7 Fashion Designing Courses After 12th

Fashion is a growing career, and many students want to enter this exciting industry after school.

In this blog, we’ll share the top 7 fashion design courses you can choose after your 12th in 2025.

Whether you want a diploma or a degree, this guide will help you find the right course to build your dream career in fashion.

7 Fashion designing degree courses after 12th for the 2025 session

1. Diploma in Fashion Designing 

Eligibility: Pass 10th or (10+2) grade with a minimum of 50% marks from any stream

Duration: 1-2 years

Salary scope: ₹1.8L – ₹4.2L per year (approx)

These are short-duration, beginner-level fashion designing courses to assist candidates in entering fashion jobs quickly. The course syllabus mainly focuses on fashion trends. 

However, a diploma course is best if you want to learn fundamental concepts like pattern making and drafting, knowledge of color and texture, fabric selection, garment construction, etc. Trainers of such courses prefer practical training over theoretical study. 

Who should join this course?

Anyone who has completed their 10th or 12th grade from a recognized institution and wants to enter the fashion industry immediately can join the course. 

2. BSc in Fashion Design

Eligibility: Pass 12th grade from a reputed institution with a minimum percentage of above 50% in any stream (Science background is preferred in most institutions)

Duration: 3 years

Salary scope: ₹0.6L – ₹7.5L per year (approx)

A Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design is learning the science or the technical aspect of fashion designing. It also equips students with essential creative, intellectual, communication, and business skills. 

From the history of fashion and textile science to learning advanced digital designing and production techniques, this course covers all the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in the domain. You can learn key business subjects, including merchandise marketing, textile marketing, fashion branding, e-retail, etc. 

Who should join this course?

Anyone with 50% in 10+2 grade who wants to learn fashion design in-depth and land high-salaried fashion job roles can join this course. 

3. BDes in Leather Design

Eligibility: Complete 10+2 grade from any recognized board, with any stream, and a minimum of 50% marks

Duration: 4 years (divided into 8 semesters)

Salary scope: ₹2.6L – ₹7.0L per year (approx)

This undergraduate program is structured to train students in leather designing styles and techniques used in footwear and other accessories manufacturing. You will learn about leather cutting and stitching, pattern making, basic construction techniques, leather machine operations, etc.

You know how to use digital representation techniques like Illustrator, Photoshop, and CAD, color concepts of fashion, manufacturing technologies, ornamentation, and studio photography. 

Who should join this course?

Anyone willing to take up a graduation course with a passion for designing leather products such as footwear, accessories, and apparel can join this.

4. BDes in Interior Design 

Eligibility: Complete 10+2 grade from a reputed institution with 45-55% marks (variable) and from any stream 

Duration: 4 years

Salary scope: ₹1.0L – ₹6.8L per annum (approx)

Bachelor of Design in Interior Design is an undergraduate program that trains students in creating appealing and functional interior spaces in a building. It comprises material knowledge, basics of structure, basics of design, cost estimation, and more. 

Interior designers are highly in demand in architectural firms, construction companies, interior design companies, and design consultancies. The best part of pursuing this course is that you can work as a freelancer or set up your own business. 

Who should join this course?

Anyone after completed 12th grade or professionals below 25 years can join the course.

5. BDes in Graphic Design

Eligibility: Completed (10+2) grade with 50% marks 

Duration: 4 years (divided into 8 semesters)

Salary scope: ₹1.1L – ₹7.0L per annum

You will learn about colors, shapes, and composition to create eye-catching designs with this course. It covers areas like typography, publication design, illustration, photography, print design, branding, and information & communication systems. 

Some of these courses also cover sustainable design technology, which ensures you learn environment-friendly design technology.

Who should join this course?

Anyone with knowledge of computer tools can join the course. 

6. BFTech in Apparel Production 

Eligibility: Complete (10+2) grade with PCM subjects from a recognized institute, and acquire 50% marks

Duration: 4 years (divided into 8 semesters)

Salary scope: ₹0.4L – ₹9.8L per annum (approx)

Bachelor’s in Fashion Technology is a UG program offering the knowledge and techniques needed to produce fashion accessories and garments. It includes apparel manufacturing technology, creative textile crafting, quality management, artificial intelligence, etc. 

You can also get extensive knowledge of raw materials, the use of multiple fabrics, and the practice of different machinery involved in apparel manufacturing. 

Who should join this course?

Anyone who is interested in learning the technical and managerial aspects of apparel manufacturing and production and has completed 12th grade from the science stream can join the course.

7. Fashion Designing Certificate course

Eligibility: Complete (10+2) grade in any stream from a recognized institution 

Duration: 1 month – 1 year

Salary scope: ₹1.0L – ₹4.5L per annum (approx)

If you want to master the basic skills, upskill yourself, and learn specialized fashion design topics, joining a certificate course is the best choice. These can be delivered online or offline and have separate curricula, syllabi, durations, and fees. 

However, some of the short-term courses are job-oriented ones that ensure you land a job immediately after completion. Also, the certificates you will receive are industry-accredited ones that enhance your fashion profile. 

