Masters in Fashion Designing: Courses, Colleges, Fees, and Career Opportunities in India

The fashion industry’s continued growth fuels the demand for skilled professionals, making a master’s in fashion design a valuable degree. This postgraduate program typically spans 2 years, divided into four semesters, and equips students with advanced knowledge in fashion design, merchandising, and management.

Applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as fashion design or textile science, with a minimum aggregate of 50%. A master’s in fashion designing opens doors to diverse career opportunities with average salaries ranging from INR 3 LPA to INR 8 LPA, depending on the role and industry. Graduates can become fashion designers, merchandisers, stylists, or fashion consultants.

This article provides an overview of master’s programs in fashion design in India, covering top colleges, fees, syllabi, placements, and career paths to help prospective students make informed decisions. This article details the eligibility, admission process, and curriculum of master’s in fashion designing programs, and explores available career paths.

Why Choose a Master’s in Fashion Designing?

Choosing a Master’s in Fashion Designing is ideal for students who want to transform their creativity into a successful and sustainable career in the fashion industry. This postgraduate program not only enhances technical design skills but also provides business knowledge, industry exposure, and global fashion insights.

• Develop advanced fashion illustration and garment construction skills

• Gain in-depth knowledge of textiles, fabrics, and sustainable practices

• Build a professional portfolio with industry projects

• Get exposure to fashion shows, internships, and live brand collaborations

• Learn fashion marketing, branding, and merchandising

• Explore global fashion trends and forecasting techniques

• Improve career prospects with higher salary potential

• Build entrepreneurial skills to start your own fashion label

Master’s in Fashion Designing Course Highlights

Particulars	Details
Course Name	Master’s in Fashion Designing
Course Level	Postgraduate (PG)
Course Duration	2 Years (4 Semesters)
Eligibility Criteria	Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or related field with minimum 50% marks
Admission Process	Merit-based / Entrance Exam / Portfolio Review / Personal Interview
Entrance Exams	NIFT, CEED, Pearl Academy Entrance Exam, University-level exams
Average Course Fees	₹1,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 per year (varies by institute)
Course Focus	Advanced design techniques, textile innovation, fashion marketing, sustainability
Specializations	Luxury Fashion, Sustainable Fashion, Textile Design, Fashion Marketing
Internship Requirement	Mandatory industry internship in most institutes
Top Recruiters	Fashion brands, retail companies, export houses, design studios
Average Starting Salary	₹3,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 per annum
Higher Study Options	PhD in Fashion Design, MBA in Fashion Management, International Certifications
Career Opportunities	Fashion Designer, Stylist, Merchandiser, Consultant, Entrepreneur

Master’s in Fashion Designing Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a masters in fashion designing program in India, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field like fashion design, fine arts, or textile science. A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is generally required, though this can vary. Some colleges may also require work experience, particularly for specific specializations. The table below summarizes the detailed eligibility criteria for masters in fashion designing programs in India.

Parameter	Requirement	Details
Educational Qualification	Bachelor’s Degree	BA in Fashion Design or related field from a recognized university
Minimum Percentage/CGPA	50% aggregate marks	Some colleges may require a higher percentage, such as 55% or 60%
Accepted Bachelor’s Degrees	Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Textile Science	Other related fields may also be considered, such as apparel production or fashion merchandising
Work Experience	Not usually required	Some colleges may prefer or require work experience, especially for specializations like fashion management
Specific Specialization Requirements	Vary by college	Some specializations, such as fashion technology, may require additional qualifications or experience
Entrance Exam	NIFT Entrance Exam, CEED, AIEED	Some colleges may require entrance exams, while others may consider merit-based admission
Age Limit	No age limit in most colleges	Some colleges may have an upper age limit, such as 25 or 30 years
Other Requirements	Portfolio, personal statement	Some colleges may require additional documents, such as a portfolio or personal statement, as part of the application process

Master’s in Fashion Designing Admission Process

The admission process for masters in fashion designing programs in India involves researching colleges, preparing for entrance exams, and submitting applications. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria, including a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. Entrance exams like NIFT, NID, and CEED are often a significant factor. To apply:

The relative importance of entrance exam scores, portfolios, and interviews varies by college. A strong portfolio and a good entrance exam score can significantly improve your chances of admission.

