Top M.Des Colleges in Chennai 2026: Ranking, Fees, Admission, Placement 2026

Master of Design (M.Des) is a 2-year postgraduate programme that trains design professionals in specialised disciplines including Fashion Design, Interior Design, Footwear Design, Communication Design, User Experience, and Product Design. Chennai has 7 M.Des colleges, of which 6 are private and 1 is a central government institution. This guide covers the top M.Des colleges in Chennai, including M.Des colleges in Chennai fees structure, admission processes, eligibility, and a separate section on top 10 B.Des colleges in Chennai.

M.Des Colleges in Chennai: Key Statistics

Total M.Des colleges in Chennai: 7 (6 private, 1 government)
Course duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Average fees: Rs 3.25 Lakhs (total, across all colleges)
Entrance exams accepted: CEED, NIFT Entrance, UCEED, NID DAT, FDDI-AIST, Pearl Academy Entrance
Affiliating/Approving bodies: UGC, AICTE, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (FDDI)

Top 10 M.Des Colleges in Chennai: Quick Comparison

#	College	Type	M.Des Total Fees (Rs.)	Specialisations
1	NIFT Chennai	Central Govt.	Rs 6.85 Lakhs (MFM) / M.Des offered	Fashion Design; Textile Design
2	FDDI Chennai	Central Govt. (Autonomous)	Rs 5.86 Lakhs (2 yrs; Rs 3,02,700/yr)	Footwear Design; Fashion Design
3	SRM Institute of Science & Technology (SRMIST)	Private (Deemed)	Rs 3,00,000–Rs 5,00,000	Design; Communication Design
4	Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science (HITS)	Private (Deemed)	Rs 2,00,000–Rs 3,00,000	Interior Design; Fashion Design
5	DOT School of Design	Private	Rs 6.21 Lakhs	Multidisciplinary Design
6	INIFD Chennai	Private (IAO Accredited)	Available on request	Fashion & Textile Design; Interior Design
7	WLCI College, Chennai	Private	Rs 3,12,500	Fashion Design; Retail

Fees sourced from official portals and verified aggregators. Subject to annual revision. Confirm with respective college admissions office before applying.

Detailed Profiles: Best M.Des Colleges in Chennai

1. NIFT Chennai (National Institute of Fashion Technology)

About: NIFT Chennai is a Central Government institution under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. It is one of the 19 NIFT campuses across India. The Chennai campus, located in Taramani, is among the top 5 NIFT campuses nationally and is recognised by UGC. NIFT offers BDes, BFTech, M.Des, MFTech, and MFM (Master of Fashion Management) programmes.

Note on M.Des at NIFT Chennai: NIFT Chennai's primary postgraduate offering is MFTech (Master of Fashion Technology) and MFM (Master of Fashion Management) rather than a standalone M.Des. However, it offers postgraduate design specialisations closely aligned with the M.Des framework.

NIFT Chennai Fee Structure:

Programme	Total Fee (Rs.)
B.Des (4 years, various specialisations)	Rs 10.38 Lakhs – Rs 14.09 Lakhs
MFM (2 years)	Rs 6.85 Lakhs
MFTech (2 years)	Rs 14.09 Lakhs
Annual tuition per semester (2024)	Rs 1.70 Lakhs

Scholarship: SARTHAK Financial Assistance Scheme — tuition fee waiver of 25% to 75% based on parental income; up to 90% for economically weaker sections.

Placement (2024):

Placement rate: 60%–70%
Highest package: Rs 6 LPA
Average package: Rs 4–5 LPA
Recruiters: Shahi Exports Pvt. Ltd., Laguna Clothing, Aquarelle India Pvt. Ltd.

Admission: NIFT Entrance Exam (Creative Ability Test + General Ability Test + Situation Test + Personal Interview); NIFT counselling cutoff Round 1 (General AI category): closing ranks 130–1,420 (2025)

Address: Taramani, Chennai – 600 113, Tamil Nadu Official Website: nift.ac.in

2. FDDI Chennai (Footwear Design and Development Institute)

About:FDDI is an Institution of National Importance under the FDDI Act 2017, established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It is one of India's four leading institutions globally offering higher education in Footwear Design, Technology, and Management. The Chennai campus, located at Irungattukottai near SIPCOT Footwear and Component Park, spreads over 15 acres.

