Interior design serves as a lucrative career choice for budding designers. Explore avenues to pursue formal education for accelerated professional growth and success with this list of Pune's best interior design colleges.
The interior design industry has undergone a rapid expansion in recent years, driven by advancements in the real estate and construction sectors. This surge in popularity has turned interior design into a highly attractive career path. The increasing awareness of the importance of functional spaces has elevated interior design to a valuable source of knowledge for anyone seeking to create comfortable working and living environments.
Whether you are a newcomer aiming to excel in the profession or a design enthusiast aspiring to establish your practice, pursuing an interior design course can streamline your career path. To aid in your design education journey, we have curated a handpicked list of the best Interior Design Colleges in Pune and hope that this will serve as an excellent starting point for your educational pursuits.
Here’s a brief overview of our listicle:
- Why go to an Interior Design College?
- Fergusson College
- DY Patil University
- Symbiosis Insitute of Design
- International Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD)
- International School of Design (INSD)
- JD Institute of Fashion Technology
- Des Pune University
- MIT Art Design and Technology University
- Vishwakarma University
- National School of Skills Foundation
- SMEF BRICK Group of Institutes
- How to Choose the Right Interior Design College?
Why go to an Interior Design College?
Pursuing a formal education in interior design offers individuals the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers and acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the industry successfully. Here are several ways in which studying interior design can benefit you:
Gain Experience: Most interior design courses come with a strong practical aspect, offering learners excellent industry experience. This hands-on approach will enable you to comprehend the practical complexities involved in designing a space, thereby better preparing you for the formal pursuit of the discipline. These experiences also offer a platform to develop an interior design portfolio and bolster readiness for a career in the field.
Build a Portfolio: If you're considering pursuing interior design professionally, having a strong portfolio is essential to showcase your skills. Formal qualifications can be invaluable in this regard, as they provide opportunities to create a diverse and industry-relevant portfolio through student projects and assignments. You can take a look at AND learner Keerthi Viswanandha’s Residential Project for reference.
Develop essential skills: Be it an on-campus degree program or an online interior design course, formal education offers an opportunity to develop essential skills and technical proficiency. While alternatives like passion projects can serve as a valuable starting point, it's important to recognize the benefits of pursuing a professional course. Formal education offers in-depth knowledge, practical experience, and opportunities for mentorship and networking that may not be available through self-study. Certifications also lend a level of credibility and recognition to an individual within the industry, enhancing career prospects and advancement opportunities in the long run.
Now that we’ve given you a rundown of the benefits of formal education in the field, let’s dive right into the list of best Interior Design colleges in Pune.
1. Fergusson College
The rich legacy and history that backs Fergusson College needs no introduction. As a college that found its birth in the early stages of the Indian Independence Movement, Fergusson has stood as a mark of education that empowers. At the moment, the institute offers an array of degree and specialisation programmes intended to inculcate dynamic skills in learners.
In the field of Interior Design, Fergusson College offers a B.Voc that comes with two design aspects: Residential and Commercial. An additional component of Industry-relevant skills is taught simultaneously, including concepts such as design fundamentals, visual design, spatial awareness, and material study.
This rigorous and systematic curriculum is further backed by practical experience through integrated projects to bridge the gap between conventional education and market demands. Learners enrolled in the course also receive guided mentorship for self-employment and entrepreneurial ambitions.
What sets it apart: With over 100 years of experience in imparting education, Fergusson’s strong legacy ensures students get to learn from the best in the industry.
Duration: 3 years
Course Fee: Approx INR 4.14 lakhs
2. DY Patil University
Established in 1983, DY Patil University has been a prominent name in the education sector ever since its conception. The institute has carved its unique space in the market with a systematic teaching approach and a curriculum designed by industry experts.
Their School of Design, in particular, has proved to be an excellent platform for learners looking to pursue a career in the design field. The B.Des with a specialisation in Interior Design offered by DY Patil University takes a holistic approach, wherein learners are also introduced to concepts of behavioural science and human psychology to encourage the creation of human-centred designs.
Students are also offered relevant industry exposure through mandatory professional training in private firms along with guided career services. This, combined with training in core interior design concepts, ensures learners are industry-ready and seamlessly transition to their chosen professional role upon course completion.
What sets it apart: DY Patil University’s curriculum is inclined towards Indian and World design history, ensuring students benefit from study tours and field and industrial visits.
