FDDI conducts All India Selection Test (AIST) for admissions to the undergraduate and post graduate footwear designing courses under FDDI. It is a four stage test comprising of a Written Examination, Group Discussion, Design Aptitude Test and Personal Interview.

Pattern of FDDI AIST exam

Written Examination - The Written Examination is a computer based examination that contains 150 multiple choice questions to be completed in 2.5 hours. Each question carries one mark. There will be no negative marking for incorrect answers.

The following sections are included in AIST for admission to post graduate courses:

• Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning
• English
• General Awareness
• Business Aptitude

Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning and English features 45 questions each while General Awareness and Business Aptitude covers 30 questions each.

The following sections are included in AIST for admission to under graduate courses:

• Mathematics
• General Science
• English
• General Awareness

Mathematics and English sections contains 45 questions each. 3General Science and General Awareness sections will have 30 questions each.

Group Discussion

Selected candidates will be intimated regarding the group discussion where a topic for discussion will be given. Candidates who contribute in a productive manner to the discussion will score higher. Group discussion carries a total of 50 marks.

Design Aptitude Test

Design Aptitude Test or the Creative Ability Test tests the candidate’s creativity. This test is used only for M.Sc. (Leather Goods & Accessories Design), M.Sc. (Creative Design & CAD/CAM), M.Sc. (Visual Merchandising & Communication Design) & B.Sc. (Leather Goods & Accessories Design) programmes. The Design Aptitude Test is for 100 marks.

Personal Interview

The final stage is the personal interview where a final assessment of the candidate is done by an interview board.

Preparation Tips

Time management is an important factor for clearing the AIST exam where 150 questions have to be attempted within 150 minutes. Candidates get one minute to answer one question. Candidates should distribute time equally based on the number of questions featured under each section.

Mock tests are available online which can adequately provide an outline regarding exam pattern.

Candidates should have an awareness regarding current happenings, especially regarding events related to design and trends. This enables them to perform well in Group Discussions.

The basics of design, colour scheme, shapes and cuts, aesthetics etc will be the focus of Design Aptitude test. Related areas can be referred to to score good marks. Candidates can also try out rough sketches of footwears designed by them before attempting the aptitude test, which may prove useful.

Confidence, attitude and passion are the key areas to be addressed while attending the Personal Interview.