Interior design today is much more than just choosing colors or furniture. It’s about understanding space, human behaviour, functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics simultaneously. As India’s real estate, hospitality, retail, and lifestyle sectors continue to expand rapidly, interior designers are becoming an essential part of modern living. This growing demand has pushed students to actively search for the top interior designing colleges in India that can help turn creativity into a successful profession.
Whether you dream of designing luxury homes, commercial offices, boutique hotels, or creative retail spaces, choosing the right college is crucial. In this blog, we explore the top 10 interior designing colleges in India, course fees, career opportunities, and what makes these institutions stand out.
Why Interior Design Is a High-Potential Career in India?
Interior design is no longer limited to elite homes or big-budget projects. With smart cities, co-working spaces, cafés, retail chains, and compact urban housing on the rise, the need for skilled interior designers has grown across all income segments. Today’s designers are expected to understand space planning, materials, lighting, sustainability, software tools, and client psychology.
That’s why studying at one of the top interior designing colleges in India gives students an edge—by offering structured learning, exposure to real projects, and industry-ready skills.
Top Interior Designing Colleges in India
India offers a balanced mix of government-backed design institutes and private universities that provide quality education in interior design. Students often look for the top 5 or 10 interior design colleges in India to narrow down their choices based on reputation, placements, and infrastructure.
Top & Best Interior Design Colleges in India
Below is a carefully curated list of top interior design colleges in India, known for academic excellence, creative exposure, and career outcomes:
| College Name | Type | Why It Stands Out |
| National Institute of Design (NID) | Government | India’s most prestigious design institute, known for innovation-driven learning and a strong alumni network. |
| National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) | Government | Offers lifestyle and interior-related design programs with excellent industry exposure. |
| CEPT University | Private | Highly respected for architecture and interior design education with a strong academic foundation. |
| Pearl Academy | Private | Industry-oriented design education with a strong focus on portfolios, internships, and global exposure. |
| Lovely Professional University (LPU) | Private | Known for modern studios, practical learning, industry projects, and strong placement support. |
| Srishti Institute of Art Design and Technology | Private | Emphasizes creative thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and contemporary design approaches. |
| MIT Institute of Design | Private | Focuses on applied design, technology integration, and innovation-driven learning. |
| Arch College of Design and Business | Private | Offers studio-based learning with a strong emphasis on practical and professional skills. |
| Sir J. J. School of Art | Government | One of India’s oldest art institutions, renowned for strong fundamentals in art and design. |
| Amity University Noida | Private | Provides contemporary interior design programs with modern labs and internship-driven exposure. |
These institutions are consistently ranked among the top interior designing colleges in India for their curriculum depth and industry relevance.
What You Learn at the Best Interior Design Colleges
The top interior design colleges in India focus on developing both creative and technical expertise. Key learning areas include:
| Key Learning Area | What It Covers |
| Design Fundamentals | Space planning, color theory, form, and aesthetics |
| Technical Knowledge | Materials, lighting, acoustics, and construction basics |
| Design Software | AutoCAD, SketchUp, 3Ds Max, Revit |
| Practical Exposure | Live projects, site visits, model-making |
| Portfolio Development | Industry-ready design presentations |
| Professional Skills | Client communication, budgeting, project management |
This balanced approach ensures graduates are job-ready from day one.
Career Opportunities After Interior Design
Graduates from the top 5 interior design colleges in India enjoy diverse career options across industries:
- Interior Designer (Residential & Commercial)
- Space Planner
- Furniture and Lighting Designer
- Exhibition and Set Designer
- Visual Merchandiser
- Design Consultant
- Entrepreneur / Design Studio Owner
With experience, designers can work on luxury projects, international assignments, or even start their own design practice.
Admission Process for Interior Design Colleges in India
Most interior design colleges follow a structured admission process:
- Eligibility Check – Candidates must have completed 10+2 from a recognised board to be eligible for admission.
- Design Aptitude Test / Entrance Exam (NID DAT, NIFT, UCEED, CEED, LPUNEST, AIEED, MIT DAT) – Assesses creativity, visual thinking, and basic design understanding.
- Portfolio Review (if applicable) – Evaluates the applicant’s creative work, sketches, and design sense.
- Personal Interview or Studio Test – Judges communication skills, design aptitude, and overall suitability for the course.
- Final Selection and Admission Confirmation – Selected candidates receive the offer letter and complete the admission formalities.
Creative thinking and originality often matter more than marks alone.
Why is LPU Emerging as a Strong Choice for Interior Design?
Among private institutions, Lovely Professional University is increasingly recognised as a strong option for students pursuing interior design, especially those seeking a blend of creativity, practical experience, and career-readiness.
Key reasons why students prefer LPU for Interior Design include:
- Industry-aligned curriculum that integrates design fundamentals with current industry trends and professional practices
- Modern design studios and well-equipped labs where students work on real layouts, materials, and spatial design concepts
- Experienced faculty with strong academic backgrounds and real-world industry exposure
- Hands-on learning through internships, live projects, workshops, and portfolio development
- Dedicated placement and career support, including training sessions, industry interactions, and guidance for freelancing or higher studies
- Creative and collaborative campus environment that encourages innovation while maintaining a strong focus on professional growth
Overall, LPU provides a learning ecosystem that nurtures creative thinking while ensuring students are well-prepared for careers in interior design.
Conclusion
Choosing from the top interior designing colleges in India is the first step toward building a successful and fulfilling design career. From government institutes like NID and NIFT to reputed private universities, India offers excellent options for aspiring designers. By selecting the right college from the list of top interior design colleges in India, students gain not just a degree, but confidence, exposure, and long-term career growth in the ever-evolving world of interior design.