FDDI is a central government autonomous institution and the only government M.Des college offering design programmes in the footwear and leather domain in Chennai. It has international collaborations with PFI Germany, SATRA UK, and the National University of Uzbekistan (NUUz).

FDDI Chennai M.Des Programmes:

M.Des Specialisation	Annual Fee (Rs.)	Total Fee (2 yrs) (Rs.)
M.Des – Footwear Design & Production	Rs 3,02,700	Rs 5.86 Lakhs
M.Des – Fashion Design	Rs 3,02,700	Rs 5.86 Lakhs

B.Des Programmes also available:

B.Des – Footwear Design & Production
B.Des – Fashion Design
B.Des – Leather, Lifestyle & Product Design
BBA – Retail & Fashion Merchandise

M.Des Eligibility at FDDI:

Bachelor's degree in Footwear / Leather Goods / Design / Fashion / Fine Arts / Architecture / Engineering / Production / Technology from a recognised university
Minimum 50% aggregate marks in qualifying examination
Valid score in FDDI-AIST (All India Selection Test) or CEED
Prior work experience in design is an added advantage
Candidates awaiting final results are also eligible to apply

Admission Process: Paper-Based Test (FDDI-AIST) conducted at 31 cities across India including at the Chennai campus; followed by document verification

Placement Highlights:

100% placement record claimed by the institute
Key recruiters: Nike, Adidas, Puma, Bata, Skechers, Campus, Reliance Retail, Tommy Hilfiger, Shoppers Stop, Da Milano

Address: Irungattukottai, SIPCOT Footwear and Component Park, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu (40 minutes from Chennai) Official Website: fddiindia.com

3. SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur

About: SRMIST is a NAAC A++ accredited deemed university ranked #21 by NIRF 2024 (Overall category) and accorded Institution of Eminence status by the Ministry of Education. The Department of Design at SRMIST offers both B.Des and M.Des programmes under the Faculty of Engineering & Technology. SRMIST holds UGC, AICTE, ABET, and NBA accreditations.

M.Des at SRMIST:

Parameter	Details
Duration	2 years (4 semesters)
Total M.Des Fee	Rs 3,00,000 – Rs 5,00,000
Specialisations	Design; Communication Design
Admission	SRMJEEM / UCEED / CEED / Portfolio evaluation
NIRF Rank (Overall)	#21 (2024)

B.Des at SRMIST:

B.Des Design
B.Des Communication Design
Total B.Des Fee: Rs 5,00,000 (4 years)
Admission: UCEED / SRMJEEE / merit-based

Address: Kattankulathur, Kanchipuram District, Chennai – 603 203, Tamil Nadu Official Website: srmist.edu.in

4. Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS), Chennai

About: HITS (also called Hindustan University) is a NAAC A+ accredited deemed university established in 1985, located on Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), Chennai. It is approved by UGC, AICTE, COA, and other regulatory bodies. HITS is NIRF ranked 151–200 (Engineering). The university has design programmes in Interior Design, Fashion Design, and Visual Communication.

M.Des at HITS Chennai:

Parameter	Details
Duration	2 years
Total M.Des Fee Range	Rs 2,00,000 – Rs 3,00,000
Entrance Exam	HITSCAT / CEED / UCEED
NAAC Grade	A+
Hostel Fee (per year)	Rs 97,500 – Rs 1,75,000

B.Des Programmes at HITS:

B.Des Interior Design – Total Fee: Rs 9.72 Lakhs (4 years)
B.Des Communication Design
Total B.Des fee range: Rs 5,00,000 – Rs 9.72 Lakhs
Placement (2024): 1,364 students placed; Highest package: Rs 47 LPA; Average: Rs 5 LPA

Address: Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), Padur, Kelambakkam, Chennai – 603 103, Tamil Nadu Official Website: hindustanuniv.ac.in

5. DOT School of Design, Chennai

About: DOT School of Design is a private design school established in 2020 in Chennai, offering B.Des, M.Des, PG Diploma, and BFA programmes. It is one of the newer but rapidly growing design schools in the city, with a focus on multidisciplinary design education.

