Ritik Kumar · August 1, 2025 
Introduction
NIFT course duration 2025 is an important topic for aspirants planning their careers in the fashion and design industry. Whether you’re looking to pursue a Bachelor’s, Master’s, Diploma, or Ph.D., understanding the duration of each course offered by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) can help you plan ahead. This guide breaks down the NIFT course duration 2025 across all levels including internships, eligibility, and career option
Table of Contents
Undergraduate Programs at NIFT – Duration & Details
NIFT offers two major undergraduate degrees:
1. Bachelor of Design (B.Des)
- Full Form: Bachelor of Design
- Duration: 4 Years (8 Semesters)
- Eligibility: Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board
- Admission Process: Through NIFT Entrance Exam (Creative Ability Test, General Ability Test & Situation Test)
Specializations Offered:
- Fashion Design
- Textile Design
- Knitwear Design
- Accessory Design
- Leather Design
- Fashion Communication
Academic Structure:
- 1st Year: Foundation Program (Design principles, color theory, textile basics)
- 2nd to 4th Year: Specialization courses, electives, practical labs, design studios
- Internship: 6–8 weeks (usually in 7th semester)
- Final Semester: Graduation Design Collection or Capstone Project
2. Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.FTech)
- Full Form: Bachelor of Fashion Technology
- Duration: 4 Years (8 Semesters)
- Eligibility: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
- Admission Process: Through General Ability Test (GAT)
Specialization:
- Apparel Production
Curriculum Highlights:
- Apparel manufacturing processes, textile science, supply chain, industrial engineering
- Internship: Mandatory 6–8 weeks internship in the apparel industry (6th or 7th semester)
- Final Project: Focused on apparel production systems or technological innovation
Postgraduate Programs at NIFT – Duration & Details
NIFT offers three full-time postgraduate programs designed for graduates from diverse academic backgrounds.
1. Master of Design (M.Des)
- Full Form: Master of Design
- Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
- Eligibility: Undergraduate degree in Design, Applied Arts, Architecture, Fine Arts, or any relevant discipline
- Admission Process: General Ability Test (GAT) + Portfolio Review + Personal Interview
Core Focus:
- Design thinking, service and system design, strategic innovation
- Internship: Summer internship after 2nd semester (8–10 weeks)
- Thesis: Research or design project submitted in final semester
2. Master of Fashion Management (MFM)
- Full Form: Master of Fashion Management
- Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
- Eligibility: Undergraduate degree in any discipline
- Admission Process: General Ability Test + Group Discussion + Personal Interview
Core Focus:
- Retail management, fashion marketing, consumer behavior, supply chain
- Internship: 8–10 weeks industry training with fashion brands or retail chains
- Final Project: Business research or strategy paper
3. Master of Fashion Technology (M.FTech)
- Full Form: Master of Fashion Technology
- Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
- Eligibility: Bachelor of Fashion Technology or B.E./B.Tech
- Admission Process: General Ability Test + Personal Interview
Core Focus:
- Advanced production planning, automation, lean manufacturing
- Internship: 8–10 weeks after 2nd semester
- Final Dissertation: Focus on factory optimization, tech-enabled design, etc.
Diploma and Certificate Programs – Duration & Structure
Popular Diploma Programs:
- Diploma in Fashion Retail Management
- Diploma in Fashion Styling & Image Design
- Diploma in Fashion Clothing Technology
- Diploma in Leather Garment Construction
- Duration: 1–2 Years
- Eligibility: Class 12 or Graduation (varies by course)
- Mode: Full-time or part-time (weekend/evening batches at some campuses)
Popular Certificate Courses:
- Certificate in Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Certificate in Fashion Illustration
- Certificate in Visual Merchandising
- Certificate in Pattern Making & Garment Construction
- Duration: 3–6 Months
- Eligibility: Open to all (some may require Class 12)
Ph.D. Programme at NIFT – Duration & Structure
NIFT offers Doctoral programs for those aspiring to contribute to research in fashion, technology, or management.
