7. DQ Labs
Overview:
DQ Labs is a popular coaching institute for design entrance exams across India. They emphasize creative thinking, sketching, design fundamentals, mock tests, and personalized mentoring. Their faculty comprises designers from reputed institutes and industry professionals. It was established in 2007. Its main office is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka. For more information, please visit this website www.dqlabs.in
Fees:
• Full NIFT Prep (Written Test + Situation Test): approx. ₹1,00,000+ GST
• Essential Prep: ~₹65,000+ GST
• Crash courses & modules vary from ₹10,000 to ₹75,000.
Results:
DQ Labs has witnessed strong performance in design entrance exams with students achieving notable ranks in NIFT and other exams. Total 2 Students selected in NIFT 2022 under 100 Rank.
Strengths:
✔ Personalized 1:1 mentoring
✔ Technology-driven study platform with mock tests
✔ Focus on building real design skills
6. Desizn Circle
Overview:
Desizn Circle is a well-established coaching institute based in Delhi NCR, known for nurturing creativity and helping students prepare for design entrance exams like NIFT and NID. They focus on personalized learning with classroom and online options. Its main office is located in New Delhi. For more information, please visit this website desizncircle.com
Fees:
• Approx. ₹25,000 for 1-year design entrance coaching (varies by mode and batch).
Results:
Desizn Circle regularly updates its results and lists toppers from prior years across NIFT courses including B.Des, B.FTech, and M.Des. There are a total of 120+ Students of Desizn Circle who are selected in NIFT 2023.
Strengths:
✔ Personalized attention
✔ Workshops & portfolio development
✔ Both online & offline formats
5. Creative Edge by Toprankers
Overview:
Creative Edge, powered by Toprankers, provides design and architecture entrance exam coaching, including NIFT. Their curriculum includes live and recorded lectures, mock tests, study materials and strategy support. It was established in 2016. Its main office is located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. For more information, please visit this website www.toprankers.com
Fees:
• Platinum Online Batch (1 year): ~₹44,999
• Platinum Batch (2 years): ~₹89,999
• Recorded Self-Learning (12 months): ~₹19,999
• Monthly subscription options also available.
Results:
There are a total of 200+ Students of Creative Edge who are selected In NIFT 2023. Their recent results include students securing high rankings in NIFT and NID — with several achieving All India Ranks (AIR) like 2, 6, 13, 15, 19 etc. in 2024.
Strengths:
✔ Flexible online batches
✔ Recorded lessons with mock tests
✔ Good for aspirants outside major cities
4. Pahal Design
Overview:
Pahal Design has been a trusted name for design entrance coaching for over 25 years, offering classroom coaching, mock tests, portfolio guidance, and performance reviews. It was established in 1999. Its main office is located in New Delhi. For more information, please visit this website pahaldesign.com
Fees:
• Standard classroom NIFT programs typically range ~₹50,000 to ₹55,000 (varies by batch and duration).
Results:
Pahal Design reports a strong result ratio (~93.1%) for students clearing NIFT and other design entrance exams. There are a total of 24 Students of Pahal Design who are selected in NIFT 2021 under 100 Rank.
Strengths:
✔ Long-standing reputation
✔ Comprehensive foundation & advanced coaching
✔ Regular feedback & performance reports
3. AFA India (Academy of Fashion & Art)
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Overview:
AFA India is a popular institute with branches across major cities, offering NIFT and other design entrance coaching with detailed study material, test series, portfolio guidance, and interview preparation. It was established in 2007. Its main office is located in New Delhi. For more information, please visit this website www.afaindia.com
Fees:
• NIFT regular program: ~₹55,000 for 1 year
• Crash courses and specialty modules vary (ex. NIFT Situation Test: ₹3,000).
Results:
There are a total of 40 Students of AFA India who are selected in NIFT 2022 under 100 Rank. Their reported results for 2024 include nearly 97 students qualifying NIFT, along with selections in NID & UCEED.
Strengths:
✔ Well-rounded coaching methodology
✔ Strong classroom presence
✔ Portfolio and GD/PI focus
2. SILICA Institute
Overview:
SILICA Institute is one of the longest-running design coaching institutes in India, with centers in key cities and a strong track record of getting students selected in NIFT and other design exams. It was established in 2005. Its main office is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. For more information, please visit this website silica.co.in
Fees:
• Basic NIFT program (short courses): ~₹11,000
• Full-term programs vary by city and duration — typically up to ₹75,000+ for longer programs.
Results:
There are a total of 700 Students of SILICA Institute who are selected in NIFT 2023. Their students have achieved top ranks and large numbers of selections year after year (e.g., 806 selections in NIFT 2024).
Strengths:
✔ Great for structured learning & practice
✔ Strong mock test material
✔ Multiple centers nationwide
1. Bhanwar Rathore Design Studio (BRDS)
Overview:
BRDS is widely considered the top design entrance coaching institute in India, especially for NIFT and NID. With over 85 centers across cities like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Bangalore, Jaipur, and more, BRDS offers comprehensive coaching covering all aspects of the NIFT exam — CAT, GAT, sketching, Situation Test, portfolio reviews, and mock drills. It was established in 2005. Its main office is located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. For more information, please visit this website rathoredesign.com
Fees:
• Foundation programs and regular NIFT coaching often start around ₹55,000 and can go higher depending on module intensity.
Results:
There are a total of 1938 Students of BRDS who are selected In NIFT 2023. BRDS boasts the highest number of selections in NIFT with thousands of students qualifying year after year (e.g., ~2,207 NIFT selections in 2024).
Strengths:
✔ Nationwide presence
✔ Strong history of top all-India ranks
✔ Deep focus on portfolio & design fundamentals
