List of NIFT Colleges in India 2025: Eligibility, Admission Process, Fees and More
Do you know that India has 18 NIFT colleges with around 5,289 seats for UG and PG? This article will list the best NIFT colleges in India 2025 like NIFT Delhi and NIFT Mumbai and will reveal the admission process, entrance exam, courses, eligibility, and more.
The list of NIFT colleges in India 2025 consists of 18 different NIFT campuses which are known to be the best fashion design colleges in India for aspiring designers. NIFT offers a variety of programs in fashion and design at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels such as BDes, BFTech, MDes, MFTech, and MFM. Admission to these courses is determined by your performance in the NIFT entrance exam. The first NIFT college in India was established in New Delhi in 1986. NIFT Panchkula and NIFT Varanasi are the most recent additions to the ranking of the list of best NIFT colleges in India. Keep reading to learn more about the list of NIFT colleges in India for the 2025 admission cycle including the admission process, courses, seat intake, eligibility and more.
NIFT Colleges in India Highlights
The following are the highlights of the National Institute of Fashion Technology:
Full Exam Name | National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Examination |
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Entrance Exam Name | NIFT Entrance Exam |
Conducting Body | National Institute of Fashion Technology |
Frequency of Conduct | Once a year |
Exam Medium | English |
Mode of Application | Online |
Application Fee (General) | INR 3,000 |
Mode of Exam | Online |
Mode of Counselling | Online |
Participating Colleges | 19 |
Number of Seats | 5,289 Seats |
List of NIFT Colleges in India 2025
As discussed, NIFTs are some of the best fashion design institutes in the country, offering a fantastic start in the design field. Several design colleges in India accept admission based on one's NIFT 2025 results. Here is a complete list of the top NIFT colleges in India:
List of All NIFT Colleges in India 2025 | |
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NIFT Daman | NIFT Kannur |
NIFT Panchkula | NIFT Varanasi |
India Today Rankings for NIFT Colleges in India
India Today publishes rankings for the top design colleges in India every year. The following are the NIFT institute rankings for the years 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021 as per the India Today report on best design colleges in India 2025:
Name of the Institute | India Today Ranking 2024 | India Today 2023 Ranking | India Today 2022 Ranking | India Today 2021 Ranking |
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NIFT Delhi | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
NIFT Mumbai | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
NIFT Bangalore | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
NIFT Chennai | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
NIFT Gandhinagar | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
NIFT Patna | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 |
NIFT Hyderabad | 5 | 5 | 7 | 7 |
NIFT Kolkota | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
NIFT Jodhpur | 10 | 10 | - | - |
NIFT Raebareli | 14 | 14 | 11 | 11 |
NIFT Kannur | 11 | 13 | 13 | - |
NIFT Shillong | 15 | 16 | 14 | 12 |
NIFT Bhubaneswar | 13 | 12 | 15 | - |
NIFT Kangra | 17 | 17 | 17 | 16 |
NIFT TEA | 22 | 22 | 20 | 18 |
Factors Considered for NIFT Colleges Rankings
Several different factors determine how the ranks of NIFT campuses measure up. All of those would play a vital role in shaping the whole experience towards building the students. Here are the top factors which influence the NIFT colleges rankings in India:
- Quality of Education: Much that matters is the delivery at campus regarding academic programmes. Factors such as its experts, the relevance of the syllabus, and the methods it uses to teach are enough to contribute to the degree of its academic reputation.
- Campus Infrastructure: The infrastructure is another important thing. Well-equipped classrooms, state-of-the-art design studios, modern labs, and resourceful libraries all contribute towards making the learning environment more viable and impactful on the campus.
- Geographic Advantage: This can also be a reason to impact the rank of the campus. Proximity to fashion capitals or metropolitan cities usually increases industry exposure, offers many opportunities for internships, and provides access to new trends in the world of fashion.
- Placement Opportunities: A good record of placement is very important for any student looking to build a future in fashion. Campuses offering good industry connections, regular internship opportunities, and ties with famous fashion brands can be very valuable for the future of the students.
Also Read:
Courses Offered by NIFT Colleges in India 2025
Given below is the list of NIFT colleges in India along with their respective UG and PG courses offered:
College Name | UG Courses Offered | PG Courses Offered |
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NIFT New Delhi |
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NIFT Mumbai |
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NIFT Bangalore |
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NIFT Bhopal |
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NIFT Gandhinagar |
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NIFT Hyderabad |
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NIFT Chennai |
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NIFT Kolkata |
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NIFT Panchkula |
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NIFT Bhubaneswar |
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NIFT Jodhpur |
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NIFT Patna |
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NIFT Raebareli |
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NIFT Kannur |
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NIFT Shillong |
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NIFT Kangra |
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NIFT Srinagar |
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NIFT Colleges in India Fee Structure 2025
Every semester, applicants must pay the NIFT fee for the course(s) to which they have applied for admission. All NIFT UG courses have eight semesters, whereas PG courses have four semesters, aspirants are informed. Non-NRI candidates must pay the same tuition fee for undergraduate and graduate programs at all NIFT campuses. The expected fee you must pay for the entire course is listed in the table below.
