SAIKRUPA INSTITTUE OF FASHION DESIGN

Saikrupa Institute of Fashion Design (SIFD), located in Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar), Maharashtra, continues to be a premier destination for aspiring designers in the region for the 2026 academic year. The institute is known for its blend of traditional Maharashtrian textile knowledge and modern fashion technology.

• Location: Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra (Strategically located near the industrial hubs of Pune and Nashik).
• Establishment: Recognized for its vocational excellence in fashion and apparel design.
• Affiliation: Affiliated with state vocational boards and recognized by local industry bodies.
• Focus Areas: Fashion Illustration, Garment Construction, Textile Science, and Boutique Management.
• Industry Connectivity: Strong ties with the local textile industry in Maharashtra, facilitating hands-on training.

For 2026, the institute offers a range of programs catering to different skill levels, from foundational certificates to professional diplomas.

• Diploma in Fashion Design (3 Years): A comprehensive program covering the entire lifecycle of garment creation.
• B.Voc in Fashion Technology: A degree-equivalent program focusing on the technical aspects of the apparel industry.
• Advanced Diploma in Apparel Manufacturing: Aimed at students looking to enter the industrial production sector.
• Certificate in Fashion Illustration: A short-term course focused on the artistic side of design.
• Boutique Management & Entrepreneurship: Specifically designed for students aiming to start their own labels in Ahilyanagar and beyond.

The admission process for 2026 is designed to identify creative potential and technical aptitude.

• Application Start Date: January 15, 2026.
• Last Date for Application: May 30, 2026.
• Eligibility: Minimum 10+2 (HSC) from any stream for Diploma and Degree courses; 10th (SSC) for basic certificate courses.
• Selection Criteria: Admissions are primarily merit-based, followed by a personal interview and a portfolio review for advanced courses.
• Entrance Test: The SIFD Creative Ability Test (SCAT) 2026 will be held in the first week of June for specific flagship 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.

Cutoffs for 2026 are based on the volume of applications and previous academic performance.

Note: Portfolio quality can often compensate for slightly lower academic scores during the interview process.

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 steady rise in recruitment from retail chains and export houses.

• Highest Package: INR 5.5 LPA (Offered by a leading retail brand in Mumbai).
• Average Package: INR 3.0 LPA.
• Top Recruiters: Pantaloons, Shoppers Stop, local boutique chains in Pune, and textile manufacturing units in Ichalkaranji.
• Placement Rate: Approximately 85% of the graduating batch secured jobs or started their own ventures.

SIFD offers several financial aid options to ensure fashion education is accessible.

• Merit Scholarship: Up to 25% tuition fee waiver for students scoring above 90% in HSC.
• MAHADBT Support: Facilitation of Maharashtra State Government scholarships for SC/ST/OBC students.
• Women in Design Grant: A special 10% discount for female candidates from rural Ahilyanagar districts.
• Need-based Aid: Case-by-case fee concessions for students from economically weaker sections.

The most sought-after courses at the institute emphasize hands-on learning.

• Fashion Illustration: Focuses on sketching, digital design, and CAD.
• Garment Construction: Intense training in pattern making and tailoring.
• Sustainable Fashion: A new 2026 elective focusing on eco-friendly fabrics and ethical production.
• Textile Design: Exploring the rich heritage of Maharashtra's weaving traditions.

The fee structure is designed to be competitive compared to institutes in Pune or Mumbai.

The application process is straightforward:

1. Visit the official campus or the SIFD website to download the 2026 Prospectus.
2. Fill out the application form with academic details and personal information.
3. Pay the application fee of INR 500 via online portal or Demand Draft.
4. Submit a basic portfolio (optional but recommended) showing any creative work.
5. Attend the counseling session and document verification process at the Ahilyanagar campus.

The campus is equipped with facilities tailored for fashion students.

• Design Studios: Spacious rooms with drafting tables and mannequins.
• Computer Lab: Equipped with the latest fashion design software (CLO 3D, Adobe Suite).
• Sewing Lab: Features industrial-grade Juki machines and specialized embroidery equipment.
• Library: A collection of international fashion magazines, textile journals, and history of costume books.
• Exhibition Hall: A dedicated space for students to showcase their annual collections.

The institute is organized into specialized departments to ensure focused learning:

• Department of Apparel Design: Focusing on garment construction and pattern making.
• Department of Textile Science: Covering fabric properties, dyeing, and printing.
• Department of Fashion Communication: Focused on marketing, branding, and photography.
• Department of Traditional Crafts: Dedicated to preserving regional Maharashtrian crafts.