FDDI – Important Dates, Courses Offered, Admission Process, Exam Pattern & Registration Link 2026
The Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) is one of India’s most prestigious institutes for design, fashion, footwear and retail education. Recognised as an Institution of National Importance under the FDDI Act 2017, FDDI offers a unique combination of creative design, technical expertise and business knowledge.
With over 12 campuses across India, FDDI has built a strong reputation for producing industry-ready professionals in design and retail management. If you are planning to pursue a career in fashion, product design, footwear or retail, this guide will help you understand everything about FDDI admission 2026.
Note: Students must always check the official https://www.fddiindia.com/ for the latest and correct dates.
About FDDI
Established in 1986, FDDI operates under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. The institute is known for its:
- Industry-integrated curriculum
- Advanced testing and design labs (ISO/NABL accredited)
- Strong placement support
- Global exposure and internships
- Focus on innovation and sustainability
FDDI stands out because it blends design, production, technology and business, making students job-ready from day one.
FDDI Vision and Mission
FDDI aims to become a globally recognised institution in design, development and production across footwear, fashion, leather goods and retail management.
The institute focuses on building professionals who are not just skilled but also innovative, entrepreneurial and industry-ready. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, research and real-world problem solving, FDDI prepares students to contribute meaningfully to both industry and society.
FDDI Campuses Across India
FDDI has campuses in:
- Noida
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Kolkata
- Chandigarh
- Jodhpur
- Ankleshwar
- Rohtak
- Patna
- Guna
- Chhindwara
- Fursatganj
Students can choose campuses based on preference and availability during counselling.
FDDI Important Dates – 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Launch of Admission Prospectus/Online application for AIST 2026 | 24th Dec 2025 |
| Last Date of Application | 20th April 2026 |
| Last date of Online submission of application for AIST 2026 with Late | 30th April 2026 |
| Availability of open window for editing forms | 21st & 22nd April 2026 |
| Availability of Admit cards | 1st May 2026 |
| Entrance exam Date (AIST 2026) | 10th May 2026 |
| Merit list display on www.fddiindia.com | To be announced on Official website |
| Dates of Counselling 2026 | June 2026 |
| Last date of fee submission | 15th July 2026 |
| Date of Orientation/Commencement of Classes | To be announced on Official website |
Students are advised to apply early to secure their preferred campus and course.
Courses Offered at FDDI – 2026
FDDI offers specialised programmes across Design and Management, structured under different schools to provide focused industry-oriented education. Each programme is designed to combine creativity, technical knowledge and business understanding.
Design Programs
School of Footwear Design & Production
- B.Des Footwear Design & Production (4 years)
- B.Des Sports & Lifestyle Footwear Design (4 years)
- B.Des High Fashion Footwear (4 years)
- M.Des Footwear Design & Production (2 years)
This school focuses on footwear innovation, production techniques, materials and design for both lifestyle and high-fashion markets.
School of Fashion Design
- B.Des Fashion Design (4 years)
- B.Des Fashion Communication (4 years)
- B.Des Textile & Apparel Design (4 years)
- M.Des Fashion Design (2 years)
Students learn fashion design, garment construction, communication, styling, textiles and branding.
School of Fashion Design
- B.Des Fashion Design (4 years)
- B.Des Fashion Communication (4 years)
- B.Des Textile & Apparel Design (4 years)
- M.Des Fashion Design (2 years)
Students learn fashion design, garment construction, communication, styling, textiles and branding.
Management Programs
School of Retail & Fashion Merchandise
- BBA Retail & Fashion Merchandise (3+1 years)
- BBA Supply Chain Management (3+1 years)
- BBA Data Science & Business Analytics (3+1 years)
- BBA Global & Luxury Brand Management (3+1 years)
- MBA Retail & Fashion Merchandise (2 years)
- MBA Supply Chain Management (2 years)
- MBA Data Science & Business Analytics (2 years)
- MBA Global & Luxury Brand Management (2 years)
- MBA Human Resource Management (2 years)
These programmes prepare students for careers in retail, fashion business, supply chain, analytics and luxury brand management.
Specialisations Available
Students can specialise in areas such as:
- Fashion Design
- Product Design
- Footwear Design
- Sports & Lifestyle Footwear
- High Fashion Footwear
- Textile & Apparel Design
- Leather & Lifestyle Product Design
- Digital Design & Virtual Prototyping
- Retail & Fashion Merchandise
- Supply Chain Management
Eligibility Criteria for FDDI
For UG Programmes (B.Des & BBA)
- Must have passed 10+2 from a recognised board
- Maximum age: 25 years
For PG Programmes (M.Des & MBA)
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline
- No strict age limit (varies by programme)
List of Examination Centres for FDDI
A Paper Based Test (PBT) for all Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) Programmes will be conducted in 36 cities.
Note: The candidate is allowed to select only one ONE city for the examination and no request for the change is available.
FDDI Entrance Exam Pattern 2026 (AIST)
Admissions to FDDI are conducted through the AIST (All India Selection Test).
What AIST Tests
- Quantitative Ability
- English Comprehension
- Analytical & Logical Reasoning
- General Knowledge
- Business Aptitude (for BBA/MBA)
For Design Courses
Focus on:
- Creativity
- Visualization
- Design thinking
The exam is designed to evaluate both creative ability and logical aptitude, making preparation very important.
