How to Become a Fashion Designer: Career Guide, Courses, After 12th, Eligibility, Entrance Exams, Jobs, Scope, Salary 2023

Eligibility Criteria to Become a Fashion Designer

Listed below are the basic eligibility criteria that must be met in order to become a Fashion Designer in India.

1. Candidates must complete their 10+2 with a minimum aggregate score of 50% and above from a recognised board.
2. They must then complete graduation or post-graduation as per their choice in relevant fashion design courses from a recognized university, along with a minimum aggregate score of 55% and above
3. They must also clear the required entrance exams in order to be eligible for being enrolled across top Fashion Design colleges in India.
4. Candidates applying for PG Fashion Design courses, must first complete their graduation in a relevant field with a minimum aggregate score of 45% and above
5. For candidates, who want to pursue Fashion Design courses abroad, must clear either of the entrance exams namely, TOEFL or IELTS etc

Types of Fashion Designers

Fashion Designers are broadly classified into 3 major categories as per their area of interest, niche and specializations. Listed below are the 3 major types of Fashion Designers for your reference.

• Apparel Fashion Designers: Apparel Fashion Designers are mainly in charge of creating and exploring various new and fascinating designs. They are focused on creating styles for every part of the world. Their designs are appropriate for all classes, from common people to fashion models. 
• Footwear Designers: Footwear Designers are responsible for ideating as well as creating new designs and textures of footwear. Under this category, there are various types of designers like athletic footwear, casual footwear and many more.
• Jewelry Designers: Jewelry designers focus on creating new jewellery designs as per the trends and fashion. They create necklaces, bracelets, handbags and other accessories as per the requirements of the public

Steps to Become a Fashion Designer

Some of the most crucial steps that must be taken in order to become a Fashion Designer in India are listed below.

• The first and foremost step to becoming a Fashion Designer is that candidates must possess all the necessary talents. Since the fashion industry is closely related to creativity, it is crucial to possess strong intuition, courage and confidence to experiment, and the skill to influence others about their work. In order to have a solid foundation in fashion design, aspiring students must hone their abilities and update themselves as per the latest trends.
• The next step in becoming a fashion designer is acquiring professional training and education. Aspiring students must enrol on any top fashion design courses at the undergraduate level to launch their careers. Candidates who want to pursue a career in design later in life, particularly after earning their bachelor's degree, can enrol right away in a graduate programme. Compared to UG courses, PG courses are far more precise and in-depth.
• Candidates can get practical experience, by applying for internships or part-time jobs across related fields. This will help candidates not only gain first-hand on-the-job experience but also help them find relevant jobs.
• They must then start preparing a portfolio or digital portfolio which will include sketches, collections and prototypes of their work of themselves. This portfolio will demonstrate the skills, style and potential of the candidate. 
• Networking is the most crucial part of this profession. Candidates must create a network with other fashion designers, colleagues or established professionals. Candidates must attend workshops, and fashion shows, join professional groups etc to create the relationship. 

How to Become a Fashion Designer in India

In order to become a Fashion Designer in India, aspiring candidates have to pursue various Undergraduate and Postgraduate Fashion Designing Courses from any of the top Fashion Designing Colleges across the country. As already discussed, admission to these colleges is usually done on the basis of Fashion Design Entrance Exams, however, some colleges grant admission on the basis of merit as well. 

How to Become a Fashion Designer After 10th

In order to become a Fashion Designer after 10th, students can take up any stream, be it Science, Commerce or Arts. There is no hard and fast rule of taking up any particular stream after completing Class 10th board exams.

How to Become a Fashion Designer After 12th

In order to become a Fashion Designer After 12th, candidates can pursue the courses at their Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels as mentioned below,

• UG Level Preparation: Various UG degrees such as B.Sc Fashion Designing, Diploma in Fashion Designing etc. Usually, Entrance Exams are conducted for enrolling students for these Undergraduate Fashion Designing Courses.
• PG Level Preparation: Courses such as M.Sc Fashion Designing, MA Fashion Designing, Masters of Fashion Management. For PG courses as well, various entrance exams are conducted by colleges for enrolling students.