Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), Chennai, was established in 2010 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Located on a scenic 15 to 20-acre lush green campus near SIPCOT Footwear and Component Park, it serves as a premier technical hub for design and management education in Southern India. Admission is based on AIST scores, though other national exam results are accepted if seats remain. The most popular programs are B.Des (Footwear Design & Production) and B.Des (Fashion Design).
- Courses Offered: B.Des, M.Des (Retail & Fashion Merchandise).
- Admission Criteria: Based on the AIST 2026 entrance exam. Also, UCEED scores (for B.Des) are accepted for direct admission/exam waivers as per institute norms.
- Cutoff: Merit-based ranking from the AIST; final allotment is done through centralized counseling based on the Common Merit Rank (CMR).
- International Alliances: Maintains global standards via collaborations with SATRA (UK) and PFI (Germany). It also shares the landmark MoA with the University of Northampton (UK) for student exchange and academic progression.
- Total Fees: INR 9.45 Lakhs (B.Des) and INR 5.86 Lakhs (M.Des), excluding a one-time registration and refundable security fee of ~INR 20,000.
- Placement/Internship: Reported a 100% placement record for recent batches. Top recruiters include Bata, Adidas, Puma, Skechers, Relaxo, and Liberty, with packages typically ranging from INR 6–8 LPA for top graduates.
Admissions are now open at FDDI Chennai Campus. Click here to submit your application directly.
Table of Contents
FDDI Chennai Admission Dates 2026
Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) conducts its admission process primarily through the All India Selection Test (AIST). It follows the centralized national-level schedule for the 2026-27 academic session which is as follows:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Window | 24th Dec 2025 – 20th April 2026 |
| Late Registration Deadline | 30th April 2026 |
| Application Editing Window | 21st – 22nd April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 1st May 2026 |
| AIST Entrance Exam | 10th May 2026 |
| Merit List | TBA on Official Website |
| Counselling | June 2026 |
| Fees Payment Deadline | 15th July 2026 |
| Commencement of Classes | TBA on Official Website |
FDDI Chennai Courses and Fees 2026
FDDI Chennai offers specialized undergraduate and postgraduate programs focused on the fashion and retail industries. For the 2026-27 session, the campus provides targeted streams in Design and Management to cater to the Central Indian market. Tabulated below are the details for FDDI Chennai Courses & Fees.
| Course Level | Duration | Entrance Exam / Selection Process | Total Program Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Des | 4 Years | FDDI AIST / UCEED / NIFT | INR 9.45 Lakhs |
| M.Des | 2 Years | FDDI AIST + GD & Interview | INR 5.86 Lakhs |
FDDI Chennai Refund Details
The FDDI refund policy hinges entirely on the academic start date. If a student submits a withdrawal application on or before the Orientation or commencement of classes, they are eligible for a full refund of the total fees paid, minus a ₹10,000 non-refundable registration charge. However, once classes or Orientation programs have begun, the policy shifts strictly; at this stage, only the Security Deposit is returned to the candidate, while all other tuition and administrative fees are forfeited.
| Submission Status of Withdrawal Application | Refundable Amount | Non-Refundable Components |
|---|---|---|
| On or before Orientation / Commencement of Classes | 100% of Total Fee (Less Registration Fee) | ₹10,000 (Registration Fee) |
| After Orientation / Commencement of Classes | Security Deposit Only | All Tuition and Academic Fees |
FDDI Chennai Program Seat Matrix
| Program Level | Program | Seat |
|---|---|---|
| UG | B.Des – Footwear Design & Production | 80 |
| UG | B.Des – Fashion Design | 60 |
| PG | M.Des – Retail & Fashion Merchandise | 30 |
FDDI Chennai Admissions 2026
FDDI Chennai follows the centralized admission framework of the institute through the All India Selection Test (AIST). For the 2026-27 session, the campus provides focused entry into its specialized B.Des and M.Des streams.
Candidates with valid national-level scores such as UCEED (for B.Des) or MAT/CAT/XAT/CUET-PG (for M.Des) are eligible for an exemption from the AIST and can participate directly in the counseling process. The details for FDDI Chennai Admissions are provided below:
| Program Name | Eligibility | Selection Criteria Weightage Breakdown | Specializations Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Des (4 Years) | 10+2 Pass (Any stream); Max age 25 years as of July 1, 2026 | AIST Exam (100%): Quantitative, Verbal, GA, & Design Aptitude | Footwear Design & Production, Fashion Design |
| M.Des (2 Years) | Graduate (Any stream) from a recognized university | AIST Exam (100%): Quantitative, English, GK, & Management Aptitude | Retail & Fashion Merchandise |
FDDI Chennai Placements
FDDI Chennai, established in 2010, acts as the primary recruitment hub for footwear and fashion in Central India. The campus benefits from a centralized placement system, allowing its students to participate in major recruitment drives at the Noida and Hyderabad hubs, while also hosting regional leaders at the Chennai campus. For the Class of 2025, the institute reported an 82–84% placement rate, with a notable 100% track record in recent batches for specific specialized footwear roles.