Course Level | Category | Fee (IN INR) |
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UG course fee (all NIFT campuses in India) | Non-NRI | 12,77,700 |
PG course fee (all NIFT campuses in India) | Non-NRI | 6,21,200 |
#UG course fee | NRI | 39,27,700 |
#PG course fee | NRI | 18,82,200 |
*UG course fee | NRI | 27,64,000 |
*PG course fee | NRI | 13,28,400 |
#Fees are payable at the NIFT campuses in Bengaluru, Chennai, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Raebareli, and Srinagar. *Fees are payable at NIFT campuses in Panchkula, Patna, Kangra, Bhopal, Kannur, Shillong, Jodhpur, and Bhubaneswar. |
Note: The fee mentioned in the table above is subject to change at the authority’s discretion from one year to another.
Eligibility Criteria for NIFT Colleges in India 2025
Candidates who are interested in pursuing NIFT courses can examine the bachelor's and master's programs available at NIFT.
National Institute of Fashion Technology Bachelor's Courses Eligibility
- To apply for the BDes and BFTech courses, candidates must have secured at least 60% marks in class 12.
- NIFT also conducts the Creative Ability Test (CAT) for students seeking admission to bachelor’s courses. Students are selected for the NIFT Situation Test based on NIFT CAT scores.
- The NIFT situation test will test the student’s creativity, ability to visualize, composition, and construction skills. Time management skills are also tested through this test.
- Final admission is based on the NIFT CAT and academic background, and 20% weightage is given to the NIFT situation test.
National Institute of Fashion Technology Master's Courses Eligibility
- Candidates must have pursued a BDes of B.F.Tech with at least 60% marks to apply for the master’s courses offered by NIFT.
- Admissions are done based on the NIFT GAT (Graduate Ability Test) score. The exam is conducted by the institute every year.
- Students shortlisted based on NIFT GAT are called for group discussion and personal interviews. All the components are considered to shortlist students for the master’s program.
Also Read:
NIFT Entrance Exam Components and Weightage 2025
To get admission at any one college from the list of NIFT colleges in India, your performance in the NIFT entrance exam conducted by NIFT is an important factor. Following is the process for course-wise admissions with different types of tests having different importance as per course. The table below sums up this process with weightage to each test.
Program | Test | Weightage |
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BDes | CAT | 50% |
GAT | 30% | |
Situation Test | 20% | |
MDes | CAT | 40% |
GAT | 30% | |
GD/PI | 30% | |
BFTech | GAT | 100% |
MFTech | GAT | 70% |
GD/PI | 30% | |
MFM | GAT | 70% |
GD/PI | 30% |
Admission Process of NIFT Colleges in India 2025
Admission to all NIFT campuses is based on the marks obtained in the NIFT Entrance Exam. The admission process for BDes and MDes courses at NIFT is a three-tiered process consisting of two written tests and a situation test/GD-PI round, whereas applicants for other courses must take a single written test. Here’s everything to know about the admission process for the NIFT colleges in India 2025:
- Exam Pattern: As per the NIFT entrance exam pattern, the exam has two parts:
- General Ability Test (GAT): It is held through a centre-based system.
- Creative Ability Test (CAT): It is conducted offline for some programs. Candidates seeking admission in B.Des and M.Des need to appear for both GAT and CAT, while for other design courses, only GAT is required.
- Admission Procedure: To get shortlisted for the next round, which is either a Situation Test or a Personal Interview, candidates need to obtain the cut-off marks in the written tests. The final choice is made based on a combination of performance in the written tests and the Situation Test/Personal Interview.
- Qualification for B.Des Programs: Applicants should have passed:
- Class 12th in any discipline, Science, Commerce, or Arts with a minimum of 50% marks from any recognized board.
- OR 3-4 years of a diploma recognized by AICTE or any State Board of Technical Education.
- Age limit: Should be below 24 years on 1st August in the admission year.
- Qualification for B.F.Tech Programs: Applicants must have passed:
- 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
- Minimum marks of 50% from a recognized board.
