School of Fashion Technology

What School of Fashion Technology does

SOFT is a non-profit women's fashion education institution established in 1998 in Pune, India, operating under Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Samstha (MKSSS), a women's education society founded in 1896. The institute delivers five four-year B.Design specializations (Fashion Design, Fashion Communication, Textile Design, Jewellery Design, and Interdisciplinary Design), a two-year M.Design Interdisciplinary program, and an autonomous postgraduate diploma in Fashion Design & Merchandising. All degree programs are affiliated with SNDT Women's University, Mumbai, with M.Design intake capped at 30 students annually. SOFT also partners with Pearson for a Digital Design program and operates a Nagpur campus offering MSBTE diplomas, MSBVE certificates, and short courses. Instructional infrastructure centers on CAD/CAM-equipped design studios, a computer center, pattern-making and garment construction labs, a library with fashion forecast services, and hostel facilities.

The revenue model is tuition-driven with no public funding rounds. M.Design fees are disclosed at Rs. 2,00,000/year (~USD 2,400); B.Design and other program fees are not publicly listed and prospective students are directed to contact the admissions department. Monetization spans four streams: affiliated degree programs (subscription/recurring), autonomous diploma programs, MSBTE/MSBVE-recognized vocational programs at the Nagpur campus, and short-duration certificate courses (one-time license). Distribution is direct and campus-based; the admissions funnel routes through a Common Entrance Test, studio/aptitude tests, and personal interviews, supported by CET campaigns, brochure distribution, and an online enquiry portal.

SOFT differentiates through NAAC 'A' Grade accreditation (2024-2027), AICTE approval, international academic partnerships with seven-plus institutions across Italy, UK, and Hungary, and the Green Fashion India (GFI) platform for sustainable fashion. Industry memberships include IFFTI, FDCI, CMAI, SDC, and ADI; documented placements include Myntra, Landmark Group, Trident Group, and CaratLane Designathon 2025. The institute was ranked #6 in the Outlook-ICARE 2026 rankings among India's top 25 private fashion design institutes and reports a 100% pass-out rate on its public website.

Name

School of Fashion Technology

Legal name

Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Samstha's School of Fashion Technology

Website

https://soft.ac.in

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

SOFT is a non-profit women's fashion education institution in India with Pune and Nagpur campuses, offering B.Design, M.Design, diploma, and certificate programs affiliated with SNDT Women's University and a Green Fashion India sustainability platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Pune

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees - Degree Programs: Revenue generated from tuition fees for undergraduate (B.Design) and postgraduate (M.Design) degree programs affiliated with SNDT Women's University. M.Design fees are Rs.2,00,000/year. B.Design program fees are not publicly disclosed on the website.
2. Autonomous Diploma Programs: Revenue from autonomous post-graduate diploma programs in Fashion Design & Merchandising offered independently by the institute alongside university-affiliated programs.
3. Short Courses and Certificate Programs: Revenue from short-duration courses including 6-month fast track courses, 3-month dress making courses, 1-month fabric art courses, design studio management, fashion photography, and fashion styling courses at the Nagpur campus.
4. MSBTE Diploma Programs: Revenue from MSBTE-recognised 2-year diploma courses and 1-year MSBVE certificate courses offered at the Nagpur campus.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

SOFT is a fashion design education institution offering four-year Bachelor of Design (B.Design) programs in Fashion Design, Fashion Communication, Textile Design, Jewellery Design, and Interdisciplinary Design, plus a two-year M.Design Interdisciplinary postgraduate program, all affiliated with SNDT Women's University, Mumbai. It also delivers an autonomous Post-Graduate Diploma in Fashion Design & Merchandising, MSBTE diplomas and MSBVE certificates at the Nagpur campus, and short courses. The institute sells tuition-based educational services to prospective students delivered through physical campuses in Pune and Nagpur.

