Planning to pursue Design in Kerala? With 13 Design colleges offering M.Des, BFA, BFM, and B.FTech, choosing the right college depends on key factors such as rankings, fees, placements, and entrance exams accepted.
Kerala's Design landscape includes top government institutes like NIFT Kannur and Institute of Fashion Technology, along with leading private universities such as Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikkode. Admissions are conducted through exams like national entrance exams, depending on the course and institution.
This page provides a complete list of Design colleges in Kerala 2026, helping you compare colleges based on fees, placements, courses, and admission criteria to shortlist the best options.
Overview of Design Colleges in Kerala
Kerala has a diverse mix of design colleges across government, private, and deemed categories, offering programs in core and emerging fields. These colleges vary in terms of fee structure, admission process, and placement outcomes, making comparison essential for informed decision-making.
Admissions to most top colleges are based on national-level exams like national entrance exams, while state and private colleges accept CETs and institute-level entrance exams.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Data |
| Total Design Colleges in Kerala | 13 |
| Government Colleges | 5 |
| Private Colleges | 8 |
| Popular Courses | Bachelor of Design (B.Des.), BSc in Costume Design and Fashion, B.A. in Interior Design, M.Sc. in Apparel Designing and Technology |
| Top Exams Accepted | — |
| Average Fees | ₹36 K - ₹13.4 L |
| Average Placement (sample) | ₹4.3 L - ₹5.7 L |
| Top Recruiters | Federal Bank, HDFC Bank, Aditya Birla Group, Amazon |
Top Design Colleges in Kerala 2026 (Rankings)
Design college rankings are based on parameters such as academic reputation, faculty quality, research output, placements, and infrastructure. Rankings from sources like NIRF, India Today, and The Week are widely used by students to shortlist top colleges.
Government vs Private Design Colleges in Kerala
Design colleges in Kerala are broadly divided into government and private institutions, with key differences in fees, placements, admission process, and ROI. Government colleges are generally more competitive with lower fees, while private colleges offer higher seat availability and modern infrastructure.
Top Government Design Colleges
Government institutes such as NIFT Kannur and Institute of Fashion Technology are known for high ROI, strong placements, and national-level competition.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Popular Course |
| NIFT Kannur | ₹6.4 L - ₹13.4 L | ₹4.3 L - ₹5 L | 7 | B.Des. in Textile Design |
| Institute of Fashion Technology | — | — | 2 | Diploma in Fashion Design |
Top Private Design Colleges
Top private colleges offer higher seat intake, industry-focused curriculum, and strong infrastructure.
| College | Total Courses | Popular Course |
| Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikkode | 2 | Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) |
Fee Comparison (Govt vs Private)
| Govt Colleges | |
| B.Des | ₹13.4 L |
| B.FTech | ₹13.4 L |
| M.Des | ₹7 L |
| MFM | ₹6.4 L |
Government colleges are significantly more affordable compared to private institutions.
Placement Comparison
| Govt Colleges | |
| Average Package | ₹5.7 L |
| Median Package | ₹5 L |
Government colleges generally have stronger placement outcomes, especially in NIFT Kannur and Institute of Fashion Technology.
ROI Analysis
ROI is a key factor for most candidates, calculated based on fees vs placement outcomes.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Popular Course | ROI Insight |
| NIFT Kannur | ₹6.4 L - ₹13.4 L | ₹4.3 L - ₹5 L | B.Des. in Textile Design | Moderate ROI |
| Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikkode | — | — | Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) | — |
| Institute of Fashion Technology | — | — | Diploma in Fashion Design | — |
Government colleges offer higher ROI due to lower fees and strong placements, while private colleges provide better infrastructure, flexibility, and more seat availability.
From a decision-making perspective, candidates targeting top ranks and ROI should prioritise government colleges, while those looking for backup options and infrastructure can consider top private design institutes.
Govt and Private
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Popular Course | ROI |
| NIFT Kannur | ₹6.4 L - ₹13.4 L | ₹4.3 L - ₹5 L | B.Des. in Textile Design | 47% |
| Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikkode | — | — | Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) | — |
| Institute of Fashion Technology | — | — | Diploma in Fashion Design | — |
Top Design Colleges in Kerala by Fees
Fees is a key parameter while shortlisting design colleges, as it directly impacts the overall cost of education and return on investment (ROI). In Kerala, design college fees vary significantly based on the type of institution—government colleges are more affordable, while private universities have higher fee structures due to infrastructure and facilities.
