Best 11 Coaching Institutes in Visakhapatnam for NIFT / NID Entrance Exams – Fees, Results, Reviews & Admission Guide

Choosing a career in design is a bold and rewarding move. However, the gateway to India’s premier design schools—the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and the National Institute of Design (NID)—is guarded by some of the toughest entrance exams in the country.

If you are a resident of the “City of Destiny,” you are in luck. Visakhapatnam (Vizag) has emerged as a significant educational hub in Andhra Pradesh, offering top-tier coaching facilities for design aspirants. This guide provides an in-depth analysis of the Best 11 Coaching Institutes in Visakhapatnam for NIFT / NID Entrance Exams, helping you navigate through fees, faculty expertise, and success stories to find your perfect fit.

Introduction

The creative industry in India is booming, and at the heart of this revolution are prestigious institutions like NIFT and NID. Cracking these exams requires more than just artistic flair; it demands a strategic blend of creative thinking, spatial ability, and a sharp command over the General Ability Test (GAT) and Creative Ability Test (CAT).

For aspirants in Visakhapatnam, the stakes are high, but so is the availability of resources. Choosing the right coaching institute can be the difference between a seat at a top-tier design campus and a year of missed opportunities. In this article, we will explore why Vizag is a great place for design preparation, how to evaluate an institute, and a ranked list of the best coaching centers currently leading the way in the city.

Why Choose Coaching Institutes in Visakhapatnam?

Visakhapatnam offers a unique blend of a focused academic environment and a growing creative culture. Here is why it’s an ideal spot for your prep:

• Growing Education Ecosystem: As a major executive hub, Vizag attracts veteran educators from across the country.
• Competitive Environment: With a high concentration of students aiming for national-level exams (JEE, NEET, and NIFT), the competitive spirit is high, pushing students to perform better.
• Infrastructure: The city boasts modern coaching centers equipped with design studios, high-speed internet for online modules, and well-stocked libraries.
• Accessibility: Most top institutes are centrally located in areas like Dwaraka Nagar and Siripuram, making them easily accessible for local students.
• Hybrid Options: Almost all leading centers in Vizag now offer hybrid models, combining the discipline of offline classes with the flexibility of online resources.

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

Before signing up, evaluate every institute against these critical parameters:

• Faculty Experience: Ensure the mentors are alumni of NIFT, NID, or IIT-IDC. Design is a subjective field; you need teachers who have “been there, done that.”
• Past Results: Don’t just look at the numbers—check the “All India Ranks” (AIR). Consistent top-100 ranks are a sign of a healthy teaching methodology.
• Study Material Quality: The material should be updated with the latest exam patterns, covering everything from 3D model making to the latest current affairs.
• Batch Size: Design prep requires personalized feedback. A batch of 15–20 students is ideal; anything more than 30 might lead to your creative doubts being ignored.
• Mock Tests & Doubt-Solving: Regular feedback through mock “Situation Tests” or “Studio Tests” is non-negotiable.

List of Best 11 Coaching Institutes in Visakhapatnam for NIFT / NID Entrance Exams

Rank 1: MAD School (Multiple Arts & Design)

• Overview: MAD School is widely considered the leader in design entrance coaching in Andhra Pradesh. They focus heavily on nurturing raw creativity and transforming it into exam-ready skills.
• Courses Offered: NID (B.Des/M.Des), NIFT (B.Des/BFTech), UCEED, CEED, NATA.
• Teaching Methodology: A “fun-first” approach that emphasizes sketching, visualization, and out-of-the-box thinking.
• Faculty Details: Alumni from NID, NIFT, and IITs.
• Fee Structure: ₹45,000 – ₹65,000 (Approx. for long-term courses).
• Past Results: Consistent AIRs in Top 10 for NID and NIFT.
• Infrastructure: Modern studios, clay modeling labs, and a huge library of design books.
• Availability: Offline (Dwaraka Nagar) & Online.
• Pros: Personalized attention; high selection ratio.
• Cons: Higher fee bracket compared to local tutors.
• Best For: Advanced learners seeking top-tier ranks.

Rank 2: Bhanwar Rathore Design Studio (BRDS)

• Overview: A national giant with a strong presence in Vizag, BRDS is known for its rigorous testing modules.
• Courses Offered: Comprehensive NIFT/NID/UCEED/NATA coaching.
• Teaching Methodology: Results-oriented with a massive focus on solving previous years’ papers and mock tests.
• Faculty Details: Dedicated team of NIFT/NID alumni.
• Fee Structure: ₹35,000 (Crash Course) – ₹55,000 (Regular).
• Past Results: Claims the highest number of selections in India.
• Infrastructure: State-of-the-art classrooms and online learning portal (LMS).
• Availability: Offline & Online.
• Pros: Excellent study material; nationwide competition benchmarking.
• Cons: Large batch sizes in some sessions.
• Best For: Students who thrive in a highly competitive, structured environment.

