Fashion design courses are among the most sought-after design specialisations among students who want to develop their creative talents for creating exquisite clothing. It is advisable that you research the many fashion designing programmes that are offered in India, including their duration, costs, and potential career paths, if you choose to study the field. Numerous fashion design courses are offered at the undergraduate, graduate, certificate, and postgraduate levels. The course’s length might be anywhere from four months to four years. Different fashion designer courses have different curricula and course structures depending on the institution.
In order to apply for admission to a fashion design college, a candidate must either pass a design entrance exam or be selected for admission based on performance in the qualifying exam. In this article we will go through about what is fashion designing, about its courses , about Fashion designing course fees in India, etc.
Table of Contents
- Why Should I Study Fashion Design?
- Fashion design courses
- Various fashion design degrees available in India
- How do I Begin My Fashion Designing Career?
- Indian Fashion Design Courses List
- IGNOU Course in Fashion Design
- Exam for the Fashion Design Course Entrance
- How to Complete an Online Fashion Designing Course
- Online Fashion Design Courses
- Fashion Design Syllabus for Diploma/ Certificate Course
What exactly is fashion design?
Fashion design is a humanities specialty that examines the vast array of materials, designs, patterns, colours, and trends that characterize an era’s sense of style. It encompasses accessories, purses, and footwear in addition to clothing and fashion trends. A fashion designing course combines the study of all these topics.
Why Should I Study Fashion Design?
Following are some of the main justifications for enrolling in a fashion design course:
Excellent Career Potential
After completing a fashion design education, students have a wide range of career and job opportunities to choose from. Depending on their interests and qualifications, they can opt to work as fashion designers, footwear designers, apparel designers, jewellery designers, etc.
Increased Industry
The fashion designing industry is expanding rapidly, and it is predicted that between 2016 and 2026, there will be a 3% rise in job opportunities in this sector. The number of fashion designers working in the retail trade sector will probably increase by about 22% over time.
Fashion Design Innovation
The field of fashion design offers many chances and latitude for experimentation. Aspirants are free to use their imaginations to develop any new look and make it popular.
Exciting Work Environment
Since innovation and creativity are at the heart of fashion design, workplace cultures are always highly innovative. Additionally, compared to other occupations, they are under far less pressure.
beautiful salary
Aspirants who successfully complete a fashion designer course are given a respectable starting wage. With time and experience, it will only develop and evolve. The average salary in India for fashion designers is approximately Rs. 5,25,720, or at least Rs. 1,38,220, or 36% more than the country’s average salary for all occupations.
Fashion design courses
At the undergraduate, graduate, and diploma levels, numerous fashion design courses are offered. Top fashion design colleges in India offer students rich industrial exposure in addition to first-rate academic resources. The following is a list of some fashion design programmes offered in India:
- Bachelor in Fashion Design (B.Des)
- Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.F.Tech)
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Diploma in Fashion Design
- Master in Fashion Design (M.Des)
- Master in Fashion Management (MFM)
- Master in Fashion Technology (M.F.Tech)
Required Skills for a Course in Fashion Design
One needs to have a certain set of skills to be a successful fashion designer in order to justify the training. The following are qualities a successful designer must possess:
- Good Drawing Skills
- Creativity
- Artistic Thinking
- Innovative Skills
- Observation skills to look for Detailing
- Competitiveness
- Good Communication Skills
Various fashion design degrees available in India
A variety of fashion design courses are offered at the undergraduate, graduate, and diploma levels. Here are some of the most sought-after degree categories:
Course Type |
Specialisation |
| Diploma Courses | Fashion Design |
| Fashion Communication | |
| Fashion Accessories | |
| Fashion Illustration | |
| Fashion Marketing | |
| Fashion Management | |
| Bachelors Degree | Fashion Design |
| Fashion Styling and Image Designing | |
| Leather Design | |
| Jewellery Design | |
| Communication Design | |
| Masters Degree | Fashion Design |
| Fashion Design and Business Management | |
| Textile Management | |
| Communication Design | |
| Fashion Merchandising and Retail Management |
How do I Begin My Fashion Designing Career?
