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    Top 10 NIFT Colleges in India 2026

    Top 10 NIFT Colleges in India 2026

    Sumeet SudarshanUpdated on 18 Feb 2026, 03:43 PM IST

    NIFT full form stands for the National Institute of Fashion Technology. There are 19 NIFT campuses in India at present. They are considered to be among the top design colleges in India. Around 30000+ candidates are expected to appear for NIFT 2026, competing for just over 5000 seats at NIFT colleges across various programs. The high number of candidates appearing for the NIFT entrance exam is a testimony to the popularity of NIFT colleges among design aspirants. However, not all NIFT campuses are equal and candidates may want to know the top NIFT colleges in India. In this article, let's find out which are the top 10 NIFT colleges in India and their rankings.

    This Story also Contains

    1. NIFT Campuses in India
    2. National Institute of Fashion Technology Rankings
    3. How to get admission to NIFT colleges?
    4. NIFT Courses 2026
    5. NIFT Colleges in India Apart from National Institute of Fashion Technology Campuses
    6. How to select the best NIFT college in India?
    Top 10 NIFT Colleges in India 2026
    NIFT Top Colleges in India

    The NIFT campuses offer UG and PG design programmes that include B.Des, B.FTech, M.Des, M.FTech, and MFM. Candidates are selected based on the scores of the entrance exam, and NIFT situation test, or the interview round, depending on the NIFT courses they have applied for.

    National Institute of Fashion Technology Rankings

    To know the top NIFT colleges in India, aspirants can refer to the NIFT colleges ranking by India Today, which is one of the popular media houses in the country. It must be noted that the Ministry of HRD does not release NIRF rankings with respect to NIFT colleges in India. The rankings by India Today for top NIFT colleges in India considers factors such as the admission process, placements, and fees.

    Top NIFT Campuses in India

    2025 India Today RankingInstitute Name
    1

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi

    2

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore

    3

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Mumbai

    4

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Hyderabad

    5

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Chennai

    6

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Patna

    7

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Gandhinagar

    8

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kolkata

    9

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Jodhpur

    11

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kannur

    13

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Rae Bareily

    14

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Shillong

    16

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kangra

    NIFT Campus Ranking for Previous Years

    College Name

    2024

    2023

    2022

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi

    1

    1

    1

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Gandhinagar

    6

    6

    5

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kolkata

    7

    8

    8

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore

    3

    3

    3

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Jodhpur

    10

    10

    NP

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Bhopal

    -

    NA

    NA

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Bhubaneswar

    13

    12

    15

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Hyderabad

    4

    5

    7

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Raebareli

    14

    14

    11

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Srinagar

    -

    NA

    NA

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Mumbai

    2

    2

    2

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Patna

    8

    7

    6

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kangra

    17

    17

    17

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kannur

    11

    13

    13

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Chennai

    5

    4

    4

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Shillong

    15

    16

    14

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Panchkula

    -

    NA

    NA

    National Institute of Fashion Technology, Daman

    -

    NA

    NA

    How to get admission to NIFT colleges?

    Aspirants seeking NIFT admissions need to ensure that they meet the NIFT eligibility criteria. The NIFT 2026 admission process is based on the candidate’s performance in all stages of the NIFT entrance exam. Candidates have to appear for different components of the selection process as per the programme applied for. Shortlisted candidates after the entrance exam and the situation test/interview have to register and appear for the NIFT counselling process. The seat allotment is done based on the candidate's rank and the college preferences submitted by them.

    Also Check: NIFT college-wise seat matrix.

    NIFT Courses 2026

    The list of courses offered by NIFT campuses in India is given below.

    • B.Des - Bachelor of Design
    • B.F.Tech - Bachelor of Fashion Technology
    • M.Des - Master of Design
    • MFM - Master of Fashion Management
    • MFTech - Master of Fashion Technology

    NIFT Colleges in India Apart from National Institute of Fashion Technology Campuses

    Apart from National Institute of Fashion Technology campuses, NIFT entrance exam score is considered for admission to some other top colleges offering design courses. Some of the colleges that accept NIFT scores are given below.

