FDDI AIST 2027: Exam Dates, Registration, Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern and Counselling

FDDI AIST 2027 (Footwear Design and Development Institute All India Selection Test) is a national-level design and management entrance exam conducted by FDDI — an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (DPIIT), Government of India. Through FDDI AIST 2027, candidates can get admission to B.Des, BBA, M.Des, and MBA programmes across 12 FDDI campuses in India. The 2027 application form is expected to open in January 2027, and the exam is expected to be held in the second week of May 2027.

• FDDI AIST 2027 Notification: The official schedule and notification for FDDI AIST 2027 is expected to be released in November–December 2026. In 2026, FDDI announced the schedule in November 2025 and opened registration on January 1, 2026.
• FDDI AIST 2027 Registration: The application form is expected to open in January 2027 and close in the last week of April 2027. The fee is Rs 600 for General/OBC/EWS candidates and Rs 300 for SC/ST/PWD candidates. In 2026, the last date without late fee was April 20.
• FDDI AIST 2027 Exam Date: The exam is expected in the second week of May 2027. In 2026, FDDI AIST was held on May 10, 2026. The test is 3 hours, conducted in offline (paper-based) mode, and has no negative marking.
• FDDI AIST 2027 Counselling: Seat allotment counselling across 12 FDDI campuses is expected from the last week of June 2027. Candidates for B.Des, BBA, M.Des, and MBA will register for counselling after the merit list is published. A non-refundable counselling fee of Rs 5,000 is payable at the time of seat acceptance.

What is FDDI AIST 2027?

FDDI AIST is the All India Selection Test conducted by the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI). It is the single national entrance test for admission to all undergraduate and postgraduate design and management programmes offered at FDDI’s 12 campuses across India.

FDDI was set up by the Government of India in 1986 and is now an Institution of National Importance under the FDDI Act 2017. It operates under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. FDDI is one of the few dedicated institutions in the country that trains students specifically for careers in the footwear, leather products, fashion, and retail sectors.

FDDI AIST 2027 will be conducted for admission to the following programmes:

• B.Des Footwear Design and Production (4 years)
• B.Des Fashion Design (4 years)
• B.Des Leather, Lifestyle and Product Design (4 years)
• BBA Retail and Fashion Merchandise (3+1 years)
• M.Des Footwear Design and Production (2 years)
• M.Des Fashion Design (2 years)
• MBA Retail and Fashion Merchandise (2 years)

The exam is held once a year in offline mode across 38+ cities in India. You can apply for one or more programmes in a single application. FDDI degrees are awarded directly by the institute — it is an autonomous national institution and does not have university affiliations.

Below is a quick overview of key FDDI AIST 2027 details:

Source: FDDI Official Website

FDDI AIST 2027 Important Dates

FDDI has not released the official schedule for FDDI AIST 2027 yet. The dates below are expected based on the 2026 cycle. In 2026, the FDDI AIST schedule was announced in November 2025, with registration starting January 1 and the exam held on May 10, 2026. The 2027 cycle is expected to follow a similar timeline.

All dates below are expected and tentative for the 2027 cycle. FDDI will release the official FDDI AIST 2027 schedule at fddiindia.com. Check the official website regularly for updates once the notification is out.

Source: FDDI Admission Process

FDDI AIST 2027 Eligibility Criteria

You must check the FDDI AIST 2027 eligibility criteria carefully before applying. FDDI sets separate conditions for UG and PG programmes.

Eligibility for UG Programmes (B.Des and BBA)

• Educational Qualification: You must have passed 10+2 (Class 12) or an equivalent examination from a recognized board in India or abroad. You can be from any stream — Science, Commerce, or Arts.
• Appearing Candidates: If you are currently in Class 12 and your results are expected in 2027, you can still apply. However, you must submit proof of passing at the time of counselling and admission.
• Minimum Marks: FDDI does not prescribe a minimum percentage in Class 12 for eligibility. Admission is purely based on your AIST score and rank.
• Age Limit: You must be 25 years or younger as on July 1, 2027. There is no minimum age limit officially prescribed.

