You can do a diploma or a degree in Fashion Design/Apparel Design after 10+2 in any stream. You can also do a degree/diploma in Textile design and later switch into fashion design. But in any case, this is one profession where you won't have to flaunt your degree. There are reputed designers with no formal training in designing. If you already have the talent, design schools will only fine-tune it.

It is inappropriate to attempt to give you a list of best institutions in fashion design, as there is still no gradation and evaluation system of fashion education in the country. However, a diploma from NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) or NID (National Institute of Design) will give you a good start. Both these institutes are run by the government and are reputed for their excellence in training.

Yes, you have to appear for an examination for admission to courses in fashion/apparel/textile design. The NIFT entrance examination will contain general ability test, creative ability test and situation test. The general ability test will contain questions on your quantitative, communication, English comprehension, analytical and logical abilities. It will also test your environmental awareness.

The creative ability test will evaluate your perception of colours and patterns, your sense of aesthetics, your ability to imagine and innovate, your eye for details and your ability to communicate. The test involves fashion sketching, illustration and drawing using colours and patterns. The situation test evaluates your ability to analyse a situation and come out with an effective solution.

For further details, contact:

National Institute of Fashion Technology

NIFT Campus Building

Opposite Hi-Tech City

Madhavpur; Hyderabad

www.niftindia.co

National Institute of Design

Paldi, Ahmedabad

www.nid.edu