    UPES B.Des Admissions 2026

    Ranked #45 amongst Universities in India by NIRF | Ranked #1 in Academic Reputation in India by QS World University Rankings

    Pearl Academy B.Des Admissions 2026

    No. 1 Design & Fashion Institute by ASSOCHAM, India Today, Outlook and The Week rankings

    How to select the best NIFT college in India?

    Some of the factors that candidates can refer to while selecting the best NIFT colleges in India are as follows -

    Ranking: Aspirants should first check the NIFT rankings to find out which are the top campuses in the rankings that are determined based on criteria such as infrastructure, placements and quality of education.

    Fees: The NIFT colleges in India's fee structure may affect the affordability and return on investment of the student. For example, NIFT Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Kolkata are among the most expensive NIFT branches, while NIFT Bhopal, Panchkula, Patna, and Srinagar are more affordable options.

    Location: The location of the NIFT campuses is very much facilitated with the availability of resources, exposure to the industry, and placement opportunities. The NIFT campuses at Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata are also located in major metropolitan cities that offer a vibrant and diverse culture for design students.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: How many NIFT colleges are there in India?
    A:

    There are a total of 19 NIFT colleges in India.

    Q: Are NIFT placement good?
    A:

    Placement depends on the performance of the student during the selection interview. NIFT does not guarantee placements for any students. Many companies provide overseas opportunities. The frequent locations include the Middle East, Bangladesh, etc.

    Q: What are the top NIFT colleges in India?
    A:

    The top NIFT colleges in India are NIFT Delhi, NIFT Bengaluru, and NIFT Mumbai.

    Q: Which course is better in NIFT?
    A:

    National Institute of Fashion Technology offers various UG and PG design courses. NIFT colleges in India are among the top fashion design institutes. NIFT provides several workshops and projects to the students.

    Q: What is the educational qualification required for NIFT admission?
    A:

    For UG admission, candidates must pass class 10+2 exam. For admission in PG courses, candidates must be graduates. Check complete NIFT eligibility criteria on the official website.

    Q: Which is no 1 NIFT in India?
    A:

    The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Delhi is widely regarded as the top NIFT campus in India. NIFT Delhi was ranked number 1 by the India Today. It offers a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in fashion design, technology, and management.

    Q: What courses are offered at NIFTs?
    A:

    The UG and PG courses offered in NIFT campuses are as follows:

    • Bachelor of Design (BDes)
    • Bachelor of Fashion Technology (BFTech)
    • Master of Design (MDes)
    • Master of Fashion Technology (MFTech)
    • Master od Fashion Management(MFM)
    Q: What are the BDes specialization programmes offered at NIFTs?
    A:

    The following BDes specialisations programmes are offered at NIFTs:

    • Fashion Design
    • Textile Design
    • Accessory Design
    • Knitwear Design
    • Leather Design
    • Fashion Communication
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    Questions related to NIFT Entrance Exam

    On Question asked by student community

    Have a question related to NIFT Entrance Exam ?

    Hello aspirant,

    The nationwide Institute of Fashion Technology offers a nationwide entrance exam called NIFT for admission to its fashion design programmes.

    Every course has specific requirements that must be met in order to apply. For NIFT, there is no minimum age requirement, however it is evident that passing the

    Yes, for the NIFT entrance exam in Fashion Designing, you are required to give both the GAT (General Aptitude Test) and the CAT (Creative Ability Test). The GAT assesses your general knowledge, quantitative ability, and reasoning skills, while the CAT evaluates your creative skills, including drawing and visualization. Both tests

    Yes, you can appear for the NIFT 2024 exam even if your 12th board exams are scheduled after the NIFT exam. NIFT allows students to take the exam as long as they are in their final year of school education. If you qualify for the exam, you can submit your

    Dear Aspirant,


    Yes! If you want to pursue your under graduation from nift after 12th or even if you are appearing for12th exam then you are eligible to apply for the exam. There are several courses offered by nift which includes undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes.


    Age (Undergraduate degree programmes)

    Dear aspirant

    NIFT 2023 ELIGIBILITY - B.DES admission

    1. Aspiring students must have completed a 10+2 board exam from any recognized Central/State Board of Secondary Examination, such as Central Board of Secondary Education/State Board New Delhi, and Council for Indian School of Certificate Examination, New Delhi or,

    2. Any Board/Public