Rank 3: SILICA Institute

• Overview: SILICA is famous for its high-quality digital resources and its focus on the “Aptitude” side of design exams.
• Courses Offered: NID, NIFT, CEED, UCEED, NATA.
• Teaching Methodology: Uses a scientific approach to creative learning, focusing on the basics of design and psychology.
• Faculty Details: Professional designers and veteran educators.
• Fee Structure: ₹40,000 – ₹60,000.
• Past Results: Over 2,800+ students cleared NIFT in the last 5 years.
• Infrastructure: Technologically advanced classrooms.
• Availability: Online & Offline.
• Pros: Top-notch online app and study kits.
• Cons: Fewer physical centers in the city compared to other brands.
• Best For: Tech-savvy students who prefer a blend of digital and physical learning.

Rank 4: Academy for Fashion Careers (AFC) – By Shipra Anand

• Overview: Led by NIFT Delhi alumna Shipra Anand, AFC offers a more boutique, personalized coaching experience.
• Courses Offered: NIFT & NID (CAT/GAT).
• Teaching Methodology: Mentorship-driven, focusing on building a strong foundation in English, Maths, and Creative Sketching.
• Faculty Details: Highly stable faculty led by Ms. Shipra herself.
• Fee Structure: Affordable to Medium range.
• Past Results: Consistent Top 100 AIRs for over 20 years.
• Infrastructure: Practical-oriented setup.
• Availability: Primarily Online for Vizag students with localized support.
• Pros: Extremely small batches (under 12 students).
• Cons: Primarily known for its online presence in this region.
• Best For: Beginners who need hand-holding and personalized guidance.

Rank 5: Pahal Design

• Overview: One of the oldest names in the industry, Pahal has a vast network and a standardized curriculum.
• Courses Offered: NIFT, NID, UCEED, Fine Arts.
• Teaching Methodology: Balanced focus on both the drawing (CAT) and logic (GAT) sections.
• Faculty Details: Mixture of fine arts experts and design alumni.
• Fee Structure: ₹45,000 – ₹55,000.
• Past Results: Strong historical track record.
• Infrastructure: Standard coaching facilities.
• Availability: Offline & Online.
• Pros: Well-researched study material.
• Cons: Management issues reported in some franchise centers.
• Best For: Students looking for a reliable, time-tested brand.

Rank 6: Colours Academy

• Overview: A local favorite for NATA and NIFT, Colours Academy is known for its friendly atmosphere.
• Courses Offered: NIFT, NID, NATA, JEE-Arch.
• Teaching Methodology: Focuses on improving raw sketching skills for the Creative Ability Test.
• Faculty Details: Local experts with years of experience in entrance prep.
• Fee Structure: ₹30,000 – ₹45,000.
• Past Results: Strong local results with several students placed in NIFT Hyderabad and Chennai.
• Infrastructure: Decent studio space in Dwaraka Nagar.
• Availability: Offline.
• Pros: Affordable; very approachable faculty.
• Cons: Limited online resources compared to national brands.
• Best For: Local students looking for budget-friendly offline classes.

Rank 7: Edu Spark

• Overview: While primarily a multi-disciplinary tuition center, Edu Spark offers specialized tutors for NIFT/NID GAT preparation.
• Courses Offered: NIFT/NID (Focus on General Aptitude), School level design basics.
• Teaching Methodology: Individual-centric home/center tuition style.
• Faculty Details: Subject matter experts for Maths, English, and Reasoning.
• Fee Structure: Variable (Based on hours/subjects).
• Past Results: Good success in the GAT section.
• Infrastructure: Basic.
• Availability: Home Tutoring / Small Centers.
• Pros: Highly personalized; flexible timings.
• Cons: Not a dedicated “design studio” environment.
• Best For: Students who are strong in drawing but weak in the Aptitude/Maths section.

Rank 8: Aakaar Design Coaching

• Overview: Run by professional architects and designers, this institute offers a practical perspective on design exams.
• Courses Offered: NID, NIFT, NATA.
• Teaching Methodology: Studio-based learning where students interact with working professionals.
• Faculty Details: Practicing architects and designers.
• Fee Structure: Medium range.
• Past Results: Growing success rate in NID DAT.
• Infrastructure: Professional office-cum-studio environment.
• Availability: Offline.
• Pros: Exposure to real-world design concepts.
• Cons: Batch timings can be rigid.
• Best For: Serious aspirants wanting an industry-aligned perspective.

