NID Fees: Complete Guide to Course Fees, Hostel Charges & Other Expenses (2025-26 Update)

Last Updated on December 3, 2025 by amay mathur

The National Institute of Design (NID) is among India’s most prestigious design schools, known for world-class training, industry exposure, innovation-driven curriculum, and high career placement rates. Every year, thousands of aspirants apply to NID campuses across India to pursue B.Des, M.Des, or PhD programs.

Before taking admission, one of the most important aspects students and parents look for is NID Fees. The overall cost includes tuition fees, hostel charges, meal plans, studio/lab fees, and additional expenses. This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about NID fees across all campuses and programs.

Overview of NID Fees in India

The fee structure at the National Institute of Design varies by:

• Campus (Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Gandhinagar, Bhopal, Kurukshetra, Vijayawada, Jorhat)

• Program (B.Des | M.Des | PhD)

• Category (Indian Nationals | NRI / Foreign Candidates)

• Year of Study

On average, the annual NID B.Des fee ranges between ₹2.5 lakh – ₹3.5 lakh, while M.Des fees range from ₹2.8 lakh – ₹3.6 lakh depending on the campus.

NID B.Des Fees – Campus-Wise Fee Structure

The B.Des program is offered at:

• NID Ahmedabad

• NID Andhra Pradesh (Vijayawada)

• NID Haryana (Kurukshetra)

• NID Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal)

• NID Assam (Jorhat)

Below is the complete fee breakdown.

NID B.Des Fees Table

NID B.Des Fee Structure (Annual)

NID M.Des Fees – Campus-Wise Fee Structure

The M.Des program is offered at:

• NID Ahmedabad

• NID Gandhinagar

• NID Bengaluru

• NID Vijayawada

• NID Bhopal

• NID Kurukshetra

• NID Jorhat

NID M.Des Fees Table

NID M.Des Fee Structure (Annual)

NID PhD Fees: Overview

NID also offers PhD programs in design research, conceptual design, and innovation-led domains.

NID PhD Fee Structure

Category-Wise Fee Differences at NID

NID fee varies depending on student category:

• General / OBC-NCL
• SC / ST / PwD
• NRI / Foreign Nationals

Fee Concessions for Reserved Categories

Students from SC/ST/PwD categories get partial relaxation in:

• Tuition fees
• Workshop/studio charges
• Admission fees
• Library deposits

These concessions vary by campus but typically range between 10%–30%.

NID Fees for NRI/Foreign Nationals

International students have higher fees.

Other charges (hostel, mess, materials) remain similar.

Detailed Breakdown of NID Fees

Apart from tuition, the fee structure includes several components. Understanding each helps students plan their budget better.

1. Tuition Fee

This is the major cost component and covers:

• Classroom teaching
• Studio/lab access
• Mentorship by faculty
• Project supervision

Tuition makes up 70%–80% of the total fee.

2. Hostel Fee

NID hostels are well-maintained with:

• Furnished rooms
• High-speed Wi-Fi
• Laundry spaces
• Shared study areas
• 24×7 security

Hostel fees range between ₹28,000–₹45,000 annually, depending on campus.

3. Mess Charges

The mess provides nutritious meals and snacks.
Charges typically fall between ₹45,000–₹55,000 per year.

4. Studio / Lab Charges

Design programs require:

• Craft workshops
• Digital labs
• Photography studios
• Model-making labs
• Textile and ceramic labs

These charges are usually included under Other Charges (₹18,000–₹25,000).

5. Insurance, Student Union, and Miscellaneous Fees

Additional expenses include:

• Student activity fee
• Medical insurance
• Cultural events
• Convocation charges
• Industrial visits

These vary between ₹8,000–₹15,000.

6. Additional Expenses at NID (Not Included in Fees)

Design students should budget for extra academic expenses.

Typical Additional Costs

• Materials & art supplies: ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 per semester

• Laptop / Tablet: ₹60,000 – ₹1,50,000 (one-time)

• Industry visits & field trips: ₹15,000 – ₹30,000 annually

• Portfolio development: ₹5,000 – ₹20,000

• Software licenses (optional): ₹5,000 – ₹15,000

7. One-Time Fees at NID (During Admission)

Students must pay a set of one-time fees at the time of admission.

NID Fee Refund Policy

NID follows a structured refund policy for students who withdraw admission.

NID Refund Rules

• Before course begins → Full refund minus processing charges

• Within 1 month of commencement → 50% refund

• After 1 month → No refund

• Refundable deposits are returned after graduation

Scholarships Available at NID

NID offers several scholarships based on merit and financial need.