Product overview

MKSSS's School of Fashion Technology (SOFT) is a premier fashion education institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate design programs. The core educational offerings include five Bachelor of Design specializations (Fashion Design, Fashion Communication, Textile Design, Jewellery Design, and Interdisciplinary Design) and one M.Design Interdisciplinary postgraduate program. Additionally, an autonomous Post-Graduate Diploma in Fashion Design & Merchandising provides specialized industry-focused training. All undergraduate programs are four-year degrees affiliated with SNDT Women's University, Mumbai, while the M.Design is a two-year postgraduate program. SOFT also runs Green Fashion India (GFI), a sustainability-focused initiative that serves as a platform for promoting green fashion practices through conferences, exhibitions, and industry collaborations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design A four-year undergraduate degree program providing comprehensive education in fashion design, covering drawing, technical drawing, draping, sewing techniques, CAD, fashion illustration, textile studies, pattern making, fashion marketing and merchandising, and responsible approaches towards environment and society. Targeted at women students who have completed XIIth (10+2) in any stream.
• Bachelor of Design in Fashion Communication A four-year undergraduate degree focusing on fashion media, branding, visual communication, and styling, preparing students for careers in graphic design, fashion advertising, photography, package design, and visual merchandising. Targets women students who have completed 10+2 and wish to enter fashion media and communication fields.
• Bachelor of Design in Textile Design A four-year undergraduate program covering fabric development, surface ornamentation, textile pattern creation, and sustainable practices, integrating traditional techniques with technology. Targets women students aiming for careers in textile design, surface exploration, and craft research.
• Bachelor of Design in Jewellery Design A four-year undergraduate program providing in-depth knowledge of jewellery design, CAD, gemology, production techniques, merchandising strategies, and retail management in the jewellery industry. Targets women students aspiring to careers in jewellery design, manufacturing, and merchandising.
• Bachelor of Design Interdisciplinary An interdisciplinary undergraduate program integrating multiple design disciplines including graphic design, industrial design, fashion design, and gemology, fostering innovation and equipping students with diverse skills aligned with NEP 2020's multidisciplinary framework. Targets women students seeking broad-based design education.
• M.Design (Interdisciplinary) A two-year postgraduate degree offering panoramic higher education across multiple design disciplines, focusing on fashion design, textile design, fashion management, fashion communication, jewellery design, and sustainable fashion with emphasis on research, dissertation, and industry projects. Targets women graduates (B.Design, B.Sc, B.A, BFA, B.Tech or equivalent) seeking advanced specialization and leadership roles.
• Autonomous Post-Graduate Diploma in Fashion Design & Merchandising An autonomous postgraduate diploma program providing comprehensive education in fashion design and merchandising, offered independently of university affiliation. Targets learners seeking industry-focused training in fashion design and merchandising without a formal university degree pathway.
• MSBTE Diploma and MSBVE Certificate Programs (Nagpur Campus) MSBTE-recognised 2-year diploma courses and 1-year MSBVE certificate courses in Fashion Design offered at the SOFT Nagpur campus. Targets students in the Vidarbha region seeking Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education qualifications in fashion design.
• Short Courses and Certificate Programs (Nagpur Campus) Short-duration certificate and skill-building courses including 6-month fast track courses, 3-month dress making courses, 1-month fabric art courses, design studio management, fashion photography, and fashion styling courses offered at the SOFT Nagpur campus. Targets working professionals, hobbyists, and career changers seeking non-degree fashion training.

