Opinion

Design education in India is growing, and many private universities now offer quality courses that won’t break the bank. For students looking for great value combined with good placements and industry exposure, here are five top private design colleges that strike the right balance of affordability and excellence.

1. Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab

Chandigarh University offers design courses in fashion, interior, and graphic design with fees typically under ₹4 lakhs for the full course. The university enjoys industry tie-ups and provides hands-on learning with internship opportunities, making it a great value option for budget-conscious students.

2. Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat

Known for its affordable fees which range between ₹2-4 lakhs for design courses, Parul University offers specialized programs in fashion technology, interior design, and textile design. It provides good infrastructure and placement support, positioning it as a leading choice for cost-effective design education.

3. Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara, Punjab

LPU offers design programs with affordable fee structures and scholarship support. The university emphasizes experiential learning and industry collaborations to prepare students for the creative workforce. Its large campus and multidisciplinary approach add to the learning experience without overwhelming costs.

4. JD Institute of Fashion Technology (Multiple Campuses)

With campuses in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, JD Institute offers well-structured diploma and degree programs in fashion, interior, and communication design. The fees are relatively moderate, often below ₹4 lakh, and students benefit from excellent placement records in the fashion and lifestyle sectors.

5. Amity University (Multiple Campuses)

Amity’s design schools in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Gurugram provide quality design education at competitive fees ranging from ₹2 to ₹6 lakhs. With strong industry connections and experienced faculty, Amity combines practical learning and research to ensure employability.

Why These Colleges?

• Affordable Fees: All these institutes offer design education with fees significantly lower than premium institutes, making them accessible for aspirants on a budget.
• Industry-Ready Curriculum: Curricula are designed in collaboration with industry experts, providing practical skills through internships and live projects.
• Placements: Consistent track record of placements in reputed companies across fashion, design, media, and retail sectors.
• Scholarship Options: Many of these universities provide scholarships or flexible payment modes to ease financial burdens.
• Diverse Specializations: Courses that span fashion design, interior design, graphic design, and communication design offer flexibility to students.

For design aspirants in India, these private colleges offer a blend of value, quality education, and employability prospects without stretching budgets. While premium institutes have their merits, these budget-friendly options provide competitive platforms for keen learners looking to make their mark in the design world. It’s crucial to consider course fit, faculty, campus experience, and placements alongside fees when making your choice.

Invertis University is setting a bold path for the future of higher education and innovation on its campus, particularly in forensic science. Positioned to become a leader both nationally and globally, the university aims to be a source of groundbreaking ideas and advancements that contribute meaningfully to India’s and the world's criminal justice systems, industries, and society.

The university’s vision prioritizes nurturing creativity, ethical conduct, and leadership in the next generation of forensic experts. A key focus is bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world forensic practice, ensuring students develop scientific skills along with a strong dedication to truth and justice.

Amping up academic offerings, Invertis plans integrated degrees, specialized certificates, and a postgraduate M.Sc. in Forensic Science, designed to answer the growing demand for experts in this evolving field. Students at various stages, undergraduate to professional, will benefit from a flexible, inclusive learning environment tailored to the complex needs of modern justice and investigations.

Innovation powers this vision. With updated curricula centered on AI, biometrics, and digital forensics, the university integrates hands-on training through smart labs, crime scene simulations, and collaborations with police and forensic labs. Certification tracks in cyber forensics and DNA profiling ensure students step straight into industry-ready roles, while innovation hubs foster creativity and research breakthroughs.

Globally minded, Invertis encourages cross-border faculty and student research, exchange programs, and continuous curriculum upgrades to stay aligned with worldwide forensic trends. Technology-enabled smart classrooms and VR/AR tools make learning immersive and accessible, balancing theory with practical skills.

Environmental responsibility and lifelong learning are also pillars of the university’s future, energy-efficient labs and ongoing skill development programs ensure students stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.

Invertis University is not just educating forensic scientists; it’s shaping innovators, leaders, and ethical professionals ready to serve society and the cause of justice today and tomorrow. This visionary approach positions the university as a beacon of excellence in forensic science education and research across India and beyond.

