By submitting this application, the applicant confirms that they have read, understood and agreed to the following terms:

• The competition is open to applicants aged 18–50 years. The applicant confirms that all information provided is true, complete and accurate.
• The applicant confirms that all submitted work is their original creative work and, where applicable, has been created specifically for THE NEXT DESIGNER.
• The organiser may request sketches, design-development material, references, source files or an explanation/design defence to verify originality and the applicant’s creative process.
• Any use of generative AI must be transparently disclosed in the manner specified for the relevant round. Non-disclosure may lead to disqualification.
• Only files within the prescribed upload limit of 5 MB may be submitted. The applicant is responsible for ensuring that files are readable, complete and successfully uploaded before the deadline.
• The organiser may reject incomplete, late, corrupted, misleading or ineligible submissions.
• Submission does not guarantee selection for the next round. Selection is subject to eligibility verification, judging and the published criteria.
• The jury will independently evaluate eligible entries. The decision of the jury regarding selection, elimination, finalist status and the winner shall be final and binding.
• The applicant agrees that they will have no objection to the jury’s decision or to the application of the published judging process and criteria.
• The organiser may request additional information or documents where required for eligibility, originality or verification.
• For Round 2 and Round 3, participation is invitation/selection based and only applicants who qualify from the preceding stage may participate.
• Where a finalist’s design requires technical changes for feasibility, fit, safety, production or runway presentation, such changes may be made in consultation with the organiser/production team while seeking to protect the original creative intent.
• Runway garments produced for the finale are for the competition/fashion show and do not automatically become commercial production garments.
• Following the winner announcement, any commercialisation of winning design/designs will be subject to the organiser’s applicable commercialisation process and terms.
• The applicant grants the organiser permission to use their submitted designs, name, photograph, interview, design-development material and competition journey content for competition-related communication, documentation, publicity and promotional purposes, subject to applicable law.
• The applicant is responsible for obtaining any permissions for third-party material included in their submission and must not submit material that infringes another person’s intellectual property or rights.
• The organiser may amend operational details, schedules or processes where reasonably necessary. Any material change will be communicated to eligible participants.
• All disputes arising out of or relating to the competition shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts at Kochi (Cochin), Kerala.
• By selecting “I AGREE” and submitting the Round 1 application, the applicant confirms acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.