Interior Designing Colleges in Mumbai

Mumbai is one of India’s most “live” design classrooms. In one day you can walk past the UNESCO-listed Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles around Oval Maidan, then land in BKC or Lower Parel where glass-and-steel offices, hospitality spaces, and high-end residences are constantly being redesigned for new lifestyles and new work cultures. It’s also a city where built environment activity doesn’t slow down. Knight Frank’s H2 2025 report coverage notes that Mumbai remained India’s largest residential market in 2025. Add to that the city’s expanding transit and infrastructure, like the 33.5 km Metro Line 3 corridor!

That’s why choosing among interior designing colleges in Mumbai can be a smart move, but also a confusing one. Every institute promises “industry-ready” learning. This guide helps you shortlist with clarity by covering fees, short-term courses, diplomas, online options, master’s programmes, and nearby choices like Thane, so you can pick a path that actually leads to a strong portfolio and real opportunities.

Shortlist of Interior Designing Colleges in Mumbai

Below is a curated shortlist (not an official ranking) based on what typically matters most to students: portfolio output, industry exposure, courses to study after 12th, and brand recognition. For a broader directory-style list, you can also cross-check education portals that list Mumbai options.

Why Pearl Academy is a strong “top pick” for many students

If your goal is a full undergraduate design degree with studio-based learning, portfolio-led outcomes, and a clear career runway, Pearl Academy’s B.Des in Interior Architectural Design is worth exploring. The programme is positioned around blending design principles, functionality, and technical skills for real environments, and Pearl also highlights scholarship support for applicants.

If you’re comparing degree options, it helps to review the curriculum structure, eligibility, and career pathways of Pearl Academy’s B.Des in Interior Architectural Design while you shortlist colleges.

What are the fees of an interior designing course in Mumbai?

Fees vary a lot because “interior design” can mean different formats: a 4-year B.Des, a government diploma, a 6–12 month certificate, or an online programme. The ranges below are meant to help you plan your budget; always confirm the latest fee structure directly with the institute.

Typical fee ranges by course type (Mumbai region)

Pro tip for parents/students: Don’t compare fees without comparing outcomes. Ask each college:

• How many studio projects will you finish?
• Do you graduate with a portfolio + working drawings?
• What software skills are included (AutoCAD, SketchUp, etc.)?
• Is there internship support?

Short term interior design courses in Mumbai

Short-term courses are popular because they’re faster, lower commitment, and useful for:

• students exploring interior design before committing to a degree
• working professionals wanting a pivot
• architects/civil engineers wanting interior specialisation
• people building a portfolio for admissions or internships

What a good short-term course should include

Look for these must-haves (otherwise you’ll finish the course but still feel “not job-ready”):

• Space planning basics (zoning, circulation, ergonomics)
• Materials + finishes understanding
• Lighting fundamentals
• Software exposure (even introductory)
• A portfolio output: at least 2–3 presentable projects

Examples of short-format pathways (Mumbai + hybrid)

Pearl Academy’s Styling for Interiors Certificate Course is not just a program—it’s a transformative journey that equips you with the skills, confidence, and creative mindset to excel in interior design. 

This interior design course with certificate offers a perfect mix of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Key areas include:

• Design Principles: Understand the foundations of balance, harmony, and proportion.
• Styling Techniques: Master the art of creating visually stunning and cohesive interiors.
• Colour Theory: Learn how to evoke emotions and create impactful designs using color.
• Material Knowledge: Discover the best materials and finishes for various spaces.
• Digital Tools: Gain proficiency in industry-standard design software like AutoCAD and SketchUp. 

Institutes like JD Institute of Fashion Technology also offer 6-month certificate format (including weekend models). You’ll also find 6-month certificate options advertised by private institutes like Le Mark Institute.

Student checklist (ask before you enroll):

1. Will I build a portfolio project I can show on Day 1 of internship interviews?
2. Will I learn at least one tool (AutoCAD / SketchUp / basic rendering) enough to produce outputs?
3. Will I get feedback like a studio (iterations), not just lectures?

With the right course choices, internships, projects, and industry-exposure, the time’s not far when you too can feature in the respectable cohort of India’s best interior designers.

Diploma in Interior design colleges in Mumbai

A diploma is often the sweet spot for students who want more structure than a short course but don’t want (or can’t commit to) a full 4-year degree.

Two diploma pathways you’ll commonly see

1) Government/board-affiliated diplomas:
For example, L.S. Raheja School of Architecture offers a Government Diploma in Interior Design with full-time and part-time formats and mentions MSBTE affiliation/recognition.

2) Institutional diplomas/certificates (private or autonomous formats):
Some institutes list diploma options and fee ranges across Mumbai on education portals, which can help you compare course duration and tuition quickly.

A note on diploma reforms (why it matters)

Maharashtra has been aligning certain art diploma structures with NEP 2020—reducing duration in some cases and changing foundation-course requirements. While policies vary by programme and institute, it’s a reminder to verify latest duration/eligibility for diploma routes during admission season.

What to prioritise in a diploma (so it leads to jobs)

• Working drawings + detailing (not only “moodboards”)
• Material knowledge + site realities
• Execution orientation: timelines, vendor coordination, budgeting basics
• A portfolio that shows both concept and technical depth

Online interior design course in Mumbai

If you’re balancing college, work, or family responsibilities, online courses can be a practical entry point, especially for fundamentals, software learning, and portfolio projects.

