If you have landed here on this page, reading this blog, it’s definitely because you are passionate about design and looking to pursue a career in the design industry. The two most prestigious institutions in India, NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) and NID (National Institute of Design) offer excellent programs to help you nurture your talent and turn your creative aspirations into reality.

But how do you choose between NIFT and NID?

In this blog, we will explore some of the similarities and differences between NID and NIFT, which will help you make an informed decision in selecting the right college for your design education.

Understanding NIFT and NID

Both NIFT and NID stand as esteemed institutions in the field of design. NIFT and NID offer a wide range of programs in different creative disciplines. The main differentiator in NIFT and NID is that NIFT focuses primarily on fashion-related programs and NID provides a wider range of design specializations.

Let’s begin with NIFT.

NIFT: Where Fashion and Creativity Meet

NIFT was established in 1986. NIFT is a premier institute dedicated to fashion design and technology. There are 18 campuses spread across India in cities such as Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kerala, Bhubaneswar, and many more.

NIFT offers a diverse range of courses:-

  • Bachelor of Design (B.Des)
    Covers areas such as fashion design, textile design, accessory design, knitwear design, and fashion communication.
  • Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.F.Tech)
    Covers technical aspects of the fashion industry, including garment manufacturing technology, apparel production, and fashion technology.
  • Master of Design (M.Des)
    Specializations in areas such as fashion design, textile design, knitwear design, fashion communication, and more.
  • Master of Fashion Technology (M.F.Tech)
    Specializations in technical aspects of the fashion industry, focusing on areas such as garment technology, fashion technology, and fashion management.
  • Master of Fashion Management (MFM)
    Program designed for those interested in pursuing careers in fashion retail management, merchandising, marketing, and brand management.

NID: Sparking Creativity Across Design Disciplines

NID was established in 1961. NID is renowned for its excellence in design education and innovation. There are 7 NID campuses located in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, Vijayawada, Kurukshetra, Bhopal, and Jorhat.

NID offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs:-

  • Bachelor of Design (B.Des)
    Specializations in areas such as industrial design, communication design, animation film design, product design, textile design, and exhibition design, among others.
  • Master of Design (M.Des)
    Specializations in areas such as film and video communication design, graphic design, animation film design, ceramic and glass design, furniture and interior design, and more.

Career Opportunities in NIFT and NID

All this hassle of finding the right college and getting educated enough in the field of design is to have the right career opportunities and excel in them.

You can look into this table to understand the career opportunities that are available after completing courses in NIFT and NID.

NIFT NID
NIFT graduates often find employment in the fashion industry, working with fashion houses, clothing brands, textile companies, and retail organizations. NID graduates have diverse career prospects, as they can work in various industries, such as product design, UX/UI design, advertising, animation, and more.
Both NID and NIFT have good placement records. However, the rate of placement varies each year.
Some of the top companies that take part in NIFT placements are:-
  • Arvind
  • Lifestyle Brands Limited
  • Elite Decor Pvt Ltd
  • Bata India Limited
  • Future Group
  • Blackberry
  • H&M
  • Decathlon
  • Manyavar
Some of the top companies that take part in NID placements are:-
  • Microsoft
  • Wipro
  • VIP Industries
  • Trident Group
  • Adobe
  • Myntra
  • Deloitte
  • Ashok Leyland
  • Godrej


Choosing Between NIFT and NID: Considerations

Now that you have explored some of the things about NIFT and NID, let's look into the key factors you should consider when making your decision:-

1. Creative Impression

It’s all about in which field of design your interest and passion lies.

Are you more inclined towards fashion, apparel, and textiles?
OR
Do you have a broader interest in various design disciplines?

NIFT specializes in fashion-related programs, while NID offers a diverse range of design specializations. Now you have to choose an institute that aligns best with your creative aspirations.

2. Specializations Offered

There are various specializations offered by NIFT and NID. NIFT offers specializations in fashion design, textile design, accessory design, and more. On the other hand, NID provides specializations in industrial design, communication design, animation film design, and several other design disciplines.

