Selecting the right interior design college in India is an important step for students who want to build a stable and long-term career in interior design. A good college makes students creative in addition to being able to understand technical knowledge, space planning, awareness of materials, and working techniques in a professional manner.
The education of interior design has been on the increase in India in the last few years. Top colleges today emphasising interior designers’ thinking, sustainability, exposure to industries, and practical projects, which prepare students for residential, commercial, hospitality, and corporate interior work.
Top 09 Interior Design Colleges in India
The top interior design colleges in India are selected based on their academic excellence, industry exposure, practical learning approach, and career outcomes. All information is curated and verified by Top Interiors India, a trusted PR platform for interior designers.
1. National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad
Official Website: https://www.nid.edu/
About the college:
Founded in 1961, NID is an Institution of National Importance and one of India’s most respected design schools. It was established to bridge traditional Indian knowledge with modern design thinking and has consistently influenced India’s design ecosystem.
What students get NID:
NID is known for its research-driven and concept-focused approach. Students benefit from hands-on studios, real-world projects, and mentorship from experienced designers. Graduates often work with top architecture firms, design studios, and global brands.
More information:
- Eligibility: 10+2 (UG) / Graduation (PG) with NID DAT
- Course Fees: Approx. ₹3–4 lakhs per year
- Degree Duration: 4 years (UG) / 2.5 years (PG)
2. CEPT University, Ahmedabad
Official Website: https://cept.ac.in/
About the college:
CEPT University started in the early 1960s as institutions focused on architecture and planning and became a full university in 2005. The establishment of the School of Interior Design in 1991 strengthened its role in interior and habitat design education in India.
What students get from CEPT:
CEPT University offers modern design studios, workshops, and a strong foundation program. Students gain hands-on experience through site visits, live projects, and interdisciplinary learning across design and construction fields.
More information:
- Eligibility: 10+2 with design aptitude assessment
- Course Fees: Approx. ₹4–5 lakhs per year
- Degree Duration: 5 years (Integrated)
3. Pearl Academy, Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Bengaluru
Official Website: https://pearlacademy.com/
About the college:
Established in 1993, Pearl Academy is a leading creative institute in India offering programs in interior design and other design disciplines. It has campuses in Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Bengaluru, and from 2024, its programs are offered as degree courses through a government-backed academic partnership.
What students get from Pearl:
Pearl Academy offers practical learning through modern studios, live projects, internships, and industry interaction. The focus on skills, employability, and entrepreneurship prepares students for creative careers.
More information:
- Eligibility: 10+2 with entrance exam and interview
- Course Fees: Approx. ₹6–7 lakhs per year
- Degree Duration: 3–4 years
4. Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), Pune
Official Website: https://sid.edu.in/
About the college:
Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) began its journey in 2008 as part of Symbiosis International, Pune. The institute was established to provide structured and industry-oriented education in design disciplines, including interior design, communication design, product design, and user experience design.
What students get from SID:
SID offers modern design studios, well-equipped workshops, digital labs, and a strong academic framework that supports hands-on learning. The institute focuses on practical training through studio projects, industry assignments, internships, and design research.
More information:
- Eligibility: SEED entrance exam
- Course Fees: Approx. ₹16–18 lakhs (total)
- Degree Duration: 4 years
5. Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design & Technology, Bengaluru
Official Website: https://srishtimanipalinstitute.in/
About the college:
Srishti Manipal Institute (SMI) of Art, Design & Technology was founded in 1996 and is known for its practice-based approach to design education. Located in Bengaluru, the institute focuses on creative thinking, real-world problem-solving, and interdisciplinary learning across the art, design, and technology fields.
What students get from SMI:
Srishti Manipal offers modern studios, workshops, and collaborative learning spaces. Its programs emphasise hands-on projects, fieldwork, and industry exposure, helping students gain practical skills in areas such as interior design, spatial design, and related creative disciplines.