Who should join this course?

Anyone can join the course, but professionals willing to upskill themselves while continuing their careers are the best suited for the course. 

Note: Fashion designer salaries depend on location, experience, and industry trends—explore our guide on Fashion Designer Salary in Kolkata to learn more.

How to become a fashion designer after 12th?

To become a fashion designer after the 12th, you can follow our roadmap. However, make sure you pass 12th grade from a recognized state or central institution with a minimum of 50% marks. 

Some technical courses in fashion design also ask for students from science backgrounds with physics, chemistry, and mathematics as major subjects.

1. Learn basic fashion design skills

You must start with learning how to draw or sketch basic fashion elements, sewing techniques, taking measurements, and making design patterns on different fabrics. 

2. Identify your niche and interests

The fashion industry is huge, and you can take multiple courses under one umbrella. For example, you can become a fashion designer, an interior designer, a leather designer, an accessories and product designer, etc. Therefore, you must identify your interests and niche before choosing an appropriate course. 

For example, if you want to learn footwear design, you can opt for FDDI (Footwear Design & Development Institute), whereas for the Fashion Designing course, NIFT is the best choice. 

3. Search for the right fashion institution 

You can research different fashion institutions and learn their curriculum, syllabus, placement assistance, course fees, student testimonials, institution accreditations, etc. Not all fashion institutions will provide the same degree or diploma courses, so researching them is better.

4. Prepare for the entrance exam 

Most top-level fashion institutions in India, like the NIFT, IIT, National Institute of Design, and Indian Institute of Art and Design, conduct entrance exams for admission of highly qualified students. You can follow their eligibility criteria and practice previous years’ questions to prepare for the exam. 

5. Learn from industry experts

Once you get admitted to a reputed fashion institute, it opens your doors to learning from industry professionals. You can also attend fashion workshops, seminars, guest lectures, and different events to learn from experts about the latest trends, new skills, the use of technology in the fashion industry, and more.

6. Build a fashion portfolio 

A portfolio is essential for fashion designers as it allows them to showcase their skills and expertise to potential recruiters and clients. You can share concept mood boards, fabric swatches, drawings, color and textile palettes, and technical drawings. 

It’s good to keep your fashion portfolio up to 10 pages, including your most recent and best work. While applying for fast fashion and luxury design jobs you must learn how to create your portfolio to express creativity and get hired. 

7. Apply for internships

Applying for internships or as an assistant to senior fashion designers is the best way to acquire industry knowledge and hands-on experience working on real projects under the guidance of experts in your domain.

8. Expand your network 

Networking is essential in the fashion industry as it helps you gather trending knowledge from top professionals and land better job opportunities. You can also meet your target clients through these professional networks. 

9. Stay updated with fashion trends

The fashion industry keeps changing regularly, and you must keep up with these trends. Read fashion magazines, follow social media for top fashion designers, and attend fashion shows to keep yourself updated.

Entrance exams for a fashion designing degree after 12th

While enrolling for fashion design degree courses after the 12th, you must crack different entrance exams provided by the Fashion Design Institute. Listed below are some of these exams 

1. NIFT entrance exam by the National Institute of Fashion Technology

The National Institute of Fashion Technology has entrusted the National Testing Agency (NAT) to conduct NIFT entrance examinations for UG, PG, and Ph.D. programmes. 

For the B.Des. programme, you need to crack the General Ability Test (GAT) and Creative Ability Test (CAT), and a Situation Test will shortlist students. Follow the link to learn more about the examination. 

Eligibility criteria: 

• Candidates must be Indian citizens. 
• The maximum age of the candidates should be below 24 years as of 1st August of the year of admission 
• They must pass the 10+2 grade examination from any recognized central or state board of secondary education. 

There are multiple other options to apply for the NIFT entrance exam; learn them here. 

Fee structure: You need to pay ₹3000 as a non-refundable fee for the exam and ₹5000 for late fee payment. 

2. UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design) by IIT Bombay 

Students must crack this entrance exam to get admission to the BDes programmes in IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Roorkee, and IIITDM Jabalpur. It is a test center-based examination with two parts: Part A is a computer-based exam, and Part B asks questions related to sketching. To know in detail about the examination, click here. 

Eligibility:

• Students who have passed Class 12 in the year 2024 in all subjects or are appearing 12th grade examination for the first time in 2025 in any stream can apply 
• Candidates applying for the entrance exam in 2025 must be born on or after October 1, 2000
• Each candidate can attempt the examination twice, in consecutive years, and the UCEED score is valid for 1 year

Fees structure: All candidates must pay ₹4000 as a registration fee. However, female candidates and SC, ST, or PwD candidates need to pay ₹2000. A late fee of ₹500 will be charged for candidates applying after the registration closing date. 

3. NID-DAT by the National Institute of Design

The National Institute of Design conducts the Design Aptitude Test for admission to B.Des. at NID Ahmedabad, NID Andhra Pradesh, NID Haryana, NID Madhya Pradesh, and NID Assam. Candidates are shortlisted based on their performances in the two stages of Design Aptitude Tests: DAT Prelims and DAT Mains. Learn more about the examination from here. 

