Highlights 2026
SAI COLLEGE OF B DESIGN, located in the historic city of Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar), Maharashtra, has emerged as a premier destination for design education in the region. For the 2026 academic year, the college continues to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern design technology.
| Establishment Year | 2018 (Approx.) |
| Location | Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra |
| Affiliation | Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) / Recognized by Govt of Maharashtra |
| Flagship Course | Bachelor of Design (B.Des) |
| Campus Facilities | Design Studios, CAD Labs, Textile Lab |
| Industry Linkages | Pune & Mumbai Design Hubs |
Popular Programmes 2026
The college offers specialized undergraduate programs that cater to the evolving needs of the design industry. The most sought-after programs for 2026 include:
- B.Des in Fashion Design: Focusing on garment construction, textile science, and fashion marketing, leveraging the textile heritage of Maharashtra.
- B.Des in Interior Design: Emphasizing residential and commercial space planning with a focus on sustainable materials.
- B.Des in Communication Design: Covering graphic design, UI/UX, and digital branding, aimed at the growing IT sectors in nearby Pune.
- B.Des in Product Design: A multidisciplinary approach to consumer goods and industrial aesthetics.
Admission Process & Important Dates 2026
Admission for the 2026 session is primarily based on merit and performance in design entrance examinations. The process includes a Design Aptitude Test (DAT) followed by a Studio Test and Personal Interview.
- Online Registration Starts: January 15, 2026
- Last Date for Application: April 30, 2026
- Entrance Exam (SAI-DAT): May 15, 2026
- Studio Test/Portfolio Review: June 1-5, 2026
- Commencement of Classes: August 2026
Students with valid scores in UCEED or NID DAT may be eligible for direct admission or exemptions from the first round of testing.
Note: Check exact dates on the official exam and college websites.
Expected Cutoff 2026 (approximate)
Note: These are approximate figures based on past trends, not official cutoffs. Check the latest official counselling cutoff before applying.
The 2026 cutoff for SAI COLLEGE OF B DESIGN is determined by the total number of applicants and the difficulty level of the entrance exams. Expected cutoffs are as follows:
| Exam | Expected Percentile/Score |
| UCEED | 55+ Percentile |
| NID DAT (Prelims) | 45+ Score |
| SAI-DAT (Institutional) | 60% Aggregate |
Placements (approximate)
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 a significant uptick in demand for UI/UX designers and interior consultants. The college's proximity to the Pune industrial corridor plays a vital role in recruitment.
- Placement Rate: 88% of eligible students placed.
- Highest Package: INR 8.5 LPA (UI/UX Role in a Pune-based Tech Firm).
- Average Package: INR 4.2 LPA.
- Top Recruiters: Pantaloons, Asian Paints, Livspace, Pepperfry, and local architectural firms in Ahilyanagar.
Scholarships 2026
To support meritorious and underprivileged students, the college offers several financial aid options for 2026:
- Merit Scholarship: Up to 50% tuition fee waiver for students scoring above 90% in Class 12.
- MAHADBT: Assistance in applying for Maharashtra State Government scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EBC categories.
- Girl Child Scholarship: A special 10% discount on tuition fees to encourage women in design.
- Local Resident Subsidy: Special concessions for students hailing from the Ahilyanagar district.
Popular Courses
The curriculum is updated annually to keep pace with industry trends. Popular courses currently include:
- Sustainable Fashion: A module focusing on organic dyes and handloom fabrics.
- Smart Home Design: Integrating IoT and automation into interior design projects.
- Visual Merchandising: Training for retail spaces and brand experience design.
Courses and Fees 2026
The fee structure is designed to be competitive compared to Pune-based institutes while providing similar infrastructure.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Fee (Approx.) |
| B.Des (Fashion Design) | 4 Years | INR 1,75,000 |
| B.Des (Interior Design) | 4 Years | INR 1,85,000 |
| B.Des (Communication Design) | 4 Years | INR 1,90,000 |
| Diploma in Interior Design | 1 Year | INR 65,000 |
Application Process 2026
Interested candidates can apply through the following steps:
- Visit the official college website or the Ahilyanagar campus admissions office.
- Fill out the 2026 Application Form with academic details.
- Upload documents: 10th/12th Marksheets, Entrance Exam Scorecard, and Portfolio (if any).
- Pay the application fee of INR 1,000 via online banking or UPI.
- Schedule the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) slot.
Infrastructure
The campus is equipped with modern facilities tailored for design students:
- Design Studios: Large, well-lit spaces for drafting and manual work.
- Computer Lab: High-end systems with Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, and Revit.
- Resource Center: A library containing over 5,000 books on art, history, and design, plus international journals.
- Exhibition Hall: A dedicated space for showcasing student projects to industry visitors.
Departments
The academic structure is divided into four primary departments:
- Department of Fashion and Apparel Design
- Department of Interior and Spatial Design
- Department of Visual Communication
- Department of Foundation Studies (Common for first-year students)
FAQs
A1: Yes, the B.Des degree is recognized by the relevant educational authorities, making students eligible for government positions and higher studies.
Q2: Does the college provide hostel facilities?A2: The college has tie-ups with several private hostels and PGs in Ahilyanagar that offer safe and affordable accommodation for outstation students.
Q3: Is a portfolio mandatory for admission?A3: While not mandatory for the initial application, a portfolio is highly recommended for the Studio Test and Interview stage to showcase your creative potential.
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