Entrance Exams for Master’s in Fashion Designing

Admission to a Master’s in Fashion Designing is primarily based on national-level and institute-level entrance exams that assess creativity, design aptitude, logical reasoning, and portfolio quality for postgraduate fashion programs.

Exam Name	Conducting Body	Exam Stages	Exam Mode	Key Sections	Skills Tested	Selection Criteria	Institutes Covered
NIFT Entrance Exam	National Institute of Fashion Technology	CAT, GAT, Personal Interview	Written + Interview	Creative Ability Test, General Ability Test	Creativity, analytical ability, fashion awareness, communication skills	Written exam score + Interview + Portfolio	NIFT Campuses across India
NID Entrance Exam	National Institute of Design	DAT Prelims, DAT Mains (Studio Test + Interview)	Written + Studio Test	Design Aptitude Test	Visualization, design thinking, problem-solving, portfolio quality	DAT performance + Studio Test + Interview	NID Campuses
CEED	Indian Institute of Technology Bombay	Part A (Objective), Part B (Drawing)	Computer-based + Offline Drawing	Aptitude, Visual Perception, Design Questions	Logical reasoning, sketching ability, creativity	CEED Score + Institute-level screening	IITs and other CEED-accepting institutes
Pearl Academy Entrance Exam	Pearl Academy	GPT, DAT, Personal Interview	Written + Interview	General Proficiency Test, Design Aptitude Test	Creative thinking, communication skills, design sensitivity	Written exam + Portfolio + Interview	Pearl Academy Campuses

Master’s in Fashion Designing Admission Process

The admission process for a Master’s in Fashion Designing is designed to evaluate a candidate’s creativity, academic background, design aptitude, and professional potential. Most reputed institutes follow a structured, multi-stage selection procedure to ensure they select talented and passionate design aspirants.

Below is the detailed step-wise admission process:

Step 1: Research and Shortlist Colleges

Begin by researching reputed fashion institutes such as National Institute of Fashion Technology, National Institute of Design, and Pearl Academy.

Compare factors like:

• Course curriculum

• Specializations offered

• Fee structure

• Placement records

• Entrance exam requirements

Choose colleges that align with your career goals and budget.

Step 2: Check Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, carefully review the eligibility requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or a related field

• Minimum 50% aggregate marks (may vary by institute)

• Valid entrance exam score (if applicable)

• Some institutes may allow graduates from Fine Arts, Textile Design, or Apparel Design

Ensure you meet all academic and exam-related criteria.

Step 3: Register for Entrance Exams

Most top institutes require candidates to clear entrance exams such as:

• NIFT Entrance Exam

• NID Entrance Exam

• CEED

• Institute-specific entrance tests

Register online, pay the exam fee, and download your admit card within the given deadline.

Step 4: Appear for the Entrance Examination

The entrance exam generally evaluates:

• Creative Ability

• Design Aptitude

• Logical Reasoning

• General Knowledge

• Drawing and Visualization Skills

Some exams are conducted in multiple stages, including written tests and studio tests.

Step 5: Prepare and Submit Portfolio

A strong portfolio is crucial for admission. It should include:

• Fashion illustrations and sketches

• Garment construction projects

• Textile experiments

• Mood boards and concept development

• Creative design collections

Your portfolio reflects your creativity, originality, and technical skills.

Step 6: Fill Out the Application Form

Complete the application form for your chosen colleges either online or offline.

Submit required documents such as:

• 10th and 12th mark sheets

• Graduation certificates

• Entrance exam scorecard

• Portfolio

• Passport-size photographs

Ensure all information is accurate to avoid rejection.

