FDDI AIST 2026: Exam Date (Out), Application, Syllabus, Pattern, Eligibility & More

The Footwear Design and Development Institute All India Selection Test (FDDI AIST) 2026 will be held on May 10 2026, and the application form for the exam will be released on December 20, 2025. The last date to apply for the FDDI AIST 2026 exam is April 20, 2026, without a late fee. However, candidates will be allowed to fill out the application form till April 30, 2026, with a late fee. On the other hand, the candidates who will register for the exam on or before April 20, 2026, will be allowed to make corrections to their application form between April 21 and 22, 2026. 

Candidates must go through all the FDDI AIST 2026 eligibility criteria mentioned by the conducting authority before they fill out the application form. The candidates will have to fulfil the age and educational qualifications laid down by the institute for applying to the FDDI AIST 2026 application form. All students who have passed their 10+2 level examination in any stream of a recognised board are eligible to apply.

The FDDI AIST 2026 will be held for admission to its undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs in footwear, leather goods, fashion design, and retail management. The FDDI AIST exam 2026 will be conducted in pen-and-paper-based mode for a total of 200 marks. As per the FDDI AIST 2026 exam pattern, the UG exam will be conducted for 3 hours. On this page, students can find important information related to the FDDI AIST eligibility criteria, application process, exam pattern, and more.

All India Selection Test (AIST): The Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) administers the AIST to candidates seeking admission to its undergraduate and graduate programmes in fashion design, retail & fashion merchandise, footwear design, and leather goods & accessories design. Upon passing the exam, applicants are eligible to apply for admission to several FDDI programmes. Questions with multiple-choice answers (MCQs) are considered to be among the most difficult on the examination. Noida, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Patna, Chandigarh, Rohtak, Fursatganj (Rae Bareli), Ankleshwar, Chhindwara, and Guna are among the locations of FDDI's campuses. 

FDDI is an Institution of National Importance (INI) having the authority to award degrees, the same as IITs and IIMs. Field excursions, internships, live projects, and case studies are some of the ways that FDDI classes aim to provide graduates with practical industry experience. This helps candidates acquire the knowledge and abilities needed to succeed in the fields they have chosen. The FDDI AIST exam is appropriate for those who wish to work in the fashion, footwear, retail, or leather design industries.

The organisation in charge of holding the All India Selection Test (AIST) is the Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI). To deliver education and offer suitable infrastructure for the Indian footwear industry, FDDI was founded in 1986. Prestigious accreditations and certificates have been given to FDDI, a leading academic and training centre. Through the provision of bachelor's and master's degree programmes, the institute fosters the development of exceptional talents and expertise. In addition, the school boasts a stellar placement record in the industry and provides top-notch amenities, technology, equipment, infrastructure, and more.

Catch on the exam highlights of FDDI AIST 2026 below:

Students are recommended to keep a note of important dates for FDDI AIST events. Tracking the FDDI AIST 2026 important dates can assist students in avoiding missing any crucial events. The table below contains the important dates for FDDI AIST 2026:

The FDDI AIST 2026 application process involves registration, providing detailed information, uploading necessary documents, and paying the application fee. Students need to review the eligibility criteria before initiating the application. 

Here's a step-by-step guide for filling out the FDDI AIST 2026 application form.

• Go to the FDDI website and click on the "Apply Online" tab.
• Click on "New User" to create an account.
• Select the course you are applying for and fill in your personal information, including your name, family details, address, and educational qualifications.
• Upload a recent passport-size photograph (not more than 60 kb) and a scanned signature (not exceeding 30 kb).
• Type the virtual image given in the registration form.
• Click on the "Submit" button to proceed.
• Pay the registration fee for FDDI AIST 2026 as directed.
• Your user ID and password will be sent to your mobile number and email ID for further communication.

Application Fees

FDDI AIST 2026 eligibility criteria must be checked by the candidates before filling out the application form. The application form will be rejected if a candidate fails to meet the eligibility criteria at any stage of the selection process. The applicant must check the detailed eligibility criteria before applying for the same. The eligibility criteria are different for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. One can refer to the tables given below detailing the eligibility criteria for bachelor's degree and master's degree programmes for appearing for the FDDI entrance test.  

