Competition Heats Up: UCEED and CEED Applications Surge, Signaling Tougher Admissions at IITs

According to recent data released by IIT Bombay, the organizing body for both the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) and the Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED), the number of applicants for both exams has seen a sharp surge in the last two years, solidifying the aspirational value of a top-tier design education. Stay updated at https://www.onlyeducation.in/exams-list/design.

Aspiring designers aiming for a coveted seat at a premier Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) or the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) must recognize a critical trend: the competition for entry into B.Des and M.Des programs is intensifying dramatically. According to recent data released by IIT Bombay, the organizing body for both the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) and the Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED), the number of applicants for both exams has seen a sharp surge in the last two years, solidifying the aspirational value of a top-tier design education.

The Data Highlights a Massive Jump in Aspirants

The figures illustrate a significant rise in interest, making UCEED and CEED seats more difficult to secure than ever before.

For undergraduate hopefuls, the competition in UCEED has grown considerably. The total number of applicants rose from 13,549 in 2024 to 15,408 in 2025—an increase of over 13% in just one cycle. While the total number of available B.Des seats across the seven participating institutes (including IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, and others) saw a marginal rise from 225 to 245, the applicant-to-seat ratio has tightened significantly. This massive pool of candidates vying for very few spots underscores the need for aspirants to secure a top-tier rank to even qualify for the joint seat allocation process.

The trend is even more pronounced at the postgraduate level. CEED, which is the gateway for M.Des and Ph.D. admissions at prestigious institutions, witnessed a nearly 23% jump in applicants. The number of hopefuls climbed from 4,910 in 2024 to 6,037 in 2025, yet the number of seats remained steady at approximately 300. This drastic rise in postgraduate competition reflects the growing professional demand and high career value associated with a design degree from an IIT or IISc.

What This Means for B.Des and M.Des Aspirants

This data should serve as a wake-up call for all design aspirants preparing for the upcoming UCEED 2026 and CEED 2026 exams, both scheduled for January 18, 2026. The days of casual preparation are over; strategic and focused study is now non-negotiable.

For UCEED Aspirants (B.Des): Your focus must be dual. You need to ace Part A (the computer-based aptitude test covering visualization, logical reasoning, and general design awareness) to qualify for the evaluation of Part B (the drawing and creative ability section). With thousands more students attempting the exam, the cut-off scores for Part A are likely to be pushed higher. Regular practice of sketching, perspective drawing, and creative problem-solving (for Part B) is just as vital as mastering the objective sections.

For CEED Aspirants (M.Des): The surge here is particularly acute due to the fixed number of seats. Postgraduate aspirants must present a refined, high-quality portfolio and excel in the design aptitude test. Success in CEED increasingly relies on demonstrating a deep understanding of design thinking, strong analytical skills, and the ability to articulate complex concepts through drawing and written explanation. The demand for specialized designers is fueling this intense competition.

The message is clear: the pathway to a top design college runs through an increasingly competitive entrance exam. Your preparation strategy must be both comprehensive and ahead of schedule. Start simulating full-length tests and seek feedback on your drawing skills immediately.

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