Eligibility for PG Programmes (M.Des and MBA)

• Educational Qualification: You must have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized university.
• Final Year Candidates: Students in the final year of graduation can apply for M.Des and MBA. Admission is subject to your completing the degree successfully.
• Age Limit: No upper age limit is specified for PG programmes.

Note: Students from any stream — Science, Commerce, or Arts — can apply for B.Des and BBA. No specific stream is required for UG programmes at FDDI.

FDDI AIST 2027 Application Form and Process

The FDDI AIST 2027 application form will be available online at the official FDDI admissions portal. Based on the 2026 cycle, registration is expected to start in January 2027. You should complete every step carefully — errors in the form can lead to rejection.

How to Fill the FDDI AIST 2027 Application Form

1. Visit the official FDDI admissions portal at fddiindia.com and click on the "Admissions" or "AIST Registration" link.
2. Create a new candidate profile by entering your name, email address, and mobile number. You will get login credentials on your registered email.
3. Select the programme(s) you want to apply for — B.Des, BBA, M.Des, MBA, or a combined B.Des + BBA application. You can select multiple programmes in one form.
4. Fill in your personal details: date of birth, gender, category (General/OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PWD), parent’s name, address, and family information.
5. Enter your educational qualification details — your Class 10 board, year of passing, and Class 12 board, year of passing, and marks or percentage obtained.
6. Choose your preferred exam city from the list of 38+ cities available.
7. Upload the required documents in the specified format and size limits.
8. Pay the application fee online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking.
9. Submit the form and download the confirmation page. Save or print it for future reference.

Documents Required for FDDI AIST 2027 Application

• Passport-size photograph: Recent photograph, not more than 60 KB in size, in JPG/JPEG format
• Scanned signature: Your signature on white paper, not more than 30 KB
• Class 10 Mark Sheet: Used for date-of-birth verification
• Class 12 Mark Sheet: Or proof of appearing, if your results are awaited in 2027
• Category Certificate: SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PWD certificate (if applicable), issued by a competent authority

You cannot make changes to personal details like name, date of birth, or category after submitting the form. Review everything carefully before clicking Submit.

FDDI AIST 2027 Application Fee

The FDDI AIST application fee is affordable and must be paid online at the time of registration. The fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. Below is the fee structure based on the 2026 cycle — the 2027 fees are expected to remain the same:

The regular fee applies if you apply before the main deadline, expected around the 3rd week of April 2027. If you apply after that but before the extended deadline in the last week of April 2027, the late fee applies. Payment is online — debit card, credit card, or net banking are accepted. You should apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

FDDI AIST 2027 Syllabus

The FDDI AIST 2027 syllabus is based broadly on Class 10 and Class 12 level content. You do not need to study highly advanced topics for this exam. The syllabus is divided into five sections — you only need to prepare for the sections relevant to your programme.

Section A – Analytical Ability (25 Marks)

This section tests your logical thinking and basic numerical ability. Topics you should prepare include:

• Quantitative aptitude — percentages, ratios, averages, profit and loss, time and work
• Logical reasoning — analogies, series completion, odd one out, blood relations
• Data interpretation — bar charts, pie charts, tables
• Number systems, simplification, and basic arithmetic
• Questions are at Class 10–12 CBSE standard

Section B – Design Aptitude Test / Drawing (50 Marks) — B.Des Only

This is the most distinctive part of the FDDI AIST and applies only to B.Des applicants. It is a single drawing or design question on a separate sheet that tests your creative ability. This section carries the highest weightage for B.Des at 33% of total marks. Topics covered:

• Sketching and drawing — line quality, proportion, composition, observation
• Visual perception — understanding shapes, space, and layout
• Creative and imaginative thinking — ability to translate an idea into a drawing
• Colour sense and aesthetic awareness
• Spatial reasoning — 2D and 3D visualisation
• Product design, footwear design, and fashion design imagination
• Memory drawing and observational drawing

Section B is answered on a separate drawing sheet, not on the OMR sheet. Strong performance here can significantly improve your overall rank. Do not underestimate this section.

