"The First Bell Rings": Orientation Day at India’s Leading Design & Innovation Colleges

By : Sumit Saurabh

NIFT 2025 ORIENTATION DAY !

The first day of college is more than just a date on the academic calendar—it’s the opening chapter of a transformative journey. For thousands of aspiring designers, innovators, and creators, Orientation Day marks the culmination of years of preparation, the start of lifelong friendships, and the moment dreams begin to take shape.

STUDENTS SHARED THEIR FIRST DAY PICTURES FROM NID VARIOUS CAMPUS

At premier institutions like NIFT, NID, Pearl Academy, ISDI, The Design Village, IIAD, UID , BITS Pilani, FLAME University, MIT , SRISHTI and UPES, Orientation Day is a vibrant mix of introductions, inspiration, and insight. Students from across the country, and often from abroad, step onto campus with eager anticipation.

STUDENTS FROM ISDI , PEARL ACADEMY , IIAD , UID , IICD FROM ORIENTATION DAY'25

Having cleared rigorous entrance examinations after months—sometimes years—of preparation in art, design skills, current affairs, and maths, they now stand at the threshold of a new chapter.

For many, the journey began with the Desizn Circle . These students have dedicated themselves to mastering sketching, problem-solving, and portfolio development, all while juggling school exams or navigating a gap year. Their hard work paid off, and Orientation Day is a celebration of that achievement.

From the moment students arrive, the day is filled with energy. Newcomers meet faculty members who will guide them through the next two to four years—depending on whether they are pursuing undergraduate or master’s programs. They tour studios, classrooms, and libraries, gaining a first glimpse into the facilities that will become their creative playgrounds.

The real magic, however, happens in the connections forged. Orientation brings together students from diverse disciplines: fashion design, product design, textile design, interaction design, communication design, and fashion communication. Conversations spark over shared aspirations, different backgrounds, and unique perspectives. In this melting pot of ideas, collaboration begins from day one.

Programs typically include introductory sessions on course structure, expectations, and upcoming projects. Senior students and alumni often share their experiences, offering both inspiration and practical advice. At institutions like NID , NIFT , Pearl academy & IIAD , students may also get to witness live demonstrations of techniques or see exhibitions of graduating batches’ work—clear reminders of the heights they can aspire to.

For some, such as those entering BITS Pilani or FLAME University’s design and innovation programs, the first day may also include team-building activities or interdisciplinary workshops. These encourage students to think beyond their chosen field and embrace the cross-pollination of ideas.

At ISDI or UID Ahmedabad, industry guest speakers might set the tone, highlighting how the skills learned here translate into real-world impact.

Orientation Day isn’t just about logistics—it’s about legacy. Students will remember this day for the rest of their lives: the nervous excitement, the new friendships, the first time they walked into their dream campus. It sets the tone for the years ahead—years of exploration, challenges, breakthroughs, and growth.

As the sun sets on the first day, there’s a shared sense of pride. These students have overcome competition, uncertainty, and the pressure of securing their future. Now, they are part of something bigger—a community of thinkers and makers who will shape industries and inspire change. And it all begins here, on Orientation Day.

Desizn Circle wishes them all the best for the outstanding coming years !