Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Samstha's School of Fashion Technology

Established in 1998, Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Samstha’s (MKSSS) School of Fashion Technology (SOFT), Pune, is a premier institute dedicated to fashion education for women. Affiliated with the SNDT Women's University, Mumbai, SOFT has carved a niche in providing industry-aligned education in the heart of Maharashtra's cultural and educational hub.

SOFT Pune offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs that blend traditional Indian textiles with modern global fashion trends. The most sought-after programs for the 2026 academic session include:

• Bachelor of Design (B.Des): Specializations in Fashion Design, Fashion Communication, and Textile Design.
• Master of Design (M.Des): Advanced research and design application for graduates.
• Industry Integrated Programs: Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses in Fashion Design and Apparel Merchandising tailored for the Pune and Mumbai garment industry.
• B.A. (Mass Media): Integrated with a focus on fashion journalism and digital media.

The admission process for the 2026 session at SOFT Pune is highly competitive and evaluates both creative aptitude and technical skills. The process involves a Common Entrance Test (CET), a Studio Test, and a Personal Interview.

• Online Registration Starts: January 15, 2026
• Last Date to Apply: April 30, 2026
• SOFT CET Exam Date: Second week of May 2026
• Studio Test & Personal Interview: June 2026
• Commencement of Classes: July 2026

Candidates must have passed 10+2 from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% marks to be eligible for the Bachelor's programs.

Students consistently praise SOFT for its disciplined environment and strong industry connections. Common themes in reviews include:

• Creative Freedom: Students appreciate the encouragement to experiment with sustainable fashion and traditional Maharashtrian weaves like Paithani.
• Faculty Support: The faculty is noted for being approachable and having significant industry experience in the Mumbai/Pune fashion circuit.
• Hostel Life: As a women-only institute, the campus offers a safe and secure residential environment, though students mention the strict timings typical of MKSSS institutions.
• Industry Exposure: Frequent workshops by designers from the Lakme Fashion Week circuit are highly valued.

SOFT Pune does not participate in centralized state-level counseling for design. Cutoffs are determined internally based on the weightage of the SOFT CET 2026 scores:

Applicants generally need to score in the top 15-20 percentile of the applicant pool to secure a seat in the B.Des Fashion Design program.

In 2026, SOFT Pune continues to be recognized as one of the top private fashion institutes in India. Key rankings include:

• India Today 2026: Ranked among the Top 10 Fashion Design Institutes in Western India.
• Outlook I-CARE: Consistently placed in the Top 15 Private Fashion Schools nationally.
• Regional Standing: Ranked as the #1 Women-only Fashion Institute in Maharashtra.

The 2025 placement season saw robust hiring from both retail giants and boutique design houses. Pune's proximity to Mumbai’s fashion industry provides a distinct advantage.

• Highest Package: INR 8.5 LPA
• Average Package: INR 4.2 LPA
• Top Recruiters: Reliance Retail, Shoppers Stop, FabIndia, Pantaloons, Raymond, and various celebrity designer labels in Mumbai.
• Internship Rate: 100% of students secured internships in 2025 across garment manufacturing units and export houses.

MKSSS SOFT provides several financial aid options to ensure meritorious and economically challenged students can pursue their design dreams:

• MKSSS Merit Scholarship: Awarded to top performers in the SOFT CET.
• Government of Maharashtra Scholarships: Post-matric scholarships for SC/ST/OBC and EBC categories.
• Lila Poonawalla Foundation: Financial assistance for deserving girl students in Pune.
• Corporate Scholarships: Occasional grants from textile industries for specific design projects.

The most popular courses at SOFT Pune are designed to meet the evolving needs of the global fashion industry while respecting regional heritage.

• B.Des Fashion Design: A 4-year comprehensive course focusing on garment construction and design.
• B.Des Fashion Communication: Focuses on fashion styling, photography, and digital marketing.
• Post Graduate Diploma in Fashion Design: A 2-year intensive program for graduates from other streams wanting to enter fashion.
• Jewelry Design (Certificate): Short-term course focusing on contemporary and traditional Indian jewelry.

The fee structure for 2026 is designed to provide high-quality infrastructure while remaining accessible compared to other private design schools in Pune.

When comparing SOFT Pune to other institutions like NIFT Mumbai or Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), students should consider the following:

• Vs NIFT Mumbai: While NIFT is a national brand, SOFT offers a more personalized, women-centric environment and is often more affordable in terms of living costs in Pune vs. Mumbai.
• Vs SID Pune: SID offers a co-ed, multi-disciplinary design environment. SOFT is better for students specifically looking for a focused fashion community with deep roots in textile tradition.
• Vs MIT-ID Pune: MIT-ID has a broader industrial design focus, whereas SOFT is a specialist in apparel and fashion communication.

The application for 2026 is entirely digital. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official SOFT website (soft.ac.in).
2. Register with a valid email ID and mobile number.
3. Fill out the application form with academic details and personal information.
4. Upload a digital portfolio (if required for the specific course).
5. Pay the application fee of INR 3,000 via the online payment gateway.
6. Download the admit card for the SOFT CET 2026.

The campus in Narhe, Pune, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities tailored for fashion students:

• Design Studios: Spacious rooms for sketching and pattern making.
• Garment Construction Labs: Equipped with industrial-grade sewing machines and dress forms.
• CAD/CAM Lab: High-end computers with the latest design software like Adobe Suite, TukaTech, and CorelDraw.
• Textile Lab: Facilities for dyeing, printing, and testing fabric quality.
• Hostel: On-campus residential facilities with a mess providing nutritious Maharashtrian cuisine.

The academic structure is divided into specialized departments to ensure expert mentorship:

• Department of Fashion Design: The core department focusing on apparel creation.
• Department of Fashion Communication: Focused on branding, PR, and visual merchandising.
• Department of Apparel Production: Dealing with the technical and manufacturing side of fashion.
• Department of Textile Design: Specializing in fabric structures and surface ornamentation.

Students looking to supplement their fashion degree at SOFT might consider these online certifications:

• Fashion Styling and Image Coordination: Available on platforms like Coursera and Udemy.
• Digital Fashion Illustration: Specialized courses in Procreate and Adobe Illustrator for fashion.
• Sustainable Fashion: Courses offered by international universities focusing on eco-friendly textiles.
• Fashion Business & Retail Management: Useful for students aiming for the commercial side of the industry.

The faculty at SOFT Pune consists of seasoned academicians and active industry professionals. Many faculty members are alumni of NIFT or international design schools. They bring real-world insights into the classroom, often inviting guest lecturers from the Pune garment industry and Mumbai's film and fashion circles to interact with students.

In 2026, SOFT Pune offers several hybrid and online short-term courses for working professionals and hobbyists:

• Certificate in Fashion Styling: A 3-month online weekend program.
• Digital Pattern Making: A 2-month course focusing on industry software.
• Fashion Entrepreneurship: A specialized module for those looking to start their own labels.

SOFT Pune has produced several successful professionals who have made a mark in the fashion industry:

• Emerging Designers: Several alumni showcase regularly at GenNext Lakme Fashion Week.
• Costume Designers: Many work in the Marathi and Hindi film industries (Bollywood).
• Entrepreneurs: Numerous alumni have established successful boutique brands in Pune, Mumbai, and Dubai.
• Industry Leaders: Alumni hold senior merchandising and design positions in brands like Myntra and Zivame.