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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.