| Metric | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Placement Rate | 82% – 84% (Centralized performance across campuses) |
| Highest Package | INR 11 – 12 LPA (Top-tier roles in Brand & Product Management) |
| Average Package | INR 4.5 – 6.5 LPA (Freshers in Design & Merchandising) |
| Top Recruiters | Global Brands: Adidas, Puma, Skechers, Nike, Zara, H&M. Domestic Leaders: Bata India, Liberty, Khadims, Tata International, Reliance Brands. |
| Internship Duration | 6 – 8 Weeks (Stipend-based industry training in the 6th/7th semester) |
FDDI Chennai Campus Facilities
FDDI Chennai is established in a scenic 20-acre lush green campus on the Nagpur-Betul Highway. It is designed as a self-contained academic township, blending modern architectural aesthetics with high-tech industrial training facilities. It serves as the primary hub for design education in Central India. The details of the campus are provided below:
| Facility / Metric | Details & Statistics |
|---|---|
| Campus Size | 20 Acres (Spacious, fully Wi-Fi enabled campus with a dedicated 4 Mbps lease line). |
| Classrooms | Smart e-classrooms that are fully air-conditioned and equipped with advanced audio-visual aids and internet connectivity. |
| Faculty Count | 20+ Expert Members (Specialists in Footwear Technology, Fashion Design, and Management). |
| Student Intake | ~150 students per year (B.Des: 120 seats; M.Des: 30 seats). |
| Library | Knowledge Resource Centre (KRC) with 10,000+ books, global fashion journals (like Arpel and Vogue), and competitive exam materials. |
| Technical Labs | High-Tech IT Lab with the latest hardware/software; specialized Visual Merchandising Lab for retail simulation. |
| Design Labs | CAD/CAM Lab featuring 2D and 3D modeling software for rapid prototyping and virtual product design. |
| Workshops | Industrial-grade workshops equipped with cutting, closing, and lasting machines for hands-on footwear and garment production. |
| Hostel Facilities | Boys: 175 beds | Girls: 125 beds (Fully furnished rooms; Allotted on a first-come, first-served basis). Fees: INR 24,000 Per Semester |
| Auditorium | 300-seat state-of-the-art auditorium designed for international seminars, cultural fests, and guest lectures. |
| Recreation | Sports Complex for Badminton, Volleyball, and Cricket; In-campus Gym, cafeteria, and green open-air student zones. |
| Special Support | On-campus Medical Center, banking/loan assistance, and guest house facilities for visiting family. |
FDDI Chennai FAQs
Ques. Does FDDI Chennai offer an international degree pathway?
Ans. Yes, as an Institution of National Importance, FDDI Chennai provides global exposure through its tie-ups with SATRA (UK) and PFI (Germany). The institute also has an active MoA with the University of Northampton (UK), which allows students to explore academic exchanges and pathways for further studies abroad.
Ques. Is a degree from FDDI Chennai valid for government jobs?
Ans. Absolutely. Since FDDI is established under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (Govt. of India), its degrees are fully recognized for all Central and State government examinations. Graduates often apply for roles like Handicrafts Promotion Officer, Quality Examiner (QCI), or as Lecturers in government design institutes.
Ques. What is the application fee for the 2026-27 session?
Ans. The regular application fee is INR 600 for General/OBC/EWS candidates and INR 300 for SC/ST/PWD categories. If you apply during the late window (April 21–30, 2026), an additional fee of INR 800 (General) or INR 400 (Reserved) is applicable.
Ques. Can I apply for the M.Des program while still in my final year of graduation?
Ans. Yes, candidates appearing for their final year exams in 2026 are eligible to apply. Admission will be granted provisionally, provided you submit your final graduation marks and proof of passing by September 30, 2026.
Ques. What are the specific hostel charges for the Chennai campus?
Ans. The hostel fee is approximately INR 24,000 per semester. Additionally, there is a one-time refundable security deposit of INR 5,000. Mess facilities are compulsory for all hostellers, and the mess fee is charged separately at the start of each semester.
Ques. Does the campus provide transport for day scholars?
Ans. While the campus is primarily residential, limited transport facility is often available for students commuting from Chennai city. However, most students prefer the on-campus hostels due to the intensive nature of the workshop-based curriculum.

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