Looking for the top Design colleges in Karnataka in 2026? Karnataka has over 13+ design colleges. Top government institutes include NIFT Bangalore, NID Bangalore , and leading private universities are Army Institute of Fashion and Design, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore, Vogue Institute of Art and Design, Indian Institute of Fashion Technology, NSFTID Bangalore . These colleges offer UG Diploma, B.Sc. and other design programs. Admissions to these colleges are primarily conducted through exams such as NIFT , NID DAT .
When selecting the best design colleges in Karnataka, students should consider factors such as NIRF rankings, placement records, return on investment (ROI), location, faculty, and specializations. This guide highlights the top-ranked design colleges in Karnataka 2026 providing all key details on fees, placements, and entrance exams to help students make an informed choice.
Top Design Colleges in Karnataka 2026: Key Highlights
| Metric | Details |
| Total Colleges in Karnataka | 13+ |
| Top Exams Accepted | NIFT , NID DAT |
| Ownership | ~82% Private, ~18% Government |
| Top Recruiters | Tommy Hilfiger, Lifestyle, Raymonds, Calvin Klein, Future Group |
| Average Fees | ₹ 15.0 K - ₹ 17.20 L |
| Average Placement | ₹ 3.00 L - ₹ 4.50 L |
Government vs Private Design Colleges in Karnataka 2026
Design aspirants in Karnataka can choose between government-funded institutes known for their affordability and high ROI, and private universities that offer modern infrastructure, global exposure, and multiple entrance options. The comparison below will help you determine which path best aligns with your academic and career goals.
Top Government Design Colleges in Karnataka 2026
| College | Avg Annual Fees (Total) | Entrance Exams | Average Placement Package | Median Placement Package |
| NIFT Bangalore | ₹ 60.0 K - ₹ 16.23 L | NIFT | ₹ 4.30 L | ₹ 4.30 L |
| NID Bangalore | ₹ 11.53 L | NID DAT | - | - |
Top Private Design Colleges in Karnataka 2026
| College | Avg Annual Fees (Total) | Average Placement Package | Median Placement Package | Highest Placement Package |
| Army Institute of Fashion and Design | ₹ 10.30 L | - | - | - |
| JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore | - | - | - | - |
| Vogue Institute of Art and Design | ₹ 15.0 K - ₹ 9.10 L | - | - | - |
| Indian Institute of Fashion Technology | ₹ 1.25 L - ₹ 6.90 L | - | - | - |
| NSFTID Bangalore | ₹ 1.52 L - ₹ 10.03 L | ₹ 4.50 L | ₹ 4.50 L | ₹ 7.00 L |
Top Trending Courses in Design 2026
Design in Karnataka offers a wide range of courses to match industry demand and student interest. The most popular fields include Diploma in Fashion Design , Diploma in Interior Design , B.Des. in Fashion Design . The table below highlights the top courses, their leading colleges, entrance exams, average fees, and placement packages.
| Course | Top Colleges | Entrance Exams | Average Fees (Total) | Average Package |
| Diploma in Fashion Design | JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore, NSFTID Bangalore, LISAA School of Design, IDeA World College, Exterior Interior Limited, Bangalore | - | ₹ 18.6 K - ₹ 5.39 L | ₹ 4.00 L |
| Diploma in Interior Design | JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore, NSFTID Bangalore, LISAA School of Design, IDeA World College, Exterior Interior Limited, Bangalore | - | ₹ 54.0 K - ₹ 5.39 L | ₹ 3.00 L |
| B.Des. in Fashion Design | - | NIFT, NID DAT, UCEED, CEED, AIEED | ₹ 1.48 L - ₹ 28.28 L | ₹ 3.80 L - ₹ 8.50 L |
| B.Sc. in interior Design | JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore, Vogue Institute of Art and Design, Gupta College, Bangalore, IDeA World College | NIFT, NID DAT, UCEED, AIEED | ₹ 1.43 L - ₹ 9.90 L | ₹ 3.50 L |
| B.Des. in Interior Design | - | NIFT, NID DAT, UCEED, CEED, AIEED | ₹ 1.48 L - ₹ 20.72 L | ₹ 3.80 L - ₹ 7.00 L |
| Advance Diploma in Interior Design | - | WUD Aptitude Test | ₹ 1.70 L - ₹ 6.60 L | ₹ 4.00 L |
| Certificate in Interior Design | - | NIFT | ₹ 39.9 K - ₹ 4.86 L | ₹ 3.00 L |
| B.Des. in Fashion Communication | - | NIFT, NID DAT, UCEED, CEED, AIEED | ₹ 1.53 L - ₹ 28.28 L | ₹ 4.30 L - ₹ 8.00 L |
| Certificate in Fashion Design | - | NIFT | ₹ 50.9 K - ₹ 4.00 L | ₹ 3.00 L |
| B.Sc. in Fashion Design | IDeA World College | NIFT, NID DAT, UCEED, AIEED | ₹ 1.43 L - ₹ 9.90 L | ₹ 8.50 L |
Entrance Exams Accepted by Top Design Colleges in Karnataka 2026
Admission to the top Design colleges in Karnataka is primarily determined through national, institute-level, and state-level entrance exams.
| Exam | Top Accepting Colleges | Exam Date (2026) |
| NIFT | NIFT Bangalore | 9 Feb 2026 |
| NID DAT | NID Bangalore | - |
State-wise & City-wise Top Design Colleges in Karnataka 2026
Design education in Karnataka varies by state and city, with some regions offering better institutions, private universities, and placement opportunities. Use the list below to explore the top Design colleges by state and city.
Top Cities for Design Colleges in Karnataka 2026
Top Design Colleges in Bangalore
| College | Ownership | Entrance Exams |
| JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore | Private | - |
| NID Bangalore | Public/Government | NID DAT |
| NIFT Bangalore | Public/Government | NIFT |
| Army Institute of Fashion and Design | Private | - |
| Vogue Institute of Art and Design | Private | - |
Top Design Colleges in Manipal
| College | Ownership |
| Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences | Private |
FAQ About Design Colleges in Karnataka 2026
Which is the No.1 design college in Karnataka?
According to NIRF 2026, the No.1 design college in Karnataka is NIFT Bangalore , followed by NID Bangalore .
Which entrance exam is required for design ?
For admission to top design colleges in Karnataka, students primarily need to appear for NIFT and NID DAT .
What is the average design fee in Karnataka?
The average fees range from ₹ 15.0 K - ₹ 17.20 L per year. Government colleges typically charge ₹ 60.0 K - ₹ 16.23 L per year, while private colleges may charge ₹ 10.30 L per year.
Which private design college has the best placements?
Among private institutions, Army Institute of Fashion and Design and JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore and Vogue Institute of Art and Design have the strongest placement records.