If you love the idea of transforming ordinary rooms into something special—spaces that just feel right and work well—interior design might be your calling. This career isn’t just about picking out paint swatches or finding the perfect sofa. It brings together art, technology, psychology, and hands-on know-how. And let’s be honest, where you study can make all the difference when you’re starting out.
India has plenty of colleges offering interior design, but not all of them are created equal. So, to make things easier, here’s a look at some of the best places to study interior design in India, based on what really matters: strong courses, experienced teachers, good facilities, and real industry connections.
What Sets a Great Interior Design College Apart?
Some colleges just have that edge. Experts usually look for a few key things:
- Curriculum: You want more than just theory—practical training matters.
- Faculty: Teachers who’ve worked in the field bring real-life perspective.
- Facilities: You’ll need studios, workshops, and labs to experiment and bring ideas to life.
- Industry Exposure: Internships, live projects, and collaboration with professionals are huge.
- Placement Support: A good college helps you find your footing, with campus placements and an active alumni network.
- Room for Creativity: The best schools encourage you to try new things and find your own style.
Put together, these things shape your skills, your portfolio, and how ready you’ll be for the real world.
Top Interior Design Colleges in India
1. National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru
Everyone knows NID. It’s the place where design leaders are made—people who set trends in the industry. NID’s programs go beyond the basics and push you to think, experiment, collaborate, and solve problems creatively.
2. CEPT University, Ahmedabad
CEPT has a reputation for its deep dive into the built environment. Here, you’ll learn about architecture, sustainable materials, and how interior spaces really work—structurally and ecologically.
3. Pearl Academy, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Jaipur
At Pearl, you get a lot of hands-on learning. There are workshops, real industry projects, and even international tie-ups. The focus is on getting you ready for work in all kinds of spaces—commercial, modern, or contemporary.
4. Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), Pune
SID stands out for its multidisciplinary approach. You’ll build a strong portfolio, work on live projects, and get exposed to different design fields—not just interiors.
5. Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design & Technology, Bengaluru
If you’re into experimenting, Srishti’s your place. Students here work with unusual materials, look at sustainability from new angles, and explore where art and technology overlap.
How to Pick the Right College
Think about what you want. Do you see yourself working on homes, commercial spaces, luxury interiors, or green design? Do you thrive in a competitive environment, or do you prefer collaboration? Look at your budget, check out tuition, scholarships, and living costs. See what kind of real-world projects and portfolio opportunities each college offers. And don’t forget the basics—campus vibe, studio setups, and student life.
If you can, visit the campuses, talk to current students or alumni, or show up for an open day. There’s nothing like seeing it for yourself.
FAQs – Interior Design Colleges in India
1. Which is the best interior design college in India?
NID Ahmedabad usually takes the top spot, thanks to its broad programs and standout alumni network.
2. How long do interior design courses last?
Bachelor’s degrees run three to four years. Diplomas take about one or two.
3. What are the eligibility criteria?
Most places want you to have finished 10+2. Some ask you to clear entrance exams like NID DAT or CEED.
4. How much do courses cost?
Expect tuition anywhere from ₹2 lakh up to ₹15 lakh, depending on where you go and what you study.
5. Are placements guaranteed?
No college can promise a job, but the top ones offer solid support, good internships, and plenty of industry connections to help you get started.