Eligibility: 

• Candidates born on or after 1 July 2004 can apply for DAT 2025 (both Indian and Foreign Nationals)
• They must pass or appear for 10+2 qualifying examinations in 2024-25 in any stream and from a recognized board 

Fee structure: The application fee is ₹3000, but SC, ST, and PwD candidates need to pay only ₹1500. 

4. AIEED by ARCH Academy of Design

ARCH Academy conducts the All India Entrance Examination for Design for admission to its UG and PG design programs. A total of 500 marks exam is conducted, where you face 100 marks General Ability Test, 200 marks Creative Ability Test, and the remaining 200 marks for your portfolio and personal interview. 

Eligibility: 

• Candidates must have appeared for or cleared their 12th grade from a reputed state or central board to participate in the program.

Fees structure: Applicants need to pay ₹3000 as a form fee.

5. IIAD-IDAT 

Indian Institute of Art and Design conducts IDAT (IIAD Design Aptitude Test) for admission of students in their undergraduate design programs. If you are willing to apply for their Fashion Business Management programs, you need to crack iMAT (IIAD Management Aptitude Test) exam and a personal interview. 

Eligibility:

• Candidates must complete their 12th grade in any stream with an aggregate of a minimum of 50% marks from a reputed state or central board to apply for the exam. 

Fee structure: NA 

💡 FURTHER READING:

• Fashion design entrance exams in Kolkata
• Fashion designer salary in Kolkata
• How to become a fashion designer in India

FAQs 

1. What is the duration of a typical fashion designing course after 12th?

The duration of a typical fashion designing course after the 12th is 3 to 4 years (UG level courses). However, you can enroll for 1-2 years of diploma courses or short-term fashion designing courses. PG fashion designing courses or Advanced diploma courses are usually of 2 years.

2. What are the eligibility criteria for joining a fashion designing course after the 12th?

The eligibility criteria for joining a fashion design course after the 12th is completing a (10+2) grade from any recognized institution with a minimum of 50% marks. Most of the courses allow students from any stream, but technical fields like BFTech require science stream candidates with PCM(Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics).

3. What entrance exams are required for fashion designing courses?

NIFT, CEED, DAT, IIAD, and AIEED are the top entrance exams required for fashion designing courses. 

You need to crack these exams to enroll in any of the top fashion courses in the best universities in India. Each examination has different eligibility criteria, syllabus, marks, fees, and exam process.

4. Is mathematics mandatory for fashion designing courses?

No, mathematics isn’t mandatory for fashion designing courses except for certain technical courses like BFTech, and BSc in Fashion Design. 

However, basic knowledge of maths is important for you to calculate the measurements of hems and cuffs, spacing and angle of pleats and drapes, budgeting, and production planning. 

5. Can students from any stream (Arts, Commerce, Science) join fashion designing courses?

Yes, students from any stream (Arts, Commerce, Science) can join fashion designing courses, except for technical courses like Bachelor in Fashion Technology and BSc in Fashion Design that require PCM (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) as major subjects in 12th grade. 

6. Which is better: a diploma or a degree in a fashion designing course after 12th?

A diploma in fashion designing course after 12th is better than a degree course if you want to enter the fashion industry early. 

Diploma courses focus on practical training and ensure you become industry-ready within a year. A 4-year degree course focuses on academic knowledge and a mix of theoretical and practical approaches to learning.

7. What skills are essential for becoming a successful fashion designer?

Garment construction, fabric manipulation, pattern-making, sewing with precision, draping, sketching, and good communication are essential skills for becoming a successful fashion designer. 

Besides technical and soft skills, fashion designers must have an in-depth understanding of sustainable fashion practices and principles like ethical sourcing and the use of eco-friendly materials.

8. How can I apply for fashion design courses after the 12th?

To apply for fashion designing courses after the 12th, you need to first choose the type of fashion course you want to apply to, research different institutions, check their syllabus and course fees, clear their entrance exams (if any), and get admission. 

9. What is the average salary of a fashion designer after completing these courses?

The average salary of a fashion designer after completing these courses is around ₹0.6 Lakh – ₹6.0 Lakh per annum. However, if you can complete some advanced-level fashion courses, or PG and PhD courses, and acquire sufficient industry experience, your salary will rise.

10. What kind of job roles can one get after a fashion design course?

There are multiple kinds of job roles one can get after a fashion designing course, like fashion designer, fashion illustrator, fashion stylist, creative pattern maker, and fashion merchandiser. There are multiple other professions you can try like fashion vlogger, fashion photographer, fashion journalist, etc. 

11. How important is portfolio building for a fashion designing career?

Portfolio building is very important for a fashion designing career as it showcases your creativity, style, draping sense, how trendy your designs are, fabric choice, etc. It gives potential recruiters or clients a better view of what you can do. You must try your designs on real models to share realistic photos.