You can start a career in this industry by obtaining a degree in fashion design. After completing the 12th grade, students can enrol in a fashion designer course leading to a certificate or bachelor’s degree, such as BSc Fashion Designing or BDes Fashion Designing.
Students must adhere to the following guidelines in addition to receiving a formal education if they want to succeed as fashion designers. One needs drawing, sewing, and designing abilities in order to succeed as a fashion designer. Unmatched perseverance and thorough knowledge of the fashion industry are requirements. For a successful career, aspirants must also build a strong fashion portfolio and improve their business and financial literacy. The following ideas can be followed by students:
- Develop your Skills: A good fashion designer needs a wide range of abilities, such as drawing, a sense of colour and texture, the ability to intuitively see ideas in three dimensions, and the ability to sew and cut a variety of fabrics.
- Study More: If you have the chance, it’s a good idea to pursue a career in fashion design or a related subject of study. The programme will teach you a lot, provide you chances to make early connections, and let you showcase your talents in a less critical setting (but you should still be ready to hear criticism!).
- Recognize the clients’ needs: Be sensible! Consider your surroundings and your client’s wants. It will be useful to keep an eye out for what the people around you actually need and want.
- Discover ideas from your rivals: Take note of the fabric used, the size of the zipper used (to ensure that the clothing is sturdy enough to support the use of the zipper), the fabric quality for its characteristics such as impermeability, comfort, breathability, or care, and the colours that are popular in your nation. Understanding your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses is different from copying them.
Indian Fashion Design Courses List
See the following table to learn about various fashion designing courses, along with their associated eligibility requirements, lengths, and Fashion designing course fees in India:
Name of the Course |
Eligibility Criteria |
Duration |
Annual Fees (Approx.) |
| B.Design in Fashion | · Minimum 50% marks in 10+2 · Valid score in NID DAT, LPU NEST, etc. | 4 years | Rs. 1.15 to Rs. 1.20 lakh |
| Bachelors of Fashion Design | · Minimum 50% marks in 10+2 · Valid score in NIFT Entrance Test, AIEED exam, etc. | 4 years | Rs. 3.12 lakh |
| B.Sc. in Fashion Design | · Minimum 45% marks in 10+2 | 3 years | Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 40,000 |
| B.A. in Fashion Design | · Minimum 50% marks in 10+2 · Valid score in Pearl Academy entrance test or others. | 3 years | Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 2 lakh |
| B.Sc. in Fashion and Apparel Designing | · Minimum 45% marks in 10+2 | 3 years | Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 40,000 |
| Diploma In Fashion Design | · Candidates must have passed 10+2 with at least 50% marks | 1 year to 3 years | Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 80,000 |
| Computer-Aided Diploma in Fashion Designing | · Candidates must have passed 10+2, however, graduates can also apply for the course | 4 months to 1 year | Rs. 75,000 |
| Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Management | · Candidates must have successfully cleared 10+2 in order to apply | 2 years | Rs. 90,000 |
| M. Design in Fashion & Textiles | · 4-year Bachelor’s Degree in Design (for NID) · Bachelor’s Degree in Design with minimum qualifying marks | 2 years | Rs. 97,000 to Rs. 1.39 lakh |
| M.Sc. in Fashion Designing | · Graduation Degree in Fashion Design | 2 years | Rs. 1.19 lakh |
| M.A. in Fashion Design | · Graduation Degree in Fashion Design | 2 years | Rs. 1.63 lakh |
| Masters of Fashion Management | · Bachelors of Fashion Design with a minimum of 50% · A valid score in NIFT PG Entrance Test, AIEED PG Test, etc. | 2 years | Rs. 3.12 lakh |
| P.G. Diploma in Fashion Design | · Candidates must have pursued graduation (preferably in fashion designing) | 1 year to 18 months | Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 90,000 |
| Diploma in Fashion Design & Merchandising | · Aspirants can apply after passing 10+2 | 1 Year | Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 90,000 |
| Certificate Course in Fashion Designing | 6 months to 1 year | Rs. 14,000 to Rs. 60,000 | |
| Advance Certification in Fashion Design | 1 Year to 2 Years | Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1.3 Lakh |
IGNOU Course in Fashion Design
Topics |
Subjects Taught |
| Pattern Making and Sewing Basics | Introduction to Pattern Making and Sewing Techniques, Practicals |
| Fashion Communication and 7 | Basics of Fashion Communication, Entrepreneurship, Social Skills in Business Communication |
| Introduction to Fashion Design Industry | Fashion Markets, Fashion Retailing, Understanding Fashion Industry, Practicals |
| Fundamentals of Fashion Design | Elements, and Principles of Design, Fashion Design Historical Contexts, Introduction to CAD, Practicals |
Exam for the Fashion Design Course Entrance
Based on the results of their entrance tests, numerous universities and institutions offer fashion design courses. The requirements for taking admission tests are determined by colleges and institutes in accordance with their needs. The following are a few examples of fashion design entrance exams:
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Entrance Exam: NIFT is one of the best institutions for fashion and design. For its numerous undergraduate and graduate programmes, NIFT conducts entrance tests every year. NIFT is one of the biggest colleges in the nation, with its main campus in Delhi and satellite campuses in 15 other significant Indian cities.
