Diploma in Fashion Design
Diploma in Fashion Design is a basic fast track diploma course in the field of fashion designing. This 1 year course is based on a revised curriculum of fashion trends and designing, guiding students towards various lucrative careers in this field.
The main objective of this course is to make students find creativity and innovation in Fashion Design and impart knowledge of the technical aspects involved in the process.
Aspiring fashion design students interested in this course must have a high school graduation certificate (Class 12th) from any recognized board in the country. This is a basic eligibility followed by many colleges, but some also offer admission in Diploma in Fashion Design after 10th as well.
Usually, the course is of 1 year, but some colleges also offer 2 years Diploma course. The average fees is around INR 1,00,000, but it may be higher as well. The fee varies from college.
The syllabus is mostly training based that helps students to increase their basic designing skills and creative skills. The course curriculum also includes classroom sessions, project work, internships, industry exposure, making of portfolio, etc.
With a Diploma in Fashion Design, students can find employment as Brand Managers, Pattern Makers, Design Product Development, Designers, Fashion Writers, Fashion Coordinator, and much more.
A fresh candidate in this field can earn an average salary between INR 2,00,000 to 6,00,000 per annum depending upon the calibre and experience of the candidate. In the fashion world, experience counts more than qualifications, hence your talent and skills speaks volume than your degree.
But still, after this diploma course, students can go for many Bachelor courses in Design or other related fields, and can also pursue one of the many Advance Diploma and Certification courses offered in the design field.
Diploma in Fashion Design Admission Process
The admission criteria is different for each college of this diploma course. Most of the private colleges offer direct admission on the basis of Class 10/12.
Some colleges like NIFT admit students on the basis of performance in the Written Round followed by Personal Interview.
Direct Admission Process:
Direct Admission is granted to students who apply for the course through online or offline application. Once selected they are notified by the colleges and requested to pay the admission fees in order to secure the admission.
Written Exam Based Admission:
Some colleges conduct subject based or aptitude tests to select students for this course, after clearing the Group Discussion and/or Personal Interview Round.
Diploma in Fashion Design Eligibility
Students who wish to pursue this diploma course in fashion should have completed at least Class 10. Some colleges like NIFT, JD Institute, etc. take admission in this after 12th.
Many students who wish to change their career in the fashion industry also pursue this course after their UG or PG to attain the basic knowledge and skills, hence there is no age limit to pursue Diploma in Fashion Design.
Diploma in Fashion Design: What is it About?
Diploma in Fashion Design course covers all the major aspects of fashion. From the source of design or pattern inspiration to the production of an original prototype, everything is included in this course.
It covers topics such as designing, advertising, garment construction, sales and marketing, merchandising, and the proposal and progress of fashion ideas.
Students learn a variety of processes involved in fashion designing such as how to build and develop a fashion portfolio, how to apply the standards of garment design, and how to focus on the desired customer market. By showing competency in all these regions, students then enter the fashion industry completely trained and prepared to contribute creatively.
This diploma program underscores innovation and creativity in Fashion Design while providing candidates with the technical aspect for a successful career in the fashion industry. It will also help candidates to support particular skills related to pattern drafting, sewing, fashion styling, illustration, design and garment construction.
Diploma in Fashion Design: Course Highlights
| Course Level | Diploma |
| Duration of the Course | 1 Year |
| Examination Type | Semester and Annual |
| Eligibility | Class 10/12 |
| Admission Process | Entrance Exam and Merit Based |
| Average Course Fee | INR 9,000/ month to 12,000/ month
*Admission fee & Examination fee are applicable for this course. |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 2 to 6 Lakhs Per Annum |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Van Heusen, Louis Phillip, Spykar jeans, Lacoste, Gap, Espree, Nike, Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, Levis, Reebok, Nigel Cabourn, Cacharel, Calibre (Menswear), Calvin Klein, Camilla and Marc, Caraceni, Pierre Cardin etc. |
| Top Job Sectors | Colleges & Universities, Boutiques, Garment Store Chains, Several Export Houses, Fashion Show Organizers, Jewellery Houses, Textile Mills, Media Houses, Leather Companies etc. |
| Top Job Positions | Retail Manager, Assistant Designer, Stylist, Entrepreneur, Fashion Coordinator, Accessory Designer, Designer, Pattern Maker, Fashion Choreographer, Pattern Cutter and Grader, Fashion Merchandiser, Quality Controller, Production Manager, Design Manager, Fashion Stylist etc. |
Why pursue Diploma in Fashion Design?
