Planning to pursue M.Des in Pune? With 13 M.Des colleges offering M. Des. Interior Design, Master of Design (M.Des.), M.Des. in Industrial Design, and M. Des. Product Design, choosing the right college depends on key factors such as rankings, fees, placements, and entrance exams accepted.
Pune's M.Des landscape includes top government institutes, along with leading private universities such as Symbiosis Institute of Design, MIT Institute of Design, and DPU-SOD. Admissions are conducted through exams like NIFTEE, CEED, NID DAT, depending on the course and institution.
This page provides a complete list of M.Des colleges in Pune 2026, helping you compare colleges based on fees, placements, courses, and admission criteria to shortlist the best options.
Overview of M.Des Colleges in Pune
Pune has a diverse mix of m.des 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 NIFTEE, CEED, NID DAT, while state and private colleges accept CETs and institute-level entrance exams.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Data |
| Total M.Des Colleges in Pune | 13 |
| Government Colleges | 1 |
| Private Colleges | 12 |
| Popular Courses | B.Des. in Product Design, Bachelor of Fashion Design, M.Des. in User Experience Design, B.Des. in Interior Design |
| Top Exams Accepted | NIFTEE, CEED, NID DAT, UCEED |
| Average Fees | ₹3.9 L - ₹14 L |
| Average Placement (sample) | ₹5 L - ₹8 L |
| Top Recruiters | IBM, Deloitte, Infosys, TCS |
Top M.Des Colleges in Pune 2026 (Rankings)
M.Des 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 M.Des Colleges in Pune
M.Des colleges in Pune 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 Private M.Des Colleges
Top private colleges offer higher seat intake, industry-focused curriculum, and strong infrastructure.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Popular Course |
| Symbiosis Institute of Design | ₹7.7 L | — | 5 | Bachelor of Fashion Design |
| MIT Institute of Design | ₹9.1 L | ₹8 L | 26 | Bachelor of Fashion Design |
| DPU-SOD | ₹10.5 L | — | 9 | M.Des. in User Experience Design |
| INSD Baner | — | — | 45 | M.Des. in Animation |
| INIFD Pimpri | — | — | 24 | Master of Design (M.Des.) |
| Imagin XP - ADYPU | — | — | 3 | M.Des in UX in collaboration with ImaginXP |
Fee Comparison (Govt vs Private)
| Private Colleges | |
| M.Des | ₹7.7 L - ₹10.5 L |
Government colleges are significantly more affordable compared to private institutions.
Placement Comparison
| Private Colleges | |
| Highest Package | ₹27 L |
| Average Package | ₹8 L |
| Median Package | ₹8 L |
Government colleges in this listing generally show strong placement outcomes where salary data is available.
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 |
| Symbiosis Institute of Design | ₹7.7 L | — | Bachelor of Fashion Design | — |
| MIT Institute of Design | ₹9.1 L | ₹8 L | Bachelor of Fashion Design | Moderate ROI |
| DPU-SOD | ₹10.5 L | — | M.Des. in User Experience Design | — |
| INSD Baner | — | — | M.Des. in Animation | — |
| INIFD Pimpri | — | — | Master of Design (M.Des.) | — |
| Imagin XP - ADYPU | — | — | M.Des in UX in collaboration with ImaginXP | — |
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 m.des institutes.
Govt and Private
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Popular Course | ROI |
| Symbiosis Institute of Design | ₹7.7 L | — | Bachelor of Fashion Design | — |
| MIT Institute of Design | ₹9.1 L | ₹8 L | Bachelor of Fashion Design | 88% |
| DPU-SOD | ₹10.5 L | — | M.Des. in User Experience Design | — |
| INSD Baner | — | — | M.Des. in Animation | — |
| INIFD Pimpri | — | — | Master of Design (M.Des.) | — |
| Imagin XP - ADYPU | — | — | M.Des in UX in collaboration with ImaginXP | — |
Top M.Des Colleges in Pune by Fees
Fees is a key parameter while shortlisting m.des colleges, as it directly impacts the overall cost of education and return on investment (ROI). In Pune, m.des 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 M.Des Colleges (₹1 L - ₹10 L)
Mid-range colleges include Symbiosis Institute of Design and MIT Institute of Design, offering a balance between fees, academic quality, and placement outcomes.
| College Type | Fees | Popular Course | Total Courses |
| Private | ₹7.7 L - ₹9.1 L | M.Des | ~7 avg courses (2 colleges) |
These institutes provide strong ROI, with moderate fees and competitive placement packages, making them a preferred choice for many aspirants.
