The Best 11 Coaching Institutes in Aurangabad for NIFT & NID Entrance Exam Prep – Fees, Results & Ultimate Guide

Introduction

Aspiring for a seat at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) or the National Institute of Design (NID) is the first step toward a glamorous and impactful career in design. These entrance exams are highly competitive, testing not just academic knowledge but creativity, observation, design sensibility, and problem-solving skills. While raw talent is crucial, structured guidance is often the key that unlocks a student’s potential and translates it into a winning score.

For students in and around Aurangabad, choosing the right coaching institute can make a significant difference. The right mentorship provides a clear roadmap, exposes you to the exam pattern, hones your portfolio, and builds the confidence needed to excel. This comprehensive guide is designed to be your one-stop resource. We will explore the vibrant coaching ecosystem of Aurangabad, provide a detailed, ranked list of the top 11 institutes for NIFT and NID preparation, and equip you with all the information—from fee structures to teaching methodologies—to make an informed decision for your design career journey.

Why Choose Coaching Institutes in Aurangabad?

Aurangabad, a city steeped in history, is rapidly emerging as a robust educational hub in Maharashtra. For design aspirants, the city offers a unique advantage.

• Growing Education Ecosystem: The city hosts several reputable universities and colleges, fostering an academic environment that supports competitive exam preparation. This has led to the establishment of specialized coaching centers catering to creative fields.
• Experienced Faculty Pool: Many coaching institutes in Aurangabad have succeeded in attracting faculty who are either alumni of premier design schools or seasoned professionals with years of teaching experience. Their firsthand insights are invaluable.
• Focused Competition: While the competition is healthy, it is less overwhelming than in metro cities like Mumbai or Delhi. This allows for more personalized attention and a focused learning atmosphere, which is crucial for developing creative skills.
• Infrastructure & Accessibility: Institutes here are well-connected and offer good infrastructure, including studio spaces for drawing and craft work, library resources for design research, and computer labs for digital design basics.
• Dual-Mode Options: Recognizing modern needs, most institutes now offer flexible learning models. Students can choose from traditional classroom programs, online live sessions, or hybrid models, making quality education accessible to all.

How to Choose the Best Coaching Institute for NIFT & NID Entrance Exams?

Selecting the right coaching is a critical decision. Look beyond brochures and consider these factors:

• Faculty Expertise: The most important factor. Instructors should have a proven track record and preferably a background in design education. They should be able to nurture creativity, not just teach theory.
• Past Results & Success Ratio: Ask for documented evidence of students who have secured ranks or admissions in NIFT, NID, and other design schools. A consistent result year-on-year is a strong indicator of quality.
• Quality of Study Material: The institute should provide updated, comprehensive, and original study material that covers all sections—General Ability Test (GAT), Creative Ability Test (CAT), Studio Test, and Portfolio guidance.
• Batch Size & Personal Attention: For design coaching, small batch sizes are essential. This ensures each student’s portfolio, sketches, and concepts receive detailed, personalized feedback.
• Fee Structure & Transparency: Fees should be clear, with no hidden costs. Compare what is included—study material, test series, portfolio reviews—across different institutes.
• Test Series & Performance Analysis: Regular, simulated mock tests designed exactly like the actual exam are non-negotiable. Detailed analysis of your performance helps identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Doubt-Solving & Mentorship: Beyond classroom teaching, check if the institute provides a reliable system for doubt-solving and one-on-one mentorship sessions for portfolio development.

List of Best 11 Coaching Institutes in Aurangabad for NIFT & NID Entrance Exams

Rank 1: Creative Minds Design Academy

• Overview: A pioneer in design entrance coaching in Aurangabad, Creative Minds is renowned for its structured program and exceptional results in the NID DAT.
• Courses Offered: Comprehensive courses for NIFT, NID UCEED, CEED, and portfolio development. Separate programs for beginners and advanced learners.
• Teaching Methodology: Focus on concept-building through workshops, daily sketching drills, and thematic project assignments. Strong emphasis on the Studio Test round.
• Faculty Details: Led by an NID alumnus, the faculty comprises designers and artists specializing in different domains like textile, graphic, and product design.
• Fee Structure (Approximate): ₹85,000 – ₹1,00,000 for a full-year classroom program.
• Past Results & Selections: Consistently produces selections in top NID campuses (Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar) and NIFT colleges.
• Infrastructure & Facilities: Spacious studios with natural light, a material lab for model-making, a dedicated library with design books and magazines.
• Online / Offline Availability: Primarily offline. Offers recorded lectures and online doubt-solving for enrolled students.
• Pros: Excellent faculty mentorship, strong focus on creative process, excellent track record.
• Cons: Fees are on the higher side, limited batch seats.
• Best For: Serious aspirants aiming for top ranks, especially in NID.

