CareerLokam
AIST 2026 · Apply by 20 April
👟 Footwear · Fashion · Leather · Retail · Ministry of Commerce, GOI
FDDI AIST 2026
Footwear Design & Development Institute · All India Selection Test 2026 · B.Des · BBA · M.Des · MBA · 12 Campuses Nationwide
Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India-ന്റെ Institution of National Importance ആണ് FDDI (Footwear Design & Development Institute). Footwear Design, Fashion Design, Leather Goods & Accessories, Retail & Fashion Merchandise Programmes-ലേക്കുള്ള ദേശീയ Entrance Test — AIST 2026. Programmes: B.Des Footwear | B.Des Fashion | B.Des Leather, Lifestyle & Product Design | BBA (3+1 yr) Retail & Fashion Merchandise | M.Des Footwear | M.Des Fashion | MBA Retail & Fashion Merchandise. Application Portal: admissions.fddiindia.com. Regular Last Date: April 20, 2026 | Late Fee Last Date: April 30, 2026. AIST Exam: May 10, 2026 (Paper Based Test). 38 Cities — Kochi Centre ഉണ്ട്! Application Fee: ₹600 (General/OBC/EWS) | ₹300 (SC/ST/PwD).
📣
Official Notice · fddiindia.com/admission-process + /how-to-apply · Verified March 10, 2026 (FDDI site last updated: 09 Mar 2026)
Applications OPEN at admissions.fddiindia.com. Regular last date: 20 April 2026. Late fee last date: 30 April 2026 (extra ₹800/₹400). Edit window: 21–22 April 2026 (city change NOT allowed). Admit Card: 1 May 2026 onwards. AIST Exam: 10 May 2026 (Sunday) — Paper Based Test at 38 cities including Kochi 🌴. Fee Submission last date: 15 July 2026. UG Age limit: 25 years as on 1 July 2026. PG — No age limit.
📝
Last Date
20 Apr 2026
⚡
Late Fee By
30 Apr 2026
✏️
Edit Window
21–22 Apr
🪪
Admit Card
1 May 2026+
🏆
AIST Exam
10 May 2026
💰
Fee By
15 Jul 2026
💡
Why FDDI? — India's Premier Footwear & Fashion Design Institute
🏛
Institution of National Importance — FDDI Act 2017
Declared an Institution of National Importance by Parliament under the FDDI Act 2017. Directly under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India. Fully government-funded autonomous institution.
👟
India's Only Footwear & Leather Design Institute
FDDI is India's only dedicated institution for Footwear Design & Production, Fashion, Leather Goods & Accessories, and Retail Merchandise — aligned directly with India's ₹4+ lakh crore leather & footwear export industry.
🏫
12 Campuses Across India
Noida · Chennai · Kolkata · Patna · Jodhpur · Ankleshwar (Surat) · Guna · Chhindwara · Fursatganj · Rohtak · Chandigarh · Hyderabad. Pan-India presence ensures close proximity to India's major footwear & leather clusters.
💼
Excellent Industry Placements
Alumni at Bata, Liberty, Relaxo, Woodland, Khadim's, Metro, PUMA, Adidas, Decathlon, Myntra, Flipkart Fashion, Lifestyle, Titan Fastrack, LVMH India, and major international footwear & fashion brands.
🌍
International Collaborations
MOUs and collaborations with SATRA (UK), INESCOP (Spain), CLE, LFMI, CRISIL and leading international fashion and footwear organizations — providing global industry exposure.
🎓
Industry-Integrated BBA (3+1 Model)
The BBA Retail & Fashion Merchandise is a unique 3+1 year programme — first 3 years academic training followed by 1 full year industry placement, making graduates work-ready from Day 1.
🏛
About FDDI — Established 1990 · Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India
Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) was established in 1990 and declared an Institution of National Importance under the FDDI Act 2017 by Parliament. Operating under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India, FDDI runs UG and PG degree programmes across 12 campuses. FDDI also provides testing services, design services, consultancy, and implements major Govt. of India projects in the leather & footwear sector — including research, skill development, and export promotion programmes.
📚
Programmes Offered — FDDI AIST 2026-27
UG + PG · 7 Programmes🎓 Undergraduate Programmes (B.Des / BBA) — Age Limit: ≤25 yrs as on 1 July 2026
👟 B.Des. — Footwear Design & Production
Duration4 Years (8 Semesters)
DegreeBachelor of Design (B.Des.)