Section C – General Awareness (35 Marks)

This section tests your awareness of national and international current events. Topics include:

• Important national and international events — current affairs from the last 12 months
• Indian geography — rivers, mountains, states and capitals
• Arts, culture, and heritage of India
• Distinguished personalities, awards, and achievements
• Indian and world history — key events
• Sports — national and international achievements
• Currencies, capitals, and India’s neighbours
• Science and technology in the news

Section D – Comprehension and Grammar (40 Marks)

This section tests your English language skills. Topics include:

• Reading comprehension — 2 to 3 passages with questions based on them
• Vocabulary — synonyms, antonyms, fill in the blanks with correct words
• Grammar — tenses, parts of speech, subject-verb agreement
• Idioms and phrases
• One word substitution
• Sentence correction and improvement
• Active and passive voice
• Direct and indirect speech

Section E – Business Aptitude Test (50 Marks) — BBA and Combined Applicants Only

This section applies to BBA and combined B.Des + BBA applicants. Each question carries 2 marks, making accuracy important. Topics include:

• Retail and fashion industry knowledge — major trends, brands, and business models
• Basic marketing and consumer behaviour concepts
• General business and commerce awareness
• Trade, finance, and Indian economy basics
• Brand awareness — national and international fashion and footwear brands (Nike, Adidas, Bata, Liberty, Puma, etc.)

FDDI AIST 2027 Admit Card

The FDDI AIST 2027 admit card is expected to be released in the first week of May 2027 at the official FDDI admissions portal. In 2026, the admit card was available from May 1, 2026 — about 9 to 10 days before the exam. Without a valid admit card, you will not be allowed to enter the exam hall.

How to Download FDDI AIST 2027 Admit Card

1. Go to the FDDI admissions portal at fddiindia.com
2. Click on the "Download Admit Card" link when it is activated
3. Enter your registration number and date of birth or password
4. Your admit card will appear on screen — download and print it
5. Keep at least two printed copies — one for the exam day and one for your personal records

What to Carry on FDDI AIST 2027 Exam Day

• FDDI AIST 2027 Admit Card: A printed hard copy is mandatory
• Valid Photo ID: Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, or school/college ID card with your photograph
• Passport-size photographs: 2 to 3 recent photographs matching the one uploaded in your application

Details Mentioned on the FDDI AIST 2027 Admit Card

• Candidate’s name and roll number
• Exam date and reporting time
• Exam centre address and city
• Programme applied for (B.Des / BBA / M.Des / MBA)
• Photograph and signature for verification

Do not forget to carry both your admit card and a valid photo ID on exam day. Candidates without a printed admit card are not allowed inside the exam hall under any circumstances.

FDDI AIST 2027 Result

The FDDI AIST 2027 result is expected to be declared in June 2027. In 2026, the result was announced in June 2026. FDDI publishes the merit list (rank list) on its official website and the admissions portal. There is no separate pass/fail — all candidates who appear in the exam are ranked.

What the FDDI AIST 2027 Result Contains

Your FDDI AIST 2027 scorecard will include:

• Your name and roll number
• Section-wise marks obtained (Section A, B, C, D and/or E)
• Total marks out of 150 (for B.Des) or 175 (for M.Des or MBA)
• All India Rank (AIR) — your overall rank among all candidates who appeared
• Category Rank — your rank within your reservation category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/General/PWD)

How to Check FDDI AIST 2027 Result

1. Visit fddiindia.com and click on the result or merit list link
2. Enter your roll number or registration number
3. View and download your scorecard
4. FDDI also publishes the full merit list as a PDF — all appearing candidates can check their rank there

Your AIR from the result is the basis for counselling. FDDI does not hold separate written tests or group discussions after the result — admission is entirely merit-based through rank and counselling.