Step 7: Attend Group Discussion / Personal Interview

Shortlisted candidates are invited for:

• Personal Interview (PI)

• Studio Test (in some institutes)

• Portfolio Review

During this stage, your communication skills, design thinking, creativity, and career goals are assessed.

Step 8: Merit List and Admission Offer

Institutes prepare a final merit list based on:

• Entrance exam performance

• Portfolio evaluation

• Interview performance

• Academic record

Selected candidates receive an admission offer letter.

Step 9: Fee Payment and Document Verification

After receiving the offer:

• Pay the admission fee within the deadline

• Submit original documents for verification

• Complete enrollment formalities

Fees typically range between ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000 per annum depending on the institute.

Step 10: Final Enrollment and Orientation

Once verification is complete:

• Confirm your seat

• Attend orientation sessions

• Begin your academic journey

Top Government Colleges for Master’s in Fashion Designing in India

The following table provides an overview of top government colleges in India offering masters in fashion designing programs. These colleges are known for their academic standards, faculty, and industry connections. The table includes college names, cities, NIRF rankings, annual fees, admission modes, and specific masters in fashion studies programs.

College Name	City	NIRF Ranking	Annual Fees (Approx.)	Admission Mode	Programs Offered
National Institute of Fashion Technology Delhi	Delhi	NIRF Rank 1 (Fashion Design Category)	INR 1,50,000	NIFT Entrance Exam + Interview	M.Des (Fashion Design), M.F.M, M.F.Tech
National Institute of Fashion Technology Mumbai	Mumbai	NIRF Rank 3 (Fashion Design Category)	INR 1,40,000	NIFT Entrance Exam + Interview	M.Des (Fashion Design), M.F.M, M.F.Tech
National Institute of Fashion Technology Bangalore	Bangalore	NIRF Rank 4 (Fashion Design Category)	INR 1,30,000	NIFT Entrance Exam + Interview	M.Des (Fashion Design), M.F.M
National Institute of Design Ahmedabad	Ahmedabad	NIRF Rank 1 (Design Category)	INR 2,07,000	NID DAT (Prelims & Mains)	M.Des (Textile & Apparel Design)
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi	Delhi	NIRF Rank 2 (Engineering Category)	INR 2,40,000	CEED + Interview	M.Des (Design & Fashion-related specializations)
National Institute of Fashion Technology Chennai	Chennai	NIRF Rank 6 (Fashion Design Category)	INR 1,20,000	NIFT Entrance Exam + Interview	M.Des, M.F.M
National Institute of Fashion Technology Hyderabad	Hyderabad	NIRF Rank 7 (Fashion Design Category)	INR 1,10,000	NIFT Entrance Exam + Interview	M.Des, M.F.M
National Institute of Fashion Technology Kolkata	Kolkata	NIRF Rank 8 (Fashion Design Category)	INR 1,00,000	NIFT Entrance Exam + Interview	M.Des, M.F.M
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati	Guwahati	NIRF Rank 7 (Engineering Category)	INR 2,20,000	CEED + Interview	M.Des (Design Programs)
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay	Mumbai	NIRF Rank 3 (Engineering Category)	INR 2,50,000	CEED + Interview	M.Des (Design & Innovation)

Top Private Colleges for Master’s in Fashion Designing in India

The following table lists top private colleges in India offering masters in fashion designing programs, including annual fees, admission modes, programs, and specializations. These colleges offer courses like M.Des, MA, MSc, and MBA in fashion designing, with specializations like fashion design management, merchandising, and styling.