FocusFootwear design, last-making, production, materials science
Eligibility10+2 any stream | Age ≤25 yrs (1 Jul 2026)
AIST SectionsA + B + C + D (200 marks)
CampusesAll 12 FDDI campuses
👗 B.Des. — Fashion Design
Duration4 Years (8 Semesters)
DegreeBachelor of Design (B.Des.)
FocusApparel design, draping, pattern making, styling, textiles
Eligibility10+2 any stream | Age ≤25 yrs (1 Jul 2026)
AIST SectionsA + B + C + D (200 marks)
CampusesSelected FDDI campuses
👜 B.Des. — Leather, Lifestyle & Product Design
Duration4 Years (8 Semesters)
DegreeBachelor of Design (B.Des.)
FocusHandbags, wallets, belts, accessories, lifestyle products
Eligibility10+2 any stream | Age ≤25 yrs (1 Jul 2026)
AIST SectionsA + B + C + D (200 marks)
CampusesSelected FDDI campuses
🛍 BBA (Hons.) — Retail & Fashion Merchandise
Duration3+1 Years (Industry-Integrated)
DegreeBBA Honours
Model3 yrs academic + 1 full year industry placement
Eligibility10+2 any stream | Age ≤25 yrs (1 Jul 2026)
AIST SectionsA + C + D + E (200 marks)
FocusRetail management, fashion buying, merchandising
🎓 Postgraduate Programmes (M.Des / MBA) — No Age Limit
👟 M.Des. — Footwear Design & Production
Duration2 Years (4 Semesters)
EligibilityAny Bachelor's Degree from any recognised university
Bridge Prog.Available for non-design background students
Age LimitNo age limit
AIST PatternSections A+B+C+D — 175 Qs, 200 marks
👗 M.Des. — Fashion Design
Duration2 Years (4 Semesters)
EligibilityAny Bachelor's Degree from any recognised university
Age LimitNo age limit
AIST PatternSections A+B+C+D — 175 Qs, 200 marks
🛍 MBA — Retail & Fashion Merchandise
Duration2 Years (4 Semesters)
EligibilityAny Bachelor's Degree from any recognised university
Age LimitNo age limit
AIST PatternSections A+B+C+D — 175 Qs, 200 marks
🔄
Lateral Entry & Bridge Programme — Also Available
FDDI also offers Lateral Entry Admission into B.Des programmes for eligible diploma holders — details at fddiindia.com/lateral-admission. For M.Des Footwear: a Bridge Programme comprising 2–3 relevant design subjects is offered alongside the regular M.Des programme for candidates from non-design backgrounds — details at fddiindia.com/fddi-bridge.
🎓
New: FDDI Ph.D Programme
FDDI has launched a Ph.D research programme. Details at fddiindia.com/fddi-phd. Also, 1-Year Diploma Programmes are available — brochure at fddiindia.com/pdf/Brochure2025FOR1yeardiplomacourse.pdf.
📅
Admission Calendar — FDDI AIST 2026-27
Official · 09 Mar 2026📋 FDDI AIST 2026 — Official Schedule (Source: fddiindia.com/admission-process)
Launch of Admission Prospectus & Online Application Portal Open1 January 2026 ✓ Completed
🔴 Last Date — Regular Online Application Submission (AIST 2026)20 April 2026
⚡ Last Date — Application with LATE FEE (additional ₹800 / ₹400)30 April 2026
Edit / Correction Window — Personal Info Only (City Change NOT Permitted)21–22 April 2026 (up to 16:00 hrs)
🪪 Admit Card Download Available1 May 2026 onwards
🏆 AIST 2026 — Written Entrance Exam (Paper Based Test · 38 Cities)10 May 2026 (Sunday)
Merit List Display on fddiindia.comTo be announced
Counselling Dates 2026To be announced
Last Date of Fee Submission15 July 2026
Orientation / Commencement of ClassesTo be announced
⚡
Late Fee Option — One Final Chance Until 30 April 2026
If you miss the 20 April 2026 deadline, FDDI provides a final opportunity to apply until 30 April 2026 with an additional late fee of ₹800 for General/OBC/EWS candidates, or ₹400 for SC/ST/PwD candidates (over and above the regular ₹600 or ₹300). No extensions beyond 30 April — apply early to avoid this extra cost.
