Mansi Jain: This is the NIFT topper torn between two dream colleges, NIFT Delhi or IIT‑Bombay

Mansi Jain, the East Delhi student with the NIFT 2025 All India Rank 1, stands at a critical juncture. Topping India's biggest fashion entrance test would be the icing on the cake for most, but Mansi remains undecided — owing to another superlative achievement: ranking AIR 10 in CEED 2025, which has paved the way for a Master's in Design from IIT Bombay.

Talking to ET.com, the Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate revealed her preparation process, academic course, and the special place she is in today.

"For most, design isn't the initial career aspiration," Mansi said. "But for me, it was a natural course of things. I'm from a fine arts background and I always knew I wanted to do design seriously." She shared that she spent 2–3 hours a day on sketching practice, employed resources such as ChatGPT for design aptitude, and learnt intensely on creative problem-solving versus contemporary issues.

Though she had a definite interest in design, Mansi is still not sure which college to choose. "I will go for the counselling in NIFT first. Then i will check out which branch i am getting then i will decide"

Mansi's strategy was to use her strengths. "I did not give too much time to GK. I worked more on developing my creative thinking through my blog and observing other art works," she replied.

When asked what sustained her during the gruelling preparation period, she gave credit to her fine arts studies. "Fine art studies meant I was always drawing. It never seemed like an added load," she said.

Her message to prospective contenders is uncomplicated but compelling: "Stay assured and don't lose your potential. Your attitude is as important as your preparation."

With 19 schools and top-of-the-line campuses such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, NIFT offers a tempting opportunity. But so does IIT Bombay, generally considered India's best design school.