NID DAT: National Institute of Design Aptitude Test One of India’s forerunners in the area of fashion education is NID. Students must pass the NID DAT Prelims and NID DAT Mains in order to be considered for admission to the Bachelor of Design and Master of Design programmes at NID.
Common Entrance Design Examination (CEED): The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay administers the CEED to applicants for its Master of Design in Fashion Design programme. Scores on the CEED exam are accepted as admission requirements by many universities.
The entrance test for the Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD): Numerous fashion design courses, including the BA in Fashion Design, the MA in Fashion Design, and the BA and MA in Fashion Business Management, are offered by the institution. For undergraduate and graduate programmes at IIAD, entrance exams and studio interviews are required.
A large number of students applying to UG design degrees, including fashion design, sit the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED). The admission test, which is administered by the IIT Bombay, has 24 colleges registered to take part.
Pearl Academy Entrance Exam: Pearl Academy is well-known among fashion educators for its high calibre programmes. The institution offers a wide range of specializations, including studies in fashion design. The academy conducts three entrance exams each year: one in January, one in April, and one in June. After passing the entrance exam, candidates must show up for an interview or studio round.
How to Complete an Online Fashion Designing Course
Fashion Designing Courses Online with Certificate in India might be helpful for students who want to advance their careers or gain skills important to the fashion business. Most recruiters demand that their candidates enroll in online fashion design courses so they may learn the most recent methods and tools.
For admission, candidates need not take any particular tests, so they can sign up for online fashion design courses right away.
- Students must first go to the official online portal website before beginning the course.
- The students are required to pay the appropriate course’s enrollment fee before continuing with the class schedule and duration.
- Students have access to both paid and free fashion design courses online.
- Students have the option of choosing a free course or paying a fee to finish their fashion designing courses online and obtain a diploma.
Online Fashion Design Courses
Course Name |
Platform |
Online Fashion designing course fees in India |
| Learn to draw fashion with Adobe Illustrator CC – Beginners | Coursera | Rs. 4,480 |
| Management of Fashion and Luxury Companies | Udemy | Free |
| Sketching for Fashion Design – Beginner Course | Coursera | Rs. 4,480 |
| Management of Fashion and Luxury Companies | Udemy | Free |
| Basic Fashion Illustration | Coursera | Rs. 4,480 |
| Modern and Contemporary Art and Design Specialization | Udemy | Free |
Various Fashion Design specializations
The following is a list of some of the top fashion and design specializations:
- Students who study fashion design learn how to adapt to the constantly shifting dynamics of the industry. Additionally, they consider potential new job options and support entrepreneurial endeavours. Design Director, Fashion Director, Fashion Buyer, Fashion Curator, Fashion Blogger, Design Consultant, Couturier, Fashion Critic, Design Manager, Fashion Illustrator, etc. are among the job titles this industry offers.
- Textile Design: Students are taught a variety of skills necessary in a variety of fields, from handcrafted printing to digital techniques and from handlooms to mills, through this program. This industry offers job profiles for textile designers, textile artists and installation artists, carpet and rug designers, etc.