📍
Examination City — Cannot Be Changed After Payment
Once the application fee is paid, the examination city cannot be changed at any stage, including during the edit window (21–22 April 2026). The edit window only allows correction of personal information. Select your exam city carefully before making payment. Admit card is available for download only — NOT sent by post or email. Regularly check fddiindia.com for updates.
✏️
AIST 2026 — Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme (Official)
Paper Based · Bilingual📘 UG — B.Des. & BBA (Paper Based Test, English / Hindi Bilingual)
| Sec. | Subject / Topic | No. of Qs | Marks/Q | Max Marks | Applicable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Analytical Ability | 25 | 1 | 25 | B.Des · BBA · Both |
| B | Design Aptitude Test | 1 | 50 | 50 | B.Des · Both |
| C | General Awareness | 35 | 1 | 35 | B.Des · BBA · Both |
| D | Comprehension (25×1) + Grammar & Usage (15×1) | 40 | 1 | 40 | B.Des · BBA · Both |
| E | Business Aptitude Test | 25 | 2 | 50 | BBA · Both |
| TOTAL (all sections) | 126 | — | 200 | — | |
📌
Which Sections to Attempt — Choose Programme Before the Exam
- B.Des. (Footwear / Fashion / Leather) applicants: Attempt Sections A, B, C, D
- BBA applicants: Attempt Sections A, C, D, E
- "BOTH" option (B.Des + BBA): Attempt ALL sections — A, B, C, D, E
📗 PG — M.Des. & MBA (Paper Based Test, Bilingual)
| Sec. | Subject / Topic | No. of Qs | Marks/Q | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Analytical Ability | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| B | English Comprehension & Grammar | 50 | 1 | 50 |
| C | General Knowledge & Current Affairs | 50 | 1 | 50 |
| D | Management Aptitude Test & Design Aptitude Test | 50 | 1 | 50 |
| TOTAL | 175 | — | 200 | |
📄
Official Sample Papers Available — Practise Before AIST 2026
Download official 2025 sample papers from fddiindia.com/examination-process:
- B.Des Sample Paper → fddiindia.com/pdf/b.des-samplepaper.pdf
- BBA (Hons.) Sample Paper → fddiindia.com/pdf/bba.hons-samplepaper.pdf
- B.Des & BBA Combined → fddiindia.com/pdf/b.des&bba.hons-samplepaper.pdf
- Master's Sample Paper → fddiindia.com/pdf/master's-samplepaper.pdf
✅
Eligibility Criteria — FDDI AIST 2026 (Official)
1
UG — B.Des. (Footwear / Fashion / Leather) & BBA (Hons.)
Candidate must have passed any ONE of the following:
Appearing Candidates (Class XII 2026): Eligible to apply provisionally. If selected, must submit Class XII result to the Admission In-Charge on or before 30 September 2026. Failure to submit = admission cancelled + entire fee forfeited. Must produce proof of appearing during FDDI Counselling.
- 10+2 in any stream from any recognised Board of Education; OR
- Any School / Board / University examination in India or abroad, recognised by the Association of Indian Universities as equivalent to the 10+2 system; OR
- National Open School Examination with a minimum of five subjects
Appearing Candidates (Class XII 2026): Eligible to apply provisionally. If selected, must submit Class XII result to the Admission In-Charge on or before 30 September 2026. Failure to submit = admission cancelled + entire fee forfeited. Must produce proof of appearing during FDDI Counselling.
2
PG — M.Des. in Footwear Design & Production
- Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from any Institute / University recognised by law in India
- No stream restriction — B.E./B.Tech, B.Sc, BA, B.Com, BBA — all eligible
- Candidates without design background are eligible for a Bridge Programme (2–3 relevant subjects offered alongside regular M.Des.)
- No age limit
- Final-year appearing candidates eligible provisionally — submit result by 30 September 2026
3
PG — M.Des. in Fashion Design
- Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from any recognised Institute / University in India
- No stream restriction | No age limit
- Final-year appearing candidates eligible provisionally — submit result by 30 September 2026
4
PG — MBA in Retail & Fashion Merchandise
- Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from any recognised Institute / University in India
- No stream restriction | No age limit
- Final-year appearing candidates eligible provisionally — submit result by 30 September 2026
💳
Application Fee — FDDI AIST 2026 (Official)
| Category | Regular Fee (by 20 Apr 2026) | With Late Fee (by 30 Apr 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) / GEN-EWS | ₹600 | ₹600 + ₹800 = ₹1,400 |
| SC / ST / PwD (Persons with Disability) | ₹300 | ₹300 + ₹400 = ₹700 |
| Payment Mode | Online via admissions.fddiindia.com — Credit Card / Debit Card / Internet Banking. Bank & transaction charges borne by candidate. Fee is Non-Refundable under all circumstances. | |
⚠️
No Changes After Payment — Read Before You Pay
Once the application fee is paid: (1) No information can be modified except during the edit window (21–22 April, up to 4 PM) for personal details only. (2) Examination city change is NOT permitted at any stage — not even during the edit window. (3) Application fee is completely non-refundable. (4) Any incorrect information discovered at any stage allows FDDI to cancel candidature. Keep a printout of the application form and payment proof for your records — required at counselling.
