MBA in Fashion Management in India: Colleges, Fees, Eligibility, and Career Opportunities
The fashion industry’s continued growth fuels the demand for professionals with expertise in both business and fashion, making an MBA in Fashion Management a valuable career investment. This specialized two-year postgraduate program provides graduates with the business acumen and leadership skills necessary for success in this dynamic field. An MBA in Fashion Management combines business administration principles with in-depth knowledge of the fashion sector, covering areas like marketing, branding, retail management, merchandising, and luxury brand management.Â
Admission is often based on entrance exams like CAT, MAT, or GMAT, followed by group discussion and personal interview (GDPI) rounds. Tuition fees vary significantly, ranging from a few lakhs to over INR 20 lakhs for the entire program. This article offers a detailed overview of colleges in India offering an MBA in Fashion Management, including their fees, eligibility criteria, syllabus, placements, and career opportunities.
MBA in Fashion Management: Overview
The MBA in Fashion Management is a two-year postgraduate program blending business administration principles with fashion industry knowledge. The curriculum emphasizes marketing, branding, retail management, merchandising, and luxury brand management.Â
| Aspect | Details |
| Program Duration | 2 years (postgraduate) |
| Curriculum Focus | Business administration principles + Fashion industry knowledge • Marketing • Branding • Retail Management • Merchandising • Luxury Brand Management |
| Average Annual Tuition | INR 1,50,000 – INR 6,00,000 |
| Top Colleges (Examples) | • NIFT Delhi • NIFT Mumbai • Pearl Academy |
| Fees at Top Colleges | INR 69,000 – INR 3,24,000 per year |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university Minimum marks: 50% (some top B-schools require 60%) |
| Accepted Entrance Exams | CAT, MAT, GMAT, XAT, SNAP, LPUNEST, NMAT, CMAT Some colleges (e.g., Pearl Academy) conduct their own entrance exams (fashion aptitude + business skills) |
| Career Opportunities | • Fashion Manager • Brand Manager • Retail Manager • Merchandiser • Luxury Brand Manager |
The Indian fashion industry is rapidly expanding, projected to reach INR 7,48,000 crores by 2025. An MBA in Fashion Management equips students with the skills to thrive in this growing market. Private colleges like Amity School of Fashion Technology, SGT University, and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) also offer this program.
MBA in Fashion Management Eligibility Criteria
To pursue an MBA in Fashion Management in India, you must meet specific educational qualifications and entrance exam requirements, which may vary slightly by institution. A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution is required, with a minimum percentage or equivalent CGPA. Most disciplines are generally accepted.Â
Admissions are based on entrance exams such as CAT, MAT, GMAT, XAT, and SNAP, although some universities administer their own entrance tests. The MBA in Fashion Management program typically lasts two years, with tuition fees ranging from INR 1,70,000 to INR 104,00,000 for the entire program. Some institutions offer relaxations for reserved categories. Specific requirements may apply to top B-schools or universities like SGT University, Amity University, and Pearl Academy.
| Parameter | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree | From a recognized university/institution |
| Minimum Percentage | 50% | Or equivalent CGPA at the UG level |
| Minimum Percentage (Top B-Schools) | 60% | Aggregate marks for admissions |
| Accepted Entrance Exams | CAT/MAT/GMAT/XAT/SNAP | For MBA admissions |
| Accepted Entrance Exams | LPUNEST/NMAT/CMAT | For specific universities |
| Bachelor’s Degree Stream | Any discipline | Generally accepted |
| SGT University Requirement | Bachelor’s Degree | Minimum 55% marks |
| Relaxation for Reserved Categories | 5% | Relaxation on minimum CGPA/percentage |
| Course Duration | 2 years | MBA Fashion Management |
MBA in Fashion Management Admission Process: Step-by-Step Guide
The admission process for an MBA in Fashion Management in India involves several key steps. First, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria: a three-year bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% marks. Top B-schools may require 60% or higher. Admissions are typically based on CAT, MAT, or institute-level exams. Some colleges, like Pearl Academy, conduct their own entrance exams focusing on fashion aptitude and business skills.Â
The admission process includes an entrance exam followed by GDPI rounds, where your communication skills, personality, and knowledge are evaluated. After selection, you’ll need to verify your academic and personal documents and pay the course fees.