College Name	City	Annual Fees	Admission Mode	Programs Offered	Specializations
Pearl Academy	Delhi	INR 6,78,000	Entrance Exam (Pearl Academy Entrance Exam)	M.Des, MA	Fashion Design Management, Fashion Merchandising, Fashion Styling
IIFT Delhi	Delhi	INR 4,00,000	Entrance Exam (IIFT Entrance Exam)	MBA in Fashion Management	Fashion Management, Fashion Marketing, Fashion Retail
Istituto Marangoni	Mumbai	INR 5,50,000	Entrance Exam (IM Entrance Exam)	M.Des, MA	Fashion Design, Fashion Management, Fashion Styling
Amity University	Noida	INR 2,50,000	Merit-Based Admission	M.Des, MA, MSc	Fashion Design, Fashion Management, Fashion Technology
Symbiosis Institute of Design	Pune	INR 3,50,000	Entrance Exam (SEED Entrance Exam)	M.Des	Fashion Design, Fashion Communication, Fashion Management
Arch Academy of Design	Jaipur	INR 4,50,000	Entrance Exam (AIEED Entrance Exam)	M.Des, MA	Fashion Design, Fashion Management, Fashion Styling
National Institute of Design (NID)	Ahmedabad	INR 3,00,000	Entrance Exam (NID Entrance Exam)	M.Des	Fashion Design, Fashion Management, Fashion Communication
JD Institute of Fashion Technology	Mumbai	INR 2,80,000	Merit-Based Admission	M.Des, MA, MSc	Fashion Design, Fashion Management, Fashion Technology
Wigan and Leigh College	Delhi	INR 3,20,000	Entrance Exam (WLC Entrance Exam)	M.Des, MA	Fashion Design, Fashion Management, Fashion Styling
Indian Institute of Fashion Technology (IIFT)	Bangalore	INR 2,20,000	Merit-Based Admission	M.Des, MA, MSc	Fashion Design, Fashion Management, Fashion Technology

Master’s in Fashion Designing Subjects and Syllabus: Year-wise Breakdown

The Master’s in Fashion Designing in India is a two-year postgraduate program structured across four semesters, combining advanced design techniques, textile innovation, fashion business management, sustainability, industry exposure, and a final research or design collection project.

Year	Semester	Subject	Key Topics Covered	Practical Component
First Year	Semester 1	Advanced Fashion Illustration	Human anatomy, advanced rendering, concept boards, digital illustration	Studio sketching, mood board creation
First Year	Semester 1	Textile Science & Innovation	Fiber science, fabric construction, smart textiles, surface ornamentation	Fabric sampling, textile experimentation
First Year	Semester 1	Design Theory & Research Methods	Elements of design, design thinking, research methodology	Research assignments, case studies
First Year	Semester 1	Pattern Making & Garment Construction	Draping, advanced pattern drafting, garment finishing	Garment development projects
First Year	Semester 2	Fashion Forecasting & Trend Analysis	Trend research, color forecasting, consumer behavior	Trend reports, forecasting projects
First Year	Semester 2	Fashion Marketing & Branding	Brand positioning, retail strategies, digital marketing	Brand development project
First Year	Semester 2	Sustainable Fashion Practices	Ethical sourcing, eco-friendly production, circular fashion	Sustainable design project
First Year	Semester 2	Computer-Aided Design (CAD)	Fashion software tools, digital pattern making	CAD lab work
Second Year	Semester 3	Fashion Merchandising & Retail Management	Supply chain, export management, visual merchandising	Retail analysis project
Second Year	Semester 3	Luxury & Couture Design	Haute couture techniques, embellishments, custom garments	Couture garment creation
Second Year	Semester 3	Portfolio Development	Portfolio structuring, presentation skills, designer branding	Professional portfolio preparation
Second Year	Semester 3	Industry Internship	Real-time industry exposure	Internship with fashion brand
Second Year	Semester 4	Dissertation / Research Thesis	Research proposal, data analysis, documentation	Thesis submission
Second Year	Semester 4	Final Design Collection	Concept development, collection execution	Fashion show / final presentation
Second Year	Semester 4	Entrepreneurship & Fashion Business	Business planning, financial management, startup strategies	Business plan development

Master’s in Fashion Designing Fee Structure: Government vs Private Colleges in India

When planning to pursue a Master’s in Fashion Designing in India, one of the most important factors to consider is the fee structure. Fees vary significantly between government-funded institutes and private fashion schools. Understanding this difference can help you make an informed decision based on your budget, career goals, and return on investment.

