Top Design Colleges in South India: Courses, Fees, Admission Process

Subhashri Roy

Updated On: March 19, 2024 04:43 PM

Scroll down to find the top 15 colleges in cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Coimbatore, as well as other details like course fees, admission procedures, courses offered, and so on.

Top Design Colleges in South India

Design has risen to the forefront of innovation as a result of the digital boom and the constant need to push the boundaries of creativity. Students all over India are becoming interested in design, and if you're looking for the best colleges in South India, keep reading to find the best one for you. Pursuing design in South Indian cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai makes it easier to embark on a successful design career after completion of popular courses like Bachelor of Design (BDes) , Master of Design (MDes) , Bachelor of Fashion Technology (BFTech) , etc. The colleges mentioned in the list below are not only known for their extraordinary course curricula and faculty but also for their placement records and internship opportunities.

Admission to most design courses begins at the beginning of each year, and most of the top colleges conduct their selection process through national or institute-level admission tests. We have also added relevant details of an institute such as location, courses offered, course fees, and admission process to help candidates make an informed decision when choosing the right design institute.

About Design Courses

Designing is a four-year undergraduate programme or a two-year postgraduate programme. Design degree programmes are among the best academic options for creative people. A career in design necessitates both exceptional talent and a strong passion and dedication to the field. Design is a highly competitive and demanding industry. Designers are in high demand as a result of the world's digitalization and the thriving design industry. Designer job opportunities are not limited to India; there is also plenty of room for motivated individuals in other countries.

In today's world, design is regarded as one of the most lucrative career paths. The design market is expanding as the times change. Throughout the country, there is a constant need for skilled and professional design aspirants. South India is also known for having some of the best design colleges, which attract aspirants. Here is a list of colleges by state that you can consider for quality design education. South India has some of the best colleges in the country that offer design courses to students. Scroll down to learn about the best design colleges in South India, including their names, courses offered, and fees. You can also learn about these schools' admissions procedures.

Eligibility Criteria Required for Design Courses

Candidates who are looking to pursue design from the top colleges must know about the eligibility requirements. The eligibility criteria for different colleges vary so it becomes important to research before applying. Refer to the educational qualification requirements mentioned in tabular form below:

Educational Qualification Required

Undergraduate

(B Des, BA, BSc level)

Postgraduate

(M Des, MA, MSc level)

Doctoral Level

(PhD)

  • Students may apply for the UG Design programme provided they have passed their Class 12 or equivalent qualifying exams
  • Additionally, there are no stream limits at the 10+2 level, thus students from any stream—such as Science, Commerce, Arts, and Humanities—can enrol in the course
  • Depending on the institute, students must be at least 19 or 20 years old to enrol in BDes courses
  • Candidates for the Master-level programme must hold a bachelor's degree in design, architecture, interior design, or fine arts from an accredited university with a minimum grade point average of 50%
  • Candidates must have a grade point average of at least 50% and hold a M Des or an equivalent degree

Top 15 Design Colleges in South India

From Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad to Coimbatore, Madurai, and Guntur, the range of top design colleges across South India is huge. Find the top 15 design colleges in South India below:

Name of the College

Location

Course(s) Offered

Fees (approx.)

Admission Process

LISAA School of Design (LISAA)

Bangalore, Karnataka

BDes

INR 1,90,000 - 3,00,000

LISAA CAT and marks obtained in the qualifying exam

Diploma

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)

Bangalore, Karnataka

BDes

NA

NIFT Entrance Exam

BFTech

Master of Fashion Technology (MFTech)

MDes

Master of Fashion Management (MFM )

Vogue Institute of Art and Design (VIAD), Bangalore

Bangalore, Karnataka

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

INR 93,200 - 3,58,000

Vogue Entrance Exam/Merit in the qualifying exam

Bachelor of Visual Arts (BVA)

Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM)

MSc

Diploma

International Business School Washington (IBSW)