🎓 Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Design, Management or Technology
- Full Form: Doctor of Philosophy
- Full-time Duration: Minimum 3 Years, Maximum 6 Years
- Part-time Duration: Minimum 4 Years, Maximum 6 Years
- Eligibility: Master’s degree in relevant field (Design, Management, Technology)
Structure:
- Coursework on research methodology, advanced academic writing, design research
- Proposal development, review presentations, thesis submission
- Admission Process: General Ability Test + Research Proposal + Interview
Internship Duration at NIFT – UG & PG
Internships are an integral and compulsory part of both undergraduate and postgraduate courses at NIFT.
📍 Undergraduate Internships (Bachelor’s Level):
- Duration: 6–8 Weeks
- Timing: 7th Semester
- Location: Fashion houses, export companies, craft clusters, or textile firms
📍 Postgraduate Internships:
- Duration: 8–10 Weeks
- Timing: After 2nd Semester
- Purpose: Industry exposure, project execution, management learning
NIFT Course Duration Overview Table
| Course Name | Full Form | Duration | Internship | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.Des | Bachelor of Design | 4 Years | Yes | Class 12 |
| B.FTech | Bachelor of Fashion Technology | 4 Years | Yes | Class 12 (PCM) |
| M.Des | Master of Design | 2 Years | Yes | UG in Design/Arts |
| MFM | Master of Fashion Management | 2 Years | Yes | UG in any field |
| M.FTech | Master of Fashion Technology | 2 Years | Yes | B.FTech or B.Tech |
| Diploma | Diploma in Design/Fashion/Tech | 1–2 Years | No | Class 12 or Graduation |
| Certificate | Short-term Skill Course | 3–6 Months | No | Open to all |
| Ph.D. | Doctor of Philosophy | 3–6 Years | Research-based | PG in relevant field |
Confused About Which Fashion Career Suits You Best?
If you’re unsure about:
- Which NIFT course or specialization to choose
- What to do if you don’t get admission to NIFT
- Whether fashion is the right field for you
Career Plan B is here to help.
Career Plan B Offers:
- ✅ Personalized career planning beyond fashion & design
- ✅ Expert mentoring & backup college lists
- ✅ Detailed roadmaps based on your aptitude and interests
Be bold with your dreams but wise with your plans. Have a Career Plan B.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the full form of B.Des and how long is the course?
B.Des stands for Bachelor of Design. It is a 4-year undergraduate course offered in various design specializations.
2. Is there an internship in the Bachelor of Fashion Technology program?
Yes, Bachelor of Fashion Technology includes a mandatory 6–8 week internship, usually during the 6th or 7th semester.
3. What is the full form of MFM and what does it focus on?
MFM stands for Master of Fashion Management. It focuses on fashion retail, marketing, supply chain, and consumer insights.
4. Can I take up a short-term certificate course while working?
Yes, many Continuing Education programs such as visual merchandising and fashion styling are offered part-time or in evening batches.
5. What is the duration of the Ph.D. program at NIFT?
The Ph.D. program can take between 3–6 years, depending on whether it is pursued full-time or part-time.
6. Is an internship mandatory in the Master of Design program?
Yes, internships are mandatory and usually last 8–10 weeks after the second semester.
7. What are Continuing Education (CE) programs at NIFT?
Continuing Education refers to short-term diploma and certificate programs offered by NIFT for skill enhancement and career upskilling.
8. Which courses can I apply for after Class 12?
You can apply for Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fashion Technology, and most diploma or certificate courses after completing Class 12.
9. Do NIFT diploma programs provide placement support?
Some diploma programs, especially in fashion retail and production technology, offer placement assistance through campus offices.
10. Where can I find more information or apply for NIFT courses?
Visit the official NIFT website: https://www.nift.ac.in to apply and get campus-specific details.
Final Words
For official information, visit the official NIFT website.
