Know all about Fashion Designing Course in Kolkata: Admission 2025, Fees,  Entrance Exam, Placements

Published by Shikha Kumari on Jun 16, 2025

Interested in the vibrant world of fashion and aspiring to make your mark in the industry? Kolkata, a city rich in culture and creativity, offers numerous opportunities to kickstart your career in fashion design. From understanding the admission process and fee structures to preparing for entrance exams and exploring placement prospects, this blog has got you covered to help you navigate your journey into the exciting realm of fashion.

Fashion Design Admission Process

For Fashion Design admission, candidates must go through multiple stages. First, they should meet the eligibility criteria, which include a minimum of Class 12 with an aggregate score of 50% from a recognised board. After that, prospective students must complete the application process by registering and applying either online or offline through the chosen college’s website or by visiting the campus. Candidates must also prepare their portfolio and be ready for a personal interview based on that portfolio. Based on performance in the entrance exam, merit list, portfolio, and/or interview, candidates are shortlisted for admission. Successful candidates may then be required to participate in a counselling session for seat allotment and document verification.

StepDetails
EligibilityMinimum 10+2 (Class 12) with at least 50% aggregate from a recognised board (varies by college/level).
ApplicationRegister and apply online/offline through the respective college’s website or in person.
Exam/AssessmentAttend the entrance exam, portfolio review, and/or interview as specified by the college.
Merit/ShortlistSelection based on entrance exam/merit list, portfolio, and/or interview.
CounsellingParticipate in counselling/seat allotment/document verification (if applicable).
Fee PaymentPay the course fees to confirm admission

Entrance Exams for Fashion Design Courses

Here is a table outlining some of the common entrance exams for Fashion Design courses in India. Keep in mind that specific acceptance criteria and dates can vary, so it’s always best to check the official websites of the respective conducting bodies and colleges.

Exam NameLevelAccepted By (Sample)Exam Date (2026)
NIFT EntranceUG/PGNIFTs (including NIFT Kolkata)Jan–Feb 2026 (Stage 1)
NID DATUG/PGNIDs, some private collegesJan 2026
UCEEDUGIITs, some private collegesJan 2026
CEEDPGIITs, some private collegesJan 2026
AIEEDUG/PGARCH Academy, some private collegesDec 2025–Apr 2026
CUETUG/PGCentral/State UniversitiesMay–June 2026

Top 10 Fashion Designing colleges in Kolkata with Fees

For Top Placements & Value for Money,  NIFT Kolkata is the most reputed and cost-effective. On the other hand, IIFD and Raffles provide better grooming for global and high-end fashion careers but at a higher cost. Likewise, INIFD Salt Lake and George Telegraph are solid choices for diploma-level entry into local fashion retail or assistant roles. Finally, Amity and NSHM combine fashion education with a broader campus life and digital exposure

College NameCourse(s)Fees (INR, Total)Type
NIFT KolkataB.Des, B.FTech~Rs 2.6 lakh (tuition, 4 yrs)Government
Indian Institute of Fashion & Design (IIFD)B.Des, DiplomaRs 7.6 lakh (B.Des, 4 yrs)Private
International Institute of Fashion DesignB.Des, DiplomaRs 2–4 lakh (varies)Private
NSHM Knowledge CampusB.Sc, DiplomaRs 3–4 lakhPrivate
Amity University KolkataB.DesRs 5–6 lakhPrivate
JD Institute of Fashion TechnologyDiplomaRs 2–3 lakhPrivate
George Telegraph InstituteDiplomaRs 30,000 – Rs 1 lakhPrivate
Raffles Design InternationalB.DesRs 6–8 lakhPrivate

Government Fashion Designing Courses in Kolkata Fees

Candidates should pursue NIFT if they can crack it, since it offers the best launchpad in the fashion world. MAKAUT is a smart second choice for those who want structure and affordability. Polytechnics are skill factories which is best for fast, low-cost training, but candidates shouldn’t expect elite placement paths.

Institute NameCourse(s)Fees (INR, Total)
NIFT KolkataB.Des, B.FTech~Rs 2.6 lakh (tuition, 4 yrs)
MAKAUT (WBUT)B.Sc, DiplomaRs 1.5–2 lakh
Govt. Polytechnic CollegesDiplomaRs 10,000 – Rs 50,000

Free Fashion Designing Course in Kolkata

Aspiring fashion designers in Kolkata looking for free courses have several avenues to explore. The Government Skill Development Schemes, such as PMKVY and WBSDM, offer short-term certificate courses that are usually free for eligible candidates who have passed at least the 10th grade. However, it’s important to note that these schemes often have limited seats. Certain NGOs and community centres in Kolkata may also provide free basic fashion design courses, although the specific offerings and eligibility criteria can vary. Candidates can follow the table to know more about the Free fashion designing course in Kolkata:

Provider/InstituteTypeEligibility/Notes
Government Skill Development Schemes (e.g., PMKVY, WBSDM)Short-term CertificateUsually 10th pass, limited seats, free for eligible candidates
NGOs/Community CentresShort-termVaries; may offer free basic courses
Online Platforms (SWAYAM, NIOS)Online CertificateFree/nominal fee, self-paced, not always industry-recognised
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