Best Design Colleges Apart from NID & NIFT: Courses, Fees, Entrance Exams
Are you passionate about design courses? If so, you are likely familiar with NID and NIFT, the top choices for many aspiring designers. We have compiled a list of the best design colleges apart from NID & NIFT to kickstart your design journey!
Best Design Colleges Apart from NID & NIFT: Although NID and NIFT are well-known for producing top-notch design professionals, it is worth noting that there are only a handful of campuses for each. Despite this, several other best design colleges apart from NID & NIFT across the country consistently produce excellent designers. It is common for students to overlook these institutions. However, it is essential to broaden our perspective and understand that the demand for design expertise will always be high. Admission to NID or NIFT is not the sole path to becoming a skilled designer.
So, are there any best design colleges apart from NID & NIFT? Yes! If students miss the chance to take the NIFT or NID DAT entrance exams, they typically have two options: wait a year and try again or explore other reputable design colleges in India. Opting for a design program at another respected institution is a wise decision to prepare for the competitive industry. Private design colleges, offering a variety of options, have significantly contributed to the field. Therefore, in this article, we will explore the best design colleges apart from NID & NIFT in India.
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Why Consider Design Colleges Apart from NID & NIFT?
An aspiring designer should explore notable design institutes in India besides NID and NIFT for a variety of reasons. The motive for this is that the two esteemed colleges will not have enough space to meet the growing demand from the industry, particularly given that most companies across various industries heavily depend on designers to give their clients unique experiences. The establishment of more respectable design schools is both required and desirable to ensure that there is always an abundance of skilled designers available for the market. There has been a lot of progress in this field, as seen by the involvement of prominent institutions like MIT, IIAD, Pearl, ISDI, Srishti, IED, etc.
Government-aided colleges such as NID and NIFT are not graduating a substantial number of designers since they have not changed their admission requirements to meet the needs of business. Given the increasing number of design applicants each year, several universities have revised their admission procedures to only admit the best candidates. More than a lakh applicants apply each year to NID for the 100 open seats. This means that many worthy students may find it challenging to gain acceptance into their preferred design curriculum at these colleges.
Also Read: Design Colleges Offering Admission Based on Class 12th Marks
Best Design Colleges in India Apart from NID & NIFT
Here is the list of best design colleges besides NID and NIFT for design admissions in India tabulated below:
Institute Name | Offered Course/s | Expected Entrance Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| June | |
| April | |
| April | |
Northern India Institute of Fashion Technology (NIIFT) |
| June |
| Phase 1 (usually held in January) | |
School of Fashion Technology (SOFT) |
| June |
Symbiosis Institute of Design (SEED exam) |
| January |
List of Popular Design Colleges Apart From NID and NIFT
The good colleges besides NID and NIFT for design admissions have an active placement cell which welcomes leading companies for placement. Also, these other design colleges offer limitless practical exposure along with training and individual attention to the students, making it different from the top colleges.
You can check out some of the good colleges besides NID and NIFT for design admissions in India and take your pick!
College Name | Courses Offered | Annual Course Fee (in INR) | Selection Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| 53,000 to 3,65,000 | Merit or Entrance Exam-based | |
| 90,000 to 1,24,000 | Merit or Entrance Exam-based | |
1,50,000 | Merit-based & Personal Interview | ||
| 2,60,00 to 4,00,000 | Jain Entrance Test- Design | |
| 1,80,000 | ||
| 4,00,000 to 4,50,000 | ||
| 4,30,000 to 4,68,000 | ||
| 75,000 to 3,95,000 | ||
| 60,000 to 7,64,000 | Design Aptitude Test, Studio Test & Personal Interview | |
| 1.66,000 to 9,99,000 | Merit-based or Personal Interview | |
| 1.28,000 to 1,72,000 | Merit or Entrance Exam-based | |
| 50,000 | Merit-based | |
| 1,36,000 to 2,72,000 | Merit or Entrance Exam-based | |
| 4,00,000 | ||
| 60,000 to 90,000 | Institute-level Entrance Exam | |
| 50,000 to 2,50,000 | Design Aptitude Test | |
| 1,20,000 to 2,40,000 | ||
International Institute of Fashion Design, West Delhi (INIFD) |
| 1,60,000 to 1,95,000 | Merit-based |
| 1,17,000 to 1,68,000 | Merit or Entrance Exam-based | |
| 90,000 to 2,33,000 | Institute-level Entrance Exam | |
| 1,90,000 to 2,50,000 | Institute-level Entrance Exam | |
| 40,000 to 1,16,000 | Institute-level Entrance Exam & Personal Interview |
Note: The fee mentioned in the table above is an estimate which may change from one year to another at the discretion of the respective authority.
Perks of Choosing the Best Design Colleges Apart from NID & NIFT
Even if a design institution is not NID or NIFT, there could still be significant benefits to attending. Indeed, the primary benefit of attending a private college or institute is that admissions are typically smoother. The competitiveness is not as fierce as it is for NID and NIFT, even though many of them run their own entrance exams. However, this is not predictive of the calibre of education they offer but the reason for this is that every major city has a large number of private institutions. Add a couple more reputable universities to your list as you start preparing for the NID or NIFT. Think about prominent regional and private design-based educational institutions. Apply to as many universities and other colleges as you can while keeping track of their entrance examinations, important deadlines and admissions processes.