Rank 2: Design & Art Success Training (DAST)

• Overview: DAST is known for its scientific approach to cracking the creative exams, balancing aptitude preparation with skill development.
• Courses Offered: Integrated programs for NIFT BDes & MDes, NID BDes & MDes, and short-term crash courses.
• Teaching Methodology: Data-driven approach with a strong focus on the GAT section. Uses psychological tools to enhance creative thinking under pressure.
• Faculty Details: A mix of design graduates and aptitude trainers with over a decade of experience.
• Fee Structure (Approximate): ₹70,000 – ₹90,000 for the integrated course.
• Past Results & Selections: Good number of selections in NIFT (Delhi, Mumbai) and NID.
• Infrastructure & Facilities: Well-equipped classrooms, a computer lab for online test practice, a small but curated reference library.
• Online / Offline Availability: Both online live classes and offline modes are available.
• Pros: Strong in aptitude training, personalized performance tracking, flexible modes.
• Cons: Creative skill development is slightly more structured than free-flowing.
• Best For: Students who need a balanced focus on both aptitude and creative sections.

Rank 3: Aurangabad Design Prep

• Overview: A student-friendly institute known for its encouraging environment and focus on building strong fundamentals for beginners.
• Courses Offered: Foundation courses for 10th/11th graders, full-term NIFT/NID coaching, weekend workshops.
• Teaching Methodology: Step-by-step foundational training in drawing, perspective, and color theory. Regular home assignments and group critiques.
• Faculty Details: Experienced fine arts graduates and young design tutors who are accessible and motivating.
• Fee Structure (Approximate): ₹60,000 – ₹80,000 for the main course.
• Past Results & Selections: Consistent selections in NIFT (Chennai, Hyderabad) and NID campuses.
• Infrastructure & Facilities: Cozy art studio, basic library, and a display area for student work.
• Online / Offline Availability: Offline-focused, with some online support.
• Pros: Excellent for beginners, supportive environment, reasonable fees.
• Cons: May not be as intensive for advanced students aiming for top 100 ranks.
• Best For: Beginners and intermediate level students seeking a strong foundation.

Rank 4: Kalavidha Design Studio

• Overview: This institute stands out for its workshop-centric approach, frequently organizing sessions by visiting artists and designers.
• Courses Offered: NIFT/NID coaching, specialized workshops in sketching, Doodling, clay modeling, and material exploration.
• Teaching Methodology: Learning through doing. The curriculum is built around a series of hands-on workshops that build a diverse portfolio.
• Faculty Details: Core faculty of two senior artists, supplemented by numerous workshop experts from across the country.
• Fee Structure (Approximate): Course fee around ₹75,000. Workshops are priced separately.
• Past Results & Selections: Good success in the creative ability test sections, with students often producing unique portfolios.
• Infrastructure & Facilities: A large, messy, and inspiring studio space filled with art supplies and student projects.
• Online / Offline Availability: Purely offline due to the hands-on nature.
• Pros: Unparalleled exposure to techniques and materials, highly creative atmosphere.
• Cons: Less structured daily schedule, GAT preparation is not its core strength.
• Best For: Students who learn best experientially and want a standout portfolio.

Rank 5: Insight Career Academy

• Overview: A multi-discipline coaching center that has a strong dedicated wing for design entrance exams, leveraging its expertise in competitive test training.
• Courses Offered: NIFT/NID coaching, along with other entrance exam preparations.
• Teaching Methodology: Classroom lectures, extensive test series for GAT, and regular drawing practice sessions.
• Faculty Details: Separate faculties for GAT (professional trainers) and CAT (art tutors).
• Fee Structure (Approximate): ₹55,000 – ₹70,000.
• Past Results & Selections: A steady stream of selections, particularly in NIFT.
• Infrastructure & Facilities: Standard coaching institute setup with classrooms and a common art room.
• Online / Offline Availability: Offers both online and offline batches.
• Pros: Very strong in the GAT/aptitude section, cost-effective, disciplined schedule.
• Cons: Creative training can feel standardized, less individualized portfolio focus.
• Best For: Students confident in their creativity but needing rigorous aptitude training on a budget.

Rank 6: The Sketchbook Studio

• Overview: As the name suggests, this institute focuses intensely on building drawing and visualization skills, the core of any design exam.
• Courses Offered: Advanced drawing mastery courses, NIFT/NID test preparation, figure drawing workshops.
• Teaching Methodology: Daily rigorous sketching practice, live model sessions, and speed drawing drills to improve efficiency.
• Faculty Details: Faculty are practicing illustrators and sketch artists.
• Fee Structure (Approximate): ₹50,000 for drawing-focused courses, ₹65,000 for full entrance prep.
• Past Results & Selections: Students often score very high in the creative ability test.
• Infrastructure & Facilities: A minimalist studio dedicated to drawing, with plenty of natural light and models.
• Online / Offline Availability: Primarily offline.
• Pros: Unbeatable for improving drawing speed and accuracy, focused environment.
• Cons: Does not cover the entire syllabus holistically students may need to supplement GAT preparation elsewhere.
• Best For: Students who need to drastically improve their drawing skills quickly.