DOT School of Design M.Des Fees:

Programme	Total Fee (Rs.)
M.Des (2 years)	Rs 6.21 Lakhs
M.Des Tuition Fee	Rs 5.96 Lakhs
PG Diploma (1 year)	Rs 2.00 Lakhs
B.Des (4 years)	Rs 15.93 Lakhs
Hostel Fee	Rs 1.20 Lakhs per year

Admission: Portfolio review + personal interview; CEED/UCEED scores considered

Address: Chennai, Tamil Nadu Official Website: dotschoolofdesign.com

6. INIFD Chennai (Inter National Institute for Fashion Design)

About:INIFD Chennai was established in 1995 and is a private institute accredited by IAO (International Accreditation Organization). It is affiliated with Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar and offers postgraduate programmes in Fashion and Interior Design. INIFD Chennai is one of the key M.Des Interior Design colleges in Chennai for fashion and textile streams.

M.Des at INIFD Chennai:

Parameter	Details
Duration	2 years
Specialisations	Fashion & Textile Design; Interior Design
Entrance Exams Accepted	CEED, UCEED, NID, NIFT, Pearl, Academy
Accreditation	IAO
Affiliation	Annamalai University

Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university; portfolio evaluation + personal interview

Admission: Applications submitted online at official INIFD portal; merit list published based on qualifying exam marks + portfolio; document verification; fee payment to confirm admission

Address: Chennai, Tamil Nadu Official Website: inifd.com

7. WLCI College, Chennai

About: WLCI College, established in 2005, is a private institution offering design and management programmes. It offers a 2-year M.Des programme with a focus on fashion design and retail, accepted at leading placement-integrated programs in Chennai.

WLCI M.Des Fees:

Programme	Total Fee (Rs.)
M.Des (2 years)	Rs 3,12,500

Address: Chennai, Tamil Nadu

M.Des Colleges in Chennai Fees Structure: Consolidated Table

Below is a consolidated M.Des colleges in Chennai fees comparison:

College	Type	M.Des Annual Fee (Rs.)	M.Des Total Fee (Rs.)	Key Specialisation
NIFT Chennai	Central Govt.	Rs 3,42,500 (MFM)	Rs 6.85 Lakhs (MFM)	Fashion; Textile
FDDI Chennai	Central Govt. (Autonomous)	Rs 3,02,700	Rs 5.86 Lakhs	Footwear; Fashion
DOT School of Design	Private	Rs 3,10,500	Rs 6.21 Lakhs	Multidisciplinary
SRM IST (SRMIST)	Private (Deemed)	Rs 1,50,000–Rs 2,50,000	Rs 3,00,000–Rs 5,00,000	Design; Comm. Design
WLCI College	Private	Rs 1,56,250	Rs 3,12,500	Fashion; Retail
HITS (Hindustan University)	Private (Deemed)	Rs 1,00,000–Rs 1,50,000	Rs 2,00,000–Rs 3,00,000	Interior; Fashion
INIFD Chennai	Private (IAO)	Contact college	Contact college	Interior; Fashion & Textile

M.Des Interior Design Colleges in Chennai

For students specifically looking for M.Des Interior Design colleges in Chennai, the following institutions offer interior design as a specialisation at the postgraduate level:

College	Specialisation	Total Fee (Rs.)	Admission Process
INIFD Chennai	M.Des – Interior Design	Contact college	CEED / UCEED / Portfolio
HITS, Chennai	M.Des – Interior Design	Rs 2,00,000–Rs 3,00,000	HITSCAT / Portfolio
SRM IST	M.Des – Design (includes spatial design elements)	Rs 3,00,000–Rs 5,00,000	SRMJEEM / Portfolio

M.Des Course Eligibility: National Standards

The following eligibility criteria apply broadly to M.Des admissions in Chennai and across India:

Academic Qualification

Bachelor's degree (B.Des / B.F.A / B.Arch / B.E / B.Tech / B.Sc) from a recognised university
Some colleges accept graduates from any discipline (e.g., INIFD Chennai, WLCI)
Specialised institutions like FDDI require a relevant undergraduate background in Design, Footwear, Leather, Fashion, Fine Arts, Architecture, or Engineering

Minimum Marks

Minimum 50% aggregate in the qualifying undergraduate degree (General category)
Reserved category candidates may get relaxation as per government norms

Entrance Exams for M.Des Admission

Exam	Full Form	Accepted At
CEED	Common Entrance Exam for Design (IIT-conducted)	SRMIST, FDDI, INIFD, DOT School, HITS
NIFT Entrance	NIFT Creative & General Ability Test	NIFT Chennai
UCEED	Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design	SRMIST, HITS
NID DAT	National Institute of Design Design Aptitude Test	INIFD
FDDI-AIST	FDDI All India Selection Test	FDDI Chennai
Pearl Academy Exam	Pearl Academy Entrance	INIFD