Types of Scholarships at NID

1. Need-Based Financial Assistance (NBFA)

Offered to students from low-income families.

Includes:

• Partial tuition waiver

• Hostel fee support

• Material grant

2. Merit-Based Scholarships

Awarded to top-performing students semester-wise.

3. Government Scholarships

Students can apply for:

• National Scholarship Portal (NSP)

• State government schemes

• Minority scholarships

4. External Funding

Nonprofit and CSR programs supporting design education.

NID Fees Comparison with Other Design Colleges

Here is a quick comparison of NID fees vs popular Indian design colleges.

Conclusion:
Despite premium quality, NID remains more affordable compared to top private design colleges.

Why NID Fees Are Worth It?

Many aspirants wonder if NID’s fees justify the investment. The answer is YES—because of the unmatched advantages.

1. High-Quality Education

Top-tier faculty, industry-standard labs, and hands-on design learning.

2. Excellent Placement Rates

Leading companies visit NID:

• TCS
• Microsoft
• IBM
• Whirlpool
• Titan
• Infosys
• Adobe

Average packages for M.Des graduates are ₹12–18 LPA, and B.Des students earn ₹8–12 LPA.

3. National & Global Recognition

NID is one of the world’s top design schools.

4. Government Institution

Ensures:

• Better affordability
• Strong academic standards
• Access to government scholarships

5. Industry Exposure

Real-world projects, internships, and collaborations.

Tips to Manage NID Fees Effectively

Managing NID fees efficiently ensures you can focus on your studies without financial stress. Here are some practical tips:

• Plan a Budget Early: Assess tuition, hostel, and living expenses to avoid last-minute financial pressure.
• Explore Scholarships: Apply for NID scholarships, merit-based, or government schemes to reduce your fee burden.
• Consider Education Loans: Opt for low-interest student loans with flexible repayment options if needed.
• Installment Payment Options: Check if NID allows semester-wise fee payment to spread costs over time.
• Save on Accommodation: Choose shared hostels or PGs near campus to reduce living expenses.
• Track Expenses: Maintain a monthly expense tracker to control unnecessary spending.
• Part-time Work or Freelancing: Explore legal part-time work or freelance design projects to supplement income.
• Use Early Payment Discounts: Pay fees on time to avoid penalties and any late fees.
• Financial Assistance from Family: Discuss fee planning with family to create a support system.
• Avoid Unnecessary Loans: Borrow only what is required and avoid high-interest personal loans.

FAQs

1. How can I reduce NID tuition fees?
You can reduce NID tuition fees by applying for institute scholarships, government schemes, need-based assistance, and external funding options that support design students financially.

2. Are installment options available for NID fees?
Some NID campuses offer semester-wise or installment-based fee payment options, helping students manage financial pressure by spreading the total fee amount across multiple manageable payments.

3. Can I get an education loan for NID fees?
Yes, many nationalized and private banks provide education loans for NID programs with flexible repayment, lower interest rates, and moratorium periods that begin after course completion.

4. Are there scholarships specifically for NID students?
Yes, NID offers merit-based, need-based, and special category scholarships, along with central and state government schemes designed to financially support deserving design students.

5. How can I manage hostel expenses at NID?
Students can reduce hostel expenses by choosing shared accommodations, following a monthly spending plan, preparing simple meals, and avoiding unnecessary lifestyle costs.

6. Is part-time work allowed for NID students?
Students may engage in legal part-time jobs, freelance design work, or internships, as long as they manage academic workload effectively and comply with institutional rules.

7. Can family contribute to NID fee planning?
Yes, involving family members helps distribute financial responsibilities, organize long-term budgeting, and create a structured payment plan that reduces sudden financial stress during the academic year.

8. How to avoid penalties on NID fee payments?
Always follow the official payment deadlines, set reminders, review fee circulars regularly, and choose installment plans if available to avoid unnecessary late fees and penalties.

9. Are government schemes available for NID fee assistance?
Yes, government schemes like state scholarships, minority scholarships, and national education funding programs provide financial support to eligible NID students pursuing design education.

10. How to track expenses while studying at NID?
Use digital budgeting apps, maintain a monthly expense log, prioritize essential purchases, and review spending habits regularly to stay financially organized throughout your NID journey.

Final Thoughts on NID Fees

The NID fee structure is transparent and reasonable compared to private design colleges. Whether you pursue B.Des, M.Des, or PhD, the institute provides significant value in terms of quality education, campus life, industry exposure, and placements.

Investing in NID is investing in a long-term design career. With scholarships and fee relaxations available, deserving students can pursue their creative dreams without financial burden.

If you’re preparing for NID, understanding the fee structure early will help you plan better and stay ahead.