FDDI AIST 2026 Eligibility Criteria (Bachelor Degree Programs)

Candidates can check the FDDI AIST 2026 eligibility criteria for bachelor's degree programmes mentioned below.

FDDI AIST 2026 Eligibility Criteria (Master Degree Programs)

Candidates can check the FDDI AIST 2026 eligibility criteria for master's degree programmes mentioned below.

Candidates who apply before the deadline will receive the FDDI AIST 2026 admission card from the Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI). Candidates can download their admit card by entering their application number and date of birth on the FDDI website.

The admit card will have the candidate's name, application number, date of birth, exam centre address, and exam date. On the day of the FDDI AIST, candidates must carry a printout of their admit card to the test venue.

Steps to Download FDDI AIST 2026 Admit Card

To download the admit card for FDDI AIST 2026, candidates can follow these easy steps:

• Click on the 'Download Admit Card' option.
• Input the application number, email address, or date of birth.
• Click on 'Submit'.
• Download and print the hall ticket.
• Save it for future reference.

Here is the list of FDDI AIST participating colleges and courses that they offer in India via the FDDI AIST 2026 exam:

To guarantee a seamless application process for this design institution, prospective students should rigorously follow the admission processes provided by FDDI.

Step 1: Filling the FDDI AIST Application Form

Candidates must fill out the FDDI entrance exam application form online on the college's official website to apply for the exam. The FDDI AIST 2026 application fee can be paid online using a debit/credit card. The application fee is INR 600 for general/OBC candidates and INR 300 for SC/ST/PWD candidates.

Step 2: Obtaining the FDDI Entrance Exam Admit Card

Candidates who have completed the application process will be granted an FDDI AIST admit card. According to the timetable, admit cards can be acquired from the official FDDI website. Candidates must bring their admit card to the test centre on exam day.

Step 3: Take the FDDI AIST 2026 Exam

The FDDI AIST 2026 exam will be administered on paper at several examination centres around the country. The examination will last 3 hours and will consist of objective-type questions.

Step 4: Announcement of FDDI Entrance Exam Result

The results of FDDI AIST will be available on the institute's official website. The FDDI AIST 2026 All India Merit List will be created based on the candidate's exam performance.

Step 5: Participating in FDDI Counselling

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the counselling phase once the FDDI results are announced. During this step, applicants will be able to choose their chosen programme and FDDI campus. It is vital to note that applicants can only choose programs/campuses depending on their rank. Candidates will declare their course and campus options during counselling based on the FDDI AIST merit list. Candidates who are given a seat at FDDI following the counselling round must pay INR 25,000 at the time of counselling/admission to secure the seat. This sum comprises INR 20,000 (An advance charge, deducted from the balance charge) and INR 5,000 (Non-Refundable) Counselling fees.

There are certain numbers of seats that are reserved for different categories. The reservation of seats as applicable in each program is mentioned below for both sponsored as well as non sponsored categories

The FDDI AIST 2026 exam is conducted for 2 hours and 30 minutes, encompassing a total of 200 questions. The question paper will be divided into four sections. Check the table below for a summary of the essential aspects of the FDDI AIST 2026 exam pattern.

FDDI AIST 2026 Question Paper Pattern 

When preparing for the FDDI AIST 2026 exam, candidates need to refer to the most recent and official syllabus. This ensures that their preparation is aligned with the current exam requirements.

For those applying to the BDes program, the FDDI AIST 2026 syllabus includes the following areas:

• Quantitative Aptitude
• Verbal Ability
• General Awareness
• General Knowledge
• Visualization
• Colour and Composition

For MDes course admissions, the syllabus covers:

• Quantitative Aptitude
• English Comprehension & Analytical Ability
• General Knowledge & Current Affairs
• General Awareness
• Visualization
• Colour and Composition

Captured below in the table are the names of exam centres of FDDI AIST 2026.

Note: Guwahati has been newly added to the list of FDDI AIST 2026 exam centres. 

