Choosing between two powerhouses of design education is no small feat. If you are researching Pearl Academy vs ISDI, you are likely looking for a curriculum that balances creative freedom with rigorous industry standards. Both institutions have carved out significant reputations in India’s creative landscape, but they offer distinct "vibes," global archetypes, and industry pipelines.
In this guide, we break down everything from fee structures and campus life in Mumbai to placement records and portfolio requirements to help you decide which path aligns with your 2026 career goals.
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When asking "which is better," the answer depends entirely on your priority: legacy and pan-India presence versus a boutique, industry-integrated model in the heart of India's commercial capital.
Pearl Academy may suit you if:
- You want an institution with over 30 years of legacy and a massive alumni network across fashion, design, and media.
- You are looking for multiple campus options (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Jaipur) to suit your lifestyle.
- Your goal is a deeply structured "Total Learning System" that emphasizes tech-enabled creative education.
- You value international exposure through established global partnerships and exchange programs.
ISDI (Atlas SkillTech University) may suit you if:
- You want to be based in Mumbai, specifically within a "Vertical Campus" environment that mimics a corporate setting.
- You prefer a curriculum heavily influenced by the Parsons School of Design (New York) pedagogy.
- Your focus is on "SkillTech" the intersection of design, technology, and business management.
- You thrive in a high-energy, boutique environment with frequent access to Mumbai’s business elite.
Note: The right choice can vary significantly by program, campus, and the specific career track you’re targeting.
Comparison Snapshot (2026)
This table provides a high-level view of the key dimensions for both institutions to help you make a quick assessment.
| Dimension | Pearl Academy | ISDI (Atlas SkillTech) |
| Institution Type | Private Professional Institute | Private University (SkillTech) |
| Campuses | Delhi (West/South), Mumbai, Jaipur, Bengaluru | Mumbai (Kurla/BKC area) |
| Program Breadth | UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate | UG, PG, Professional Programs |
| Admissions | General Proficiency Test (GPT) + Design Aptitude Test (DAT) | Personal Interview & Portfolio Showcase | DAT (Test) + Portfolio + Interview |
| Fee Range | ₹5 Lakhs – ₹8 Lakhs per annum | ₹6 Lakhs – ₹9 Lakhs per annum |
| Industry Signal | Global Mentors, Live Projects | Industry-on-Campus, Internships |
| Best Fit | Diverse creative careers & legacy | Design-Business intersection |
For students specifically looking at Pearl Academy vs ISDI Mumbai, the choice often comes down to the campus ecosystem.
Pearl Academy Mumbai is located in Andheri, providing students with immediate proximity to the heart of the media and entertainment industry. This location is a powerhouse for fashion and communication students who need to be near production houses and design studios.
ISDI (Atlas SkillTech University) operates from a modern vertical campus in the Kurla/BKC area. This setup is designed to feel less like a traditional school and more like a professional hub. It is ideal for students who want to be immersed in the business-centric atmosphere of Mumbai’s commercial district.
- Pearl Advantage: Better access to the "bohemian" and "creative" clusters of Mumbai.
- ISDI Advantage: Integration into a broader tech and business university ecosystem.
Both institutions offer a wide array of courses, but their strengths lie in different specializations.