Quantifiable outcome

• Ranked #6 in Outlook-ICARE Rankings 2026 among Top 25 Private Fashion Design Institutes in India
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SNDT Women's University, MumbaicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic affiliation for degree programs (B.Design, M.Design) — SNDT Women's University awards the degrees. SOFT operates as an affiliated college under SNDTWU. This is the primary academic partnership that enables degree conferral.
• PearsoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Pearson for education delivery, specifically offering a Digital Design program. Pearson provides curriculum content and educational resources to enhance the learning experience.
• NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti), ItalyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational academic collaboration for student/faculty exchange, knowledge sharing, and exposure to international fashion education standards. NABA is a leading art and design academy in Milan.
• Metropolitan University BudapestminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational academic partnership for exchange programs and collaborative learning between fashion design programs.
• Arts University BournemouthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic collaboration with UK arts university for international exposure, exchange opportunities, and curriculum enrichment in fashion and design.
• Manchester Metropolitan UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with MMU for academic exchange, research collaboration, and international student/faculty mobility in fashion and textiles.
• Lorenzo de Medici Institute, ItalyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic exchange and collaboration with LDMI, facilitating international study opportunities and cultural exchange for fashion students.
• Domus Academy MilanominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Domus Academy in Milan for international academic programs, workshops, and exposure to Italian fashion education and industry.
• Accademia Costume e Moda, ItalyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational academic partnership with Accademia Costume e Moda in Rome for fashion and costume design exchange programs.
• IFFTI (International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMembership in IFFTI provides SOFT access to a global network of fashion technology institutes, facilitating international research collaboration, conferences, and knowledge exchange in fashion education.
• FDCI (Fashion Design Council of India)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFDCI membership connects SOFT with India's premier fashion industry body, providing industry exposure, fashion week access, and professional networking for students and faculty.
• ADI (Association of Designers of India)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMembership in ADI connects SOFT with Indian design professionals and provides platforms for student design competitions and industry interactions.
• Society of Dyers and ColouristscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with SDC (UK & India) for textile dyeing and colour technology expertise, student competitions, and professional development in textile science.
• CMAI (Clothing Manufacturers Association of India)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partnership with CMAI, led by Mr. Rahul Mehta (past President & Chief Mentor), providing SOFT students access to apparel industry expertise, trade events, placement opportunities, and G20/C20 fashion forums.
• Poornam EcovisionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNGO collaboration focused on sustainable fashion and environmental consciousness. Poornam Ecovision works with SOFT on green fashion initiatives and artisan connect programs.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT): NIFT is India's premier government-backed fashion design institute with 17+ campuses offering B.Design and M.Design programs. Most comparable to SOFT in curriculum, target student profile, and degree-granting structure, and serves as the primary competitor for talent and reputation.
• International Institute of Fashion Technology (IIFT): IIFT offers diploma and degree programs in fashion design across multiple Indian campuses, making it a direct competitor in the private fashion education space with similar curriculum scope.
• Amity School of Fashion Technology: Amity University's fashion design school offers B.Design and M.Design programs as part of a larger multi-discipline university ecosystem. Comparable to SOFT on curriculum structure and student profile, with broader geographic reach as an advantage.
• Pearl Academy: Pearl Academy is a leading private fashion and design school with multiple campuses offering undergraduate and postgraduate design programs. Direct competitor to SOFT for students and employer mindshare in the private design school segment.
• Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID): Symbiosis Institute of Design, also Pune-based, offers undergraduate design programs including fashion design, directly competing with SOFT for students in the same Maharashtra market under the Symbiosis university brand.
• MIT Institute of Design (MIT ID): MIT Institute of Design is a Pune-based design school offering B.Design and M.Design programs across fashion, product, and communication design. Direct local peer to SOFT competing in the same geographic market for students and faculty.
• JD Institute of Fashion Technology: JD Institute operates fashion design, interior design, and jewellery design programs across multiple Indian campuses. Comparable to SOFT in multi-disciplinary design portfolio and pan-Indian private institute positioning.
• ARCH College of Design & Business: ARCH College is a private design institute in Jaipur offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fashion, interior, and communication design — closely comparable to SOFT's program mix and target student profile.

Broad incumbents

• Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT): FIT is a globally renowned public fashion and design school in New York City and the most cited international benchmark in fashion education. Relevant as global peer context for SOFT's positioning among international fashion institutions.
• London College of Fashion (UAL): London College of Fashion is a globally established fashion education institution under University of the Arts London. Represents the global gold standard in fashion education that SOFT's international collaborations (NABA, Domus) are aligned to, providing benchmark positioning context.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/softpune
• Facebookfacebook.com/SchoolofFashionTechnologyPune
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/softpune
• Instagraminstagram.com/softpune

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about School of Fashion Technology