Interior Design Colleges in Mumbai: Top Picks

Mumbai is a city that has always been linked with art, creativity, and business prospects, which is why it is an obvious place where a future interior designer can expect to find something of interest. The institutions found in the city provide a combination of real-life exposure and academic experience to offer a learning environment that reflects the real-world requirements.

From global collaborations to advanced design curricula, interior design colleges in Mumbai are shaping professionals who can meet the rising demand in real estate, hospitality, and retail sectors. This blog explores why Mumbai is an ideal city for design education, what factors to consider before choosing a college, and the top institutes, along with details on courses, fees, and the interior design admission process.

Why Choose Mumbai for Interior Design?

Learning interior design in Mumbai puts the student near the center of creativity in India. The city is also home to numerous of the largest architectural companies, real estate developers, and interior studios in the country. This guarantees that classroom education is supplemented with internships and live project exposure.

Education in prestigious schools like Atlas ISDI, Istituto Marangoni, and Pearl Academy is of a global standard. The real estate business in Mumbai is growing at a high rate. In fact, in India, the industry is likely to hit US$1 trillion in 2030, giving designers more chances. Internships can be found anywhere, and they can be within the mansions or offices. Another reason why the city is a good choice is due to the reputation of colleges, close proximity to the industry, and employment support.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Interior Design College

It is important to be careful when choosing a college.

• Accreditation: Make sure that the degree is acceptable in the industry to be credible and get a career.
• Curriculum: Find a balance between design theory and applied training with possible specialization in sustainable interiors or furniture design.
• Professional Experience: Experienced professors will be able to relate industry projects to academic study.
• Infrastructure: Look into design studios, CAD labs, and material libraries to facilitate learning in practice.
• Placement Support and Industry Partnerships: Review the relationships of the college with companies and support for internships and job placements.

A thoughtful comparison will help you select from the best interior design insitutes in Mumbai.

List of Top Interior Design Colleges in Mumbai

Below are the top interior design colleges in Mumbai to choose from:

• Atlas ISDI (India School of Design and Innovation)

Atlas ISDI is well-known for its partnership with Parsons School of Design, New York. The institute combines innovation with modern technologies.

Courses Offered:

• B.Des in Interior Design – 4 years
• M.Des in Design Futures – 2 years

Fee Structure:

• B.Des: approx. ₹27.55 Lakhs
• M.Des: approx. ₹11.45 Lakhs

Admission Process:

Eligibility is 10+2 for B.Des and a bachelor’s degree for M.Des. Admissions are through the ISDI Challenge, which involves portfolio submission, a creative task, and an interview. Additional fees include a ₹3,500 registration and a ₹75,000 one-time security fee.

• ITM Institute of Design and Media (IDM), Mumbai

ITM IDM emphasizes experiential learning, internships, and certifications.

Courses Offered:

• B.Des in Interior Design – 4 years

Fee Structure:

Exact figures are not public, but costs are in line with other interior design colleges in Mumbai with fees ranging between ₹15–25 Lakhs.

Admission Process:

Applicants must have passed 10+2. Portfolio reviews and interviews form part of the selection. Students complete a 4-month internship, summer projects, and certifications in AutoCAD, SketchUp, 3ds Max, and Adobe CC.

• Istituto Marangoni, Mumbai

A reputed international name in design education, offering global exposure.

Courses Offered:

• BA in Interior Design – 3 years
• Short diplomas and master programs

Fee Structure:

Approx. ₹25–26 Lakhs for the BA program.

Admission Process:

Applicants must have completed 10+2 and provide transcripts and a portfolio. Interviews or entrance tests may apply. Applications are processed online.

• Pearl Academy, Mumbai

Pearl Academy offers specialised programs ideal for focused learning.

Courses Offered:

• Certificate in Styling for Interiors – 11 months
• Diploma and degree programs in design-related fields

Fee Structure:

Certificate courses range between ₹1.5–3 Lakhs. Degree fees vary by program.

Admission Process:

Eligibility is 10+2 or equivalent. Portfolios and interviews are part of the process. Applications are handled online, with entrance tests depending on the course.

Detailed Look at Interior Design Courses

Mumbai offers interior design education in the form of diplomas, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs. Diplomas are shorter and are more relevant to those who want to enter the world fast or to specialise in such spheres as styling. B.Des or BA Undergraduate degrees include design theory, studio work, and live projects. M.Des is a postgraduate program that focuses on high-level research and expertise.

Key Subjects Commonly Covered:

• Elements and Principles of Design.
• Material and Construction
• CAD and Software Skills
• The History of Art and Architecture.
• Professionalism and Ethics.

These subjects prepare students graduating from interior designing colleges in Mumbai for professional roles.

Step-By-Step Admission Process

The interior design admission process usually follows the following steps: 

• Eligibility Check: 10+2 (or equivalent) is required.
• Entrance Exams: MAH-AAC-CET, UCEED, NID, or NIFT are some of the examinations required.
• Portfolio Submission: Candidates may be requested to provide portfolios of sketches, projects, and creative ideas.
• Application Timeline: Applications are generally received during the start of the year.
• Test Date: Entrance tests take place either in March-May.
• Results Announcement: Results are usually announced in the middle of the year.
• Interview: Interviewing is done to shortlisted candidates after which they are finally admitted.
• Portfolio Importance: A good portfolio would benefit you a great deal in terms of your selection.

NID coaching may be helpful to aspirants who want to have design-specific entrances.

Career Prospects After Studying Interior Design

Graduates from an interior design institute in Mumbai can work as Interior Designers, Space Planners, Furniture Designers, or Exhibition Designers. Industries like real estate, retail, hospitality, and events are opportunities.

New graduates have a salary of about 3-8 LPA, and the experienced professionals earn more than 15 LPA. The growth potential is also good with freelancing. To begin your construction, get to know about art and design courses in Mumbai so that you can make the right choice.

Conclusion

Mumbai also integrates design studies with actual exposure to industries and is a good foundation for future designers. Institutes such as Atlas ISDI, ITM IDM, Istituto Marangoni, and Pearl Academy provide varied options in terms of programs, interior designing course fees, and placements. By considering faculty, curriculum, and placement support, students can select from top interior designing colleges in Mumbai and build a career with lasting impact.

Komal Ullal

Ms. Komal Ullal, a recipient of the prestigious President’s Award and Co-founder of UAF, is an expert in student profiling, enhancing artistic skills, mentoring in design thinking and an inspiring women entrepreneur. With an impressive collection of 577 awards—including 196 trophies and 109 medals—earned in drawing and painting at both national and international levels, she was featured in the Limca Book of Records in 2007 as the youngest achiever of such accolades. Her passion and dedication continue to inspire budding artists and designers worldwide.