Rank 7: ProDesign Tutorials

• Overview: A tech-savvy institute that blends traditional teaching with digital tools for design learning.
• Courses Offered: NIFT/NID prep with basic digital design software training (Photoshop, Illustrator basics).
• Teaching Methodology: Uses tablets and digital pens for some exercises, online submission and correction portals.
• Faculty Details: Younger faculty comfortable with both traditional and digital mediums.
• Fee Structure (Approximate): ₹70,000 – ₹85,000 (includes basic digital tool training).
• Past Results & Selections: Newer institute with promising initial results.
• Infrastructure & Facilities: Modern classrooms with projectors and a digital lab.
• Online / Offline Availability: Offers a robust hybrid model.
• Pros: Prepares students for the digital aspects of modern design education, tech-integrated learning.
• Cons: Traditional craft and material skills might get less emphasis.
• Best For: Tech-oriented students comfortable with digital learning.

Rank 8: Chanakya Career Institute (Design Wing)

• Overview: A well-known brand in competitive exams that has recently started a specialized design wing.
• Courses Offered: NIFT and NID entrance coaching programs.
• Teaching Methodology: Structured classroom program with an emphasis on discipline, regular tests, and homework.
• Faculty Details: Hires art graduates and provides them with training on the exam patterns.
• Fee Structure (Approximate): ₹45,000 – ₹60,000.
• Past Results & Selections: Building its track record, initial selections are decent.
• Infrastructure & Facilities: Uses the main institute’s infrastructure—clean, air-conditioned classrooms.
• Online / Offline Availability: Both modes available.
• Pros: Brand reputation, disciplined approach, affordable.
• Cons: Design wing is not its core expertise, may lack the creative flair of specialized studios.
• Best For: Students who prefer a structured, school-like environment at a lower cost.

Rank 9: Artmosphere

• Overview: More of an advanced art studio that also coaches for design entrances, focusing on conceptual thinking.
• Courses Offered: Portfolio development programs, NID-focused coaching, art appreciation courses.
• Teaching Methodology: Discussion-based, critique-oriented learning. Encourages students to develop a personal style and thematic concepts.
• Faculty Details: Highly qualified fine arts and design postgraduates.
• Fee Structure (Approximate): Fees are project/term based, approximately ₹60,000 – ₹75,000.
• Past Results & Selections: Excellent for MDes admissions and NID where portfolio weightage is high.
• Infrastructure & Facilities: An intellectual and artistic space,更像一个艺术家的工作室.
• Online / Offline Availability: Offline only.
• Pros: Develops deep conceptual thinking, ideal for portfolio building for NID MDes.
• Cons: Not exam-focused enough for last-minute preparation, weak on structured GAT training.
• Best For: Advanced students, especially those targeting NID MDes or building a knockout portfolio.

Rank 10: Success Graph Academy

• Overview: A reliable, mid-sized institute known for its consistent approach and supportive teachers.
• Courses Offered: Year-long and crash courses for NIFT & NID.
• Teaching Methodology: Balanced mix of theory, practice, and revision cycles. Stresses on completing the paper within time limits.
• Faculty Details: Stable team of teachers who have been with the institute for several years.
• Fee Structure (Approximate): ₹50,000 – ₹65,000.
• Past Results & Selections: Consistent, if not spectacular, results with students getting into good colleges.
• Infrastructure & Facilities: Adequate and functional.
• Online / Offline Availability: Mainly offline, with online doubt sessions.
• Pros: Consistent, reliable, good teacher-student rapport, value for money.
• Cons: May lack the cutting-edge teaching methods of top-ranked institutes.
• Best For: Students looking for a dependable, no-fuss coaching experience.

Rank 11: Online Coaching Specialists (Aurangabad Based Tutors)

• Overview: This is not a single institute but a category. Several independent tutors and small groups in Aurangabad now offer personalized online coaching.
• Courses Offered: Flexible, customized programs—from 3-month intensive to weekend mentorship.
• Teaching Methodology: One-on-one or very small group sessions via Zoom/Google Meet, digital assignment submission, and critique.
• Faculty Details: Often freelancing designers or home tutors.
• Fee Structure (Approximate): Highly variable, typically ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 depending on customization.
• Past Results & Selections: Varies greatly by tutor.
• Infrastructure & Facilities: Digital—reliant on student’s own setup.
• Online / Offline Availability: Fully online.
• Pros: Maximum flexibility, highly personalized attention, can be cost-effective.
• Cons: Lack of peer learning, dependent on student’s self-discipline, quality is inconsistent.
• Best For: Self-motivated students, those in remote areas, or those needing schedule flexibility.

