills, and communication ability rather than just technical drawing skills. Since its inception in 2010, AIEED has served as the gateway for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students seeking admission into ARCH’s comprehensive design programs.
AIEED Process and Benefits
- Application & Screening: Students must complete an online application and submit their Portfolio of Abilities (PoA) along with a Statement of Purpose (SoP) to showcase their design interests and creative mindset.
- Interaction & Counselling: Shortlisted candidates go through online interaction and counselling sessions to discuss their aspirations and fit for the programs.
- Situation Test & Group Discussion: On-campus evaluations further assess collaborative skills and design instincts.
The process ensures that selection is based on a comprehensive understanding of each student’s creative potential and not just examination scores. AIEED has been conducted by ARCH annually since 2010 and continues to evolve as an inclusive and thoughtful admissions approach.
2. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is a premier government institute under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Established in 1986, NIFT is globally recognised for excellence in fashion education and research.
With campuses across major Indian cities, NIFT is widely preferred by students aiming for careers in fashion design, technology, and management. It is frequently searched among Top Fashion Design Colleges in India due to its strong academic structure and national entrance examination.
NIFT’s curriculum is industry-driven and supported by government initiatives, making it a key contributor to India’s fashion and textile ecosystem.
3. National Institute of Design (NID)
The National Institute of Design (NID) is an autonomous government institution functioning under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India. Established in 1961, NID is internationally acclaimed for design education and research.
NID offers specialised programs across industrial, communication, textile, and digital design disciplines. It is consistently ranked among the Best Design Colleges in India due to its rigorous academic framework and focus on design innovation.
Graduates from NID play a significant role in shaping India’s design, startup, and creative industries, both nationally and globally.
4. National Institute of Interior Designing (NIID)
The National Institute of Interior Designing (NIID) is a government-recognized institute dedicated to interior and spatial design education. It focuses on structured learning, technical expertise, and design execution.
Students searching for Top Interior Design Colleges in India often consider NIID for its emphasis on space planning, materials, and sustainable interiors. The institute follows a curriculum aligned with industry requirements, preparing students for professional practice in residential, commercial, and institutional design.
5. Indian Institute of Crafts & Design (IICD), Jaipur
The Indian Institute of Crafts & Design (IICD), Jaipur, is a public institution supported by the Government of Rajasthan. It is uniquely focused on integrating traditional Indian crafts with contemporary design education.
IICD offers programs in craft design, textile design, hard material design, and soft material design. The institute is recognized for preserving India’s rich craft heritage while enabling students to apply modern design thinking.
Due to its specialized approach and government backing, IICD is often included among the Top Design Colleges in India for students interested in craft-based and sustainable design careers.
How to Choose the Right Design College
This Student Guide recommends evaluating institutes based on curriculum relevance, faculty expertise, industry exposure, and placement support. Students should also consider campus culture, location, and access to internships.
For aspirants based in Rajasthan or North India, Jaipur offers a strategic advantage with institutes like ARCH College of Design and Business, which blends global education with local accessibility.
Final Thoughts
Selecting from the Top 5 Design Colleges requires careful research and clarity about your career goals. Whether your interest lies in fashion, interior, graphic, or multidisciplinary design, the right institute can shape your professional journey.
This Student Guide aims to simplify your decision-making process by highlighting institutions that consistently deliver quality education and strong career outcomes. Explore courses, attend counselling sessions, and choose a college that aligns with your creative vision and long-term aspirations.