- Accessory Design: This programme offers a thorough curriculum for establishing integrated competency in terms of product development, consumer behaviour, design techniques, forecast interpretation, market dynamics, and trends, among other topics. Jewelry, accessories, leather goods, watches, crystal ware, & lifestyle products, footwear, etc. are among the job descriptions given by this sector of the design business.
- Fashion technology includes a variety of design-related activities, including printing, marketing, and merchandising (textiles, clothes, garments, accessories, etc.). This industry offers job profiles for executive, export houses, boutiques, designers, and illustrators in a variety of industries, such as textile mills and jewellery stores.
- Fashion Communication: Students can learn communication skills that are applicable to the lifestyle industry in this area of fashion studies. Visual merchandising, shop space design, styling, photography, fashion journalism, PR/events, fashion advertising, etc. are all included in the discipline of graphic design.
- Leadership and managerial skills are taught to students in order for the fashion business to remain competitive. They gain experience in a variety of areas, including marketing, merchandising, supply chain management, exporting clothing, and retailing.
- Knitwear design has grown to be a crucial component of the global apparel industry for fashion. The interplay of knit and purl has demonstrated its adaptability in a number of fashion-related fields.
Course syllabus for fashion design
From degree to degree, diploma to diploma, and certificate to certificate, there are differences in the topics taught and covered in a fashion design school. The curriculum for the fashion design course varies slightly from college to college aside from this.
UG Course Syllabus for Fashion Design
The following list includes some typical subjects that are covered in a fashion design undergraduate course:
BDes Fashion Design Syllabus | |
| Introduction to Pattern Making & Draping | Introduction to Textiles |
| Introduction to Fashion design & Fashion Technology | Fashion Theory |
| Introduction to Fashion Sketching & Illustration | History of Fashion |
| Apparel Development | Current Trends and Forecasting |
| Computer Aided Design | Apparel Development |
| Fashion Illustration | Design Process |
| Advanced Draping | Model & Prototype Development |
| Research & Communication | Element of Colour & Design |
| Fashion Model Drawing | Fashion Accessory |
| BA (Hons) Fashion Design Syllabus | |
| Apparel Construction Methods | Colour Mixing |
| Computer-Aided Design | Elements of Textiles |
| Fabric Dyeing and Printing | Fashion Illustration and Design |
| Fashion Studies | History of Costumes |
| Introduction to Pattern Making and Garment Construction | Leather Designing |
| Manufacturing Technology | Surface Development Techniques |
| Textile Science | – |
| BSc Fashion Design Syllabus | |
| Analytical Drawing | Apparel Construction Methods |
| Basic Computer Studies | Computer-Aided Design |
| Colour Mixing | Basic Photography |
| Grading | History of Costumes |
| Introduction to Pattern Making & Garment Construction | Indian Art Appreciation |
| Knitwear | Leather Designing |
| Creative Jewellery | Current Global Fashion Trends |
| Elements of Design | Draping |
| Elements of Textiles | Fabric Dyeing and Printing |
| Fashion History | Fashion Forecasting |
| Fashion Illustration and Design | Design Process |
| Fashion Studies | Free Hand Drawing |
| Garment Construction | Geometrical Construction |
| BSc Fashion Design & Technology Syllabus | |
| Principles of Fashion | Fashion Industry and Concepts |
| Fashion Marketing | Fundamentals of Fabrics |
| Quantitative Techniques and Demand Forecasting | Introduction to IT applications |
| Fashion Communication and Presentation | Consumer Behaviour in Fashion |
| Marketing Research Concepts & Techniques | Principles and Techniques of Merchandising |
| Introduction to Garment Manufacturing Technology | Pattern Making, Grading and Construction |
| Fashion Distribution Management | – |
PG Course Syllabus for Fashion Design