You need to consider the specific design programs offered by each institute. List it down. Determine if they align with your desired area of expertise. Based on that choose between NIFT or NID.

Specializations in NIFT Specializations in NID

Under Graduation (4 years)

1. B.Des (Bachelor of Design)

  • Fashion Design
  • Knitwear Design
  • Leather Design
  • Accessory Design
  • textile Design
  • fashion Communication

2. Bachelor of Fashion Technology

  • Apparel Production

Master’s Program (2 years)

  • Master of Design (M.Des)
  • Master of Fashion Tech (M.Ftech)
  • Master of Fashion Management (MFM)

Under Graduation (4 years)

1. B.Des (Bachelor of Design)

  • Product design
  • Animation & Film Design
  • Film & Video communication
  • Graphic Design
  • Ceramic & Glass design
  • Furniture & Interior Design
  • Textile design
  • Exhibition Design

Masters (2.5 years)

1. M.Des (Master of Design)

  • Film & Communication Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Animation Film Design
  • Photography Design
  • Ceramic & Glass Design
  • Furniture & Interior Design
  • Product Design
  • Toy & Game Design
  • Transportation & Automobile Design
  • Universal Design
  • Design for Retail Experience
  • Strategic Design Management
  • Digital Game Design
  • Interaction Design
  • Information Design
  • New Media Design
  • Apparel Design
  • Lifestyle Accessory Design
  • Textile Design


3. Reputation and Alumni Network

Both NIFT and NID have an amazing reputation in the design industry. Do your own research of their alumni network, faculty, and industry collaborations to understand their standing in the design community. We have done some homework for you. Here are some of the popular alumni from NIFT and NID.

Popular Alumni from NIFT Popular Alumni from NID
Manish Arora Rahul Mishra
Ritu Beri Aditya Vikram Sengupta
Neha Sharma Harun Robert
Sabyasachi Mukherjee Dayanita Singh


4. Location

When you are selecting your desired campus, whether it is NIFT or NID, you need to consider the location of the campuses. NIFT and NID have campuses in different cities across India, each with its own unique culture and environment. Do the required research about factors such as distance to your home, climate, and the overall lifestyle that suits you best.

5. Admission Process

Most important thing that you need to know is the admission requirements and the difficulty of the entrance exams for each institution. Both NIFT and NID are competitive exams and include written exams, studio tests, group discussions, and personal interviews. Evaluate your strengths and interests to determine which admission process you are better suited for.

Admission Procedure at NIFT Admission Procedure at NID
  • The admission procedure includes a written entrance examination, followed by a situation test, group discussion, and personal interview.
  • It is essential to have a strong portfolio and a creative mindset to excel in the selection process.
  • The admission process in NID includes a design aptitude test (DAT) followed by a studio test and personal interview.
  • The DAT evaluates the candidate's creative aptitude and problem-solving skills, while the studio test assesses their hands-on design skills.


6. Campus Facilities and Resources

You need to also consider the facilities and resources available at each institute to support your learning and creative endeavors. Consider factors such as well-equipped design studios, libraries, workshops, and industry collaborations. A conducive and well-equipped learning environment can greatly enhance your educational experience.

Click here to know more about the various NIFT campuses

NIFT Coaching and NID Coaching: Enhancing Your Chances of Success

Preparing for the entrance exams of NIFT and NID can be a challenging task. To maximize your chances of success, you may consider enrolling in coaching programs specifically designed to help you excel in these exams. NIFT coaching and NID coaching institutes provide specialized guidance, study materials, mock tests, and personalized mentoring to help you navigate the competitive admission process successfully.



NIFT or NID - Your Creative Journey Awaits

Ultimately, choosing between NIFT and NID is a deeply personal decision that depends on your individual interests, aspirations, and career goals. Consider the factors such as your area of interest, specialization, reputation, location, admission process, and campus facilities to make an informed choice.

Remember, both NIFT and NID are renowned institutions that have produced successful designers and creative professionals. Whichever path you choose, embrace the opportunity to nurture your creativity, explore new paths, and start your journey in the world of design.