Apeejay Stya University (ASU) stands at the forefront of modern higher education by seamlessly integrating technology and liberal arts to drive innovation, research, and holistic student development. During a conversation with Dr. Vijay Vir Singh, ASU Vice Chancellor, told team edinbox that the vision of the university is to nurture well-rounded individuals prepared to lead in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Their mission emphasizes creating a supportive environment that produces visionary leaders and innovative thinkers equipped with both strong academics and essential life skills.

The Corporate Resource Centre (CRC), at the centre of ASU student life, leads industry collaboration, internships, placements, and dynamic co-curricular activities. Such activities guarantee that students complete their studies with a practical exposure, as well as academic rigour, which makes their entry into positive careers smooth.

Dr. Vijay Vir Singh highlighted that ASU excellence is also nationally acknowledged: it was ranked 17th among the top 100 Indian private universities by IIRF 2023, and was also the winner of top state ranking in its School of Engineering and the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences. ASU is establishing a niche in the academic arena worldwide with NAAC A grade accreditation and increased international presence.

ASU provides industry mentorship, practical internships, and live projects to enable career readiness, Training and Competency Building module, which promotes employability. CRC also promotes placements via campus drives, workshops and individual training that pairing the bright graduates to the best employers.

ASU pioneered academic innovation and innovation by creating industrial alliances and worldwide collaborations with other established institutions such as Penn State Great Valley and University of Central Florida. These partnerships facilitate student and faculty exchange, research, and experience of international educational best practices.

In addition to academics, Dr. Vijay Vir Singh said that ASU promotes holistic growth through various student clubs, athletics, cultural events and masterclasses which encourages a culture of leadership and innovation. The fact that it strongly supports innovation and entrepreneurship is reflected in the established Incubation Centre and a vibrant Entrepreneurship Cell, which develops future business leaders.

By using the digital transformation, ASU integrates e-learning tools, online laboratories, and webinars to provide continuous and hands-on education, in line with the 21st-century requirements. Although it upholds academic freedom, ASU pays close attention to the balance between collaboration with industries, adapting the curriculum, and distributing resources in such a way that it maintains the quality of teaching and research.

The vice chancellor of ASU remarked mentorship as a part of the ASU strategy of student success and faculty, industry professionals and senior students mentor learners academically and professionally.

Overall, as per Dr. Vijay Vir Singh, ASU is a source of future-ready higher education: It equips students with innovation, integration with industry, global experience, and whole person development - developing leaders who are ready to operate in a complex and interconnected world.

Mary Matha College of Arts and Science (Co-Education), is managed by "BODHI  NIKETAN TRUST", formed by the CMI Fathers. Mary Matha College (MMC) is a self financed Arts and Science College accredited with B++ grade in its first NAAC cycle, affiliated with Madurai Kamaraj University. The College offers 21 UG Programmes,  6 PG Programmes, and 1 PG Diploma Programme. The college has grown from a small  rural institution to a multi-program campus with extensive infrastructure, e-governance and  targeted student-support measures that drive holistic development. 

Driving Vision: Education, Integration, and Sublimation

Mary Matha College (MMC) pursues the motto Education — Integration — Sublimation and aims to produce ethically grounded, employable, and entrepreneurial graduates through a  blend of strong foundational teaching, value education, industry linkage and an emerging  innovation ecosystem. Its strategic areas of priority are:

• Inclusive Access & Quality Learning: Opening first-gen and rural student potential through skill-matrixed curricula.
• Research and Community Linkage: Fostering applied research, incubation, and outreach to the community through SAVE-VAS village linkage program.
• Innovation and Employability: Enhancing the MMC Incubation Centre, Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC), and industry MoUs to generate startup opportunities and relevant internships.

It also combines digital learning, governance through data, and research mentorship through the ERP-enabled ecosystem and the IQAC.

Participative Governance and Student Empowerment

Decentralization allows for the participation of all students in decision-making. Reporting to the Dean of Student Affairs and faculty coordinators, the MMC facilitates participation through NSS, YRC, Literary & Cultural Association, and Bima Sakhi – Women Empowerment Cell. The Student Council facilitates amplification of the voice of the youths with feedback going directly to the quality enhancement systems.