More information:
- Eligibility: 10+2 with portfolio review and interview
- Course Fees: Approx. ₹6–7 lakhs per year
- Degree Duration: 4 years
6. Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), New Delhi
Official Website: https://www.iiad.edu.in/
About the college:
The Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), established in 2015 and located in New Delhi, is a professionally managed design institute offering internationally aligned education across key design disciplines. The institute provides structured undergraduate programs in interior design, with academic support from reputed global universities.
What students get from IIAD:
The institute offers well-equipped design studios, workshops, digital laboratories, and collaborative learning environments that support experiential education. Through studio-led projects, industry-integrated assignments, internships, and portfolio development, IIAD ensures that students gain practical exposure aligned with current professional standards.
More Information:
- Eligibility: 10+2 with IIAD Design Aptitude Test
- Course Fees: Approx. ₹6–8 lakhs per year
- Degree Duration: 4 years
7. MIT Institute of Design, Pune
Official Website: https://mitid.edu.in/
About the college:
MIT Institute of Design (MITID) was established in 2006 under the MAEER’s MIT Group of Institutions, Pune, with the aim of providing structured and career-focused design education for aspiring students. The institute was created to meet the growing demand for professionally trained designers.
What students get from MITID:
For students, MITID offers a supportive and practical learning environment through well-equipped design studios, material and fabrication workshops, digital labs, and collaborative spaces. The curriculum is designed to help students build strong design fundamentals while gradually developing professional skills through studio projects, site visits, live industry assignments, internships, and guided mentorship.
More Information:
- Eligibility: 10+2 with MIT DAT
- Course Fees: Approx. ₹4–5 lakhs per year
- Degree Duration: 4 years
8. Arch College of Design and Business, Jaipur
Official Website: https://www.archedu.org/
About the college:
Established in the early 2000s in Jaipur, Arch College of Design & Business emphasizes design education aligned with industry practices and business understanding. The institute offers specialized programs in interior design, fashion, product design, graphics, and entrepreneurship.
What students get from ARCH:
The college provides well-equipped design studios, workshops, digital labs, and a structured academic environment. Students gain hands-on experience through live projects, internships, industry collaborations, and skill-based training.
More information:
- Eligibility: 10+2 with aptitude assessment
- Course Fees: Approx. ₹3–4 lakhs per year
- Degree Duration: 4 years
9. JJ School of Arts, Mumbai
Official Website: https://jjschoolofart.mumbaiuniversity.ac.in/
About the college:
Sir J. J. School of Arts, Mumbai, is one of India’s oldest and most respected art and design institutions, with a long history of nurturing creative talent. Founded in 1857, the school has been an important center for fine arts, applied arts, and design education in the country.
What students get from ARCH:
The school provides well-established studios, workshops, and learning spaces that allow students to explore both creative and technical aspects of design. Regular interactions with practising artists and exposure to Mumbai’s vibrant cultural environment also support real-world learning, preparing graduates for careers in interior design, visual arts, and related creative fields.
More information:
- Eligibility: State-level entrance exam
- Course Fees: Approx. ₹25,000–₹50,000 per year
- Degree Duration: 4 years
Final Thoughts
The right interior design college in India can shape your skills, confidence, and career growth. Top institutes focus not only on creativity but also on professional practice, sustainability, and industry readiness. Students should evaluate colleges based on learning approach, exposure, fees, and long-term career goals before applying.
FAQs
India’s top interior design colleges include NID, CEPT University, MIT, Pearl Academy, Arch College of Design, and SID Pune, known for strong academics and industry exposure.
Interior design programs typically range from 3 to 4 years for undergraduate courses and 2 years for postgraduate programs.
Course fees generally range between ₹1.5 lakh to ₹6 lakh per year, depending on the institute, facilities, and course level.
Most colleges require 10+2 from any stream, preferably with creativity and design aptitude. Some institutes also conduct entrance exams or portfolio reviews.
Most colleges teach AutoCAD, SketchUp, 3Ds Max, Revit, Photoshop, and Lumion for professional design work.
