KICH SCHOOL OF DESIGN

KICH SCHOOL OF DESIGN (KSD), located in Rajkot, Gujarat, continues to be a premier destination for design education in the Saurashtra region for the academic year 2026. Backed by the KICH group, known for its architectural hardware, the school offers a unique blend of industry exposure and creative freedom.

• Establishment: Part of the KICH Group, focusing on professional design pedagogy.
• Location: Rajkot, Gujarat - a growing industrial and furniture manufacturing hub.
• Affiliation: Collaborations with leading industry bodies and design councils.
• Campus: Modern, studio-based learning environment.
• Core Focus: Interior Design, Fashion Design, and Product Design.
• Industry Connectivity: Strong ties with the local Rajkot manufacturing sector and architectural firms.

For 2026, the school has expanded its curriculum to align with global design trends while maintaining local relevance. The most sought-after programs include:

• Bachelor of Design (B.Des) in Interior Design: A 4-year flagship program focusing on spatial planning and modern aesthetics.
• Bachelor of Design (B.Des) in Fashion Design: Emphasizing both traditional Gujarati textiles and contemporary global fashion.
• Diploma in Interior Design: A 1-2 year professional course for quick industry entry.
• Certificate Courses: Specialized short-term modules in Furniture Design and Visual Merchandising.

Admission for the 2026 session follows a merit-cum-aptitude approach. The process is designed to identify creative potential rather than just academic scores.

Candidates must have completed 10+2 from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% marks. The final selection is based on the DAT score (40%), Portfolio (30%), and Personal Interview (30%).

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 cutoff for 2026 is determined by the volume of applications and the performance in the KSD Entrance Exam. While there is no fixed state-level cutoff like ACPC for design, the following internal benchmarks apply:

• B.Des Interior Design: Minimum 65% in Entrance Test + Strong Portfolio.
• B.Des Fashion Design: Minimum 60% in Entrance Test.
• General Category: Competitive merit based on the combined score of 12th boards and DAT.

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

The 2025 placement season saw robust participation from local and national firms. Given Rajkot's status as a hub for hardware and furniture, Interior Design students saw exceptional demand.

• Placement Rate: 88% of the graduating batch.
• Highest Package: INR 8.5 LPA.
• Average Package: INR 4.2 LPA.
• Top Recruiters: Kich Architectural Hardware, local architectural firms in Ahmedabad and Rajkot, Asian Paints, and boutique fashion houses in Surat.
• Roles Offered: Junior Interior Designer, Visual Merchandiser, Design Consultant, and Fashion Stylist.

KSD offers several financial aid options to support meritorious and needy students for the 2026 intake:

• Merit Scholarship: Up to 50% tuition fee waiver for students scoring above 90% in 12th boards.
• KICH Legacy Scholarship: Special grants for students showing exceptional talent in the Design Aptitude Test.
• State Scholarships: Support for MYSY (Mukhyamantri Yuva Swavalamban Yojana) for eligible Gujarat domicile students.
• Sibling Discount: 10% concession for siblings of current students or alumni.

The curriculum is structured to be industry-ready. Popular courses include:

• Residential Design: A deep dive into home interiors and lifestyle spaces.
• Apparel Construction: Focusing on the technical aspects of garment making.
• Digital Design Tools: Mastery of AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Sustainability in Design: A mandatory module for all 2026 students focusing on eco-friendly materials.

The following is the estimated fee structure for the 2026 academic session:

Fees are subject to revision and include studio charges but exclude material costs and hostel fees.

Prospective students can apply for the 2026 session through the following steps:

1. Online Registration: Visit the official website and fill out the inquiry form.
2. Application Form: Complete the detailed application with academic records and a statement of purpose.
3. Payment: Pay the application fee of INR 1,500 online.
4. Entrance Exam: Appear for the KSD DAT (Design Aptitude Test).
5. Portfolio Submission: Upload or present a physical portfolio of creative works (sketches, photography, crafts).
6. Interview: Attend the personal interview round (online or offline).

The campus is designed to mimic a professional design studio rather than a traditional classroom. Facilities include:

• Design Studios: Spacious, air-conditioned rooms with drafting tables and ergonomic seating.
• Computer Lab: High-end workstations equipped with industry-standard design software.
• Library: A rich collection of design journals, material samples, and international design books.
• Material Lab: A unique space where students can interact with wood, metal, glass, and hardware samples.
• Exhibition Gallery: A dedicated area to showcase student work to visitors and recruiters.

The academic structure is divided into specialized departments to ensure focused learning:

• Department of Interior Design: Focusing on commercial, residential, and retail spaces.
• Department of Fashion & Textiles: Covering garment construction, textile science, and fashion illustration.
• Department of Communication Design: Focusing on visual identity, branding, and digital graphics.
• Department of Foundation Studies: A common first-year department that builds basic design thinking and sketching skills.