The Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) has announced the All India Selection Test (AIST) 2026 exam date for May 10 . Online registration for the entrance examination will open on December 20 , 2025. Candidates seeking admission to FDDI’s design and management programs must apply through the official website, fddiindia.com.
The AIST 2026 serves as the primary gateway for admission to various undergraduate courses offered by FDDI. The exam aims to identify candidates with aptitude for specialized fields. The test will be conducted in 38 cities across India, ensuring accessibility for applicants from diverse regions.
Application Process and Fees
Candidates are required to complete their application online via the FDDI portal. The registration fee structure varies by applicant category. General, Other Backward Class (OBC), and General-Economically Weaker Section (EWS) candidates must submit an application fee of Rs 600 .
For all other categories of candidates, the application fee is Rs 300 . A late application period will also be available, during which fees increase. Late applications for General, OBC, and EWS categories will cost Rs 800 . Other candidates submitting late applications will pay Rs 400 .
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for FDDI’s Bachelor of Design (BDes) and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programs requires candidates to have successfully completed Class 12. This qualification must be from a recognized board and can be from any academic stream.
Candidates whose Class 12 examination results are pending at the time of application are still permitted to apply for AIST 2026. Those granted provisional admission must present their final Class 12 results on or before the official admission date. Failure to meet this requirement will lead to the cancellation of their provisional admission.
Programs and Exam Focus
FDDI offers a range of specialized programs through the AIST 2026. These include undergraduate courses in footwear design, fashion design, leather goods and accessories design, and retail and fashion merchandise management. The institute focuses on industry-relevant education in these creative and business domains.
The AIST 2026 exam syllabus is designed to assess candidates’ foundational skills and knowledge in relevant areas. It evaluates aptitude specifically related to footwear design, leather goods, fashion design, and other allied fields. This ensures selected candidates possess the core understanding needed for the programs.
AIST 2026 Important Dates
| Details | Dates |
|---|---|
| Launch of admission prospectus, online application for AIST 2026 | December 20 |
| Last date of online submission of application | April 20 |
| Last date of online submission of application with late fee | April 30 |
| Open window for editing forms | April 21-22 |
| Availability of admit cards | May 1 |
| Entrance exam Date (AIST 2026) | May 10 |
| Last date of fee submission | July 15 |
| Merit list display on fddiindia.com | Yet to be announced |
| Dates of Counselling – 2026 | Yet to be announced |
| Date of orientation and commencement of classes | Yet to be announced |
Candidates should mark the key deadlines, including the application submission by April 20 , and the late application option until April 30 . Admit cards will be available from May 1 , which is mandatory for appearing in the examination on May 10 . Further details regarding merit lists, counselling, and class commencement will be announced on the official FDDI website.