Duration: 4 years
Course Fee: Approximately INR 8 Lakhs
3. Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID)
Symbiosis Institute of Design is one of the top design institutes in the country at present times. As a constituent college of Symbiosis International Deemed University, SID borrows much of its pedagogy, ensuring a learning experience that’s at par with international standards.
Their B.Des in Industrial Design is a research-based programme that strives to develop critical thinking skills in learners through hands-on learning. Within this, learners have the option to specialise in Interior Space Design - an interdisciplinary programme covering the entire landscape of designing for spaces.
The curriculum is extensive, covering everything from design fundamentals, history, and outdoor design to design management. Students are also expected to take up a design internship, ensuring appropriate industry exposure.
What sets it apart: The curriculum takes a hands-on approach with a mandatory internship period and dedicated Crafts Design Studies modules.
Duration: 4 years.
Course Fee: Approx INR 7.5 lakhs
4. International Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD)
International Institute of Fashion Design, popularly known as INIFD, is hands down one of the most popular design institutes in the country. The institute has been a pioneer in the education sector for over two decades and boasts celebrity mentors like Twinkle Khanna, Manish Malhotra, and Ashley Rebello.
Unlike most other names on the list, INIFD does not offer degree programmes in interior design but does provide various specialisation courses of different durations. While the courses offered would differ depending on the centre, there are, at large, three upskilling options available.
These include One Year Certificate Programme, 2 Years Diploma Courses, and a Specialisation Program that spans 3 years. All courses are designed to equip learners with a basic understanding of the field, with a special focus on hands-on project-based learning for portfolio development.
What sets it apart: INIFD’s industry connections along with a team of celebrity mentors make it stand out in terms of exposure and networking opportunities.
Duration: Up to 3 years
Course Fee: Approx INR 4.8 lakhs
5. International School of Design (INSD)
A prominent name in the design industry, INSD is yet another premier institute that is known for its hands-on approach to imparting design education. The institute boasts of an industry-relevant curriculum designed to bridge the skill gap between industry needs and academic purview.
The Interior Design courses at INSD, hence, follow a project-based pedagogy to equip students with in-depth knowledge of technical skills and studio techniques. This is ensured through a curriculum wherein learners are required to take up projects throughout the course duration and practically implement their learnings, eventually culminating into a portfolio.
What sets it apart: The institute has a robust placement cell wherein students benefit from professional development workshops, for both entering the industry or entrepreneurial ambitions.
Duration: Up to 4 years
Course Fee: Approx INR 5.4 lakhs
6. JD Institute of Fashion Technology
JD Institute of Fashion Technology is a private educational organisation that has established its name as a premier institute for design studies. Founded in 1988, the organisation specialises in fashion and interior design and offers programmes deeply intertwined with industry practices and standards.
At their Pune branch, JD Institute offers a B.Sc in Interior Design Degree, a three-year intensive programme that explores the influence of Architecture, Lifestyle Preferences, and Cultural differences in interior design. This interdisciplinary approach primarily drives the curriculum, within which, students are trained to conceptualise and design spaces for homes, retails, hotels, offices, museums, and public spaces. The institute also has a large network of global connections, offering unmatched industry exposure.
What sets it apart: JD Institute’s teaching philosophy strongly emphasises personalised guidance and steers clear of a “One Size Fits All” approach.
Duration: 3 years
Course Fee: Approx INR 6.3 lakhs
7. DES Pune University
Backed by the evergreen legacy of the Deccan Education Society (DES), DES Pune University is a dynamic institute that brings to design education over a century of experience. The curriculum and pedagogy heavily borrow from the educational excellence of DES, fostering a learning environment rooted in research and innovation.
Among its plethora of offerings, the School of Design and Art at DES Pune offers a B.Des in Interior Design, a practical programme designed to cultivate analytical skills among learners. Over four years, learners are trained in different interior design software programs along with hands-on experience through projects on residential and hospitality design. Since the curriculum primarily focuses on practical learning, the course also comes with a mandatory internship period.
What sets it apart: DES Pune University places an emphasis on education that transcends traditional classroom learning and primarily focuses on internships, workshops, seminars, and industry interactions to impart design education.
Duration: Up to 4 years
Course Fee: Approx INR 8 lakhs
8. MIT Art Design and Technology University
A part of the renowned MIT Group of Institutions, MIT Art Design and Technology University is a leading Government-recognised Private institute well-known in the industry for its value-based education. Given the institute’s focus on imparting industry-relevant training, all courses offered come with strong industry exposure and holistic development aligning with market needs.
