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Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), Noida is a Government of India institution of national importance operating under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Established in 1986, FDDI was granted statutory degree-conferring authority under the FDDI Act 2017. The Noida campus is the national headquarters, with ten campuses across India.
FDDI does not participate in NIRF rankings as it operates under DPIIT, not the Ministry of Education. No Collegedunia stream rank is available for this institute from the supplied articles.
The Noida campus is located in Sector 24, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and serves as the administrative and academic flagship of the FDDI network. Separate hostel facilities are available for male and female students at INR 60,000 per year.
- B.Des: Three specialisations at the undergraduate level.
- Footwear Design and Production Management
- Fashion Design
- Leather, Lifestyle and Product Design
- Duration: 4 years. Total fees (General): INR 9,45,600
- BBA Hons.: Retail Management specialisation. Duration: 3 years. Total fees (General): INR 7,35,200
- M.Des: Footwear Design and Production and Fashion Design and Technology. Duration: 2 years. Total fees (General): INR 5,86,000
- MBA: Retail and Fashion Merchandise. Duration: 2 years. Total fees (General): INR 5,86,000
- Ph.D.: Multiple specialisations including Footwear Design and Production, Fashion Design, Leather Goods and Accessories Design, Retail and Fashion Merchandise
- Certificate Courses: Footwear Manufacturing Technology, Footwear Designing, Non-Leather Footwear Manufacturing, and operator-level certification programmes
FDDI graduates are recruited by footwear brands, fashion retailers, and leather goods companies. Admission to UG and PG programmes is through FDDI’s own national-level entrance examination.
FDDI Noida Admission Dates 2026
FDDI 2026-27 admissions were based on performance in FDDI’s national-level entrance examination (UG programmes) and CMAT/CAT/MAT/XAT scores for PG programmes. Applications opened in November 2025 and the entrance examination was conducted in early 2026. The 2026-27 batch admission cycle has now concluded.
| Event | Approximate Period (2026 Cycle) | Programme |
|---|---|---|
| Online Application Open | November 2025 | B.Des, BBA, M.Des, MBA |
| National Entrance Examination | March to April 2026 | B.Des, BBA (UG) |
| Entrance Result and Merit List | April to May 2026 | All programmes |
| Counselling and Seat Allotment | May to June 2026 | All programmes |
| Classes Commence | July 2026 | All programmes |
The next admission cycle for 2027-28 is tentatively expected to follow the schedule below. Dates will be confirmed on the official FDDI website at fddiindia.com.
| Programme | Entrance Exam | Tentative Application Period | Tentative Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Des (all three specialisations) | FDDI National Entrance Exam | November 2026 to February 2027 | March to April 2027 |
| BBA Hons. (Retail Management) | FDDI National Entrance Exam / Merit | November 2026 to February 2027 | March to April 2027 |
| M.Des (Footwear / Fashion Design) | CMAT / CAT / MAT / XAT | November 2026 to February 2027 | As per exam body schedule |
| MBA (Retail and Fashion Merchandise) | CMAT / CAT / MAT / XAT | November 2026 to February 2027 | As per exam body schedule |
| Certificate Courses | Merit-based / Direct | Rolling admissions | No entrance exam |
FDDI Noida Courses and Fees
FDDI Noida offers programmes across fashion, footwear, leather goods, and retail merchandise at the UG, PG, doctoral, and certificate levels. Total fees for General category students range from INR 5,000 (short certificate course) to INR 9,45,600 (B.Des, 4 years). NRI quota fees are higher. Hostel charges are INR 60,000 per year.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees (General) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Des (Footwear Design and Production Management) | 4 years | 10+2 in any stream, min. 45% marks | INR 9,45,600 |
| B.Des (Fashion Design) | 4 years | 10+2 in any stream, min. 45% marks | INR 9,45,600 |
| B.Des (Leather, Lifestyle and Product Design) | 4 years | 10+2 in any stream, min. 45% marks | INR 9,45,600 |
| BBA Hons. (Retail Management) | 3 years | 10+2 in any stream, min. 45% marks | INR 7,35,200 |
| M.Des (Footwear Design and Production) | 2 years | Any bachelor’s degree + CMAT/CAT/MAT | INR 5,86,000 |
| M.Des (Fashion Design and Technology) | 2 years | Any bachelor’s degree + CMAT/CAT/MAT | INR 5,86,000 |
| MBA (Retail and Fashion Merchandise) | 2 years | Any bachelor’s degree + CMAT/CAT/MAT | INR 5,86,000 |
| Ph.D. (various specialisations) | 3 to 6 years | Relevant PG degree + research proposal | INR 2,55,300 to 5,10,600 |
| Certificate Course in FMT | 1 year | Class 10 pass | INR 60,000 |
| Short Certificate Courses | Short-term | Varies by course | INR 5,000 to 30,000 |
FDDI Noida is the only government institution in India offering specialised B.Des and M.Des programmes in Footwear Design and Leather Goods design. The Footwear Design and Production Management programme is the flagship, drawing aspirants targeting careers in domestic and international footwear brands.