🪑
Seat Reservation — FDDI 2026 (Govt. of India Norms)
UR
General
Unreserved
27%
OBC-NCL
Non-Creamy Layer
10%
EWS
Economically Weaker
15%
SC
Scheduled Caste
7.5%
ST
Scheduled Tribe
5%
PwD
Horizontal reservation
Reservation as per Govt. of India norms applicable to Central institutions: OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) 27% | EWS 10% | SC 15% | ST 7.5% | PwD 5% horizontal. Application fee concession: SC/ST/PwD pay ₹300 (vs ₹600 for others). Full details at fddiindia.com/reservation-&-exemption.
🌐
NRI / PIO / Industry Sponsored Category
FDDI also admits students under NRI / PIO / Industry Sponsored Category — processed separately. Details at fddiindia.com/sponsorship-&-scholarship. Foreign National Students: fddiindia.com/foreign-nationals.
💰
Scholarships & Fee Concession — Kerala Students
FDDI has its own scholarship & fee concession policy — fddiindia.com/scholarship and fddiindia.com/fee-concession. Kerala students: SC/ST → E-Grantz Portal (Kerala Govt.) · OBC → Post-Matric Scholarship (Kerala Govt.) · EWS → PM Scholarship / Central Sector Scholarship (MHRD). Central Sector Merit Scholarship also applicable.
📍
Exam Centres — AIST 2026 · 38 Cities (Kochi ✓)
10 May 2026AIST 2026 Paper Based Test will be conducted on 10 May 2026 at 38 cities across India. Each candidate may select only ONE city. No request for change of examination centre will be entertained at any stage after payment.
🏫 FDDI Campus Centres (12)
FDDI Noida
FDDI Chennai
FDDI Kolkata
FDDI Patna
FDDI Jodhpur
FDDI Ankleshwar (Surat)
FDDI Chandigarh
FDDI Chhindwara
FDDI Fursatganj (Raebareli)
FDDI Guna
FDDI Hyderabad
FDDI Rohtak
🌆 Other City Centres
Agra
Ahmedabad
Bengaluru
Bhopal
Bhubaneswar
Chennai (City)
Dehradun
Delhi
Gwalior
Indore
Jaipur
Jamshedpur
Kanpur
🌴 Kochi (Kerala)
Kolkata (City)
Lucknow
Mumbai
Pune
Ranchi
Vijayawada
+ More cities
🌴
Kerala Candidates — Kochi Exam Centre Confirmed!
FDDI AIST 2026 has an examination centre at Kochi, Kerala. Students from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and neighbouring states can conveniently select Kochi as their exam city. Remember: Select your city carefully before paying the application fee — no changes permitted after payment at any stage.
📝
How to Apply — FDDI AIST 2026 · Step-by-Step Guide
1
Create New Login at admissions.fddiindia.com
Visit admissions.fddiindia.com. Click "Fresh Candidate to Create Login (Register)". Fill registration details — you must have a valid Email ID (valid for at least 1 year). Press "Register". A confirmation email with your password is sent to your email. Note down your Email ID and Password carefully — these will be used for all future logins and cannot be changed once registered.
2
Keep These Documents & Details Ready Before Filling the Form
- Valid Email ID (min. 1-year validity)
- Personal details and educational qualification information
- Government ID number — Aadhaar / Passport / PAN Card / Voter ID
- Caste / Tribe / Class Certificate (for SC / ST / OBC-NCL candidates)
- Disability Certificate (for PwD candidates)
- EWS Certificate (if claiming GEN-EWS category)
- Scanned passport photo (.jpg/.jpeg format, ≤50 KB — light/white background, colour)
- Scanned signature (.jpg/.jpeg format, ≤50 KB — sign on white paper with black ink pen)
- Debit Card / Credit Card details for paying application fee online
3
Log In and Fill Application Form — Action 1
Log in as "Already Logged In Candidate" at admissions.fddiindia.com. Click "Action 1: Fill Application". Fill all details carefully — your eligibility is verified based on this information. Click "SAVE" after each section. All entries must be in English only. You can edit information by logging in again with Email ID and Date of Birth, but only before payment.