| MDes Fashion Design Syllabus | |
| Introduction to Design | Visual Design- Principles and Applications |
| Ergonomics | Design Methods |
| Form Studies | Graphic Design |
| MA Fashion Design Syllabus | |
| Apparel Manufacturing Technology | Fashion Communication |
| Advanced Pattern Making | Construction of Women’s Wear |
| Design Illustration | Computer Designing |
| Retail Marketing & Merchandising | Knitwear Design Technology |
| Construction of Men’s Wear | – |
| MBA Fashion Design Management Syllabus | |
| Economics and Management Decisions | Qualitative Techniques |
| Business Communication and Negotiation Skills | Organisational Behaviour |
| Marketing Management | Indian Fashion Scenario |
| Research Methodology and App Statistics | Basic Concepts of Fashion Products and Manufacturing |
| Global Fashion Scenario | Principles of Fashion Marketing and Merchandising |
| International Trade Operations and Documentation | Entrepreneurship and Fashion Venture Management |
| Visual Mechandising | Competition and Strategies in Fashion |
| International Fashion Marketing | – |
| MBA Fashion Management Syllabus | |
| Basic Product and Manufacturing Related Knowledge | Principles of Fashion Marketing, Merchandising and Management |
| Economic Analysis and Statistics | Information Technology |
| Marketing Research and Consumer Behaviour | Global Textiles and Apparel Product Market Characteristics |
| Retail Management and Advanced Export Merchandising | Quantitative Techniques and Operations Research |
| Management Accounting | Marketing Strategies and Brand Management |
| International Marketing | Fashion Forecasting and Product Development |
| Financial Management and International Finance | Human Resource Management |
| Supply Chain Management and e-Business | Customer Relationship Management |
| Visual Merchandising | Intellectual Property Rights |
| MSc Fashion Designing Syllabus | |
| Apparel Manufacturing Technology | Fashion Communication |
| Advanced Pattern Making | Construction of Women’s Wear |
| Design Illustration | Computer-Aided Designing |
| Retail Marketing and Merchandising | Construction of Men’s Wear |
| Knitwear design Technology | – |
| MSc Fashion Design & Technology Syllabus | |
| Elements of Fashion | History of World Fashion and Costume |
| Women’s Wear- International Fashion | Indian Wear |
| Surface Design Techniques | Apparel Technology |
| Textile Technology | History of Indian Costumes and Textiles |
| Men’s Wear | Fashion Merchandising and Marketing |
| Creative Pattern Making | Fashion Styling |
Fashion Design Syllabus for Diploma/ Certificate Course
Syllabus for Diploma in Fashion Design Course |
|
| Fashion Designing | Fashion Accessory |
| Fashion Illustration | Fashion Ornamentation |
| Textile Science | Product Specification |
| Pattern Making and Garment Construction | Computer Aided Design |
| Fashion Merchandising and Management | Fashion Marketing and Management |
| Syllabus for UG Diploma in Fashion and Apparel Design | |
| Foundation Art | Fashion and Apparel Design Fundamentals |
| Elements & Principles of Fashion & Apparel Design | History of the Western World Fashion |
| Introduction to Fashion Design | Introduction to Textiles |
| Basic of Computer and Application | Creative Yarn Craft |
| Introduction to Fashion Illustration | Creative Embroidery |
| Sewing Technology | Fashion Design: Introduction to Pattern Making |
| Introduction Garment Manufacturing Technology | Introduction to Draping |
| Textile Science Processing (Dyeing and Printing) | Advanced CAD for Fashion and Textiles |
| Garment Manufacturing, History of Indian Fashion | Advanced Course in Fashion Illustration |
| Vintage Costumes | History of Western World Fashion |
| Fashion Accessories | Fabric Testing and Quality Control |
| Advanced Course in Fashion and Apparel Design | Visual Merchandising |
| Fashion Business Management | Fashion Analysis, Global Markets |
| Production Management and Merchandising | – |
| Syllabus for PG Diploma Fashion Design | |
| Fashion Design Process | Visualisation and Presentation Techniques |
| Contextual design studies and Communication | Fashion Form and Function |
