INSTITUTE OF FASHION TECHNOLOGY KERALA

The Institute of Fashion Technology Kerala (IFTK), established by the Government of Kerala in technical collaboration with NIFT, remains a premier destination for design education in South India for the academic year 2026. Located in the scenic locale of Vellimon West, Kollam, the institute is affiliated with the University of Kerala.

• Established: 2010
• Campus Location: Kollam, Kerala (on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake)
• Affiliation: University of Kerala
• Flagship Course: Bachelor of Design (B.Des) Fashion Design
• Nodal Agency: Centre for Continuing Education Kerala (CCEK)
• 2026 Focus: Sustainable fashion and integration of AI in design workflows.

IFTK is recognized for bridging the gap between traditional Kerala handloom heritage and modern global fashion trends, making it a unique hub for aspiring designers in the region.

The most sought-after programme at IFTK for 2026 continues to be the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) in Fashion Design. This four-year intensive course is designed to foster creativity and technical proficiency.

• B.Des Fashion Design: A comprehensive 8-semester program covering garment construction, textile science, fashion illustration, and computer-aided design (CAD).
• Continuing Education Programmes: Short-term certificate courses in Apparel Construction and Fashion Illustration are occasionally offered for local artisans and entrepreneurs in Kollam.

The curriculum is updated for 2026 to include modules on Eco-friendly Textiles and Digital Fashion Marketing, catering to the evolving needs of the Indian fashion industry.

Admission to IFTK for the 2026 session is based on a multi-stage selection process designed to test the creative aptitude of candidates.

Eligibility: Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Higher Secondary) from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. The entrance exam includes General Ability (GAT) and Creative Ability (CAT) components.

Note: Check exact dates on the official exam and college websites.

Note: These are approximate figures based on past trends, not official cutoffs. Check the latest official counselling cutoff before applying.

The 2026 cutoff for IFTK is determined by the cumulative performance in the Entrance Exam (60%), Situation Test (20%), and Personal Interview (20%).

• General Category: Expected merit rank within 1-80 for the first round.
• OBC/SEBC: Expected merit rank within 1-120.
• SC/ST: Candidates meeting the minimum qualifying marks in the entrance test are typically eligible for counseling.

Note: Since IFTK is a specialized state-level institute, the competition is primarily among students from Kerala and neighboring states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Note: Placement figures are indicative and not taken from the official placement report of the college. Please confirm with the college.

The placement season of 2025 saw a robust participation from both national retail giants and local boutique labels. IFTK students are favored for their technical grounding.

• Placement Percentage: Approximately 85%
• Highest Package: INR 6.5 LPA
• Average Package: INR 3.8 LPA
• Top Recruiters: Aditya Birla Fashion, Reliance Retail, Arvind Lifestyle, Raymond, and various export houses in Tirupur and Bangalore.
• Roles Offered: Junior Designer, Merchandiser, Quality Controller, and Fashion Stylist.

Many graduates also choose the path of entrepreneurship, launching independent labels in Kochi and Trivandrum.

IFTK provides several financial aid options to ensure design education is accessible to all segments of society in 2026:

• E-Grantz: Full fee concession and monthly stipends for SC/ST and OEC students as per Kerala Government norms.
• Merit-cum-Means Scholarship: Available for students from economically backward families (General/OBC) with high entrance ranks.
• Central Sector Scholarships: Eligible for students meeting the criteria set by the Ministry of Education.

Students are advised to apply through the Kerala State Scholarship Portal early in the academic year.

The primary focus of IFTK is the undergraduate design program, which is highly specialized:

• B.Des (Fashion Design): A 4-year professional degree. The curriculum includes Fashion Illustration, Pattern Making, Garment Construction, Textile Science, and History of Costumes.
• Value-Added Modules: In 2026, IFTK has introduced short modules on Visual Merchandising and Fashion Photography as part of the elective system to enhance employability.

The fee structure at IFTK is regulated by the Government of Kerala, making it more affordable than many private design schools.

Note: Fees are subject to revision by the Governing Body. Hostel and mess charges are additional.

Applying to IFTK for the 2026 session is a streamlined online process:

1. Visit the official website (iftk.ac.in).
2. Register with a valid email ID and mobile number.
3. Fill out the personal and academic details in the online application form.
4. Upload scanned copies of the 10th and 12th certificates, and a recent photograph.
5. Pay the application fee (approx. INR 1,200 for General and INR 600 for SC/ST) via the online payment gateway.
6. Download the admit card for the entrance exam when released.

IFTK boasts a specialized infrastructure tailored for design students:

• Design Studios: Spacious rooms equipped with drafting tables and mannequins.
• Garment Construction Lab: Features industrial-grade Juki sewing machines and specialized finishing equipment.
• Computer Lab: Loaded with Adobe Creative Suite, CorelDraw, and specialized CAD software for fashion.
• Library: A rich collection of international fashion magazines, trend forecasts, and textile samples.
• Hostel: On-campus accommodation for female students with 24/7 security.
• Amphitheatre: Used for student fashion shows and cultural events.

The academic structure of IFTK is divided into core functional departments:

• Department of Fashion Design: Oversees the core B.Des curriculum and creative studios.
• Department of Textile Science: Focuses on fabric chemistry, weaving, and dyeing techniques.
• Department of Fashion Management & Technology: Handles subjects like apparel production, merchandising, and retail marketing.
• Foundation Department: Manages the first-year students, focusing on basic drawing, color theory, and design geometry.