Interior design has become a thriving career in In­dia, reflecting the nation’s growing focus on aes­thetics, functionality, and sustainability in living spaces. As urbanization accelerates and disposable incomes rise, the demand for skilled interior designers has surged. This trend has inspired many students to pur­sue specialized education in interior design, which blends creativity with technical proficiency to cater to modern needs.

Among the institutions paving the way for excellence in design education, Manav Rachna stands as a beacon of academic and professional innovation. Since its inception in 1997 as an engineering college, it has evolved into a multidisciplinary hub under the Manav Rachna Educa­tional Institutions (MREI) umbrella, offering programs across engineering, management, health sciences, law, hospitality, and design.

The School of Design at Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS) reflects this dynamic growth. Launched in 2002 in collaboration with Algonquin College, the School has grown into a vibrant center for design education. Its flagship B. Design pro­gram offers specializations in Interior Design, Commu­nication Design, Product Design, Fashion Design, and Animation & VFX Design. These programs integrate the­oretical knowledge with practical experiences, preparing students to excel in a rapidly evolving design industry.

Transformative Interior Design Education at Manav Rachna

Manav Rachna’s Interior Design program is renowned for its comprehensive and hands-on approach. The curricu­lum focuses on real-world applications, offering students exposure to live projects, site visits, and design challenges that simulate professional scenarios. Cutting-edge facil­ities like model-making labs equipped with laser cutters and 3D printers, a product design prototyping lab with CNC machines and carpentry tools, and advanced com­puter labs with the latest design software provide students with a solid technical foundation.

The program incorporates industry-standard tools such as AutoCAD and 3D modeling, ensuring students acquire the visualization and technical skills re­quired to succeed in the competitive design land­scape. Beyond technical proficiency, students are trained in career-focused areas like portfolio de­velopment, internships, and networking, which prepare them for diverse roles such as Design Consultant, Project Manager, and Exhibition Designer.

Entrepreneurship is another key focus, with training programs designed to help students launch their own studios or consultancies. Glob­al collaborations and exchange programs further enrich the learning experience, broadening stu­dents’ perspectives and equipping them for international opportunities.

Manav Rachna’s commitment to quality extends to its faculty, whose expertise ensures impactful learning

Excellence in Faculty and Curriculum

Manav Rachna’s commitment to quality extends to its fac­ulty, whose expertise ensures impactful learning. Facul­ty members are carefully selected for their academic and professional credentials, enriched by global exposure and innovative teaching methodologies. Many actively engage in research, contributing to peer-reviewed journals and participating in industry consultancy projects, ensuring students remain at the forefront of emerging trends.

The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect the latest industry requirements. It emphasizes a blend of theoretical and practical learning, encouraging students to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Workshops, faculty development programs, and indus­try-led initiatives ensure teaching methods stay relevant and impactful. Faculty members also guide students in de­veloping a unique design identity, fostering both technical proficiency and creative expression.

The School’s robust industry connections play a cru­cial role in shaping students’ professional readiness. Col­laborations with leading design studios and professionals provide internships, live projects, and mentorship oppor­tunities. Regular guest lectures, masterclasses, and panel discussions by industry stalwarts keep students abreast of the latest trends and technologies, bridging the gap be­tween academia and the real world.

Achievements and Competitive Excellence

Students from the School of Design have consistently showcased their talent and creativity on prestigious plat­forms. In 2023 and 2024, they presented innovative ideas at the Society Interiors Design Competition & Awards, a testament to their skill and ingenuity. They also excelled at the Amity Design Fest - Furniture Design Competi­tion, blending functionality with aesthetics in their proj­ects.

Closer to home, the students participated in the Fur­niture Design Competition organized by the School of Design at MRIIRS in 2024, demonstrating their com­mand over the principles of design and innovation. These achievements highlight the institution’s commitment to nurturing excellence and providing platforms for students to gain recognition in the competitive design landscape.

Industry-Driven Education and Advisory Excellence

The School of Design at Manav Rachna places strong em­phasis on industry readiness through its practice-oriented curriculum. Developed in collaboration with industry ex­perts, the curriculum integrates live case studies, collab­orative projects, and internships to ensure students gain hands-on experience in solving practical design challeng­es.

“An Elite Advisory Board, featuring luminaries such as Kohelika Kohli, Payal Jain, Sheetal Rakheja, and Hemant Sud, ensures the curriculum stays aligned with current in­dustry standards. This dynamic approach integrates criti­cal thinking with technical expertise, enabling students to meet evolving professional demands with confidence”, adds Dr. Shruti Jain, Director, School of Design & Associate Professor.

The School also organizes design competitions and ex­hibitions to encourage students to showcase their talents. These events provide invaluable opportunities to receive feedback from peers and professionals while gaining ex­posure to contemporary trends. Partnerships with global universities and industry leaders further enrich students’ learning experiences, preparing them for a globally inter­connected workplace.

Holistic Development and Interdisciplinary Learning

At Manav Rachna, education extends beyond the classroom. Programs like MR Impact allow students to collaborate with campus departments, gaining real-world experience that enhances their practical skills. A strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning helps students combine insights from various domains, fostering creative problem-solving abilities.

Extracurricular activities such as sports, cultural pro­grams, and community outreach initiatives nurture leader­ship and social responsibility. This holistic approach ensures students graduate as well-rounded individuals equipped to make meaningful contributions to society.

Advancing Design Education for the Future

Manav Rachna remains dedicated to advancing design ed­ucation with a forward-thinking vision. Plans to introduce interdisciplinary programs like UX/UI design, invest in virtual and augmented reality labs, and emphasize sustain­ability-focused, project-based learning reflect the institu­tion’s commitment to innovation.

The integration of cutting-edge technologies such as AI, machine learning, and data visualization into the curricu­lum enables students to explore the intersections of cre­ativity and technology. Design research and user-centric methodologies encourage students to create solutions that are both innovative and practical.

Global collaborations and exchange programs are also expanding, offering students diverse cultural and profes­sional insights. By fostering adaptability and a global out­look, Manav Rachna prepares students to excel in emerging fields within the design industry.

A Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 1997, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions (MREI) stand as a symbol of excellence in education, pro­viding high-quality learning across diverse fields. With over 41,000 alumni, 120+ global academic collaborations, and 80+ Innovation & Incubation Entrepreneurial Ventures, MREI is home to premier institutions, including Manav Rachna University (MRU), Manav Rachna International Institute of Research & Studies (MRIIRS) – NAAC A++ Accredited, and Manav Rachna Dental College (under MRIIRS) – NABH Accredited. MREI also operates twelve schools nationwide, offering Indian and International cur­ricula such as IB and Cambridge. Consistently ranked among the top in India by NIRF-MHRD, TOI, Outlook, Business World, ARIIA, and Careers360, MREI's achievements re­flect its commitment to quality education. MRIIRS holds QS 5-Star ratings for Teaching, Employability, Academic Development, Facilities, Social Responsibility, and Inclu­siveness. MRIIRS has entered the Top 100 Universities list in the NIRF Rankings 2024 with Rank 92 and was placed 38 in the Dental Category.

Through its state-of-the-art facilities, innovative curric­ulum, experienced faculty, and strong industry ties, the School of Design at MRIIRS nurtures creativity, technical expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit. By combining these elements with a focus on sustainability and social impact, Manav Rachna empowers students to shape the future of design as visionary professionals.