Benchmarking Academic Excellence

Approved under 2(f) by the UGC and ISO accredited (renewed 2022), Mary Matha College is an annual participant in NIRF evaluation while reinforcing documentation and research results. Such continuous enhancements underlie the dedication to transparency, innovation, and national rank augmentation that is the goal of MMC.

Career Readiness and Connections to the Profession

MMC makes college-to-career transition smooth through:

• Add-on Certifications for Functional English, Digital Literacy, and Computer applications.
• Bridge Courses to match school-to-college transition.
• Through 22 active industry MoUs, internships and field exposure.
• Placement Bootcamp and Mock Interviews for Final year students.
• Alumni Mentorship for career advice and hiring.
• The college boasts an astounding 31.7% overall progress in placement and higher studies, with an increasing network of recruiters in all spheres.

Placement Cell: Connecting Talent to Industry

Placement and Career Service Cell develops statistics-based employer connections, organizing aptitude tests, resume preparation workshops, and soft skills training under the guidance of industry professionals. Intending to develop dedicated panels for IT, manufacturing, banking, and hospitality, internship pipeline activities are kept active throughout the year.

Academic, industrial & international collaborations 

MMC maintains 22 functional MoUs that facilitate internships, faculty visits, training and  joint activities. The college aims to broaden these linkages to include research collaborations  and international exchange partners. Current collaborations focus on industry exposure, skill  training (ICT Academy / Rubicon / StartupTN), and government programmes (Unnat Bharat  Abhiyan). 

Priority actions: map MoUs to academic programs, create measurable KPIs per MOU  (internships, joint papers, student exchange) and pursue a small number of deep partnerships  internationally. 

Opportunities for holistic growth 

MMC fosters holistic growth through: 

1. Sports & Culture: multiple playgrounds, gymnasium, auditoriums and a sustained  calendar of cultural competitions and festivals.  
2. Life Skills & Value Education: mandatory courses, yoga practice, and counselling  services aimed at emotional resilience.
3. Community Engagement: SAVE-VAS and NSS outreach embed social  responsibility into student learning. 

These initiatives develop leadership, service orientation and non-cognitive skills valued by  employers and society. 

Fostering Innovation and Startups

The Innovation Club and Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) host workshops, prototype exhibitions, and awareness camps. The Incubation Centre offers space, internet facilities, and mentoring for budding entrepreneurs, supported by the IPR & Publications Cell and the college’s in-house Journal of Science & Humanities. Future plans include seed funding for student projects and an annual campus innovation challenge.

Digital Transformation and E-Governance

Smart classrooms, ERP-enabled record systems, and digital libraries such as SWAYAM, NPTEL, and NDL demonstrate MMC’s embrace of the digital age. ROVAN IMS ensures smooth operations across admissions, examinations, and finance, increasing transparency and administrative efficiency.

Mentorship and Lifelong Learning

The mentorship framework at MMC connects students with faculty, alumni, and peers for both academic and emotional growth. Upcoming initiatives include a digital mentorship dashboard to track interactions and outcomes, further strengthening personalized guidance.

Leadership Perspective

Fr. Issac P. J., CMI, Principal and Secretary of Mary Matha College, shares a guiding vision:

"Our goal is to turn knowledge into innovation, learning into employability, and education into a lifelong value system that uplifts every student, especially from rural communities."

Fr.Issac P J CMI 

Principal & Secretary, 

Mary Matha College of Arts and Science (Co-Education), 

Periyakulam East, Theni District, 

Tamilnadu, 

India

If you’re passionate about public health and community well-being, the Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Sanitary Inspector program at Mary Matha University, Andhra Pradesh, can be your ideal career path. The one-year course combines scientific learning, health administration, and hands-on community training to prepare students for meaningful roles in both public and private health sectors.

A Complete and Practical Curriculum

This carefully designed program covers subjects such as Biological Sciences, Communicable Diseases, Environmental Sanitation, Public Health Administration, Food and Nutrition, and National Health Programs. Students also gain essential exposure to Public Health Acts and Sanitation Challenges, helping them tackle real-world issues like hygiene, waste management, and disease control.