Many universities place a strong emphasis on the personal growth of each candidate, helping them hone their skills and discover the aesthetics of design. These universities give you more options for the courses you want to attend. For aspirants who have an inkling of which discipline they want to focus on, this is undoubtedly a good option. Numerous of these institutions provide more general courses that concentrate on other facets of design. Students can also choose the field they want to pursue by taking academic programmes that provide them with training and practical experience.
Region-wise List of Best Design Colleges Apart from NID and NIFT
Distributed below are a few good design colleges in India besides NID and NIFT, based on the region of the college. Choose the preferred location and click on the links below to explore the list of good colleges besides NID and NIFT for design admission.
These were some of the good colleges apart from NID and NIFT for design admissions. Candidates willing to be admitted to any of these institutes may check out the list of Private Design Colleges in India Offering Scholarships. It would help them in making a well-informed decision. They may also visit the Self-Study Guide for Design Entrance Exams to prepare well and get admission to the desired college.
Also Read: Design Colleges in India Offering Lateral Entry Admissions
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FAQs
Are there any design colleges that offer online or part-time programs?
Yes! There are a few design colleges in India that provide online or part-time programs. You can explore institutions like Amity University or JD Institute of Fashion Technology. However, the range of choices might be somewhat restricted compared to full-time programs.
Can I get into a good design college without NID DAT or NIFT exam scores?
Yes! A lot of design schools take more into account than just your scores on exams like NID DAT or NIFT. They also check out your portfolio, might have their own design tests, do personal interviews, and review your academic history.
What are the placement opportunities for graduates from design colleges apart from NID & NIFT?
Graduates who have graduated from the best design colleges apart from NID & NIFT, as mentioned in this article, have a variety of career paths awaiting them. They can explore opportunities in design studios, consultancies, advertising agencies, product design firms, UX/UI companies, animation studios, and fashion brands. Additionally, startups, e-commerce ventures, and in-house design departments within corporations actively seek out these graduates for their skills and creativity.
How do I shortlist design colleges based on my interests and budget?
- Discover Your Passion: Take time to figure out what type of design excites you the most, whether it's graphic design, product design, or something else.
- Research College Programs: Look into various colleges and their design programs. Make sure to choose ones that offer courses related to your interests.
- Evaluate Faculty and Facilities: Check out the qualifications and experience of the faculty members. Also, consider the facilities such as labs and studios available for students, ensuring they meet your needs and goals.
- Budget and Scholarships: Compare the tuition fees of different colleges and see if there are any scholarships available. This will help you find an affordable option that fits your financial situation.
What factors should I consider when choosing a design college?
- Programs available: Choose ones that match your design interests, whether it's graphic design, product design, or others.
- Faculty Experience: Seek out professors who have both teaching experience and connections in the industry.
- Curriculum: Find a program that strikes a good balance between teaching theory and hands-on skills, with a focus on building your portfolio.
- Job Placement: Look into the track record of graduates from the program and how successful they've been in finding design jobs.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Consider the tuition fees and explore scholarship and financial aid options that might be available to you.
- Location and Campus Environment: Think about where you want to study and what kind of campus culture you thrive in.
- Industry Connections: Check if the program offers internships and brings in guest speakers from the design industry to give you real-world insights.
Are there specific portfolio requirements for admissions to top design colleges other than NID and NIFT?
Aside from NID and NIFT, popular design universities frequently have portfolio requirements for admission. Since these criteria may differ, it is important to review the guidelines provided by each college. Portfolios often highlight a candidate's artistic abilities, originality, and design initiatives, and they play an important role in the admissions screening process.
What is the placement scenario for design graduates from colleges apart from NID and NIFT?
Other than NID and NIFT, the placement scenario for design graduates varies, affected by factors such as the institution's reputation, industry ties, and individual student portfolios. To learn more about the potential employment outcomes for design graduates, look into specific universities' placement histories, industry collaborations, and alumni success stories.
How are the faculty and infrastructure at these design colleges compared to NID and NIFT?
These design colleges' faculty and infrastructure are typically thought to be of excellent quality, equivalent to NID and NIFT. However, there may be some diversity in each college's specific strengths. Srishti School of Art, Design, and Technology, for example, is well-known for its emphasis on creativity and invention, whereas IIT Institute of Design is well-known for its rigorous academic programmes. Overall, these universities are excellent choices for those interested in pursuing a design profession.
Do these colleges apart from NID and NIFT offer scholarships for design students, and what are the criteria?
Yes, most reputable design institutes in India provide scholarships to students seeking design degrees. These scholarships are typically given based on merit, financial need, or a combination of the two. Scholarship criteria vary by every college, but they often include variables such as academic excellence, extracurricular activity, and financial need.
Which entrance exams are conducted for admission to a good design college besides NID & NIFT?
Apart from NID and NIFT, various design colleges conduct entrance exams for admission. Some notable ones include the Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED), Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design (UCEED), MIT Institute of Design DAT, and National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) entrance exams.