Bangalore, Karnataka

BSc

INR 1,25,000 - 3,70,000

Aptitude Test conducted by the institute

Diploma

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

BDes

INR 88,000

NIFT Entrance Exam

BFTech

MDes

MFM

Ramaiah Univerisity of Applied Sciences (RUAS)

Bangalore, Karnataka

BDes

INR 1,75,000

SAT score

MTech

MPhil

MSc

M.Des

KL University - (KLU), Guntur

Guntur, Andhra Pradesh

Bachelor of Architecture (BArch)

INR 2,25,000

National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA)

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)

Hyderabad, Telangana

BDes

INR 10,000 - 30,000

Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) , Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED)

MDes

St. Francis College for Women (SFCW)

Hyderabad, Telangana

Certificate in Fashion Designing

NA

Marks obtained in the qualifying exam

T. John Group of Institutions

Bangalore, Karnataka

BSc

INR 65,000

NA

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)

Kannur, Kerala

BDes

INR 1,96,000

NIFT Entrance Exam

BFTech

MDes

MFM

Rathinam Group of Institutions (RGI)

Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

BSc

INR 70,000

Marks obtained in the qualifying exam

Dr. M.G.R. Educational And Research Institute (DRMGRERI)

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

BDes

INR 90,000

Marks obtained in the qualifying exam

Anna School of Science & Management

Madurai, Tamil Nadu

BSc

INR 40,000 - 90,000

NA

Diploma

Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS) - Deemed to be University

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Bachelor of Vocation (BVoc)

INR 2,43,000

Design Aptitude Test Conducted by HITS

BDes

Also Read: BDes Vs BFTech

Other Popular Design Institutes in South India

Apart from the above-mentioned top 15 colleges, South India also has other popular design colleges in this part of the country. Check out some of them below:

Also Read: Fashion Designing Courses

Benefits of Studying Design from Top Colleges in South India

Students who are planning to study at the top design colleges in South India must remember that with admission they will also be able to enjoy various benefits as listed below:

  • The job opportunities after pursuing design from a top South Indian college students will get exposed to multiple career opportunities.
  • Graduates are hired by top-tier market leaders or companies.
  • The placement rate is good at different colleges in South India.
  • Students are offered a competitive salary package.

Candidates must remember that design is one of the most competitive and popular choices for many. So, they must focus on enhancing their design skills along with their creative approach. With no specific requirement for pursuing design courses, candidates can easily apply for the top colleges and make the most of their academic journey. We advise students to check out the entire eligibility requirements, selection process, admission procedure and other details before signing up for any college.

For more updates related to Design courses, degrees and specialisations, you make speak with our counsellors for expert guidance or you may write to us on College Dekho QnA .
All the Best!

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FAQs

Why should I pursue design from the best design colleges?

Students should focus on pursuing design from the best design colleges as they will be able to enhance their creativity and innovate new designs from the learned skills and basic concepts.

Which are the best design colleges in Chennai?

Chennai has around 70 design colleges offering BDes, MDes, and BSc in Fashion Design. Some of the best design colleges in Chennai include: 

- VISTA School of Design 

- SRM IST 

- DOT School of Design 

- NIFT Chennai

- University of Madras

Are there design colleges in Bangalore?

There are around 150 design colleges in Bangalore offering different design specialisations. Some of the popular colleges are: 

- Vogue Institute of Art & Design 

- JD Institute of Fashion Technology 

- RV University 

- Army Institute of Fashion and Design

Is there scope in designing?

Yes, the scope of designing is vast for creative minds. As the design field is huge, it also includes multiple specialisations giving the candidates diverse career opportunities to work as graphic designers, UX designers, interior designers, fashion designers and others.

Which are the best design colleges in India?

Some of the best design colleges in India are:

- NIFT Ahmedabad 

- IIT Delhi 

- Pearl Academy, New Delhi 

- MIT Art, Design & Technology 

- Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design & Technology

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