Mid-Range Design Colleges (₹1 L - ₹10 L)
Mid-range colleges include NIFT Kannur, offering a balance between fees, academic quality, and placement outcomes.
| College Type | Fees | Popular Course | Total Courses |
| Public/Government | ₹6.4 L - ₹13.4 L | Design | ~7 avg courses (1 colleges) |
These institutes provide strong ROI, with moderate fees and competitive placement packages, making them a preferred choice for many aspirants.
Best ROI Design Colleges in Kerala
Return on Investment (ROI) is a key factor while selecting design colleges, as it compares the total cost of education with placement outcomes. Colleges with lower fees and higher salary packages offer better long-term value.
ROI Comparison Across Top Colleges
| College | Average Fees | Average Salary |
| NIFT Kannur | ₹6.4 L - ₹13.4 L | ₹4.3 L - ₹5 L |
Government institutes such as NIFT Kannur and Institute of Fashion Technology consistently offer high ROI due to subsidised fees and strong placement records.
Design Colleges in Kerala with Best Placements
Placements are a critical parameter in evaluating design colleges, as they reflect career opportunities, industry exposure, and earning potential. Top colleges in India maintain strong placement records across technology, consulting, and core sectors.
Colleges with Best Average Salary
Average salary provides a more realistic view of placement outcomes across the student cohort.
| College | Average Salary |
| NIFT Kannur | ₹4.3 L - ₹5.7 L |
Colleges with higher average salaries generally indicate strong industry connections, better training, and higher-quality recruiters.
Top Recruiters Hiring Design Professionals
Leading companies regularly recruit from top design colleges in India across domains such as software, consulting, analytics, and core design:
- AND Design
- Aditya Birla Nuvo
- Bhartiya International Fashion
- CTA Apparels
- Exclusively.com
Popular Design Courses in Kerala
Design colleges in Kerala offer a wide range of specialisations, with demand driven by placement trends, industry requirements, and long-term career growth. Among these, certain branches consistently attract higher enrolment due to better salary outcomes and job opportunities.
Bachelor of Fashion Design
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹2.5 L - ₹8 L
- Top Recruiters: Puma, Zara, Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| Bachelor of Fashion Design | 3–9 Years | ₹41 K - ₹29.9 L | 70+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
Diploma in Fashion Design
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹4 L
- Top Recruiters: Tommy Hilfiger, H M, Raymonds, Shoppers Stop
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| Diploma in Fashion Design | 1–11 Years | ₹18.6 K - ₹5.4 L | 52+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
Diploma in Interior Design
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹3 L
- Top Recruiters: Tommy Hilfiger, Shoppers Stop, H M, Calvin Klein
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| Diploma in Interior Design | 1–3 Years | ₹54 K - ₹5.4 L | 51+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
Design Admission Process in Kerala 2026
Admission to design colleges in Kerala follows a structured process based on entrance exams, result evaluation, and centralised or institute-level counselling. Candidates can apply through national, state, or college-level exams, depending on their target institutions and courses.
Counselling Process
After qualifying entrance exams, candidates must participate in counselling for seat allocation based on rank, preferences, and availability.
The counselling process includes choice filling, seat allotment, document verification, and final admission confirmation.
State-wise Design Colleges in India
India has 13 design colleges distributed across states like Kerala, with a mix of government and private institutions. Top government colleges include NIFT Kannur and Institute of Fashion Technology, while leading private colleges include Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikkode.
State-wise distribution helps candidates shortlist colleges based on location preference, fees, and admission through state-level exams like state-level exams.
Design Colleges in Kerala
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| Institute of Fashion Technology | — | — | 2 Courses | — |
| NIFT Kannur | ₹6.4 L - ₹13.4 L | ₹4.1 L - ₹6.1 L | 7 Courses | IndiaToday #11 |
| Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikkode | ₹2.8 L | — | 2 Courses | — |
City-wise Design Colleges in India
Top cities like Kannur, Kollam, and Kozhikode host a large number of design colleges, including both government and private institutions. Leading colleges include NIFT Kannur and Institute of Fashion Technology, along with private institutes like Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikkode.
City-wise selection helps candidates choose colleges based on placement opportunities, industry exposure, and proximity to tech hubs.