FDDI Examination Process
How to Apply for FDDI 2026
Students can apply online through the official portal:
Click here to access FDDI 2026 Application form
Application Process
Register using the link provided above
Fill the application form
Upload documents
Pay application fee
Download confirmation
Appear for AIST exam
Fees Structure for FDDI Undergraduate b.Design Program - Hyderabad, Chennai & Delhi Location (Approx.)
Fees may vary slightly depending on campus and course.
Placements at FDDI
FDDI has a centralized placement system across all campuses, ensuring equal opportunities for students.
The placement department:
- Conducts training sessions and mock interviews
- Invites industry experts for seminars and workshops
- Connects students with top brands and companies
- Helps students with internships and pre-placement offers
Companies can also offer pre-placement offers during internships, giving students an early career advantage.
Top Recruiters at FDDI
- Adidas
- Puma
- Bata
- Woodland
- Zara
- H&M
- Tommy Hilfiger
- Lifestyle
- Westside
Salary Packages
Highest: ₹12–14 LPA
Average: ₹3–5 LPA
Career Opportunities After FDDI
Graduates from FDDI work across design, fashion, retail and technology sectors.
Design Careers
- Fashion Designer
- Footwear Designer
- Product Designer
- Leather Designer
- UX/UI Designer
- Fashion Communication Specialist
Retail & Business Careers
- Merchandiser
- Retail Manager
- Brand Manager
- Supply Chain Analyst
- E-commerce Manager
Many students also start their own brands or work as freelancers.
Scholarships & Financial Support
FDDI offers scholarships under:
- SC / ST / OBC
- EWS category
- National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
Hostel Fees & Facilities
- Hostel available for both boys and girls
- Approx cost: ₹50,000 per year (varies by campus)
What Makes FDDI Different
FDDI offers several advantages that make it stand out among design colleges:
- Institution of National Importance under FDDI Act 2017
- President of India is the Visitor of the institute
- Industry-ready curriculum aligned with real-world needs
- 12 campuses across India
- Strong global and industry collaborations
- High-tech labs, workshops and machinery
- Centralised placement system
- 7 Centres of Excellence across campuses
- Incubation centres for entrepreneurship
- Opportunity to pursue UG, PG and even PhD programmes
Prepare for FDDI with MAD School
If you’re serious about getting into top design colleges like FDDI, NIFT or NID, start early and focus on building both creativity and problem-solving skills.
At MAD School, we help students prepare through structured coaching, mock tests, portfolio guidance and personal mentoring to improve their chances of selection.
FAQs
FDDI (Footwear Design and Development Institute) is one of India’s top design institutes and is recognised as an Institution of National Importance. It is especially well-known for footwear design, fashion design, leather goods and retail management, with strong industry connections and placements.
After 12th, students can apply for:
B.Des (Fashion Design, Footwear, Product Design, etc.)
BBA (Retail, Supply Chain, Business Analytics, etc.)
These courses are ideal for students interested in creative and business careers in fashion and design.
Not necessarily. While basic drawing skills can help, FDDI focuses more on creativity, observation skills and problem-solving ability. With proper training and practice, even beginners can perform well.
FDDI conducts its own entrance exam called AIST (All India Selection Test). It tests aptitude, reasoning, English, general knowledge and basic design awareness.
FDDI is generally considered slightly less competitive than NIFT or NID, but it still requires proper preparation. The advantage is that students have a higher chance of getting into a good design college with focused preparation.
Students must have completed 10+2 from any recognised board. Most design courses do not require specific subjects, making it open to students from all streams (Science, Commerce or Arts).
The approximate fees are:
B.Des: ₹2.5 lakh per year
M.Des: ₹3 lakh per year
Fees may vary slightly depending on campus and course.
Yes, FDDI has a centralised placement system across all campuses. Students get opportunities in companies like Adidas, Puma, Bata, Lifestyle and many more.
The average salary ranges between ₹3–5 LPA, while top students can receive packages up to ₹12–14 LPA depending on skills and portfolio.
Yes, it is possible, but coaching helps students understand the exam pattern, improve creativity and practice effectively. Guided preparation significantly increases your chances of selection.
Noida, Chennai and Hyderabad are among the most preferred campuses due to better exposure, infrastructure and placement opportunities. However, all campuses follow the same curriculum.
Yes, for undergraduate programmes, the maximum age is generally 25 years. There is usually no strict age limit for postgraduate programmes.
No, a portfolio is not mandatory for most courses. Admission is mainly based on the AIST entrance exam.
Students can work as:
Fashion Designer
Footwear Designer
Product Designer
Merchandiser
Retail Manager
Brand Manager
Many students also start their own brands or work as freelancers.
Ideally, students should start preparation in Class 11 or early Class 12 to build strong creative and aptitude skills.
Yes, FDDI is one of the best alternative options for students preparing for NIFT and other design entrance exams.
FDDI is a great choice for students who are interested in building a career in fashion, footwear, product design or retail management. It is especially suitable for students who:
Want a mix of creativity and practical industry exposure
Are interested in specialised fields like footwear design, leather goods or retail merchandising
Prefer a structured, industry-oriented curriculum over purely theoretical learning
Are looking for multiple campus options across India
Want to explore both design and business careers
FDDI is also a strong option for students who are preparing for NIFT or NID but want a reliable and career-focused alternative with good placement opportunities.