4
Upload Photograph and Signature — Action 2
- Photograph: Recent passport-size colour photo, light/white background, no caps/dark glasses, both ears clearly visible, no harsh shadows. Format: .jpg/.jpeg, ≤50 KB.
- Signature: Sign on white paper with Black ink pen → scan the signature area only (not the entire page). Format: .jpg/.jpeg, ≤50 KB. Important: This signature appears on the Admit Card and must match the signature on the answer sheet at the exam — mismatch = candidature cancelled.
5
Pay Application Fee — Action 3 (Non-Refundable)
Click "Action 3: Make Payment". Pay ₹600 (General/OBC/EWS) or ₹300 (SC/ST/PwD) online via Debit/Credit Card or Net Banking. Once payment is done, no information changes are permitted — except during the edit window (21–22 April, up to 4 PM) for personal details only. If you need to change the category, do it before paying via Action 1. Bank/transaction charges borne by you. Fee is fully non-refundable.
6
Print/Save Application Form — Action 4
Click "Action 4: Print Application" to view and print the submitted form. Keep a printout/photocopy of the Application Form AND proof of payment — these are mandatory documents required at FDDI Counselling. Store them safely.
7
Download Admit Card — From 1 May 2026
Re-login to admissions.fddiindia.com from 1 May 2026. A link for downloading the Admit Card (with examination centre and venue details) will be available. Take a printout of the Admit Card. Admit card will NOT be sent by post or email. Candidates without a valid Admit Card will not be allowed to enter the Written Test venue. Check fddiindia.com regularly for updates.
8
Appear for AIST 2026 — 10 May 2026 (Paper Based Test)
Appear at your selected examination centre on 10 May 2026 with your printed Admit Card. The signature on the Admit Card must match the signature on the answer sheet at all times. After the exam:
- Merit List → published on fddiindia.com (date to be announced)
- Counselling → dates to be announced on fddiindia.com
- Fee Submission → last date: 15 July 2026
- Orientation/Classes → date to be announced
📞
Contact — FDDI Admission Helpline 2026
| Resource | Details / Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | fddiindia.com |
| Application Portal | admissions.fddiindia.com |
| Admission Guidelines 2026 (PDF) | fddiindia.com/pdf/admission-guideline2026.pdf |
| Prospectus 2026 (PDF) | fddiindia.com/pdf/fddiprospectus2026.pdf |
| Important Updates | fddiindia.com/importants-updates |
| Admission Helpline | fddiindia.com/admission-helpline |
| Scholarship Details | fddiindia.com/scholarship |
| Fee Structure | fddiindia.com/fees-structure |
| Hostel Details | fddiindia.com/pdf/FDDI-Hostel-Details-25.pdf |
| Under Ministry | Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India |
| Statutory Status | Institution of National Importance — FDDI Act 2017 |
🚫
Important: No Influence Attempts — Automatic Disqualification
Any direct or indirect attempt to influence FDDI management or employees leads to automatic disqualification. If incorrect information is found at any stage, FDDI has the right to cancel candidature. Regularly check fddiindia.com/importants-updates for result declarations, counselling schedules, and any revisions to the admission calendar.
👟 Apply for FDDI AIST 2026 — Last Date: 20 April 2026!
Apply at admissions.fddiindia.com · Regular Deadline: 20 April 2026 · Late Fee: 30 April 2026
Admit Card: 1 May 2026 · AIST Exam: 10 May 2026 · Fee Submission: 15 July 2026
B.Des (Footwear / Fashion / Leather) · BBA · M.Des · MBA · 12 Campuses · 38 Cities incl. Kochi 🌴
⚠️ All data sourced directly from
fddiindia.com/how-to-apply,
fddiindia.com/admission-process,
fddiindia.com/eligibility-Criteria, and
fddiindia.com/examination-process
— verified March 10, 2026 (FDDI site last updated: 09 March 2026).
Campus-wise seat matrix at fddiindia.com/programmes-offered&-seat-structures.
Dates subject to change — always verify at
fddiindia.com/importants-updates
before applying. Content for educational guidance only ·
careerlokam.blogspot.com