| Traditional Textiles & Crafts | Business Studies & Entrepreneurship |
| Syllabus for Certificate Course in Fashion Design | |
| Fashion Accessory | Textile Science |
| Pattern Making and Garment Construction | Fashion Mechandising and Management |
| Fashion Illustration | Fashion Ornamentation |
| Product Specification | Fashion Marketing and Management |
| Computer Aided Design | – |
| Syllabus for Certificate in Fashion Styling | |
| Shoot Concepts | Fashion Image Analysis |
| Styling for Body Types | Styling to Suit Various Fashion Genres |
| Trends | Street Style |
| Styling Kit | Requesting Samples from PRS / Sourcing & Returns |
| Fashion Editing & Run Through | Giving Direction to Achieve the Desired Image |
| Working with Photographers, Hair, and Makeup | Project Management |
| Conceptual Editorial Styling vs Sales Driven | Commercial Styling |
| Fashion Hair and Makeup | Composition, Colour & Mood |
| Working with a Photographer | Creating a Visual Reference Board |
Top fashion designing colleges along with Fashion designing course fees in India
Name of College |
State/ City |
Top Courses |
Fashion designing course fees in India |
| NSAM Academy of Fashion & Interior Design | Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra | B.Sc in Fashion Design PG Diploma in Fashion Designing | Rs. 2.2 Lakh- Rs. 4.5 Lakh |
| Jagannath Community College (JCC) | Rohini, Delhi | Certificate, Diploma, Graduate & Postgraduate course in Fashion Design | Rs. 1.30 Lakh- Rs. 4.05 Lakh |
| Pearl Academy | Noida, Uttar Pradesh | UG course in Fashion Design | UG: Rs. 4.56 Lakh PG: Rs. 3.70 Lakh |
| Parul University | Vadodara, Gujarat | B.Des in Fashion Design & Technology with Fashion Styling Certificate in Fashion Design | Rs. 2 Lakh |
| Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD) | Delhi | B.Des in Fashion Design | 4-5 Lakh |
| Apeejay Institute of Design (AID) | New Delhi, Delhi | B.Des in Fashion Design MA in Fashion Design | Rs. 1.8 Lakh |
| Inter National Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD) | Patiala, Punjab | Two Year Super Specialisation in Fashion Design One Year Foundation Program in Fashion Design | Around Rs. 4-5 Lakh |
| Amritsar Group of Colleges (AGC) | Amritsar, Punjab | B.Sc in Fashion Design | Around Rs. 63,500 |
| LISAA School of Design (LISAA) | Bangalore, Karnataka | Bachelor in Fashion & Textile Design | Rs. 3 Lakh |
| Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID) | Gandhinagar, Gujarat | B.Des in Fashion Design | Rs. 4 Lakh to Rs. 4.5 Lakh |
| Vogue Institute of Fashion Technology (VIFT) | Bangalore, Karnataka | M.Des in Fashion Design Management | Rs. 53,100 to Rs. 3.6 Lakh |
| Amity University Manesar | Gurugram, Haryana | B.Des in Fashion Design | Rs. 4 Lakh – Rs. 7 Lakh |
| Karnavati University (KU) | Gandhinagar, Gujarat | B.Des in Fashion Design | Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 4.5 Lakh |
| NSHM Knowledge Campus | Kolkata, West Bengal | B.Sc in Fashion Design & Management | Rs. 1.5 Lakh |
| Arch Academy of Design | Jaipur, Rajasthan | B.A. Fashion Design | Rs. 75,000- Rs. 3.95 Lakh |
| Lovely Professional University (LPU) | Jalandhar, Punjab | B.Des Fashion Design | Rs. 2.4 Lakh |
| Whistling Woods International | Mumbai, Maharashtra | B.Des Fashion Design | Rs. 7,00,000 |
Jobs in fashion design
The clothing requirements of billions of people are met by the Indian fashion industry. India, the second-most populous nation in the world, has a healthy market for clothing and fashion accessories. As a result, the market needs fashion designers that can create cutting-edge looks for stylish individuals.
There are countless jobs available in the field if you have true design talent. The following is a list of popular careers that students pursue after completing a course in fashion design:
- Fashion Designer
- Fashion Show Organisers
- Technical Designer
- Fashion Consultant
- Fashion Concept Manager
- Fashion Marketer
- Quality Controller
- Footwear Designer
- Fashion Coordinator
- Costume Designer
Fashion designing top recruiters
- Shoppers Stop
- Myntra
- Zara
- Raymonds
- Manish Malhotra
- Pantaloon
- Levis
- Proline
- Snapdeal
- Sabyasachi Mukherjee
- Rohit Bal
Read Also