Diploma in Fashion Design offers the opportunity for students to enhance their skill set and qualifications, making them a suitable job applicant in a competitive job market of the fashion industry.
The course also offers candidates practical employment experience and skill development that will help prepare them for an excellent exciting fashion career.
This program emphasizes on developing personal responsibility and identity. The major focus is to help each student recognize their true potential, and develop their aptitude in their area of expertise which could be designing, fabric making, garment making,etc. With the foundation based on the experience, expertise & workshops conducted by Industry Experts, the students would be able to develop a strong basis for their skill sets, especially in the field of design.
Apart from entering the fashion industry, students also pursue this course just to have the personal satisfaction of possessing the general knowledge of clothing design, and to connect creative exploration with innovation, technology, and market understanding.
Diploma in Fashion Design Syllabus
This diploma course trains students in the basic of fashion design techniques and applications, for which they study various courses as mentioned in the table below:
| General Fashion Theory | History of Costumes |
| Fabric Selection | Fashion Illustration |
| Principles of Fashion Design | Fashion Principles |
| Fashion Accessories | Fashion Tools & Techniques |
| Basic Silhouettes | Measurements & Patterns |
| Silhouettes of Garments | Quality Assurance |
| Drafting of Blocks & Patterns | Stitching Methods & Applications |
| Saree Designing | Fashion Forecasting |
| Advertising and Media Planning | Fashion Show |
| Fashion Exhibition | Industrial Training Report |
Diploma in Fashion Design Jobs & Career
Diploma in Fashion Designing is aimed at students who want to work as experts and professionals in the field of Fashion Design and other similar fields.
This basic diploma offers employment in the fashion industry as a Fashion Buyer, Visual Merchandiser, Fashion Influencer, Quality Controller, Accessory Designer, Fashion Retailer, Entrepreneur, etc.
The average salary depends upon the job position and the employment sector, but it can be anywhere between INR 3-20 LPA. .
Below are mentioned some of the major jobs that you can get after this fashion design diploma course:
| Job Position | Job Description | Average Salary |
| Fashion Designer | A Fashion Designer can design anything like clothes, apparels, costumes, etc. They can work independently or with fashion companies. | INR 3.85 LPA |
| Fashion Buyer | Fashion Buyer usually negotiates with the different retailers for the need of different raw materials, and managing the delivery process. | INR 9.50 LPA |
| Visual Merchandiser | Visual merchandiser designer the look of any garment or textile or accessories. They are responsible for the overall look of a fashion piece. | INR 4.15 LPA |
| Pattern Maker | Pattern Makers can be manufacturers or designers. They are usually responsible for the making of different molds and tools required to make a particular pattern | INR 4 LPA |
| Fashion Retailer | They are responsible for developing and buying merchandise for their purpose. | INR 7.94 LPA |
| Quality Controller | Fashion Quality Controller checkers the product if it is as per the company or the brand’s standards. If not, they are supposed to launch those products into the market. | INR 3.98 LPA |
| Fashion Stylist | The stylist is responsible for maintaining makeup, dress code, hairstyle, etc. in order to guarantee the best look of the show. They take care of beauty and look of the fashion shows and promotional programs. | INR 4.30 LPA |
Salary Trend Graph
Diploma in Fashion Design Scope
Fashion Industry is one of the most growing industries in India right now. According to the statistics, the need for professionals who are skillful in this field will be doubled by the year 2025.
Hence, it is not incorrect to say that right now is the best time to study Diploma in Fashion design. The opportunities of employment in many private companies and public sector units are huge after this course.
The diploma course helps to set your career in the fashion industry, and you gain the basic skills that can get you jobs in sectors such as styling, clothing, mercanusicnsg, retaining, buying, etc.
Nonetheless, students can work independently as well as entrepreneurs, fashion writers, bloggers and influencers, and earn big money while being their own boss.
In the fashion world, much more importance is given to the experience that a person has more than his/her academic qualification. Therefore, in a way we can say that having the right skills, creativity and experience can help students a lot in their career and personal growth.
Still, students can opt for many Bachelor degree and Advanced Diploma courses such as Bachelor of Design, Advance Diploma in Interior Design, and many other certification courses.