Design Colleges in Kannur
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| NIFT Kannur | ₹6.4 L - ₹13.4 L | ₹4.1 L - ₹6.1 L | 7 Courses | IndiaToday #11 |
Design Colleges in Kollam
| College | Total Courses |
| Institute of Fashion Technology | 2 Courses |
Design Colleges in Kozhikode
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikkode | ₹2.8 L | 2 Courses |
Course wise Design Colleges in India
Design colleges in India offer admissions across popular branches and emerging fields. NIFT Kannur and Institute of Fashion Technology lead in core and tech branches, while private colleges like Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikkode offer a wide range of specialisations.
Course-wise selection helps candidates choose colleges based on branch preference, placement trends, and career opportunities.
Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) Colleges in Kerala
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikkode | ₹2.8 L | 2 Courses |
| Institute of Fashion Technology | — | 2 Courses |
Bachelor of Fashion Design Colleges in Kerala
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| NIFT Kannur | ₹6.4 L - ₹13.4 L | ₹4.1 L - ₹6.1 L | 7 Courses | IndiaToday #11 |
B.Des. in Fashion Communication Colleges in Kerala
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| NIFT Kannur | ₹6.4 L - ₹13.4 L | ₹4.1 L - ₹6.1 L | 7 Courses | IndiaToday #11 |
B.Des. in Knitwear Design Colleges in Kerala
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| NIFT Kannur | ₹6.4 L - ₹13.4 L | ₹4.1 L - ₹6.1 L | 7 Courses | IndiaToday #11 |
B.Des. in Textile Design Colleges in Kerala
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| NIFT Kannur | ₹6.4 L - ₹13.4 L | ₹4.1 L - ₹6.1 L | 7 Courses | IndiaToday #11 |
Comparison of Top Design Colleges
Comparing top design colleges helps candidates evaluate options based on fees, placements, rankings, infrastructure, and ROI. Government colleges like IITs, NITs, and IIITs offer lower fees and higher ROI, while private colleges such as BITS, VIT, and SRM provide better infrastructure and higher seat availability.
A structured comparison allows candidates to shortlist colleges based on their budget, rank, preferred course, and career goals, ensuring better decision-making during admission.
Private vs Government Comparison
| Private | Government | |
| Total Colleges | 8 | 5 |
| Top Colleges | Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikkode | NIFT Kannur and Institute of Fashion Technology |
| College distribution % | 62% | 38% |
| Top Courses | B.Des and B.Sc. | B.Des and B.Sc. |
| Fees Range | — | ₹6.4 L - ₹13.4 L |
| Median Salary | — | ₹4.3 L - ₹5 L |
| Average Salary | — | ₹4.3 L - ₹5.7 L |
Top Colleges Comparison Table
| College | Type | Fees | Average Salary | Median Salary |
| NIFT Kannur | Government | ₹6.4 L - ₹13.4 L | ₹4.3 L - ₹5.7 L | ₹4.3 L - ₹5 L |
| Institute of Fashion Technology | Government | — | — | — |
| Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikkode | Private | — | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many design colleges are there in Kerala?
There are over 13 design colleges in Kerala, including government, private, and deemed universities offering UG, PG, and doctoral programs.
Which are the top design colleges in Kerala?
Top design colleges in Kerala include NIFT Kannur, Institute of Fashion Technology, and Avani Institute of Design, Kozhikkode, based on rankings, placements, and academic reputation.
What exams are required for admission to design colleges in Kerala?
Admission is mainly through exams like popular entrance exams, along with other institute-specific and state-level entrance tests depending on the course and college.
What is the average fee for design colleges in Kerala?
The fee range for design colleges in Kerala is ₹36 K - ₹13.4 L.
Which design colleges have the best placements?
Colleges with strong industry connections, high placement rates, and better salary outcomes typically include top-ranked institutes and leading private universities in Kerala.
Which is better: government or private design colleges?
Government colleges often offer lower fees and higher ROI, while private colleges may provide better infrastructure and more seat availability. The best choice depends on budget, location, and goals.
What is the admission process for design colleges in Kerala?
The process generally includes application → entrance exam → result → counselling/selection → seat allotment → admission, depending on the exam and college.
How to choose the best design college in Kerala?
Compare colleges by rankings, fees, placements, available courses, location, and the exams they accept to shortlist options that match your goals.