When online works best

Online learning is useful if:

• you’re disciplined with deadlines
• you want to learn tools and workflows
• you want structured briefs and critique

What to look for in an online interior design course

• Live critiques (not only recorded videos)
• Structured briefs + deadlines
• A final portfolio output
• Mentor support + iterations
• Clear skill outcomes (what exactly you can do by the end)

Reality check: Online will not replace the “site learning” you gain from real execution—but it can be a strong foundation, especially if paired with internships, freelance shadowing, or studio projects.

Master’s in interior design colleges in Mumbai

A master’s can make sense if you want to:

• specialise (sustainability, retail, workspace, hospitality)
• move toward leadership roles (design management, strategy)
• shift into teaching/research or advanced practice

Common master’s routes you’ll see

• M.Des in Interior Design / Spatial Design
• M.Sc-style design routes (varies by institute)
• Interdisciplinary design master’s (with interior as a focus)

For example, Pearl Academy offers an M.Des in Interior Design positioned as advanced learning in form + function, with emphasis on materials, tools, technology, and sustainability.
Directory listings can help you spot which institutes offer M.Des options in Mumbai (always validate on official institute pages).

Who should strongly consider a master’s?

• You already have a design foundation and want a deeper edge
• You want to build a niche (workplace strategy, healthcare interiors, retail experience)
• You’re aiming for design leadership or consulting roles

Interior Design courses Thane

If Mumbai fees feel high or commuting is a factor, Thane can be a practical alternative—often with more local institutes offering diplomas/certificates and a slightly different cost profile.

Education portals list multiple interior design options in Thane (including course/fee filters), which can help you build a shortlist quickly.

How to choose Thane vs Mumbai (quick logic)

Choose Thane if:

• you want a nearby campus + easier commute
• you’re looking at shorter courses or diploma pathways
• budget is a stronger constraint

Choose Mumbai if:

• you want wider exposure to studios, firms, and internships
• you’re targeting premium residential/commercial markets early
• networking and site learning are priorities

Career scope after interior design in Mumbai: roles and salary reality

Mumbai has demand across residential, retail, hospitality, and workplace design—plus a growing ecosystem of studios, contractors, vendors, and visualisation teams, opening multiple interior design career avenues.

Common job roles

• Junior Interior Designer / Design Associate
• Space Planner
• 3D Visualiser
• Site Coordinator / Execution Coordinator
• Furniture & Lighting Specialist (niche)
• Set/Exhibition Designer (adjacent path)

Salary expectations (rough, varies by skill + portfolio)

Salary ranges vary widely by city, experience, and role. Education platforms commonly cite entry-level monthly ranges and higher earning potential with experience and freelancing.
Treat salary as a portfolio game more than a “degree game”—your first 2–3 projects can change your trajectory.

How to choose the best interior designing college in Mumbai for you

Instead of chasing a “top 10,” use this shortlist method:

The 7-question shortlist checklist

1. Do students graduate with 8–12 strong portfolio pieces or just assignments?
2. Is the course studio-led with critique and iterations?
3. Is there technical depth (drawings, details, materials, BOQs)?
4. What software is taught—and do students actually use it in projects?
5. Are there real briefs, site exposure, or internships?
6. Who teaches: active practitioners or only academic faculty?
7. What do alumni do 1–2 years after graduating?

Where Pearl Academy fits in

If your priority is undergraduate program, postgraduate program, or even certificate program designed around portfolio development and career readiness, you can explore Pearl Academy’s Interior Designs Programs and evaluate it against the checklist above (curriculum, studios, outcomes, scholarships).

If you’re serious about design as a career, it’s worth comparing the course structure and studio outputs of Pearl’s B.Des Interior Architectural Design/M.Des. in Interior Design/Styling for Interiors Professional Course, with other Mumbai options before you decide.

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Conclusion

It’s normal to feel stuck while searching for interior designing colleges in Mumbai. There are too many options and too much marketing. The shortcut is to choose based on outcomes: portfolio quality, technical depth, real briefs, and internship exposure, not just the brand name.

Once you shortlist 3–5 institutes, compare them by course type (degree/diploma/certificate), fees, and the kind of work students produce. Choose accordingly!

FAQs: Interior Designing Colleges in Mumbai

Q1. Which are the best interior designing colleges in Mumbai?

Ans: “Best” depends on your goal—degree vs diploma vs short course. A practical shortlist includes institutes offering strong studio training and recognised pathways (e.g., Pearl Academy, Rachana Sansad, L.S. Raheja’s government diploma route).

Q2. What is the average fee for interior design courses in Mumbai?

Ans: It varies widely: short courses can start from tens of thousands, while degree programmes can run into several lakhs or more depending on the institute and duration. Use fee ranges as a guide, then confirm institute-wise.

Q3. Are short-term interior design courses worth it?

Ans: They’re worth it if they produce portfolio outputs and teach practical tools. If the course is mostly theory with no projects, you may finish with knowledge but not employable proof.

Q4. Can I do interior design online and still get a job?

Ans: Yes, if your online course helps you build a strong portfolio and you supplement it with internships, freelance projects, or on-site exposure. Look for live critique and real briefs in online formats.

Q5. Is a diploma better than a certificate?

Ans: A diploma typically gives you more depth and time to build skills than a certificate. But a strong certificate with real projects can still be valuable—especially for career switchers.

Q6. Is a master’s necessary in interior design?

Ans: Not always. A master’s helps if you want specialisation, leadership roles, or deeper research-driven practice. Otherwise, portfolio + experience can be enough.

Q7. Are there good interior design options near Mumbai (like Thane)?

Ans: Yes, Thane has multiple institutes listed across portals offering interior design courses. It can be a convenient alternative depending on commute and budget.