Choosing the right design college is one of the most important decisions for any creative aspirant, and Bengaluru—India’s leading innovation hub—offers some of the best government-run institutions for design education. Known for their strong academic frameworks, industry-aligned curriculum, affordable fees, and high placement value, these government-design colleges attract students from across the country. Whether you’re aiming for fashion, product design, communication design, or industrial design, Bengaluru provides a wide range of programmes designed to build both artistic and technical competence.
Some of the top government design colleges in Bengaluru include National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT Bengaluru), National Institute of Design (NID Bengaluru, Extension/Off-Campus), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore among several others. In this article, we break down their courses, fees, admission process, and ranking, helping you make an informed choice about where to begin your design journey. Candidates who graduate from these colleges receive lucrative pay packages, although the starting salary for most will commence around Rs.3 to Rs.6 lakhs per annum, according to the status of the company and the specialisation. NIFT Bangalore features in the category of the best government design colleges in Bangalore, offering a highly popular B.Des in Fashion Design course.
S.No | Government Design Colleges in Bangalore |
1 | |
2 | |
3 | |
4 | Karnataka Institute of Leather and Fashion Technology, Bangalore |
5 | |
6 | Smt VHD Central Institute of Home Science College, Bangalore |
7 | |
8 | |
9 |
Degree Level | Course Name and Specialisation | Course Description |
UG | B.Sc in Fashion and Apparel Design | A comprehensive course focusing on the basics of fashion, design, and apparel construction. Offered by Bangalore University. |
UG | B.Des in Fashion Design | This program covers design principles, textile science, and market trends, primarily offered by NIFT Bangalore. |
PG | M.Des in Design for Retail Experience | Focuses on retail design strategies, consumer behaviour, and experiential design. Offered by the National Institute of Design, Bengaluru Campus. |
UG | Diploma in Goods and Garments and Footwear Making Skill | Specialised training in leather goods and footwear design, available at the Karnataka Institute of Leather and Fashion Technology. |
UG | B.Sc in Interior Design and Decoration | A course aimed at equipping students with skills in interior space design, offered by Smt VHD Central Institute of Home Science College. |
Admission to top government design colleges in Bangalore generally involves passing entrance exams followed by counselling sessions. For instance, NIFT Bangalore requires candidates to clear the NIFT Entrance Exam, which assesses creativity, design aptitude, and general knowledge. Similarly, the National Institute of Design, Bengaluru, requires candidates to clear the NID DAT exam. Eligibility typically includes passing the 12th standard for undergraduate courses or having a relevant undergraduate degree for postgraduate programs.
Exam Name | Conducting Body | Details |
National Testing Agency (NTA) | For admission to NIFT's design programs, testing aptitude in design, creativity, and general awareness. | |
National Institute of Design | Entrance test for NID's design courses, assessing design thinking and creative problem-solving skills. | |
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay | For postgraduate programs in design, testing visual perception ability, drawing skills, and logical reasoning. |
Also Check: Design College Predictors
Q1. What are the career prospects after graduating from one of the best government design colleges in Bangalore?
Ans: Graduates from these Government Design Colleges in Bangalore can pursue careers in fashion design, interior design, retail management, and more, with opportunities in both the private and public sectors.
Q2. Is there any age limit for applying to these colleges?
Ans: Generally, there is no strict age limit, but candidates must meet the specific academic requirements and qualify for the entrance exams.
Q3. What is the average fee structure for design courses in these colleges?
Ans: The fee structure varies by course and college, typically ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹3,00,000 per year.
Q4. Are scholarships available for students in these colleges?
Ans: Yes, many colleges offer scholarships based on merit, financial need, or specific entrance exam scores.