| Institutions | UG Programs | PG Programs |
| Pearl Academy | - B.Des. in Textile Design
- B.Des. in Fashion Styling
- B.Des. in Fashion Design
- B.Des. in Fashion Communication
- B.Des. in Communication Design
- B.Des. in Product Design
- B.Des. in Interior Architectural Design
- BBA, with a choice of 2 specialisations: Advertising and Brand Management and Media and Entertainment Management
- BBA, Global Luxury Brand Management
- BBA, Fashion & Lifestyle Business Management
| - M.Des. in Communication Design
- M.Des. in Product Design
- M.Des. in Fashion Styling
- M.Des. in Fashion Design
- M.Des. in Fashion Communication
- M.Des. in Interior Design
- MBA, with a choice of 2 specialisations: Advertising and Brand Management and Media and Entertainment Management
- MBA in Global Luxury Brand Management
- MBA in Fashion and Lifestyle Business Management
|
| ISDI | - B.Des. in Communication Design (Digital Media & Creative Technology)
- B.Des. in Fashion Design (Fashion Innovation & Design Futures)
- B.Des. in Fashion Communication & Styling (Fashion Media & Creative Direction)
- B.Des. in Interior Design (Spatial Design & Built Environments)
- B.Des. in Product Design (Creative Engineering)
- B.Des. in Strategic Design Management (Design Strategy & Innovation Leadership)B.Des. in Animation & VFX (Digital Animation & Visual Effects)
| - M.Des. in Communication Design (Digital Media & Creative Technology)
- M.Des. in Fashion Design (Fashion Innovation & Design Futures)
- M.Des. in Fashion Communication & Styling (Fashion Media & Creative Direction)
- M.Des. in Interior Design (Spatial Design & Built Environments)
- M.Des. in Product Design (Creative Engineering)
- M.Des. in Animation & VFX (Digital Animation & Visual Effects)
- Postgraduate Program in Design & Innovation (PGP-DI)
- MBA in Digital Marketing and Strategic Transformation (MBA DMST)
|
Key Differentiators
- Pearl Academy: Known for its "School of Creative Practice" and "School of Fashion," Pearl offers a highly documented pedagogy that focuses on "Learning how to Learn."
- ISDI: Differentiates itself through its partnership with Parsons and a curriculum that leans heavily into the business of design and entrepreneurship.
If you're looking for a curriculum that has been refined over decades with deep industry roots, you can explore specialized programs at Pearl Academy to see how they align with your portfolio.
Design education is an investment in your personal brand and technical skill set. Here is a breakdown of what to expect for the 2026 academic year.
Total Cost Breakdown (Estimated)
| Component | Pearl Academy | ISDI | Included? |
| Tuition Fee | ₹4.5L - ₹7L (Avg/yr) | ₹5.5L - ₹8L (Avg/yr) | Yes |
| One-time Charges | Registration & Security | Admission Fee | Yes |
| Studio/Materials | Variable by project | Variable by project | No |
| Hostel/Housing | Available (Partnered) | Available (Partnered) | No |
Scholarships:
Pearl Academy (UG)
- NIFT Rank Scholarship (2026): Fee waiver on first-year semester fees based on NIFT 2026 rank: 50% (1–100), 30% (101–500), 20% (501–1000). Limited and first-year only.
- Board Merit Scholarship: For Class 12 ≥ 90.01%; waiver on first-year semester fees: 50% (≥95%), 25% (90.01–94.99%).
- Defence Background: 10% waiver on first-year semester fees for eligible applicants (limited seats).
ISDI
- Provides merit-based scholarships and financial aid for students with exceptional design aptitude or financial need.
Securing a seat at either institution requires more than just good grades. It is about your creative potential.
- Application: Both require an online application.
- Entrance Test: Details listed below
The Pearl Academy Entrance Exam is divided into sections, each designed to assess different skill sets.
| Program | Section | Duration |
| All Bachelor’s, Master’s Fashion, Interiors, Product & Communication Design Programs | GPT + DAT General Proficiency Test (GPT) + Design Aptitude Test (DAT) | Personal Interview & Portfolio Showcase | 90 mins of Exam + 30 mins of Personal Interview |
| All Bachelor’s, Master’s Business Programs | General Proficiency Test (GPT) | 60 mins of Exam + 30 mins of Personal Interview |
Below is the structured breakdown of the entrance process of ISDI for the 2026 academic cycle:
| Component | Weightage | Duration / Requirement | Key Evaluation Areas |
| Portfolio / Design Project | 40% | 8–10 pieces of work | Creativity, technical skill, and original design concepts. Submitted in PDF/JPG format. |
| Online Design Aptitude Test (DAT) | 30% | 60 Minutes (100 Marks) | MCQs on General Awareness, Analytical & Logical Reasoning, and Storytelling. |
| Online Interview | 30% | 25 Minutes | Communication skills, creative mindset, and passion for the chosen design field. |
- Portfolio Evaluation: This is the most critical stage. You must showcase a range of work—from sketches to digital projects.
