NIFT Hyderabad’s graduation project show 2025 blends tradition with trend

Hyderabad: The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Hyderabad held its Graduation Project Show 2025 at the HICC Novotel on Thursday, drawing attention to the next generation of Indian design talent.

The event marked the culmination of intensive academic training across diverse disciplines, with graduating students presenting original research and creative projects before peers, industry professionals, and invited guests.

“This is more than a display of garments or visuals,” said Prof. Malini D, director of NIFT Hyderabad. “It’s a testament to the transformative power of design education—a voice of a generation ready to impact the global fashion and lifestyle industries.”

Final projects across seven departments

This year’s graduating batch featured projects from seven departments, ranging from Fashion Design to Knitwear, Textile, Communication, Fashion & Lifestyle Accessories, Fashion Technology and Fashion Management Studies.

In the Fashion Design stream alone, 44 students showcased 27 graduation projects and 17 curated design collections—each reflecting a distinct design philosophy, industry relevance, and academic rigour.

Thematically, the showcase included explorations of sustainable fashion, craft revival, body inclusivity, and digital design, illustrating the spectrum of modern design education.

Influential guests and recognition

Guests of honour at the event included senior government officials and civic leaders such as Santhi Kumari (Director General, MCR HRD Institute), Divya (CEO, SERP), Shikha Goel (DGP-CID), and Alugu Varshini (Social Welfare Officer).

They praised the institution’s efforts in creating socially conscious, professionally prepared designers. “Institutions like NIFT don’t just produce graduates—they build thinkers and changemakers who can bring design into governance, sustainability, and livelihoods,” said Divya, CEO of SERP.

Admissions, seats, and student profile

Founded in 1999, NIFT Hyderabad currently offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs with a total seat intake of approximately 778 students. The seat distribution is as follows:

- Fashion Design: 141 seats

- Fashion Communication: 132 seats

- Textile Design: 127 seats

- Knitwear Design: 121 seats

- Fashion & Lifestyle Accessories: 110 seats

- Fashion Technology (Apparel Production): 109 seats

- Master of Fashion Management (MFM): 38 seats

Admission is conducted through a national-level exam administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), followed by creative ability tests, situation tests, and a centralised counselling process.

Although it is a nationally sought-after institution, only 10% of students come from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, a trend attributed to limited awareness about career paths in fashion and design. “We are working on outreach to local schools and colleges to bridge this gap,” said Dr M Annaji Sarma, faculty at NIFT.

Popular programs and demand trends

Among the most in-demand programs are Fashion Design, Fashion Communication, and Textile Design. Students choose these streams for their creative scope, career pathways, and exposure to both traditional and contemporary applications.

“Fashion Communication, in particular, is attracting students who want to blend design with digital storytelling and branding,” said Prof. Malini D. “It reflects where the industry is headed.”

The institute also sees an 85:15 female-to-male ratio, consistent with broader trends in design education across India.

Institutional initiatives and collaborations

NIFT Hyderabad engages in several academic and industry-led initiatives:

- Women Acceleration Program (WAP) in partnership with WE Hub empowers women entrepreneurs in fashion.

- Craft-Based Curriculum integrates local traditions through collaborations with Shilparamam, the cultural crafts village.

- Industry partnerships offer hands-on experience through internships and live projects with top fashion houses, textile mills, and sustainability-focused startups.

These initiatives aim to create a curriculum that is responsive to both global trends and local contexts.

A platform for the future

The Graduation Project Show reaffirmed NIFT Hyderabad’s role as a platform for experimentation, dialogue, and transition from student to professional. “The ability to communicate ideas visually, ethically, and strategically is what sets NIFT students apart,” said a jury panel member attending the show.

As the spotlight turns to the graduating batch of 2025, the institute continues to serve as a bridge between tradition and innovation—preparing students not just to enter the industry, but to reshape it.