To succeed in the FDDI AIST, it is important to approach your preparation with a well-thought-out strategy. Here are some key FDDI AIST 2026 preparation tips to help you get ready for the exam:

• Understand the Pattern of the Exam: Get an accurate idea about the pattern of the exam and the syllabus. Knowing the sections, the number of questions, and the marking scheme will help in strategizing the study plan more precisely.
• Draw a Study Schedule: Plan a study schedule wherein adequate time is allocated to all the subjects. Ensure that your practice is balanced to cover every topic. Most importantly, focus on laying a sound foundation in base areas relating to various sections like Analytical Ability, Verbal Ability, Comprehension, Grammar, General Awareness, Current Events, and Design Aptitude.
• Focus on Fundamentals: Regularly revise the concepts and practice problems. Include previous years' question papers and mock tests in your study routine to keep a tab on your progress and also to identify areas where improvement is required. This will also serve the purpose of acquainting you with the test format and thus improving your time management skills.
• Keep Yourself Updated: The general awareness part is an important one in this examination. It is prudent to make it a habit to stay updated about current affairs, particularly concerning the footwear, design, and fashion industries. This may be achieved by reading the news daily and reading magazines related to it, apart from watching documentaries.
• Improves Speed and Accuracy: Try to practice both your speed and accuracy in the practice sessions. Learn how to prioritize the questions and manage time for the exam.
• Revision Regularly: Schedule regular revision sessions, and making notes that can be reviewed quickly as the date of the examination nears can be helpful.
• Well-Being: Finally, stay positive and composed during the examination. Similarly, believe in the preparation done and solve each question analytically. Take care of the physical self by resting well, eating healthily, and engaging in exercises that put the body and mind in ideal performance.

Here are some of the FDDI AIST 2026 best books for B.Des/ BBA courses:

Check out some of the best books of FDDI AIST 2026 for M.Des and MBA courses:

According to experts and exam toppers, one of the most efficient ways to know the depth, structure, and marking scheme of the examination is by practising FDDI AIST sample papers. Here are given some key benefits: 

• Though preparation is a must, intelligent strategies can help you enhance your chances of scoring well.
• You must have a well-planned strategy for the preparation of your examination, which includes specific strategies to be adopted in attempting different types of questions.
• It helps you get familiar with the FDDI AIST exam pattern.
• Working through previous years' question papers and sample papers, you will notice how the questions have evolved and identify the key topics that require your focus.
• It also reduces examination anxiety and thus makes you confident during the test.
• It improves your speed and accuracy to get accustomed to the complexity level of the exam.
• Additionally, it will highlight your strong and weak points by giving sample papers, thus allowing improving on the more neglected areas, leading a path to your success.

The Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) will declare the FDDI AIST 2026 result online. The merit list for admission to FDDI's programmes will be prepared based on the result of the FDDI AIST 2026. To check your FDDI AIST 2026 result, go to the official FDDI website and enter your login credentials. Here are the steps to check the FDDI AIST 2026 results:

• Go to the FDDI's official website.

• Select the "Admissions" tab.

• Go to the "FDDI AIST 2026" link.

• Select the "Result" link.

• Enter your credentials for login.

• Press the "Submit" button.

• The result of your FDDI AIST 2026 will be shown on the screen.

The FDDI AIST counselling process 2026 will take place online, and participation will only be open to applicants who pass the FDDI 2026 entrance examination. The applicant's rank will be assessed following their cumulative entrance exam results. They will have the opportunity to select their desired FDDI campus and programme during counselling. A student's rank and the number of seats available will be taken into consideration for allocating seats.

To confirm their seats, applicants who are given a spot will need to pay a specified amount immediately. After this, they will get seven working days to deposit the remaining fee if they want to permanently reserve the seat. Applicants will not be reimbursed for their money if they want to withdraw after being assigned a seat.

It is expected that the candidates who have applied for graduate or postgraduate programmes through FDDI AIST 2026 must possess good communication skills. They should have good control over the English language both in terms of writing and speaking. Candidates should have command over both written and spoken English.

• Address: Footwear Design & Development Institute, A- 10 / A, Sector – 24, Noida - 201 301, Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
• Telephone: 01204500214 (For general enquiry)/ 01204500203 (For admission related enquiry)
• Fax: 120-2412556
• Email: contact@fddiindia.com (For general enquiry)/ admission@fddiindia.com (For admission related enquiry)