The B.Des in Interior Space & Furniture Design offered at MIT-ADT is a specialisation course that equips learners with the essential skills for designing both interior and outdoor spaces. This training for creating functional spaces is integrated with modules on accessory and furniture decor, ensuring students get a hang of the entire landscape of designing living spaces.
What sets it apart: MIT ADT’s focus on industry exposure ensures learners are market-ready and in tune with all the latest trends.
Duration: Up to 4 years
Course Fee: Approx INR 26 lakhs
9. Vishwakarma University
With a legacy spanning 35 years, Vishwakarma University is a UGC-approved State Private University in Pune offering upskilling programmes in a plethora of disciplines. Although the institute was established in 2017, it has since then carved its unique space in the market, given its emphasis on practical learning and student-centred curriculum.
At the moment Vishwakarma University offers a BA in Interior Design programme that incorporates real-world projects to foster innovation and holistic development of spatial knowledge. The primary focus of the programme is on preparing learners for the industry through guided mentorship and industry-relevant portfolios. Learners are also offered training in the technical aspects of the design process.
What sets it apart: Vishwakarma University’s ‘Learning by Doing’ approach ensures students are equipped to manage real-world challenges through dedicated Research Modules and Internships.
Duration: Up to 4 years
Course Fee: Approx INR 6.1 lakhs
10. National School of Skills Foundation
The National School of Skills Foundation is an educational organisation that offers a range of value-based programmes in affiliation with Sandip University. The organisation primarily provides vocational courses for practical skills development intended to allow learners to land potential work opportunities upon completion.
Among its various programmes, the B.Voc in interior design is an excellent course for those interested in designing spaces. The course covers the entire landscape of designing and styling interiors over a span of three years. This is combined with intensive project work where learners are expected to apply their knowledge for adequate industry exposure. The course also provides specialisation in Home styling, modular kitchen and wardrobe design, and space planning. The curriculum is relevant and incorporates all the essential skills needed to excel in the field of interior design.
What sets it apart: NSSF is an affordable yet excellent option for those who wish to explore all aspects of interior design on a budget.
Duration: Up to 3 years
Course Fee: Approx INR 2.37 lakhs
11. SMEF’S BRICK Group of Institutes
SMEF’s Brick Group of Institutes is a premium educational organisation in Pune offering a range of specialised design courses. A distinguishing factor of SMEF is the focus on holistic development that extends beyond the classroom, to build a skillset that allows students to address modern challenges seamlessly.
At the moment, the institute offers a 4-year long Diploma in Interior Design affiliated with the Insitute of Indian Interior Designers. In addition to a robust curriculum, SMEF also provides students with three distinct labs to inculcate practical skills: a dedicated Design Lab to foster practical application, a Construction Lab to foster hands-on learning through model-making, and a Tools & Communication Lab for complete knowledge of materials and construction.
What sets it apart: SMEF’s emphasis on holistic skill development and state-of-the-art infrastructure makes it an affordable option for hands-on and practical learning.
Duration: Up to 4 years
Course Fee: Approx INR 85,000.
How To Choose The Right Interior Design College
Since your program choice can significantly impact your professional trajectory, the next crucial step is to evaluate your needs and select one that aligns with your aptitude and objectives. Here are some essential aspects to consider before finalizing your choice:
Professional Ambitions: Selecting a course that aligns with your professional aspirations is paramount. Having clarity on whether you wish to pursue the field professionally or want to gain knowledge as a hobby would allow you to find a course that best suits your aptitude.
Course Curriculum: A course curriculum can go a long way in developing the right skillset for learners. The right programme should ideally provide comprehensive foundational training along with adequate industry exposure.
Faculty and Facilities: Researching faculty credentials and evaluating available resources, both online and offline, is crucial for making an informed decision about a programme's potential to cultivate a dynamic skill set.
Career Services: A strong career services team is invaluable for students transitioning into the workforce. Assessing the extent and effectiveness of career services offerings is essential, as they can significantly impact post-graduation success.
Next Steps:
We hope our comprehensive list of the best interior design colleges in Pune could help streamline your efforts to get started with your design career.
In case you need further assistance, here are some resources you can consider:
- Watch this session by Snehanshu Mukherjee, Founding Partner at T.E.A.M and Mansi Almadi, an Interior Designer at Studio Lotus
- Talk to a course advisor to discuss how you can transform your career with one of our courses.
- Check out our Interior Design courses - all courses are taught through live, interactive classes by industry experts.
- Take advantage of our scholarship and funding options to overcome any financial hurdle on the path of your career transformation.
Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.