Rank 9: Teks Academy

• Overview: Mainly known for software and BIM, they provide excellent foundations for the digital aspects of design and portfolio building.
• Courses Offered: Design foundation, Portfolio development.
• Teaching Methodology: Digital-heavy, great for M.Des aspirants.
• Faculty Details: Industry experts.
• Fee Structure: ₹25,000 – ₹40,000.
• Past Results: High placement in private design colleges.
• Infrastructure: Excellent IT labs.
• Availability: Offline & Online.
• Pros: Great for portfolio development.
• Cons: Less focused on the NIFT CAT (sketching) part.
• Best For: M.Des students and those building a digital portfolio.

Rank 10: Chitram Arts

• Overview: A fine arts institute that provides foundational sketching and painting classes vital for the NIFT CAT paper.
• Courses Offered: Fine Arts, Design Sketching, Portfolio Prep.
• Teaching Methodology: Purely skill-based drawing and rendering.
• Faculty Details: Professional Artists.
• Fee Structure: Highly affordable.
• Past Results: Helps students secure high marks in the creative section.
• Infrastructure: Traditional art studio.
• Availability: Offline.
• Pros: Best for improving hand-skills and color theory.
• Cons: Doesn’t cover the GAT (Maths/English) portion.
• Best For: Students who need to start from zero in sketching.

Rank 11: Vizag Institute of Fashion Technology (VIFT)

• Overview: While VIFT is a college, they offer short-term bridge courses for entrance exam preparation.
• Courses Offered: NIFT Entrance Crash Courses.
• Teaching Methodology: Academic and structured.
• Faculty Details: Internal college faculty.
• Fee Structure: Very reasonable.
• Past Results: Moderate.
• Infrastructure: College-grade labs.
• Availability: Offline.
• Pros: Direct exposure to a fashion college environment.
• Cons: Not their primary focus (primary focus is degree courses).
• Best For: Students wanting a “trial run” of fashion school life while preparing.

Comparison Table

Online vs Offline Coaching in Visakhapatnam

• Offline Coaching:
  • Pros: Face-to-face feedback on sketches, physical material handling for Situation Tests, and peer learning.
  • Cons: Fixed timings and travel time.
• Online Coaching:
  • Pros: Access to national-level faculty, flexible hours, and recorded sessions.
  • Cons: Harder to get instant feedback on physical 3D models.

Verdict: For NIFT/NID, a Hybrid model is best. Learn the concepts online and attend weekend workshops for sketching and model-making.

Average Fees for NIFT / NID Entrance Exams Coaching in Visakhapatnam

• Low Range: ₹20,000 – ₹30,000 (Local art tutors or crash courses).
• Medium Range: ₹35,000 – ₹50,000 (Standard classroom programs).
• Premium Range: ₹55,000 – ₹80,000+ (National brands with extensive study kits and AIR focus).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is the best coaching institute in Visakhapatnam for NIFT / NID?

MAD School and BRDS are currently the top-rated choices due to their specialized faculty and high selection rates.

2. What is the average fee for NIFT coaching in Vizag?

It typically ranges from ₹35,000 to ₹60,000 for a one-year program.

3. When should I start preparing for NID / NIFT?

Ideally, students start in Class 11 or early Class 12. However, intensive 3-month crash courses are also popular after Board exams.

4. Is online coaching enough to crack the NID Studio Test?

Online is great for the Prelims (written). For the Studio/Situation test, physical guidance on material handling is highly recommended.

5. Can a student from a non-arts background crack these exams?

Absolutely. Most design aspirants come from Science or Commerce backgrounds. Coaching centers start from the absolute basics.

6. Do these institutes provide study material?

Yes, most top-ranked institutes provide comprehensive books, sketching kits, and access to online portals.

7. Is there a big difference between NIFT and NID preparation?

NIFT focuses more on fashion, current trends, and speed. NID focuses more on problem-solving, storytelling, and deep conceptual thinking.

8. Are there any weekend batches for school-going students?

Yes, almost all centers in Vizag (MAD School, BRDS, SILICA) offer specialized weekend batches.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

Cracking the NIFT or NID entrance exam is your first step into a world of glamour, innovation, and high-impact careers. In Visakhapatnam, you have excellent options:

• For the best overall results: Choose MAD School.
• For national-level competition: Go with BRDS.
• For personalized, budget-friendly coaching: Look at Colours Academy.

Preparation is 30% talent and 70% strategy. Choose an institute that aligns with your learning style and stay consistent with your practice.