Training with Purpose

Students are trained in first aid administration, community health education, health data management, and use of sanitation-related software. The program promotes leadership skills and awareness essential to serve as a responsible bridge between the healthcare system and the community.

Hands-On Experience

A two-month internship gives students the opportunity to work directly within government health departments or municipal bodies. This exposure helps bridge theory and practice, and strengthens professional confidence before entering the workforce.

Accessibility and Flexibility

Applicants must hold a B.Sc. degree in disciplines like Chemistry, Food Technology, or Nutrition. Students with science backgrounds in Botany, Zoology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or Physics are also eligible. The medium of instruction is English, making the course approachable for students across India.

Diverse Career Opportunities

Graduates can secure positions as Sanitary Inspectors, Health Inspectors, Environmental Officers, or Public Health Workers in government departments, local bodies, NGOs, and private organizations. Many also contribute to nationwide programs such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and public sanitation initiatives, making their work both purposeful and rewarding.

A Step Toward a Healthier Nation

In an era when public health and sanitation remain national priorities, this course offers a strong foundation for students who want to make a difference. Graduates are not only trained to improve sanitation and hygiene standards but also to lead efforts that promote healthier, safer communities.

The PG Diploma in Sanitary Inspector program at Mary Matha University, Andhra Pradesh, is designed for students who wish to build a stable, impactful career in public health management. With its blend of scientific training, administrative insight, and community engagement, this one-year program opens the door to a range of respected government and private sector roles, making it one of the most purposeful career choices for science graduates today. 

Starex University Gurugram, established in 2016, is a fast-growing private university in Haryana, recognized by UGC and approved by PCI and BCI.The university offers a wide variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma and doctoral courses with 12 schools of study such as Engineering, Management, Law, Pharmacy, Hospitality and Life Sciences. Starex University has a well-connected industry and campus placement cell that can help students to join competitive job markets without fear.

Placement Highlights

Starex University has an excellent placement rate of approximately 80-90 percent across most of its departments and some of the leading companies in the recruitment industry such as Amazon, HCL, ICICI Bank, Wipro, BYJU, Bajaj, Coca-Cola, Capgemini, and Deloitte are regular recruitment drives in the university. The university engages in proactive collaboration with industry partners, the Ministry of MSME to promote entrepreneurship and start-ups, complemented by the development of practical skills.

Students have been able to get different pay packages with the highest package of up to 14 LPA (lakh per annum) and average salary of about 7 LPA which is quite high compared to most of the private universities. The basic salary rates are usually 25000 INR per month and go up with skills and experience.

Career Paths by Stream

• Engineering and Technology: Graduates can get opportunities in IT companies, manufacturing, robotics, AI and ML, software development, cybersecurity, and automation. Examples of the roles are software engineer, data analyst, system designer and machine learning engineer.
• Management & Commerce: The career opportunities include marketing, finance, human resource, supply chain management, and business analytics. Job titles will be, business analyst, digital marketing manager, financial consultant, and HR specialist.
• Pharmacy & Life Sciences: Pharmaceutical companies, healthcare facilities, clinical research, quality control, medical writing and regulatory affairs are the areas where graduates work.
• Law: There are the opportunities of corporate law firms, judiciary, legal consultancy, compliance roles, and public administration.
• Hospitality & Tourism: The graduates join hotel management, event planning, travel consultancy, and hospitality marketing.

Supportive Career Services

The Corporate Resource Centre of Starex University offers resume building workshops, mock interviews, group discussions, panel seminars, and career counseling. The university also encourages internships and live projects, which offers a model of dual education, providing the Learn, Work and Earn to improve employability.

Additional Growth Paths

Starex also promotes graduate salaries through professional qualifications like CA, CS, PMP, and digital marketing certifications and higher engineering diplomas to graduate employees to further their careers. The international MOUs of the university also allow the students to be able to explore the world of education and employment.

Starex University Gurugram is a great job springboard to those students who have the ambition to take up any job in India, which is expanding. Through pertinent education to industry, proactive placement services, and varied courses, graduates have an excellent range of options in areas like information technology, pharmaceuticals, law, management and hospitality. Starex University presents the most promising opportunity for success and professional development to students who want to enjoy strong campus facilities and career services in Gurugram.