FOOTWEAR DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE - RAE BARELI

Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) Rae Bareli is an Institution of National Importance (INI) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Established to bridge the skill gap in the footwear and leather industry, the campus is a premier destination for design enthusiasts in North India.

• Campus Location: Fursatganj, Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh.
• Establishment Year: 2007.
• Status: Institute of National Importance (INI).
• Key Focus: Footwear Design, Fashion Design, and Retail Management.
• Industrial Hub Access: Proximity to the leather clusters of Kanpur and Agra provides students with unique industrial exposure.
• Facilities: High-tech CAD/CAM labs, specialized design studios, and a comprehensive library.

FDDI Rae Bareli is renowned for its industry-specific curriculum. The most sought-after programs for the 2026 session include:

• B.Des (Footwear Design & Production): The flagship program focusing on the technical and creative aspects of footwear manufacturing.
• B.Des (Fashion Design): A creative course covering garment construction, textile science, and fashion illustration.
• B.Des (Leather, Goods & Accessories Design): Specializing in the design of luxury leather products beyond footwear.
• B.Des (Retail & Fashion Merchandise): Bridging the gap between design and the commercial retail ecosystem.

All programs are designed with a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on workshop experience.

Admission to FDDI Rae Bareli for the 2026 academic session is primarily based on the All India Selection Test (AIST). The process is centralized across all FDDI campuses.

Candidates must have passed 10+2 from a recognized board for undergraduate programs. For postgraduate courses, a relevant Bachelor's degree is required.

Note: Check exact dates on the official exam and college websites.

Note: These are approximate figures based on past trends, not official cutoffs. Check the latest official counselling cutoff before applying.

The 2026 cutoff for FDDI Rae Bareli depends on the All India Rank (AIR) achieved in the AIST. While specific ranks fluctuate yearly, general trends indicate:

• B.Des Footwear Design: Expected closing rank between 800 - 1500 for general category.
• B.Des Fashion Design: Highly competitive, often closing within the top 1200 ranks.
• Reserved Categories: Significant relaxation is provided as per Government of India norms.

Factors influencing the cutoff include the number of applicants, the difficulty level of AIST 2026, and the total number of seats available in the specific department.

Note: Placement figures are indicative and not taken from the official placement report of the college. Please confirm with the college.

The placement season of 2025 saw robust participation from the retail and manufacturing sectors. Key highlights include:

• Placement Percentage: Approximately 85-90% of the batch secured offers.
• Top Recruiters: Bata India, Relaxo, Liberty, Skechers, Adidas, Zara, and Future Group.
• Highest Package: Recorded around INR 8.5 LPA for specialized retail roles.
• Average Package: Ranged between INR 3.5 LPA to INR 5 LPA.
• Roles Offered: Product Designer, Merchandiser, Quality Controller, and Store Manager.

FDDI Rae Bareli offers financial assistance to ensure merit and need-based support for students:

• UP Government Scholarship: Students from Uttar Pradesh are eligible for the Post-Matric Scholarship provided by the state government based on income criteria.
• Merit Scholarship: Awarded to top rankers in the AIST entrance examination.
• Reserved Category Support: Various central government schemes for SC/ST/OBC students are applicable.
• Bank Loans: The institute has tie-ups with nationalized banks for easy educational loans due to its INI status.

The institute offers several specialized courses that are popular among students aiming for careers in the global fashion and lifestyle industry:

• B.Des in Footwear Design & Production: Known for its rigorous technical training.
• B.Des in Fashion Design: Popular for students looking to enter the apparel and boutique industry.
• M.Des in Footwear Design: A postgraduate program for advanced research and management roles in footwear production.
• Diploma Courses: Short-term vocational courses for local artisans and industry professionals looking to upgrade their skills.

The fee structure for the 2026 academic session at FDDI Rae Bareli is structured to be competitive with other national design institutes. (Note: Fees are subject to revision).

Fees include tuition, library, and workshop access but exclude mess and personal expenses.

The application for 2026 is an online process:

1. Visit the official FDDI website (fddiindia.com).
2. Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
3. Fill out the personal and academic details in the AIST 2026 form.
4. Upload required documents (Photograph, Signature, Category Certificate).
5. Pay the application fee (approx. INR 600 for General/OBC and INR 300 for SC/ST).
6. Download the admit card for the entrance exam scheduled in May 2026.

The Rae Bareli campus is designed to provide a professional environment for design students:

• CAD/CAM Lab: Equipped with international software like 2D and 3D ShoeMaster and Rhino.
• Workshops: Separate cutting, closing, and lasting workshops for footwear production.
• Hostels: Separate residential facilities for boys and girls with 24/7 security.
• Resource Centre: A library containing a vast collection of design books, journals, and a material museum showcasing different types of leather and components.
• Amphitheatre: For cultural events and student gatherings.

The institute is divided into specialized departments to ensure focused learning:

• Department of Footwear Design: The largest department focusing on technical production and design.
• Department of Fashion Design: Focused on apparel, textiles, and creative styling.
• Department of Retail Management: Handling the business side of the fashion industry.
• Foundation Department: Where first-year students learn the basics of design, sketching, and color theory.