FDDI Noida Admission Process
FDDI conducts its own national-level entrance examination for UG admissions (B.Des and BBA). PG admissions (MBA and M.Des) are based on CMAT, CAT, MAT, or XAT scores. All FDDI campuses participate in a common admission process, with seat allocation across campuses based on merit and preference.
B.Des Admission
B.Des admission is through the FDDI national entrance test. The test assesses aptitude, creativity, and analytical ability. Selection involves the entrance score followed by a Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GDPI) round.
- Eligibility: 10+2 in any stream with minimum 45% marks from a recognised board
- Entrance: FDDI national-level entrance examination (written test + GDPI)
- All three specialisations (Footwear Design, Fashion Design, Leather and Lifestyle Design) follow the same selection process
- NRI quota seats are available at higher fees for NRI and foreign national candidates
BBA Hons. (Retail Management) Admission
BBA Hons. admission follows the same entrance examination process as B.Des. Eligibility is 10+2 in any stream with 45% marks. The programme is a management-oriented track focused on retail and fashion merchandise operations.
MBA and M.Des Admission
MBA and M.Des admissions at FDDI Noida accept scores from CMAT, CAT, MAT, or XAT. A bachelor’s degree in any discipline with minimum 50% marks is required. Shortlisted candidates are called for a GDPI round at the respective FDDI campus.
- MBA (Retail and Fashion Merchandise): Open to graduates from any background
- M.Des (Footwear Design and Production / Fashion Design and Technology): Preference given to candidates with design or engineering backgrounds
- Shortlisting criteria combine entrance score with academic profile
Ph.D. and Certificate Courses
Ph.D. admissions are through a separate research aptitude test and interview. Specialisations include Footwear Design and Production, Fashion Design, Leather Goods and Accessories Design, and Retail and Fashion Merchandise. Certificate courses in Footwear Manufacturing Technology, Footwear Designing, and operator-level programmes are open to Class 10 graduates through merit-based or direct admission.
FDDI Noida Placements
FDDI Noida’s placement cell facilitates recruitment by domestic and international footwear brands, fashion retailers, leather goods companies, and retail chains. As a DPIIT institution, FDDI maintains industry linkages with the footwear and fashion sectors it was created to serve. The official FDDI website does not disclose programme-wise average or highest CTC figures.
FDDI graduates across its B.Des and MBA programmes are recruited into roles such as footwear designer, product developer, merchandiser, quality manager, and retail operations manager. The footwear and leather goods sector offers career pathways in both India and international markets given the export-oriented nature of the industry.
| Sector | Career Roles |
|---|---|
| Footwear Brands and Manufacturers | Footwear Designer, Product Developer, Quality Manager, Production Manager |
| Fashion and Lifestyle Brands | Fashion Designer, Visual Merchandiser, Trend Analyst, Accessories Designer |
| Retail and Fashion Merchandise | Retail Operations Manager, Merchandiser, Category Manager, Store Manager |
| Leather Goods and Accessories | Leather Product Designer, Pattern Maker, Export Manager |
| Export Houses and Trading Companies | Export Coordinator, Sourcing Manager, Quality Auditor |
FDDI’s specialised focus on the footwear and leather sector gives its Footwear Design graduates a direct channel into domestic brands and manufacturing units. B.Des Fashion Design and Leather Design graduates find broader placement opportunities across lifestyle and accessories brands.
FDDI Noida Campus and Infrastructure
FDDI’s Noida campus is located in Sector 24, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, accessible from Delhi and the wider NCR region. The campus houses dedicated design studios, footwear production labs, leather technology labs, and retail simulation labs supporting the institute’s programme portfolio.
On-campus hostel accommodation is available for both male and female students at INR 60,000 per year. The Noida campus serves as the national headquarters for all ten FDDI campuses across India, housing the central administration alongside the academic facilities. Students benefit from industry-oriented lab infrastructure designed specifically for footwear and fashion education.
FDDI operates under the FDDI Act 2017, which grants it the authority to confer its own degrees. This makes it distinct from universities affiliated to a parent body. FDDI is a government institution under DPIIT and is not required to seek NAAC or UGC accreditation in the same manner as conventional universities.
FDDI Noida vs Pearl Academy vs Symbiosis Institute of Design
Aspirants shortlisting FDDI Noida for design education in fashion and related fields also frequently compare it with Pearl Academy (Noida) and Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), Pune. All three offer undergraduate and postgraduate design programmes targeting fashion, lifestyle, and product design careers.