Comparison Table

Online vs Offline Coaching in Aurangabad

The choice between online and offline coaching depends on your learning style and circumstances.

Offline Coaching (Pros & Cons):

• Pros: Structured schedule, peer interaction and learning, immediate feedback in studio, access to physical materials and infrastructure, better for developing hands-on skills.
• Cons: Less flexible, commuting time, generally more expensive.

Online Coaching (Pros & Cons):

• Pros: High flexibility, learn from anywhere, often more affordable, access to recorded sessions, one-on-one attention possible.
• Cons: Requires high self-discipline, limited peer interaction, no access to physical studio or materials, internet dependency.

Hybrid Learning: Many institutes in Aurangabad now offer this model, combining live online classes with occasional offline workshops or doubt-solving sessions. This is ideal for students who want flexibility but also some hands-on guidance.

Who Should Choose What?

• Choose Offline if: You are a beginner, thrive in a structured environment, need peer motivation, and are preparing for exams that require hands-on studio tests.
• Choose Online if: You are self-disciplined, live far from the coaching hub, need a flexible schedule, or are looking for specialized tutoring not available locally.

Average Fees for NIFT & NID Coaching in Aurangabad

The fee structure in Aurangabad is relatively more affordable compared to metropolitan cities.

• Low Range (₹30,000 – ₹50,000): Typically includes online-only programs, crash courses, or coaching from newer/smaller institutes.
• Medium Range (₹50,000 – ₹80,000): This is the most common bracket for a full-year classroom program from reputable institutes. It usually includes study material and test series.
• Premium Range (₹80,000 – ₹1,10,000): Charged by top-tier institutes with renowned faculty, exceptional infrastructure, and a proven record of high-rank results. Often includes extensive portfolio development workshops.

Factors Affecting Fees: Institute reputation, faculty expertise, batch size, infrastructure, inclusion of study material & test series, and duration of the course.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is the best coaching institute in Aurangabad for NIFT & NID?
For a holistic, result-oriented approach, Creative Minds Design Academy and Design & Art Success Training (DAST) are highly recommended. The “best” depends on your specific needs—beginners may prefer Aurangabad Design Prep, while those strong in aptitude might choose Insight Career Academy.

2. What is the average fee for NIFT/NID coaching in Aurangabad?
The average fee for a comprehensive one-year classroom program ranges from ₹55,000 to ₹80,000. Short-term or online courses can be more affordable.

3. Is online coaching effective for design entrance exams?
Yes, online coaching can be very effective for the theory (GAT) and regular drawing practice. However, for portfolio development and hands-on studio test preparation, offline or hybrid models are significantly more beneficial.

4. How many months of preparation are required?
For a beginner, a dedicated 10–12 month preparation is ideal. Students with a strong foundation in drawing can manage with 6-8 months of intensive preparation.

5. Can a beginner with no drawing background crack NIFT/NID?
Absolutely. Many institutes, especially those like Aurangabad Design Prep, are geared towards teaching fundamentals from scratch. Consistent practice and the right guidance can bridge the skill gap.

6. Is coaching necessary, or can I self-study?
While self-study is possible with immense discipline and the right resources, coaching provides structure, expert feedback, peer comparison, and insights into exam trends that are difficult to replicate alone.

7. What should I look for in a coaching institute’s study material?
Look for updated content that covers recent exam patterns, original creative problem-solving exercises, high-quality printed examples for drawing, and comprehensive coverage of current affairs and design awareness for the GAT.

8. Do these institutes help with portfolio preparation?
The top institutes, especially Creative Minds, Kalavidha, and Artmosphere, place a strong emphasis on building a unique and impressive portfolio, which is critical for NID DAT Studio Test and NIFT Situation Test rounds.

Final Verdict & Conclusion

Joining a coaching institute is a strategic investment for any serious NIFT or NID aspirant. It provides the roadmap, discipline, and expert critique necessary to navigate these highly subjective and competitive exams. For students in Aurangabad, the good news is that the city offers a range of quality options that cater to different learning styles and budgets.

For those aiming for the very top ranks in NID, Creative Minds Design Academy is the premier choice due to its focused methodology. For a balanced preparation strategy for both NIFT and NID, Design & Art Success Training (DAST) offers a compelling blend of creativity and aptitude training. If you are just starting your journey and need to build a strong foundation, Aurangabad Design Prep provides a supportive and effective launchpad.

Remember, the institute provides the tools and guidance, but the effort and passion must come from you. Visit shortlisted institutes, interact with faculty, and if possible, talk to past students. Choose the place where you feel your creativity will be understood and nurtured. Your design career is a canvas—choose the right mentors in Aurangabad to help you paint your success story. All the best