- Personal Interview: A discussion about your inspirations, career goals, and the "why" behind your portfolio.
Note: Admissions outcomes depend on portfolio quality, interview performance, and program demand.
ISDI, now part of Atlas SkillTech University, is frequently ranked among the top emerging design schools in India. While it is younger than Pearl, its association with Parsons School of Design has given it a massive boost in global and domestic rankings.
There is no single "No. 1" school as rankings vary by agency (India Today, Outlook, etc.). However, Pearl Academy is consistently ranked among the top private design institutes for its industry influence and placement records. ISDI often leads in the "Innovation" and "Emerging Infrastructure" categories.
The ultimate goal of design school is a career. Both schools have robust placement cells, but the "recruiter mix" differs slightly.
Outcomes Snapshot (2025 Data)
- Pearl Academy: 99%+ placement rate in key programs like Fashion and Communication Design. Graduates often land roles at top design houses, retail giants, and digital agencies.
- ISDI: Strong placement in Mumbai-based startups, luxury brands, and corporate design departments.
Top Recruiter Sectors:
- Fashion/Lifestyle: Aditya Birla Fashion, Reliance Brands, Anita Dongre.
- UX/Digital/Product: Accenture, IBM, Google (for top-tier UI/UX).
- Retail/Business: Shoppers Stop, Landmark Group.
Required Note: Career outcomes in creative fields depend on portfolio quality, specialization fit, and individual capability.
If you browse Pearl Academy vs ISDI Quora threads, you’ll find a recurring theme:
- On Pearl: Students praise the "life-changing" exposure of the graduating fashion show and the intense, studio-based learning that prepares them for the grind of the industry.
- On ISDI: Students highlight the "modernity" of the campus and the networking opportunities that come with being in a "SkillTech" university.
![Student Guidance Center: Our Counselors are Just a Click Away.]( "Student Guidance Center: Our Counselors are Just a Click Away.")
Student Guidance Center: Our Counselors are Just a Click Away.
The choice between Pearl Academy vs ISDI shouldn't be about which school is "better" in a vacuum, but which one acts as a better catalyst for your specific talent.
- If you value a time-tested legacy, a massive network, and multiple location options, Pearl Academy is likely your fit.
- If you want a corporate-style, tech-integrated experience in Mumbai with a Parsons-aligned curriculum, ISDI is likely your fit.
Next Steps:
- Verify Program Pages: Check the specific curriculum for your year of entry.
- Confirm Fees: Download the latest fee sheet as these are subject to annual changes.
- Review Portfolio Checklist: Start building your body of work based on the school's specific requirements.
Ready to start your creative journey? View the portfolio guide and explore programs at Pearl Academy to take the first step toward your 2026 application.
Editorial Note
This blog does not rank or promote any institution. It is intended to help students understand structural and academic differences so they can make informed, individual decisions
Q1. Pearl Academy vs ISDI: which is better for Fashion Design in 2026?
Ans: Pearl Academy generally holds a stronger legacy in Fashion Design with deeper industry ties to the garment and retail sector. However, ISDI is excellent for those looking at luxury brand management and contemporary fashion in Mumbai.
Q2. How important is the portfolio for admission at Pearl Academy vs ISDI?
Ans: It is arguably the most important component. While entrance tests check your aptitude, the portfolio demonstrates your unique creative voice and technical potential to both institutions.
Q3. What are the admission stages for each?
Ans: Both follow a similar path: a written entrance exam (PAF for Pearl, DAT for ISDI), followed by a portfolio evaluation and a personal interview.
Q4. Which offers stronger industry exposure for UX/UI Design?
Ans: Both are strong, but Pearl’s School of Creative Practice has a long-standing history of digital design placements, while ISDI benefits from being in Mumbai’s tech-startup hub.
Q5. Are there scholarships available at both?
Ans: Yes, both schools offer merit-based scholarships. Pearl has the "Who's Next" scholarship, while ISDI (Atlas) offers merit and need-based financial aid.