Top Government Colleges

Government institutes are funded by the Government of India and usually offer high-quality education at lower costs. These colleges follow a standardized fee pattern and often provide better subsidies, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities.

Typical Government Colleges

• National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) – multiple campuses

• National Institute of Design (NID)

• Other state-government design colleges

Private Colleges

Private fashion institutes typically have higher fee structures but may offer advantages like industry collaborations, modern infrastructure, and global exposure. These institutes often emphasize practical learning, branding, and emerging design trends.

Typical Private Colleges

• Pearl Academy

• Symbiosis School of Fashion

• Amity School of Fashion Technology

• JD Institute of Fashion Technology

• Other reputed private design schools

Entrance Exams for Master’s in Fashion Designing: Eligibility and Key Dates

Admission to a Master’s in Fashion Designing in India is primarily based on national-level and institute-specific entrance exams, each with defined eligibility criteria and important application, exam, and result dates that candidates must carefully track.

Exam Name	Conducting Body	Minimum Qualification	Age Limit	Application Period (Tentative)	Exam Month	Result Declaration	Selection Stages
NIFT Entrance Exam	National Institute of Fashion Technology	Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (Final-year students eligible)	No strict age limit for M.Des	November – January	February	March – April	CAT, GAT, Personal Interview
NID DAT (M.Des)	National Institute of Design	4-year Bachelor’s degree (Final-year students eligible)	Yes (age criteria with relaxation for reserved categories)	October – December	January (Prelims)	May – June	DAT Prelims, DAT Mains (Studio Test + Interview)
CEED	Indian Institute of Technology Bombay	3-year Bachelor’s degree after 10+2 (Final-year students eligible)	No age limit	October – November	January	March	Part A (Objective), Part B (Drawing)
Pearl Academy Entrance	Pearl Academy	Bachelor’s degree in any discipline	No strict age limit	Multiple admission cycles (Jan/Apr/Jun)	Multiple cycles	Rolling results	GPT, DAT, Interview & Portfolio Review

Career Opportunities After Master’s in Fashion Designing

After completing a Master’s in Fashion Designing, students can explore many exciting and creative career paths. This postgraduate degree gives you advanced design knowledge, technical skills, and business understanding, which helps you work in top fashion brands, retail companies, export houses, and even start your own label.

Here are the major career options available:

1. Fashion Designer

You can work as a fashion designer for clothing brands, luxury labels, or design houses. Your role includes creating new collections, selecting fabrics, sketching designs, and supervising production.

2. Textile Designer

Textile designers create fabric patterns, prints, and surface designs. They work with textile companies, export houses, and fashion brands.

3. Fashion Stylist

Fashion stylists work with celebrities, influencers, magazines, and fashion shoots. They select outfits, accessories, and overall looks for events and photoshoots.

4. Fashion Merchandiser

Merchandisers manage product planning, pricing, market research, and sales strategies. They ensure the right products reach the right customers at the right time.

5. Fashion Consultant

Fashion consultants guide clients or brands on style, image building, branding, and market positioning.

6. Fashion Entrepreneur

Many graduates start their own fashion brand, boutique, or online label. With proper branding and digital marketing, this can be very profitable.

7. Costume Designer

You can work in movies, television, theatre, or OTT platforms designing costumes for actors and performers.

8. Fashion Blogger / Influencer

If you are interested in digital platforms, you can build your own brand through Instagram, YouTube, or fashion blogs.

9. Lecturer or Researcher

With further studies like a PhD, you can work as a fashion design professor or researcher.

The fashion industry in India and globally is growing fast, especially in sustainable fashion, luxury brands, and e-commerce. This creates strong demand for skilled fashion professionals.

Highest Paying Jobs in Fashion Designing

The fashion industry offers several high-paying career options, especially for professionals with a Master’s degree, strong portfolios, industry experience, and leadership skills. Salaries increase significantly with experience, brand reputation, and international exposure. Below is a detailed table highlighting the highest paying jobs in fashion designing along with roles, required skills, and average salary ranges in India.

