While the NID and IITs set the highest bar, these two institutions are truly in a league of their own, largely due to their legacy. However, equally strong alternatives exist: institutes like Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) and MIT Institute of Design (MITID) are excellent, offering focused B.Des specializations. Additionally, CEPT University and Srishti Manipal provide unique, specialized design contexts. Ultimately, while the college reputation opens doors, the portfolio you build during your degree speaks for itself and matters far more.