- Admissions are typically based on CAT, MAT, or institute-level exams, with some colleges like Pearl Academy conducting their own entrance exams focusing on fashion aptitude and business skills.
- The admission process consists of an entrance exam followed by GDPI rounds, where candidates’ communication skills, personality, and knowledge are assessed.
- Candidates must score a minimum of 50% or equivalent CGPA at the UG level to be eligible for the program.
- Top B-Schools might seek a minimum of 60% aggregate marks for admissions, making the competition fiercer.
- Students need to go through the document verification process, where their academic and personal documents are verified.
- Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria for admission to the colleges providing MBA Fashion Management, which may vary from one institution to another.
- Some colleges conduct their own tests for admission, in addition to the national-level exams like CAT and MAT.
- The average fees of the MBA Fashion Management course range from Rs 3.13 Lakhs to Rs 7.14 Lakhs, varying depending on the institution and location.
- A Fashion Manager in India earns between ₹5–12 LPA, depending on experience, brand, and location, making it a lucrative career option.
Top Government Colleges for MBA in Fashion Management in India: NIRF Ranking, Fees, and Location
Top government colleges for an MBA in Fashion Management in India offer a curriculum combining business administration principles with fashion industry knowledge. These colleges are ranked by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). The table below lists the top government colleges for MBA in Fashion Management, including their city and NIRF ranking.Â
The colleges included are NIFT Delhi, NIFT Mumbai, NIFT Bangalore, NIFT Hyderabad, NIFT Chennai, NIFT Gandhinagar, NIFT Kolkata, NIFT Patna, BHU, NIFT Bengaluru, Mumbai University, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), SGT University, IIM Ahmedabad, and IIM Bangalore. Annual fees for these colleges range from INR 50,000 to INR 3,24,000.
| College Name | City | Key RankingÂ
(Fashion/Design Category) |
Annual Fees (Approx., INR) |
| NIFT Delhi | New Delhi | 1 | 3,00,000 – 3,50,000 |
| NIFT Mumbai | Mumbai | 3 | 3,00,000 – 3,50,000 |
| NIFT Bangalore / Bengaluru | Bengaluru | 2 | 3,00,000 – 3,50,000 |
| NIFT Hyderabad | Hyderabad | 4 | 3,00,000 – 3,50,000 |
| NIFT Chennai | Chennai | 5 | 3,00,000 – 3,50,000 |
| NIFT Gandhinagar | Gandhinagar | 6 | 3,00,000 – 3,50,000 |
| NIFT Kolkata | Kolkata | 8 | 3,00,000 – 3,50,000 |
| NIFT Patna | Patna | 6 | 3,00,000 – 3,50,000 |
Top Private Colleges for MBA in Fashion Management in India: Fees, Location, and Specializations
Top private colleges for MBA in Fashion Management (or equivalent programs like MBA in Fashion & Lifestyle Business Management, Luxury & Fashion Management, or Fashion Retail Management) in India focus on blending core business skills with fashion-specific expertise in areas such as luxury brand management, retail merchandising, supply chain, marketing, and sustainability in the fashion/lifestyle sector.
These programs are offered by specialized design/business institutes or universities, often with their own entrance tests (e.g., Pearl Academy’s PEARLY or AIEED), followed by interviews/GD/PI. National exams like CAT/MAT/CMAT may be accepted at some. Annual fees typically range from INR 1.5 lakh to INR 6 lakh+, with total program costs often INR 6–12 lakh (excluding hostel/miscellaneous).
| College Name | City/Location | Approximate Annual Fees (INR) |
| Pearl Academy | Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Bengaluru | 3,50,000 – 3,60,000 |
| Amity School of Fashion Technology (Amity University) | Noida | 1,50,000 – 2,50,000 |
| Alliance University | Bengaluru | 4,00,000 – 5,00,000 |
| SGT University | Gurugram | 1,50,000 – 2,50,000 |
| Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University (MJRPU) | Jaipur | 80,000 – 1,50,000 |
| National Institute of Retail Management (NIRM) | Bengaluru | 1,00,000 – 1,50,000 (total often cited low) |
| Vogue Institute of Art and Design | Bengaluru | 2,50,000 – 3,50,000 |
MBA in Fashion Management Entrance Exams in India: Dates, Eligibility, and Syllabus
Entrance exams are essential for MBA in Fashion Management admissions in India, evaluating general aptitude, quantitative/verbal skills, logical reasoning, and often fashion/business-specific knowledge. National exams like CAT/MAT/CMAT are widely accepted by private colleges, while NIFT and Pearl Academy conduct specialized tests for their programs.
