There are certain careers which are not being considered seriously by many students and parents, presumably because of a lack of appreciation of the real potential and prospects. A career in the footwear industry is a case in point.

The leather sector earns substantial foreign exchange for India, and footwear contributes a major chunk. A detailed study held at the national level in the eighties with a view to enhancing our share of footwear in the global market exposed the inadequate number of trained footwear technologists. The need for an organization that would impart state-of-the-art training in footwear technology at graduate/post graduates levels was keenly felt. Accordingly, the Central Ministry of Commerce set up the Footwear Design & Development Institute in 1986. It functions at Noida.

Today, the institute has attained International recognition; it serves the footwear industry across the world. It provides the latest fashion trends, designs, samples and grading services. The Institute has excellent infrastructural facilities including a state-of-art manufacturing plant.

Long term (18 months)

1. Management in Footwear Technology (MFT)

Eligibilty : Degree in Science with a minimum of 60% marks / Post Graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks / Degree in Engineering. For candidates sponsored by the industry, a Degree in any discipline is adequate.

This Course aims at professionals to take up managerial responsibilities in footwear manufacturing and trading.

2. Higher Diploma in Footwear Technology (HDFT)

Eligibility: Degree in any discipline / Diploma in Engineering/ Leather Technology/ Footwear Technology; 10+2 for sponsored candidates.

3. Diploma in Footwear Designing (DFD)

Eligibility: Bachelor of Fine Arts/ Degree in any discipline / Diploma in Engineering/ Leather Technology/ Footwear Technology; 10 + 2 for sponsored candidates. The course aims at Footwear Designers

Short term:

1. Footwear Manufacturing Technology (6 months)

Minimum qualification - 10+2

The course covers all aspects of shoe making technology like, Designing, Cutting, Closing, Components, Lasting, Finishing & Quality control.

2· Laboratory Technician's Course (6 months)

Minimum Qualification: B.Sc.

The students are trained to undertake quality control / laboratory technician's job in the shoe trade.

3· Basic Shoe making Course (3 months)

Minimum Qualification: 10+2

4· Basic Designing Course (3 months)

Minimum Qualification: 10+2

After the course the participant will be able to cut the pattern and make designs of different styles like derby, oxford, boot, moccasin & sports shoes.

Selection for (long term) MFT, HDFT & DFD courses

Eligible candidates will have to undergo an all India selection test comprising a written examination, group discussion & personal interview. The written test would be held at Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai, and Mumbai. The group discussion and interview will be at Noida.

35% seats are reserved for industry-sponsored candidates in each course. The sponsored candidates will be selected based on a personal interview.

Tuition fee: MFT - Rs 75,000; HDFT / DFD - Rs 60,000 each. Course materials worth Rs 5,000 will have to be bought for the MFT programme. For HDFT / DFD the material cost will be around Rs 10,000. A caution deposit of Rs 5,000 will have to be furnished.

Hostel: A very limited hostel facility is available for outstation candidates. A hostel fee of Rs 18,000 is to be paid in 3 installments

Placement: The institute has a record of 100% placement for the past students.

Foreign Students:

Admission to FDDI courses is open to foreign students as well as NRI students. 15% seats are reserved for foreign students.

Tuition fee for foreign students: MFT- US$ 3500
HDFT - US$ 3000
DFD -US$ 3000

Other short courses

1· Executive Development Programme (6 weeks):

As required by the industry. The course is tailored for managers or entrepreneurs who are in the shoe & component business, and for those who intend to enter into this trade. The course covers areas such as cutting, closing, component, lasting, finishing, designing & quality control.

2· Basic Designing & Pattern Cutting (4 weeks)

Minimum Qualification: 10+2; Trains candidates in Basic Designing & Pattern Cutting of derby and oxford.

Orientation Course for Managers or Entrepreneurs

This is a short course for working or fresh managers or entrepreneurs who wish to acquire basic knowledge of modern shoe making technology. The participants are given exposure in all aspects of shoe making technology like designing, cutting, closing, components, lasting & quality control.