| Parameter | FDDI, Noida | Pearl Academy, Noida | Symbiosis Institute of Design, Pune |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Government (DPIIT, GoI) | Private | Private (Deemed University) |
| Statutory Status | Institution of National Importance (FDDI Act 2017) | Private institution | Constituent of Symbiosis International University |
| Flagship UG Programme | B.Des (Footwear, Fashion, Leather) | B.Des (Fashion, Communication, Interior) | B.Des (Fashion, Communication, Industrial) |
| B.Des Total Fees (4 years) | INR 9,45,600 (General) | INR 18 to 20 Lakhs (approx.) | INR 18 to 22 Lakhs (approx.) |
| PG Programme | M.Des, MBA | M.Des | M.Des |
| Admission Exam | FDDI National Entrance Exam | Own entrance test | SEED / SET |
| Footwear Design Specialisation | Yes (exclusive focus) | No | No |
FDDI is significantly more affordable than Pearl Academy and Symbiosis and is the only option of the three for Footwear Design and Leather Design specialisations. Pearl Academy and Symbiosis offer broader design streams and have stronger fashion brand placement networks. The choice depends on whether the aspirant targets footwear and leather careers (FDDI advantage) or broader fashion and communication design (Pearl Academy and Symbiosis advantage).
FDDI Noida FAQs
Ques. Is FDDI Noida a government college?
Ans. Yes. FDDI (Footwear Design and Development Institute) is a Government of India institution under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The FDDI Act 2017 declared it an institution of national importance, granting it authority to confer its own degrees.
Ques. What is the entrance exam for B.Des admission at FDDI Noida?
Ans. B.Des admissions at FDDI are through a national-level entrance examination conducted by FDDI, followed by a Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GDPI) round. The eligibility is 10+2 in any stream with minimum 45% marks. Applications typically open in November and the examination is held in March to April.
Ques. What is the total B.Des fee at FDDI Noida?
Ans. The total B.Des fee at FDDI Noida for General category students is INR 9,45,600 for the full four-year programme across all three specialisations. NRI quota fees are higher at INR 13,62,800. Hostel charges are INR 60,000 per year additionally.
Ques. Which specialisation is best at FDDI Noida?
Ans. FDDI’s flagship specialisation is Footwear Design and Production Management, which is unique in India. This specialisation is best suited for aspirants targeting careers in footwear brands, manufacturing, and export houses. Fashion Design and Leather Lifestyle and Product Design serve broader fashion and accessories career paths. Choice depends on the aspirant’s target industry sector.
Ques. What is the MBA fee at FDDI Noida?
Ans. MBA (Retail and Fashion Merchandise) at FDDI Noida totals INR 5,86,000 for the full two-year programme for General category students. NRI quota fees are INR 8,45,400. Admission requires a valid CMAT, CAT, MAT, or XAT score followed by GDPI.
Ques. Does FDDI Noida have a hostel?
Ans. Yes. FDDI Noida provides separate on-campus hostel facilities for male and female students. Annual hostel charges are INR 60,000 for both boys and girls. Confirm the current session room availability and payment schedule directly with the FDDI admissions office.
Ques. What careers do FDDI graduates pursue?
Ans. FDDI graduates work across footwear design and development, fashion design, leather goods, retail merchandise management, and product development. B.Des graduates join footwear brands and manufacturers in roles like footwear designer and product developer. MBA graduates move into retail operations, category management, and merchandising. The footwear and leather sector also offers export-oriented career pathways with international brands.
Ques. How many FDDI campuses are there in India?
Ans. FDDI operates ten campuses across India, located in Noida (headquarters), Rohtak, Chandigarh, Fursatganj (Raebareli), Hyderabad, Chennai, Patna, Kolkata, Jodhpur, and Ankleshwar (Surat). All campuses share a common national-level admission process for B.Des and PG programmes.
Ques. Is FDDI Noida better than Pearl Academy for fashion design?
Ans. FDDI Noida is a government institution with significantly lower fees (B.Des INR 9.45 Lakhs over 4 years versus Pearl Academy’s approximate INR 18 to 20 Lakhs). FDDI is the only option for Footwear Design and Leather Design in India. Pearl Academy has a stronger focus on fashion communication and broader design streams with different industry connections. The choice depends on the aspirant’s target specialisation and budget.
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The fee for the courses is mentioned below:
B.Des
Master of Business Administration [MBA] (Fashion Merchandising and Retail Management)
Certification
M.Des
Bachelor of Business Administration [BBA] (Retail and Fashion Merchandise)
Students get placement during the final semester (8th ) by campus placement drive major companies:- TATA Bata, hi design, reebok, tantalum, red tape much more in India out of India all eligible candidates get placement by campus it self. Most of the students get an average of Rs. 4-5 Lakh and a highest package of Rs 8 Lakh. Approximately 85% of students placed. The Internship is available at Mirza international (Redtape), Adidas, Reebok, Mochiko, etc. depending on the policy of the company. The roles are Designer, Production Supervisor, Merchandiser etc. Quality assist is also taken care of.
There are various UG and PG courses. Check here for Footwear Design & Development Institute - [FDDI], Noida - Course & Fees Details
You can apply online for the certification course at FDDI. The total fee for the courses is INR 30,000. The specialization is Specialization: Footwear Designing|Non-Leather Footwear Manufacturing|Footwear Cutting Operator|Footwear Manufacturing Technology|Footwear Upper Assembly Operator|Footwear Bottom Component Operator (Insole)|Footwear Bottom Component Operator (Sole)