The Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) has changed the registration schedule for its All India Selection Test (AIST) 2026. Applications for the AIST 2026 will now open on January 1, 2026 . The entrance examination itself remains set for May 10, 2026 .
FDDI previously announced a December 20 start date for applications. The updated schedule shifts this registration period. Candidates seeking admission must apply through the official FDDI website, fddiindia.com. The final deadline for all applications is April 20, 2026 . The AIST 2026 exam will be conducted in 38 cities nationwide.
Application Process and Dates
Beginning January 1, 2026 , applicants can access the online portal at fddiindia.com to start their AIST 2026 registration. The application process requires candidates to submit personal details, provide academic qualifications, and pay the specified registration fee. All necessary steps, including fee payment, must be completed by the application deadline of April 20, 2026 . Specific guidelines for online submission will be available on the FDDI website from the opening date.
Examination Fees Structure
AIST 2026 application fees vary by candidate category. General, Other Backward Class (OBC), and General-Economically Weaker Section (EWS) candidates must pay Rs 600. For candidates in other categories, the fee is Rs 300. Submitting an application after the primary deadline incurs a late fee. This late fee is Rs 800 for general categories and Rs 400 for other categories.
Courses Offered Through AIST
FDDI utilizes the AIST 2026 for admissions to its various design and management programs. These programs include specialized courses in footwear design, fashion design, and business management. The examination specifically assesses candidates’ skills and knowledge in footwear design, leather goods, fashion design, and closely related areas relevant to these academic fields.
AIST 2026 Bachelor of Design (BDes) Exam Details
The AIST 2026 for Bachelor of Design (BDes) programs will be a pen-and-paper-based examination. Candidates will be given two hours and 30 minutes to complete the test. The exam paper consists of 126 questions. These questions are spread across five distinct sections, contributing to a total maximum score of 200 marks.
BDes Exam Sections and Scoring
The structure of the AIST 2026 BDes paper divides questions as follows:
| Paper Sections | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Ability | 25 | 1 | 25 |
| Design Aptitude Test | 1 | 50 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 35 | 1 | 35 |
| Comprehension | 25 | 1 | 25 |
| Grammar, Usage, etc. | 15 | 1 | 15 |
| Business Aptitude Test | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| Total | 126 | 200 |
The examination evaluates candidates on a range of aptitudes necessary for design and business fields.