High Fee M.Des Colleges (Above ₹10 L)
High-fee m.des colleges are mainly private universities, offering modern infrastructure, higher seat intake, and flexible admission options through institute-level exams.
| College | Fees | Popular Course | Total Courses |
| DPU-SOD | ₹10.5 L | M.Des | 2 |
These colleges are suitable for candidates seeking private m.des colleges with better infrastructure, diverse course offerings, and higher seat availability.
Best ROI M.Des Colleges in Pune
Return on Investment (ROI) is a key factor while selecting m.des 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 |
| MIT Institute of Design | ₹9.1 L | ₹8 L |
| Symbiosis Institute of Design | ₹7.7 L | — |
| DPU-SOD | ₹10.5 L | — |
Government institutes consistently offer high ROI due to subsidised fees and strong placement records.
M.Des Colleges in Pune with Best Placements
Placements are a critical parameter in evaluating m.des 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 Highest Placement Packages
Top m.des institutes, especially MIT Institute of Design, report some of the highest placement packages in India.
| College | Highest Package |
| MIT Institute of Design | ₹27 L |
These offers are typically made by international recruiters and top product-based companies.
Colleges with Best Average Salary
Average salary provides a more realistic view of placement outcomes across the student cohort.
| College | Average Salary |
| MIT Institute of Design | ₹8 L |
Colleges with higher average salaries generally indicate strong industry connections, better training, and higher-quality recruiters.
Top Recruiters Hiring M.Des Professionals
Leading companies regularly recruit from top m.des colleges in India across domains such as software, consulting, analytics, and core m.des:
- Bajaj Auto
- CapGemini
- Crompton Greaves
- Deloitte
- Genpact
Popular M.Des Courses in Pune
M.Des colleges in Pune 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.
M. Des. Interior Design
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹3.5 L - ₹8.5 L
- Top Recruiters: Lifestyle, Myntra, Pantaloon, fab india
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| M. Des. Interior Design | 2 Years | ₹31.5 K - ₹14.6 L | 17+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
Master of Design (M.Des.)
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹4 L - ₹21.9 L
- Top Recruiters: Indian Terrain, Raymonds, AND Design, BlackBerry Clothing
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| Master of Design (M.Des.) | 2 Years | ₹39 K - ₹11.6 L | 9+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
M. Design in Communication and Design
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹5.3 L - ₹23.5 L
- Top Recruiters: Aditya Birla Group, Bain and Company, Book My Show, Burberry
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| M. Design in Communication and Design | 2 Years | ₹51.5 K - ₹11.8 L | 8+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
M.Des Admission Process in Pune 2026
Admission to m.des colleges in Pune 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.
National Level Entrance Exams
National-level exams are the primary gateway to top government m.des colleges such as DPU-SOD and MIT Institute of Design. These exams have high competition and wider acceptance across India.
Key National M.Des Exams
| Exam | Full Form | Conducting Body | Duration (Minutes) | Application Mode | Exam Mode | Level | Colleges Participating |
| NIFTEE | National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Examination | National Testing Agency | 180 | Online | Online | UG | 1+ College |
| CEED | Common Entrance Examination for Design | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) | 180 | Online | Online | PG | 2+ Colleges |
| UCEED | Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) | 180 | online | Online | UG | 1+ College |
| NID DAT | National Institute of Design - Design Aptitude Test | National Institute of Design | 180 | Online | Online/Offline | UG | 1+ College |
| MITID DAT | MIT Institute of Design - Design Aptitude Test | MIT Institute of Design | 180 | online | offline | UG | 1+ College |
These exams are widely accepted by top-ranked m.des colleges and require strong preparation due to their competitive nature.
Counselling Process
After qualifying entrance exams, candidates must participate in counselling for seat allocation based on rank, preferences, and availability.
Counselling Overview
| Counselling Type | Conducting Authority | Colleges Covered | Basis |
| National Counselling | National Testing Agency and Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) | All-India m.des colleges | National exam rank / score |
The counselling process includes choice filling, seat allotment, document verification, and final admission confirmation.
Entrance Exams for M.Des Colleges in Pune
M.Des admissions in Pune are conducted through a mix of national and state-level entrance exams, each varying in terms of acceptance, difficulty, and participating colleges. A structured comparison helps candidates choose the right exams based on their target colleges and preparation level.