Other Top Design Colleges in India
Here is a list of the best design colleges apart from NID & NIFT known for quality education and great placement opportunities.
College Name | Location |
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Mumbai, Maharashtra | |
Delhi, Delhi | |
Jaipur, Rajasthan | |
Gandhinagar, Gujarat | |
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | |
Noida, Uttar Pradesh | |
Bengaluru, Karnataka | |
Jaipur, Rajasthan | |
Mumbai, Maharashtra |
Students can enrol in both UG and PG degrees at NIFT, one of the well-known design colleges in India. The most popular design programs that NIFTs offer are the Master of Design (MDes) at the postgraduate level and the Bachelor of Design (BDes) at the undergraduate level. By looking at the list of NIFT colleges in India discussed in this article, candidates can pick their desired NIFT institution along with the courses offered.
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To explore the world of design and find out more options, dial the toll-free number 1800-572-9877 or fill out the Common Application Form (CAF). You can also drop your queries in the QnA zone. Stay tuned to CollegeDekho for more updates!
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FAQs
Is NIFT a good career option?
Yes, NIFT is a good career option irrespective of the type and level of programme you are planning to pursue. You essentially have a guaranteed career if you attend the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), particularly one of the top-ranked schools in the country. For example, graduates of NIFT Delhi can anticipate earning the maximum pay of 11 LPA.
Which is the most popular course in NIFT?
The most popular course in NIFT offered at the UG level is the Bachelor of Design (BDes), while the Master of Design (MDes) is another popular programme offered at the PG level. Other courses provided by the institute are Bachelor of Fashion Technology (BFTech), Master of Fashion Management (MFM), and Master of Fashion Technology (MFTech).
What other institutes accept NIFT scores other than participating colleges?
The list of the other institutes accepting NIFT scores other than participating colleges includes Alliance University (Bangalore), CMR University (Bangalore), ISDI School of Design and Innovation (Mumbai), LPU University, Riidl Academy (Mumbai), Somaiya School of Design (Mumbai), Vishwakarma University (Pune), World University of Design (Sonipat), and more.
Can I get into NIFT without Maths?
Yes, candidates can get into NIFT without Maths provided they are not applying for a BFTech course. To be considered for admission through NIFT, you must pass your 12th-grade board exams in any stream to enrol in the BDes programme. However, passing the Class 12th Boards with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths as required is a prerequisite for admission to the BFTech programme.
What are the eligibility criteria for NIFT?
The eligibility criteria for NIFT which must be fulfilled by all applicants include the following:
A 10+2 certificate from an accredited university.
A passing score in at least five subjects on the National Open School Senior Secondary Exams.
Diploma approved for three or four years by the State Board of Technical Education or the AICTE.
Any public school, board, or college exam that is recognised as being equivalent to the 10+2 system by the Association of Indian Universities, whether it is taken in India or abroad.
Is NIFT better than IIT?
It cannot be said that NIFT is better than IIT because there is no relationship between these two colleges. Choose IIT if you are interested in engineering and computer-related fields. For students who wish to work in the fashion, clothing, and brand industries, NIFT is the best place to pursue a career.
How many NIFT colleges are in India?
A total of 18 NIFT colleges are in India that offer excellent design curricula. There are currently 18 NIFTs operating across the nation, with the first one opening its doors in New Delhi in 1986. The two newest NIFT campuses in India are NIFT Panchkula and NIFT Varanasi. A list of universities that will accept results from the NIFT entrance exam for admission starting in 2021 includes NIFT Panchkula.
Which are the top 5 NIFT colleges in India?
The top 5 NIFT colleges in India are NIFT Delhi, NIFT Mumbai, NIFT Bangalore, NIFT Chennai, and NIFT Gandhinagar, respectively based on India Today 2023 Ranking. However, this may change depending on the parameters on which the organisation is ranked, placement record, courses offered, and more. This sequence may change from one year to the next.
How many seats are there in NIFT 2024?
The total combined intake in NIFT 2024 is 5,289 seats across the All-India, state domicile, and NRI categories; which will be offered by 18 participating NIFT campuses in India. Given that admission to NIFT colleges in India is competitive, students should prepare effectively for the entrance tests followed by the Situation Test (if applicable).
Who are the top recruiters at NIFT campuses in India?
The top recruiters at NIFT campuses in India are Future Group, Raymond, Wall-Mart, Colours of Benetton, Weekender, Provogue, Schuller's, Aditya Birla Group, BlackBerry, Boat, Fabindia, Myntra, Nike, Noise, Reliance Retail, Titan, and more. After graduating from any of the NIFT colleges in India, you can expect a starting package varying from INR 3-11 LPA.