Top Design Colleges in India 2026

Designing has become a promising career option because of the growth of opportunities in this field due to the economic boom. When it comes to designing, the best institutes would be IIT Bombay, NID, and NIFT. The top design colleges in India offer quality education and high placements. Students require a 10+2 level of qualification to join design colleges in India.

Top 10 Design Colleges in India

Top Design Colleges in India: Admission Process

Students seeking admission to the best design colleges in India should know the process of admission before applying so that they can have a smooth application process. Candidates need to complete these eligibility criteria and then apply for an entrance test that many best design colleges in India require. Most of the top design colleges in India conduct their own entrance exam. However, some design colleges in India also give admission based on merit and many take personal interview rounds to help the students get admissions.

Best Design Colleges in India: Entrance Exams

Numerous top design colleges in India require the students to appear in an entrance exam from which the top design colleges can select the students. These entrance exams are conducted to assess a student’s design aptitude and drawing skills. Below is the list of popular design entrance exams that an aspirant can appear in. 

Courses Offered at Design Colleges in India

Out of so many design courses available it must be difficult for the students to choose the best course for them. To make a wise decision the students must understand what each of these courses are meant to deliver.

• B.Des:  A bachelor in design is a 4 year detailed course that delves into the details of design. The course is available in multiple specialisations and this course requires a 10+2 level of qualification.

• B.Voc: Bachelor in Vocation is a three year course which is more focused training the students about the jobs available and how to navigate the professional life. This course teaches life skills like presentation and communication. This too is available in multiple specialisations.

• BID: Bachelors in interior design is a course specialised for interior design students who want to solely focus on a career in interior design. This course has a duration of 4 years.

• B.Sc.: Bachelor’s in Science course can be a specialised course in any type of design. The course is meant for students who want to delve more into the theoretical aspects of designing. It is a three-year course.

• M.Des: A master’s in design course is a two-year course that can be pursued for students who hope for higher education or want to get better job opportunities. This course is designed to give the students higher education in the subject of their choice.

• M.Voc: A master in Vocation is a two-year vocational training course that is aimed to provide students with the skills required in the job sector. This course can be especially useful for students who want to get higher paid jobs.

• Diploma Courses: Diploma courses is for students who have financial barriers and require a smaller course that can give them job opportunities. These courses are designed for both 10th and 12th qualified students. The students must check the eligibility before applying. These courses have a duration of 1-2 years.

• M.Sc.: Similar to B.Sc.,  a Master in Science course can be a good option for students who want to delve more into the scientific aspects of design. The duration of this course is two years.

Design Colleges in India Location-wise