KICH SCHOOL OF DESIGN

KICH SCHOOL OF DESIGN (KSD), located in Rajkot, Gujarat, continues to be a premier destination for design education in the Saurashtra region for the academic year 2026. Backed by the KICH group, known for its architectural hardware, the school offers a unique blend of industry exposure and creative freedom.

• Establishment: Part of the KICH Group, focusing on professional design pedagogy.
• Location: Rajkot, Gujarat - a growing industrial and furniture manufacturing hub.
• Affiliation: Collaborations with leading industry bodies and design councils.
• Campus: Modern, studio-based learning environment.
• Core Focus: Interior Design, Fashion Design, and Product Design.
• Industry Connectivity: Strong ties with the local Rajkot manufacturing sector and architectural firms.

For 2026, the school has expanded its curriculum to align with global design trends while maintaining local relevance. The most sought-after programs include:

• Bachelor of Design (B.Des) in Interior Design: A 4-year flagship program focusing on spatial planning and modern aesthetics.
• Bachelor of Design (B.Des) in Fashion Design: Emphasizing both traditional Gujarati textiles and contemporary global fashion.
• Diploma in Interior Design: A 1-2 year professional course for quick industry entry.
• Certificate Courses: Specialized short-term modules in Furniture Design and Visual Merchandising.

Admission for the 2026 session follows a merit-cum-aptitude approach. The process is designed to identify creative potential rather than just academic scores.

Candidates must have completed 10+2 from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% marks. The final selection is based on the DAT score (40%), Portfolio (30%), and Personal Interview (30%).

Student feedback highlights the practical nature of the curriculum. Most reviews emphasize the following points:

• Industry Projects: Students appreciate the frequent visits to manufacturing units in Rajkot, providing real-world context to classroom theories.
• Faculty Support: Mentors are often practicing designers who bring current market insights.
• Infrastructure: The studios are described as "inspirational" and "well-equipped with the latest design software."
• Vibe: A close-knit community where seniors and juniors collaborate on annual design shows.

The cutoff for 2026 is determined by the volume of applications and the performance in the KSD Entrance Exam. While there is no fixed state-level cutoff like ACPC for design, the following internal benchmarks apply:

• B.Des Interior Design: Minimum 65% in Entrance Test + Strong Portfolio.
• B.Des Fashion Design: Minimum 60% in Entrance Test.
• General Category: Competitive merit based on the combined score of 12th boards and DAT.

KICH SCHOOL OF DESIGN has secured its position as a top-tier design institute in Western India. For 2026, it holds the following regional recognitions:

• Top Design School in Saurashtra: Ranked #1 by regional educational surveys.
• Emerging Design Institute: Recognized for its innovative 'Industry-Integrated' curriculum.
• Infrastructure Excellence: Awarded for state-of-the-art studio facilities in Gujarat.

The 2025 placement season saw robust participation from local and national firms. Given Rajkot's status as a hub for hardware and furniture, Interior Design students saw exceptional demand.

• Placement Rate: 88% of the graduating batch.
• Highest Package: INR 8.5 LPA.
• Average Package: INR 4.2 LPA.
• Top Recruiters: Kich Architectural Hardware, local architectural firms in Ahmedabad and Rajkot, Asian Paints, and boutique fashion houses in Surat.
• Roles Offered: Junior Interior Designer, Visual Merchandiser, Design Consultant, and Fashion Stylist.

KSD offers several financial aid options to support meritorious and needy students for the 2026 intake:

• Merit Scholarship: Up to 50% tuition fee waiver for students scoring above 90% in 12th boards.
• KICH Legacy Scholarship: Special grants for students showing exceptional talent in the Design Aptitude Test.
• State Scholarships: Support for MYSY (Mukhyamantri Yuva Swavalamban Yojana) for eligible Gujarat domicile students.
• Sibling Discount: 10% concession for siblings of current students or alumni.

