Selected from a pool of 75 applicants, students across fashion, interior design and visual communication will gain first-hand industry exposure at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre.

Mumbai, October 9, 2026: For aspiring designers, understanding the industry extends far beyond the classroom. It is shaped by real-world experiences, creative collaborations and opportunities to observe how ideas translate into professional practice. At the India Design Show 2026, 27 students from JD Institute of Fashion Technology are set to experience this transition firsthand, having been selected as finalists for an Industry Apprenticeship programme.

The students were shortlisted from a pool of 75 candidates through a video introduction round and will participate in the three-day event, taking place from October 9 to 11 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.

Bringing together designers, brands and creative professionals, the India Design Show serves as a meeting point for ideas, innovation and emerging design perspectives. Through curated showcases, installations, product launches and industry conversations, the platform offers a glimpse into the evolving landscape of contemporary design.

For the selected students, the apprenticeship presents an opportunity to move beyond academic learning and observe the workings of the professional design ecosystem up close.

A Closer Look at the World of Design

The 27 finalists represent Fashion, Interior Design and Visual Communication programmes at JD Institute of Fashion Technology, with students drawn from different academic years.

Their participation is designed to provide exposure to the multiple disciplines that shape the design industry. From understanding professional workflows to observing creative presentations and industry interactions, the experience aims to help students develop a more nuanced understanding of the field they aspire to enter.

Such opportunities can be particularly valuable for emerging designers, allowing them to connect theoretical knowledge with the practical demands of a professional environment while gaining greater clarity on their future career paths.

Encouraging the Next Generation of Designers

Recognising the achievement, Mr. Yogesh Dalal, Trustee, and Dr. Payal Dalal, Director, personally congratulated the selected students on their accomplishment and the opportunity to participate in the industry platform.

Speaking about the selection, Rinesh Dalal, Director, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, said, “India Design Show brings together different facets of the design industry, making it a valuable platform for students to understand the scale and diversity of the field they are preparing to enter. At JD Institute, we place importance on giving students experiences that broaden their perspective and help them understand the demands of the profession. Being selected for an opportunity of this scale encourages our students to trust their abilities and take their next steps with greater confidence.”

The selection reflects the institute’s emphasis on complementing academic education with opportunities for practical learning and industry engagement. By facilitating student participation in professional design environments, the initiative seeks to help emerging talent build confidence, expand its perspective and better understand the realities of the creative sector.

As design continues to intersect with technology, culture, commerce and new forms of visual expression, experiences such as the India Design Show apprenticeship offer aspiring professionals an opportunity to see the industry in motion—and begin envisioning their place within it.