Additional Selection Criteria

Portfolio review — required at most top M.Des colleges in Chennai
Personal interview (PI) — NIFT, SRMIST, FDDI, INIFD, DOT School
Work experience — not mandatory but advantageous at FDDI and NIFT

Top 10 B.Des Colleges in Chennai

B.Des (Bachelor of Design) is a 4-year undergraduate degree feeding into M.Des programmes. Chennai has 20+ B.Des colleges. The table below summarises the top 10 B.Des colleges in Chennai with fees:

#	College	Type	B.Des Total Fee (Rs.)	Key Specialisations
1	NIFT Chennai	Central Govt.	Rs 10.38 Lakhs – Rs 14.09 Lakhs	Fashion Design; Textile; Accessory; Knitwear; Leather; Fashion Communication
2	SRM IST (SRMIST)	Private (Deemed)	Rs 5,00,000	Design; Communication Design
3	HITS (Hindustan University)	Private (Deemed)	Rs 5,00,000–Rs 9.72 Lakhs	Interior Design; Communication Design
4	DOT School of Design	Private	Rs 15.93 Lakhs	Multidisciplinary Design
5	FDDI Chennai	Central Govt. (Autonomous)	Contact FDDI	Footwear Design; Fashion Design; Leather & Lifestyle Product Design
6	Sathyabama Institute of Science & Technology	Private (Deemed)	Rs 5,00,000	Design (multiple)
7	INIFD Chennai	Private (IAO)	Contact college	Fashion & Interior Design
8	Jeppiaar University, Chennai	Private	Rs 1.85 Lakhs	Design (general)
9	BS Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute	Private (Deemed)	Contact college	Design
10	Dr. M.G.R. Educational & Research Institute	Private (Deemed)	Rs 1.00 Lakhs (approx.)	Design

Note on NIFT Chennai B.Des: NIFT Chennai offers B.Des in five specialisations — Fashion Design, Knitwear Design, Leather Design, Accessory Design, and Textile Design. Annual fees range from Rs 3,08,500 to Rs 12,34,000 depending on the specialisation. The 4-year total is Rs 10.38 Lakhs – Rs 14.09 Lakhs.

Entrance exams for B.Des in Chennai: NIFT Entrance Exam, UCEED, FDDI-AIST, HITSEEE, SRMJEEE, institution-specific tests.

Career Scope After M.Des from Chennai Colleges

Graduates from top M.Des colleges in Chennai can pursue the following career paths:

Fashion Designer / Design Lead – Apparel, footwear, accessories, textiles
Interior Designer / Space Designer – Architecture firms, hospitality, retail
User Experience (UX) Designer – Tech companies, product startups
Communication Designer / Art Director – Advertising, branding, publishing
Design Researcher – FMCG companies, academic institutions
Footwear & Leather Product Developer – Nike, Adidas, Puma, Bata (via FDDI)
Faculty / Academic roles – After M.Des, eligible to teach at design schools
Entrepreneurship – Independent design studios and consultancies

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How many M.Des colleges are there in Chennai?

There are 7 M.Des colleges in Chennai including 6 private and 1 government (FDDI Chennai, a central government Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry).

Q2. What are the fees for M.Des in Chennai?

M.Des colleges in Chennai fees range from approximately Rs 2,00,000 (HITS) to Rs 6.21 Lakhs (DOT School of Design) for the complete 2-year course. FDDI Chennai charges Rs 3,02,700 per year (Rs 5.86 Lakhs total). NIFT Chennai's MFM programme costs Rs 6.85 Lakhs for 2 years.

Q3. What is the eligibility for M.Des admission in Chennai?

The standard M.Des course eligibility requires a Bachelor's degree (in any relevant discipline) from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. Most colleges also require a valid CEED / NIFT / UCEED score and a portfolio. FDDI specifically requires a degree in Footwear, Leather, Design, Fashion, Fine Arts, Architecture, or Engineering.

Q4. Which is the only government M.Des college in Chennai?

FDDI Chennai (Footwear Design and Development Institute) is the only government M.Des college in Chennai. It is an Institution of National Importance under the FDDI Act 2017, established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

Q5. Which M.Des colleges in Chennai offer Interior Design specialisation?

INIFD Chennai, HITS (Hindustan University), and SRM IST are the key M.Des Interior Design colleges in Chennai offering specialisations in Interior Design or spatial design at the postgraduate level.