About NIFT Extension Centre Varanasi:
The NIFT Extension Centre Varanasi is an academic outreach of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), one of India’s premier institutes for fashion education under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Strategically located in Varanasi—India’s historic textile and handloom hub—the centre plays a pivotal role in nurturing design, fashion, and textile talent rooted in India’s rich craft heritage.
Operating under the academic and administrative guidance of NIFT Rae Bareli, this extension centre offers specialized Continuing Education (CE) programmes, short-term certificate, and diploma courses in areas such as fashion design, garment construction, textile design, and entrepreneurship. These programs are tailored to support skill development and capacity building, especially for artisans, weavers, students, and aspiring entrepreneurs from Varanasi and nearby regions.
The campus is located within the Integrated Textiles Office Complex (IIHT premises), Chowkaghat, Varanasi, and is equipped with modern classrooms, design studios, labs, and infrastructure that support hands-on learning and industry-oriented training. It also provides access to expert faculty and guest mentors from the core NIFT system.
NIFT Varanasi is deeply engaged with the local textile ecosystem, particularly with the famed Banarasi weaving community. It conducts numerous outreach initiatives, workshops, design interventions, and collaborative projects aimed at preserving traditional skills while introducing innovation and modern design sensibilities. The centre serves as a bridge between tradition and technology, promoting inclusive and sustainable development through design education.
With its national-level credentials, industry recognition, and commitment to skill empowerment, NIFT Extension Centre Varanasi continues to contribute significantly to the growth of India’s creative economy—empowering the next generation of designers, artisans, and fashion professionals.