The curriculum is structured to be industry-ready. Popular courses include:

• Residential Design: A deep dive into home interiors and lifestyle spaces.
• Apparel Construction: Focusing on the technical aspects of garment making.
• Digital Design Tools: Mastery of AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Sustainability in Design: A mandatory module for all 2026 students focusing on eco-friendly materials.

The following is the estimated fee structure for the 2026 academic session:

Fees are subject to revision and include studio charges but exclude material costs and hostel fees.

When comparing KICH SCHOOL OF DESIGN with other institutes in Gujarat:

• KSD vs. NID Ahmedabad: While NID is a national institute with a higher brand value, KSD offers more localized industry connections in the Saurashtra region and hardware-specific design expertise.
• KSD vs. GLS Institute of Design: GLS (Ahmedabad) has a larger campus, but KSD provides smaller class sizes and more personalized mentorship from industry professionals in Rajkot.
• KSD vs. Marwadi University: KSD is a specialized design school, whereas Marwadi is a multi-disciplinary university. KSD is often preferred for those seeking a dedicated design-only environment.

Prospective students can apply for the 2026 session through the following steps:

1. Online Registration: Visit the official website and fill out the inquiry form.
2. Application Form: Complete the detailed application with academic records and a statement of purpose.
3. Payment: Pay the application fee of INR 1,500 online.
4. Entrance Exam: Appear for the KSD DAT (Design Aptitude Test).
5. Portfolio Submission: Upload or present a physical portfolio of creative works (sketches, photography, crafts).
6. Interview: Attend the personal interview round (online or offline).

The campus is designed to mimic a professional design studio rather than a traditional classroom. Facilities include:

• Design Studios: Spacious, air-conditioned rooms with drafting tables and ergonomic seating.
• Computer Lab: High-end workstations equipped with industry-standard design software.
• Library: A rich collection of design journals, material samples, and international design books.
• Material Lab: A unique space where students can interact with wood, metal, glass, and hardware samples.
• Exhibition Gallery: A dedicated area to showcase student work to visitors and recruiters.

The academic structure is divided into specialized departments to ensure focused learning:

• Department of Interior Design: Focusing on commercial, residential, and retail spaces.
• Department of Fashion & Textiles: Covering garment construction, textile science, and fashion illustration.
• Department of Communication Design: Focusing on visual identity, branding, and digital graphics.
• Department of Foundation Studies: A common first-year department that builds basic design thinking and sketching skills.

For students preparing for KSD or looking to supplement their learning, these online courses are highly recommended:

• Interior Design Basics: Available on platforms like Coursera and Udemy.
• Adobe Creative Cloud Masterclass: Essential for graphic and fashion students.
• Sustainable Architecture: Offered by various international universities through edX.
• Rhino and Grasshopper for Jewelry/Product Design: Specialized courses for those interested in Rajkot's local jewelry industry.

The faculty at KSD comprises a mix of academic experts and industry veterans. Many professors hold degrees from prestigious institutes like NID and CEPT. Key faculty features include:

• Visiting Experts: Regular workshops by practicing architects and fashion designers from Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
• Mentorship: A low student-to-teacher ratio (15:1) ensures personalized feedback on portfolios.
• Industry Experience: Faculty members often involve students in their live consultancy projects.

In 2026, KSD offers several hybrid and online short-term modules for working professionals:

• Digital Visualization for Interiors: A 3-month online course on 3ds Max and V-Ray.
• Fashion Business Management: A weekend online program for aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Design Thinking Workshop: A 4-week certificate course open to students from all backgrounds.

Since its inception, KSD has produced creative professionals who are making their mark. Notable alumni include:

• Interior Designers: Several alumni have established successful independent firms in Rajkot and Jamnagar.
• Fashion Entrepreneurs: Graduates who have launched their own labels featured in local Gujarat fashion weeks.
• Corporate Designers: Alumni working with brands like Kohler, Jaquar, and various architectural hardware giants.