National Level M.Des Entrance Exams (UG & PG)
| Exam | Level | Conducting Body | Mode | Duration | Colleges Accepting | Courses | Difficulty |
| NIFTEE | UG | National Testing Agency | Online | 180 mins | 1+ College | M.Des | Medium–High |
| CEED | PG | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) | Online | 180 mins | 2+ Colleges | M.Des | Medium–High |
| UCEED | UG | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) | Online | 180 mins | 1+ College | M.Des | Medium–High |
| NID DAT | UG | National Institute of Design | Online/Offline | 180 mins | 1+ College | M.Des | Medium–High |
| MITID DAT | UG | MIT Institute of Design | offline | 180 mins | 1+ College | M.Des | Medium–High |
These exams are the primary pathway to top government m.des colleges and postgraduate programs in Pune.
State Level M.Des Entrance Exams
State-level exams provide access to government and private colleges within specific states, often with domicile-based advantages.
State-wise M.Des Colleges in India
India has 13 m.des colleges distributed across states like Maharashtra, with a mix of government and private institutions. Top government colleges include top government colleges, while leading private colleges include Symbiosis Institute of Design and MIT Institute of Design.
State-wise distribution helps candidates shortlist colleges based on location preference, fees, and admission through state-level exams like state-level exams.
M.Des Colleges in Maharashtra
| College | Total Courses |
| Imagin XP - ADYPU | 3 Courses |
City-wise M.Des Colleges in India
Top cities like Pune host a large number of m.des colleges, including both government and private institutions. Leading colleges include top government colleges, along with private institutes like Symbiosis Institute of Design, MIT Institute of Design, and DPU-SOD.
City-wise selection helps candidates choose colleges based on placement opportunities, industry exposure, and proximity to tech hubs.
M.Des Colleges in Pune
| College | Total Courses |
| Imagin XP - ADYPU | 3 Courses |
Course wise M.Des Colleges in India
M.Des colleges in India offer admissions across popular branches and emerging fields. top institutes lead in core and tech branches, while private colleges like Symbiosis Institute of Design, MIT Institute of Design, and DPU-SOD offer a wide range of specialisations.
Course-wise selection helps candidates choose colleges based on branch preference, placement trends, and career opportunities.
B.Des in UX in collaboration with ImaginXP Colleges in Pune
| College | Total Courses |
| Imagin XP - ADYPU | 3 Courses |
M.Des in UX in collaboration with ImaginXP Colleges in Pune
| College | Total Courses |
| Imagin XP - ADYPU | 3 Courses |
Comparison of Top M.Des Colleges
Comparing top m.des 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 | 12 | 1 |
| Top Colleges | Symbiosis Institute of Design, MIT Institute of Design, and DPU-SOD | — |
| College distribution % | 92% | 8% |
| Top Courses | B.Des and M.Des | B.Des and M.Des |
| Fees Range | ₹7.7 L - ₹10.5 L | — |
| Highest Salary | ₹27 L | — |
| Median Salary | ₹8 L | — |
| Average Salary | ₹8 L | — |
Top Colleges Comparison Table
| College | Type | Fees | Average Salary | Median Salary | Highest Salary |
| Symbiosis Institute of Design | Private | ₹7.7 L | — | — | — |
| MIT Institute of Design | Private | ₹9.1 L | ₹8 L | ₹8 L | ₹27 L |
| DPU-SOD | Private | ₹10.5 L | — | — | — |
| INSD Baner | Private | — | — | — | — |
| INIFD Pimpri | Private | — | — | — | — |
| Imagin XP - ADYPU | Private | — | — | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many m.des colleges are there in Pune?
There are over 13 m.des colleges in Pune, including government, private, and deemed universities offering UG, PG, and doctoral programs.
Which are the top m.des colleges in Pune?
Top m.des colleges in Pune include Symbiosis Institute of Design, MIT Institute of Design, DPU-SOD, INSD Baner, and INIFD Pimpri, based on rankings, placements, and academic reputation.
What exams are required for admission to m.des colleges in Pune?
Admission is mainly through exams like NIFTEE, CEED, NID DAT, UCEED, and MITID DAT, along with other institute-specific and state-level entrance tests depending on the course and college.
What is the average fee for m.des colleges in Pune?
The fee range for m.des colleges in Pune is ₹3.9 L - ₹14 L.
Which m.des 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 Pune.
Which is better: government or private m.des 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 m.des colleges in Pune?
The process generally includes application → entrance exam → result → counselling/selection → seat allotment → admission, depending on the exam and college.
How to choose the best m.des college in Pune?
Compare colleges by rankings, fees, placements, available courses, location, and the exams they accept to shortlist options that match your goals.