The table below overviews major accepted/relevant exams (2026 cycle; dates approximate/ongoing—check official notifications for exact updates). Eligibility typically requires a bachelor’s degree (any stream) with 50%+ marks (45-50% for reserved categories). Some top institutes prefer 60% or work experience.
| Exam Name | Key Dates (2026 Cycle, Approx.) | Eligibility | Syllabus Overview |
| NIFT Entrance Exam (for MFM) | Registration: Closed (late 2025); Exam: Feb 8, 2026 (already held); Results/ Counselling: Ongoing/March-April 2026 | Bachelor’s degree from recognized university (min. 50% aggregate; final-year eligible) | GAT (General Ability Test): Quantitative Ability, Communication Ability & English Comprehension, Analytical & Logical Ability, General Knowledge & Current Affairs, Case Study. No CAT for MFM (focus on management aptitude). Followed by GD/PI for shortlisted. |
| Pearl Academy Entrance Exam (for MBA Fashion & Lifestyle/Global Luxury Brand Management) | Multiple cycles: Jan 2026 (concluded Jan 17-19); Phase 2: Exam April 25-26, 2026; Apply by April 22, 2026 (ongoing) | Bachelor’s degree (any stream) | For Business programs: General Proficiency Test (GPT) covering English, Quantitative, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness. Followed by Personal Interview (no portfolio for business/MBA). Focus on business acumen, fashion/luxury awareness. |
| CAT (Common Admission Test) | Exam: Nov/Dec 2025 (for 2026 intake, concluded); Results: Jan 2026 | Bachelor’s degree with 50% (45% reserved) | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability. Accepted by some private fashion management programs (e.g., Amity, Alliance). |
| MAT (Management Aptitude Test) | Multiple: e.g., Feb/March 2026 (PBT/CBT ongoing) | Bachelor’s degree (min. 50%) | Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Indian & Global Environment. Widely accepted by private colleges. |
| CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) | Exam: Jan 2026 (concluded); Next if any | Bachelor’s degree | Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Accepted by many AICTE-approved fashion/retail MBA programs. |
| XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) | Exam: Jan 2026 (concluded) | Bachelor’s degree | Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, General Knowledge. Some private institutes accept. |
| Other (SNAP, NMAT, etc.) | SNAP: Dec 2025; NMAT: Oct-Dec 2025 (for 2026) | Varies (Bachelor’s 50%+) | Similar to CAT/CMAT: Quant, Verbal, Logical, GK/Current Affairs. Accepted selectively by private fashion business programs. |
MBA in Fashion Management Syllabus PDF
MBA in Fashion Management Syllabus
MBA in Fashion Management Subjects and Syllabus: Year-wise Breakdown
The MBA in Fashion Management (or equivalent MFM/MBA in Fashion & Lifestyle Business Management) is a 2-year (4-semester) program. It starts with foundational business and fashion industry knowledge in Year 1, then advances to specialised fashion management, retail, supply chain, digital aspects, and capstone projects/internships in Year 2.Â
Core subjects blend general management (accounting, marketing, organisational behaviour) with fashion-specific topics (merchandising, textiles, consumer behaviour, luxury branding). Electives often allow specialisation (e.g., e-commerce, sustainability, luxury management). Practical components include case studies, industry internships (typically 6-8 weeks), research projects, and industry visits.
MBA in Fashion Management Subjects and Syllabus: Year-wise Breakdown
The syllabus varies slightly by institute (e.g., NIFT emphasizes merchandising/export/retail; Pearl focuses on lifestyle/luxury/digital; Amity includes raw materials/patterns). Below is a representative breakdown (primarily aligned with NIFT MFM and common across top programs like Amity/Pearl).
