NIFT Vs FDDI: Which One is Better?

NIFT vs FDDI: National Institute of Design Technology (NIFT) vs Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) are the two most prominent institutes in the list of design colleges in India. Though both focus on design education, they differ in terms of their curriculum, career prospects, and exam patterns. While NIFT covers fields such as fashion design, textile design, fashion communication, and fashion technology, FDDI offers specialized education in footwear design, leather goods, fashion accessories, and retail management.

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NIFT vs FDDI Overview

NIFT or FDDI: Which is Better?

Choosing between NIFT and FDDI depends on the candidate's career interests and specialisation goals. If candidates are more interested in fashion design, textile design, fashion communication, and fashion technology, NIFT offers various and well-established programs with global recognition. However, if candidates are interested in footwear design, leather goods, or retail and product management, then FDDI provides particular and industry-specific training. While NIFT has a wider alumni network and industry outreach, FDDI offers strong placement in the footwear and leather industry. Candidates' choices should match their passion and career aspirations.

FDDI Course

FDDI (Footwear Design and Development Institute) offers specialised courses in footwear design, leather goods, fashion retail, and product design. Its undergraduate courses include BDes in Footwear Design, Fashion Design, and Product & Lifestyle Design, which focus on practical and job-related training. At the postgraduate level, it provides MDes in related fields, focusing on advanced design and management skills. FDDI’s curriculum includes creativity, technology, and business knowledge. The institute also offers diploma programs for skill development and faster career entry. With advanced labs and industry exposure, FDDI provides students with the skills needed for the global fashion and footwear markets.

NIFT vs FDDI Courses Offered

NIFT vs FDDI Eligibility Criteria

NIFT Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates appearing for the NIFT entrance exam must be less than 24 years of age as on 1st August of the admission year. For the reserved categories including SC/ST/PwD, the upper age limit is relaxed by 5 years.
• For B.Des admission through NIFT, candidates must have passed their class 12th or equivalent examination from a recognized Central Board/State Board of Secondary Examination, like the Central Board of Secondary Education/State Board New Delhi/Council for Indian School Certificate Examination, New Delhi, etc, OR,
• A passing grade in the Senior Secondary School Examination conducted by the National Open School with atleast five subjects, OR,
• After Secondary Examination/10th Standard, a 3-4 year Diploma Degree recognized by AICTE or a State Board of Technical Education.
• Any Public School/Board/University Examination in India or in foreign countries recognized by the Association of Indian Universities as equivalent to the 12th system, OR,
• General Certificate Education (GCE) Examination (London/Sri Lanka/Cambridge) at the Advanced (A) level/International Baccalaureate (IB).

FDDI Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates have to be 25 years of age as on 1st July 2025 to appear for the FDDI exam.
• Candidates must have passed class 12th in any stream from a recognized Board, OR,
• Any Board/School/University Examination in India or in Foreign country recognized by the Association of Indian Universities as equivalent to 12th standard, OR,
• School Examination conducted by the National Open School with atleast 5 subjects, OR,
• After class 10th by the Board of Technical Education of any State or Union Territory, a 3-4 year Diploma degree approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

NIFT vs FDDI Entrance Exams

NIFT vs FDDI Campuses

NIFT vs FDDI Career Opportunities