Job Role	Job Description	Key Responsibilities	Skills Required	Experience Needed	Average Salary (INR per year)
Creative Director	Leads the overall creative vision of a fashion brand	Approves collections, guides designers, sets brand identity	Leadership, innovation, branding knowledge	8–12+ years	₹15,00,000 – ₹30,00,000+
Fashion Brand Manager	Manages brand strategy and market positioning	Marketing campaigns, brand growth, consumer engagement	Marketing, analytics, communication	5–10 years	₹8,00,000 – ₹20,00,000
Luxury Fashion Designer	Designs premium or couture collections	Create high-end garments, custom fittings	Advanced design skills, fabric knowledge	5–10 years	₹7,00,000 – ₹18,00,000
Fashion Merchandising Manager	Oversees product planning and sales strategy	Inventory planning, pricing, market research	Business sense, data analysis	4–8 years	₹6,00,000 – ₹15,00,000
Costume Designer (Film/OTT)	Designs costumes for movies and shows	Character styling, fabric sourcing, fittings	Creativity, storytelling ability	3–8 years	₹5,00,000 – ₹20,00,000 per project
Fashion Entrepreneur	Owns and manages fashion label or boutique	Brand building, production, marketing	Business management, creativity	Depends on growth	Income varies (can exceed ₹30,00,000+)
Fashion Consultant	Advises brands or individuals on styling & branding	Image consulting, fashion direction	Styling, communication, trend knowledge	4–7 years	₹6,00,000 – ₹15,00,000
Export House Head	Manages large-scale fashion exports	Client handling, production supervision	International trade knowledge	7–12 years	₹10,00,000 – ₹25,00,000
Design Director	Oversees multiple design teams	Collection supervision, innovation planning	Leadership, design expertise	8–12 years	₹12,00,000 – ₹28,00,000

FAQs

1. What is a Master’s in Fashion Designing?

A Master’s in Fashion Designing is a postgraduate program that focuses on advanced design techniques, fashion research, garment construction, trend forecasting, and brand development to prepare students for leadership roles.

2. What is the eligibility for Master’s in Fashion Designing in India?

Candidates must complete a bachelor’s degree in fashion design or related field with at least 50% marks. Some colleges require entrance exams, portfolio submission, and personal interviews.

3. Which entrance exams are required for Master’s in Fashion Designing?

Popular entrance exams include NIFT, NID DAT, CEED, and Pearl Academy entrance test. These exams evaluate creativity, design aptitude, drawing skills, and general knowledge.

4. What is the duration of a Master’s in Fashion Designing?

The course duration is typically two years, divided into four semesters. It includes theoretical subjects, practical design projects, internships, and a final dissertation or graduation collection.

5. What is the average fee for Master’s in Fashion Designing in India?

The average annual fee ranges between ₹1,00,000 to ₹3,00,000 depending on whether the college is government or private. Top institutes may charge higher fees.

6. What are the career options after Master’s in Fashion Designing?

Graduates can work as fashion designers, creative directors, brand managers, fashion consultants, merchandisers, costume designers, or start their own fashion label.

7. What is the average salary after Master’s in Fashion Designing?

Fresh graduates can earn between ₹3,00,000 to ₹6,00,000 per year. With experience, salaries can exceed ₹15,00,000 annually in senior design and management roles.

8. Is Master’s in Fashion Designing a good career option?

Yes, it offers strong career growth, creative satisfaction, international opportunities, and high earning potential, especially for skilled professionals with industry exposure and strong portfolios.

9. Can I pursue a Master’s in Fashion Designing without a fashion background?

Some institutes allow graduates from related fields like fine arts or textile design, but portfolio quality and entrance exam performance are important selection factors.

10. Which are the top colleges for Master’s in Fashion Designing in India?

Top colleges include NIFT campuses, NID Ahmedabad, and leading private design institutes known for quality education, industry exposure, and strong placement opportunities.