FDDI AIST 2026, Exam Date, Pattern, Syllabus, Eligibility Criteria

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What is FDDI?

The Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) is a premier academic and training institution established in 1986 under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. It has been recognized as an “Institution of National Importance” under the FDDI Act 2017. The institute specializes in education and skill development for the footwear, leather products, retail, and fashion sectors. The institute is known for its world-class infrastructure, strong industry linkages, and high placement rates. 

FDDI AIST 2026 Overview

FDDI offers undergraduate (B.Des, BBA) and postgraduate (M.Des, MBA) programs in areas such as Footwear Design & Production, Fashion Design, Leather Goods & Accessories Design, and Retail & Fashion Merchandise. The test includes MCQs covering Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, General Awareness, Business, and Design Aptitude. 

The admission process is currently underway for the new academic session. Here is an overview of the important facets of FDDI AIST 2026. 

FDDI AIST 2026 Tentative Exam Dates

FDDI AIST 2026 will tentatively be conducted in the second week of May 2026. The FDDI AIST application process is expected to start in November 2025. Candidates must visit the official website to stay updated with the FDDI AIST 2026 exam dates. Given below are the tentative FDDI AIST exam dates 2026 and will be updated when the official notification is released. 

FDDI AIST 2026 Application Process

FDDI AIST 2026 application process will be conducted online. Here is how you can apply for FDDI AIST 2026. 

• Visit the official FDDI website. 
• Click on the “Apply Online” or “New Candidate” link.
• Provide your basic details. Create a login ID and password. 
• You will receive your registration credentials via email and SMS. 
• Log in using your credentials. 
• Select your desired course and discipline. 
• Fill in all mandatory academic, contact, and personal details. 
• Upload scanned copies of prescribed documents. The list of documents includes passport-size photograph, signature, mark sheets, certificates, and category certificates (if applicable).  
• Pay the application fee online as per your category using debit/credit card or net banking. Late fee is also applicable. 
• Submit the form. 
• You will receive a confirmation email and SMS after final submission. 
• Save or print the confirmation page for future reference. 

FDDI AIST 2026 Eligibility Criteria for BDes

The eligibility criteria for BDes at FDDI AIST 2026 outline the minimum academic qualifications and age limit required for admission. Candidates must ensure they meet these standards before applying. The criteria are set by the Footwear Design & Development Institute and apply to all BDes specializations offered through the AIST exam. 

• Candidates must have passed 10+2 (in any stream) from a recognized board in India or abroad, or an examination recognized by the Association of Indian Universities as equivalent to the 10+2 system.
• The upper age limit is 25 years.  
• Candidates awaiting their 10+2 results at the time of admission may apply provisionally but must submit proof of qualification.  

FDDI AIST Exam Pattern 2026 

As per the FDDI AIST 2026 exam pattern, there will be 126 multiple-choice questions divided into five main sections, namely, Analytical Ability, Design Aptitude Test, General Awareness, Verbal Ability, and Business Aptitude. Candidates applying for BDes admission are not required to take the Business Aptitude. 

BBA aspirants need to skip the Design Aptitude Test. The Verbal Ability section includes both comprehension and grammar-based questions. Each section carries a specific weightage. The marking scheme is clearly defined for each part of the test. 

FDDI AIST Exam Syllabus 2026

FDDI AIST syllabus 2026 will include 4 main sections, namely, Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, General Awareness, and Business & Design Aptitude. Questions will be based on class 10th and 12th standards. The test evaluates candidates’ based on their knowledge in design, business studies, mathematics, language, and analytical skills. Topics from the current affairs and design sections are also asked. 

FDDI AIST Admit Card 2026

FDDI AIST 2026 admit card will be released online in multiple phases. Candidates can download their admit cards from the official FDDI admission portal using their login credentials. The admit card contains essential details such as the exam date, reporting time, roll number, and the allotted exam center. Carrying a printed admit card and a valid photo ID to the exam center was mandatory for entry. 

FDDI AIST Result 2026

FDDI AIST result 2026 will be released tentatively in June 2026. Results are published in the form of a merit list on the FDDI website. Candidates can access their scores and ranks by logging in with their application number and password. The merit list includes details such as candidate name, roll number, marks obtained, and rank. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for the FDDI AIST counselling 2026. 

FDDI AIST Counselling 2026

FDDI AIST counselling 2026 will likely begin in June 2026 after the release of AIST results. It will be conducted online for admissions across FDDI’s 12 campuses. Eligible candidates must register on the official counselling portal. Candidates need to pay a non-refundable seat acceptance fee of Rs 25,000 to confirm their seat. Seat allotment is based on entrance exam rank, merit, and candidate preferences.

FDDI AIST Reservation Policy

The reservation policy ensures equitable access to its design and management programs by allocating seats for various categories as per government norms. It applies to both sponsored and non-sponsored categories, ensuring representation and opportunity across diverse backgrounds.