Fashion Education Built by Journalists, Not Just Educators: Inside IFCT Chandigarh

Most fashion institutes are run by academic boards. IFCT — the Institute of Fashion and Communication Technology — was founded by senior fashion journalists, and that origin story still shapes how the institute teaches design today. It’s a sister concern of The Lifestyle Journalist magazine, which means the people shaping the curriculum have spent careers watching what actually gets a designer noticed in the industry, not just what looks good on a syllabus.

If you’re comparing fashion designing colleges in Chandigarh and Mohali, here’s what sets IFCT apart.

A Degree That Actually Counts

One of the first things to check with any fashion institute is whether your degree will hold up outside the classroom. IFCT’s programs are run in collaboration with Rayat Bahra University in Greater Mohali and Bahra University in Himachal Pradesh — both UGC-recognised institutions. That matters if you ever want to pursue a master’s, apply for a government-linked role, or simply want a credential that employers don’t have to double-check.

Faculty Who’ve Actually Worked in Fashion

IFCT’s teaching faculty includes academicians trained at NIFT and NID, alongside international advisors based in Europe and the US. In a field as hands-on as fashion design, that industry grounding is the difference between learning how a garment should look on paper and learning how to actually construct, drape, and finish one to a professional standard.

Two Campuses, One North India Network

IFCT runs full campuses in both Mohali (inside Rayat Bahra University, on the Chandigarh–Ropar highway) and Solan, Himachal Pradesh (inside Bahra University). That dual-campus setup makes it a genuinely accessible option for students coming from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir — not just the immediate tricity area.

What You Can Actually Study

IFCT’s fashion-focused programs span multiple entry points depending on where you’re starting from:

  • BSc Fashion Designing (3 years) — the full undergraduate track, covering illustration, garment construction, textiles, pattern making, and portfolio building
  • Diploma in Fashion Designing (1–2 years) — a faster, practical entry into the industry, with the option to upgrade to a degree later
  • MBA in Fashion Business Management (2 years) — for students who want the business side: brand management, retail strategy, and supply chain, layered on fashion knowledge

Certificate-level options are also available for students who’ve completed Class 10 and want to start building skills — like CAD fashion illustration or tailoring and embroidery — before committing to a longer program.

A Placement Record You Can Actually Ask About

IFCT reports a 99% placement record for its graduates. Rather than taking that number at face value, ask the admissions team directly how many live industry projects students work on each semester, and whether you can speak to a recent graduate. That’s a fair question to ask any institute, and IFCT’s team is set up to answer it.

Who Should Apply

  • After Class 10: Certificate programs in fashion illustration, tailoring and embroidery, and related skills
  • After Class 12 (any stream): BSc Fashion Designing or the Diploma in Fashion Designing
  • After graduation: MBA in Fashion Business Management (minimum 50% marks required)

Scholarships and fee concessions are available for meritorious students — the admissions team can walk you through current fee structures and eligibility.

How to Apply

  1. Visit ifct.co.in/admission to explore programs and current intake dates
  2. Submit a short enquiry form with your details and program of interest
  3. Speak with the admissions team about eligibility, fees, and scholarships
  4. Visit either campus for a portfolio review and in-person conversation before enrolling

Admissions for the 2026 batch are currently open. You can reach the team directly at admissions@ifct.co.in or +91 77101-10106, or explore the full fashion designing course details on IFCT’s website.