NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FASHION DESIGNING, KASAR SIRSI

The National Institute of Fashion Designing (NIFD), Kasar Sirsi, located in the Latur district of Maharashtra, continues to be a pivotal center for vocational excellence in the Marathwada region. For the academic year 2026, the institute remains dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern design aesthetics.

NIFD Kasar Sirsi offers a variety of industry-oriented programs that cater to the local textile landscape of Maharashtra. The most sought-after programs for 2026 include:

• Diploma in Fashion Design (1-2 Years): A comprehensive course covering garment construction, fashion illustration, and textile science.
• Advanced Diploma in Interior Designing: Focusing on residential and commercial space planning, specifically tailored for the growing urban infrastructure in Latur and Solapur.
• Certificate in Textile Design: Leveraging the proximity to the Solapur textile hub, this course focuses on fabric manipulation and weaving patterns.
• Short-term Boutique Management: A popular choice for local entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses in Latur city.

Admission at NIFD Kasar Sirsi for the 2026 session is primarily based on merit and a personal interview to gauge the creative aptitude of the candidate.

• Application Start Date: May 15, 2026
• Last Date to Apply: July 30, 2026
• Aptitude Test/Interview: First week of August 2026
• Commencement of Classes: August 20, 2026

Candidates must have completed 10th or 12th grade (depending on the course level) from a recognized board. Direct walk-in admissions are often available for short-term certificate courses.

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.

As a vocational training institute, NIFD Kasar Sirsi does not have a high-stakes entrance exam like NIFT. The "cutoff" is generally based on the 10th or 12th-grade aggregate marks. For 2026, the expected merit criteria are:

• General Category: 50% - 55% in qualifying examination.
• Reserved Categories: 45% in qualifying examination.
• Portfolio Review: Candidates with a prior portfolio in arts or crafts may receive preference regardless of slightly lower academic scores.

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

The placement cell reported a successful 2025 season, with a strong emphasis on self-employment and local industry tie-ups.

• Placement Rate: 75% (including freelance and self-employment).
• Highest Package: INR 3.5 LPA (for roles in Pune/Mumbai-based design houses).
• Average Package: INR 1.8 LPA to 2.2 LPA.
• Top Recruiters: Local boutique chains, textile units in Solapur, and small-scale garment exporters in Maharashtra.
• Entrepreneurship: Over 30% of the 2025 batch started their own tailoring or design consultancy services in Latur district.

NIFD Kasar Sirsi facilitates several state-sponsored and institutional scholarships to ensure financial constraints don't hinder talent:

• MAHADBT Scholarships: Available for SC/ST/OBC students as per Maharashtra government norms.
• Merit-cum-Means Scholarship: Up to 20% tuition fee waiver for students scoring above 85% in their previous qualifying exam.
• Rural Talent Scholarship: Special fee concessions for students coming from villages within the Nilanga Taluka.
• Women Empowerment Grant: Financial aid for female students aiming to start their own business post-graduation.

The institute's curriculum is updated for 2026 to include digital design trends. Popular courses include:

• Fashion Illustration: Mastering the art of sketching and digital rendering.
• Garment Construction: Practical stitching and tailoring techniques.
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Using software for textile and interior layouts.
• Embroidery and Surface Ornamentation: Focus on traditional Maharashtrian styles like Paithani motifs.

The fee structure for 2026 is designed to be affordable for the local demographic.

The application process for 2026 is straightforward:

1. Inquiry: Visit the campus in Kasar Sirsi or the official information center in Latur.
2. Form Submission: Fill out the physical application form (or online if available) with personal and academic details.
3. Document Verification: Submit copies of 10th/12th mark sheets, LC/TC, and Aadhar card.
4. Interview: Attend a brief interaction with the faculty to discuss your interest in design.
5. Fee Payment: Pay the admission fee to secure your seat.

The campus provides essential facilities for a design student:

• Drafting & Cutting Tables: Large professional-grade tables for pattern making.
• Sewing Lab: Equipped with industrial and domestic sewing machines.
• Library: A collection of fashion magazines, textile journals, and design reference books.
• Exhibition Hall: A dedicated space to display student work during the annual showcase.
• Hostel Tie-ups: While there is no on-campus hostel, the institute helps students find safe local accommodation in Kasar Sirsi.

The institute is organized into three primary departments:

• Department of Fashion Technology: Focusing on garment manufacturing and design.
• Department of Interior Design: Focusing on space utilization and decor.
• Department of Vocational Arts: Handling short-term certificate courses and community outreach programs.