Top FDDI Campuses and Courses 2027

FDDI has 12 campuses across India. All campuses offer B.Des programmes, though the number of seats and the range of specialisations vary. The Noida campus (headquarters) is the most sought-after and has the widest range of programmes. Admission to all campuses is through FDDI AIST 2027.

Source: FDDI Programmes and Seat Structure

How Many Seats Are Available at FDDI 2027?

The total seat intake at FDDI across all campuses and programmes is approximately:

• B.Des programmes (all campuses combined): Approximately 1,500 – 1,710 seats
• M.Des programmes (select campuses): Approximately 180 seats
• BBA Retail and Fashion Merchandise: Campus-specific, ranging from 30 to 60 seats per campus where offered
• MBA Retail and Fashion Merchandise: Available at select campuses (Noida and Patna); limited intake

The Noida campus typically has the highest B.Des intake — around 240 to 300 seats across all specialisations. Most campuses offer at least two B.Des specialisations: Footwear Design and Production, and Fashion Design. The Leather, Lifestyle and Product Design specialisation is available at select campuses including Noida, Chennai, Kolkata, and Jodhpur.

How to Prepare for FDDI AIST 2027

With the FDDI AIST 2027 exam expected in May 2027, you have enough time to prepare well if you start now. Here is a section-wise preparation strategy:

Section A – Analytical Ability

• Review Class 9 and 10 Mathematics — focus on percentages, ratios, profit and loss, averages, and time-work problems
• Practice logical reasoning puzzles and series completion questions daily
• Use R.S. Aggarwal’s Quantitative Aptitude or any standard aptitude book
• Practice 15 to 20 questions every day to build speed and accuracy

Section B – Design Aptitude (Most Important for B.Des Aspirants)

• Practice sketching daily — even 20 to 30 minutes makes a big difference over months
• Study 2D and 3D shapes, perspective drawing basics, and product sketching
• Work on observation skills — try drawing from memory after observing objects or scenes
• Study fashion design and footwear design sketches for inspiration and visual vocabulary
• Practice shading — even simple pencil shading adds depth and quality to your drawing
• This section carries 33% of the B.Des total marks — never skip it during preparation

Section C – General Awareness

• Read a newspaper or a reliable news app daily — focus on national and international headlines
• Keep running notes of important events, appointments, awards, and sports results from the last 12 months before the exam
• Study Indian geography, culture, and history from your Class 9 and 10 NCERT Social Science books
• Make a brief list of important personalities and their achievements from the current year

Section D – Comprehension and Grammar

• Read English passages from newspapers or magazines regularly to improve speed and understanding
• Revise Class 10 and 12 English grammar — tenses, articles, prepositions, and voice are common question types
• Practice synonym and antonym questions using a standard vocabulary word list
• Attempt at least one reading comprehension passage daily under timed conditions

Section E – Business Aptitude (BBA and Combined Applicants)

• Read about major national and international fashion and footwear brands — Adidas, Nike, Puma, Bata, Liberty, Woodland, etc.
• Study basic marketing and retail management concepts from a standard Class 11–12 Commerce textbook
• Keep track of retail and business news in India — focus on fashion, e-commerce, and consumer trends

General Preparation Tips for FDDI AIST 2027

• Attempt mock tests: Take at least 2 to 3 full-length practice tests in the weeks before the exam to build time management habits
• No negative marking — attempt everything: Since there is no penalty for wrong answers, you should answer every question, including those you are unsure about
• Prioritise Section B (Drawing): It is the most differentiating section for B.Des. Even 10 extra marks in drawing can shift your rank by several hundred positions
• NCERT base is enough: Class 9 and 10 NCERT for Maths and Social Science, Class 10 to 12 NCERT for English — these are sufficient for Sections A, C, and D
• Start early on current affairs: You cannot cram 12 months of news in one week — start reading news daily from now