| Year | Semester | Core Subjects | Elective Subjects (Typical Options) | Focus Area |
| 1 | 1 | • Principles of Management & Organizational Behaviour
• Fundamentals of Fashion & Textile Industry / Introduction to the Fashion and Textile Industry • Marketing Management (Basics) • Accounting & Financial Reporting for Managers / Accounting for Managers • Quantitative Techniques & Business Statistics • Business Communication • Raw Materials of Fashion / Textile Knowledge |
(Limited in Sem 1; may include basics like Global Business Practices) | Building foundational business skills + introduction to fashion ecosystem, textiles, and raw materials |
| 1 | 2 | • Fashion Marketing & Consumer Behaviour
• Merchandising Management (Apparel & Accessories) • Retail Management & Visual Merchandising • Supply Chain & Sourcing in Fashion / Logistics & Resource Management • Digital Marketing & E-commerce for Fashion • Research Methods & Statistics • Fashion Finance & Economics |
• Fashion Communication
• Process of Garment Manufacturing / Introduction to Apparel Manufacturing |
Applying management principles to fashion operations, consumer insights, retail basics, and introductory research |
| 2 | 3 | • Advanced Fashion Merchandising / Fashion Buying and Sourcing
• Brand Management & Luxury Brand Management • Fashion Forecasting & Trend Analysis • E-commerce & Digital Strategies in Fashion • Strategic Management / Strategic Financial Management • Consumer Behaviour in Fashion (Advanced) • Supply Chain and Project Management |
• Fashion Event Management
• Intellectual Property Rights in Fashion • Sustainability in Fashion • Export/International Marketing |
Advanced specialization in merchandising, branding, trends, digital transformation, and strategic aspects |
| 2 | 4 | • Industry Internship / Professional Training (6-8 weeks)
• Research Project / Dissertation / Final Graduation Project • Fashion Event Management / Capstone Seminar • Entrepreneurship in Fashion / Business Plan Development |
• Luxury & Culture
• Global Luxury Brand Management • Customer Relationship & Experience Management |
Industry exposure, capstone research/thesis on real-world fashion business problems, entrepreneurship, and career readiness |
MBA in Fashion Management Fee Structure: Government vs Private Colleges in India
The fee structure for MBA in Fashion Management programs in India differs significantly between government and private colleges. Government colleges like NIFT Delhi, NIFT Mumbai, and NIFT Bangalore generally have lower fees than private colleges. Government college fees range from INR 50,000 to INR 6,00,000 per year, while private colleges can charge from INR 45,000 to INR 3,00,000 per year. Some private colleges, such as Amity University, NIMS University, and the International Institute of Fashion Technology, have similar fee structures. Consider these fees when choosing a college for an MBA in Fashion Management. The table below compares average fees for various government and private colleges in India.
| College Type | Average Fees |
|---|---|
| Amity University | INR 45,000-3,00,000 |
| NIMS University | INR 45,000-3,00,000 |
| International Institute of Fashion Technology | INR 45,000-3,00,000 |
| Sai Nath University | INR 45,000-3,00,000 |
| NIF Global Andheri | INR 50,000-6,00,000 |
| Vogue Institute of Art and Design | INR 50,000-6,00,000 |
| JD School of Design | INR 50,000-6,00,000 |
| Amity School of Fashion Technology | INR 50,000-6,00,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the duration of the MBA in Fashion Management course?
The MBA in Fashion Management is a two-year postgraduate program designed to provide graduates with the business expertise and leadership skills needed for the rapidly evolving fashion industry. The course duration is consistent across different colleges in India.
Q2. What are the eligibility criteria for admission to an MBA in Fashion Management program in India?
To be eligible, you must have a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university/institution with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA. Top B-Schools may require a minimum of 60% aggregate marks for admissions. A 5% relaxation is available for reserved categories.
Q3. What are the accepted entrance exams for MBA in Fashion Management admissions in India?
Accepted entrance exams include CAT, MAT, GMAT, XAT, SNAP, LPUNEST, NMAT, and CMAT. Some colleges, like Pearl Academy, conduct their own entrance exams, focusing on fashion aptitude and business skills.
Q4. What is the average fee structure for MBA in Fashion Management in government and private colleges in India?
Average fees for government colleges like NIFT range from INR 69,000 to 3,24,000 per year. For private colleges like Amity University, the average fees range from INR 45,000 to 3,00,000 per year. For some colleges like NIF Global Andheri, the fees range from INR 50,000 to 6,00,000 per year.
Q5. What are the core subjects covered in the first year of the MBA in Fashion Management program?
The core subjects covered in the first year include Marketing, Accounting, Textile Knowledge, Global Business Practices, and Introduction to the Fashion and Textile Industry. These subjects provide a foundation in fashion concepts, business operations, and management skills.
