Design Admissions Just Got Bigger! Jain, Mahindra & FLAME Universities Join the UCEED–CEED 2026 List

Great news for design students! Jain University, Mahindra University, and FLAME University will now accept UCEED and CEED 2026 scores for their Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs for the 2026-2027 academic year. This significant expansion offers design aspirants greater flexibility and more application options beyond the traditional IIT system. Candidates can leverage their national-level entrance exam performance to secure admission in these prestigious private institutions. Prepare for UCEED/CEED 2026 now and unlock more opportunities.

The landscape of design education admissions is undergoing a progressive transformation, offering greater flexibility and opportunity for aspiring designers. In a major development for the academic year 2026-2027, three prominent institutions—Jain University, Mahindra University, and FLAME University—have announced they will accept scores from the UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design) 2026 and CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) 2026 for their respective Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs.

​This strategic decision by these leading non-IIT institutions significantly broadens the admission options for thousands of design aspirants across the country. Historically, a stellar performance in UCEED or CEED primarily served as a key to the selective IIT design departments. Now, students can leverage the same national-level examination scores to gain entry into premier private universities, minimizing the need to appear for multiple, different entrance tests and streamlining the application process. Aspiring designers are urged to view UCEED/CEED 2026 not just as a gateway to the IITs but as a crucial step towards a wider array of quality design programs.

​Key Universities and Programs Now Accessible

​The inclusion of Jain, Mahindra, and FLAME Universities as 'Result Sharing Institutes' marks a pivotal moment for design education. These institutions are renowned for their modern curriculum, industry focus, and interdisciplinary approach, making them highly desirable choices for design studies.

• ​Jain University, Bangalore:
  • ​A 'Deemed-to-be-University' with a strong focus on holistic education and a diverse student body.
  • ​Programs: Will accept UCEED 2026 for B.Des and CEED 2026 for M.Des admissions.
  • ​Benefit: Offers an excellent option for students seeking a metropolitan hub for their design career, with strong connections to the local tech and start-up ecosystem.
• ​Mahindra University, Hyderabad:
  • ​Part of the Tech Mahindra ecosystem, emphasizing a blend of engineering, management, and liberal arts with design.
  • ​Programs: Will primarily utilize UCEED 2026 scores for its B.Des program admissions.
  • ​Benefit: Provides a strong technological edge in design, catering to students interested in fields like UI/UX, Interaction Design, and Product Design.
• ​FLAME University, Pune: 
  • ​A liberal education institution that integrates design with the arts, humanities, and sciences.
  • ​Programs: Will accept UCEED 2026 for the B.Des program and CEED 2026 for the M.Des program.
  • ​Benefit: Ideal for aspirants seeking an interdisciplinary curriculum that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and a broad worldview alongside specialized design skills.

​ Strategic Advantages for UCEED/CEED Aspirants

​This change simplifies the admission strategy for candidates aiming for top design schools. Preparing diligently for a single, comprehensive national exam now yields returns across a significantly larger pool of reputable institutions.

• ​Single Exam, Multiple Options: The greatest advantage is the ability to use one exam result for applications to both the IITs and now these top private universities. This saves time, cost, and mental energy from preparing for numerous individual university tests.
• ​Quality Assurance: UCEED and CEED, conducted by IIT Bombay, are recognized as high-quality, standardized tests that assess design aptitude, visual perception, analytical skills, and general knowledge. Acceptance of these scores validates the quality of the student’s performance in a national-level competitive environment.
• ​Focus on Portfolio/Interview: For these result-sharing institutes, a high UCEED/CEED score often ensures a quicker shortlist for the second stage of admission, which typically includes a Portfolio Review and a Personal Interview. Candidates can now dedicate more time to building a strong design portfolio rather than focusing solely on multiple entrance exams.
• ​Diverse Program Choices: The three universities offer distinct educational philosophies (metropolitan exposure, tech-focused, and liberal arts-based), allowing students to choose a program that aligns best with their career aspirations and learning style.

​A Call to Action: Your 2026 Admission Checklist

​Aspirants for the 2026-2027 academic session must note that while these universities accept UCEED/CEED scores, they are not part of the common Joint Admission Process (JAP) conducted by IIT Bombay.

• ​Direct Application is a Must: Candidates must apply directly to Jain University, Mahindra University, and FLAME University through their respective admission portals, indicating their UCEED/CEED 2026 scores. Do not rely solely on the JAP process for these institutions.
• ​Deadlines are Crucial: Keep track of the individual application deadlines for B.Des and M.Des at all three universities, as they will differ from the JAP dates for the IITs.
• ​Prepare Holistically: Success in admission will depend on a combination of a strong UCEED/CEED score, an impressive design portfolio, and a confident performance in the personal interview round.

​Conclusion

​The acceptance of UCEED and CEED 2026 scores by Jain University, Mahindra University, and FLAME University is a definitive win for the design community. It acknowledges the prestige of the national entrance exams and, most importantly, provides a clear, competitive pathway for talented students to access a wider range of high-quality design programs in India. Aspirants should view this as a powerful incentive to excel in the upcoming UCEED and CEED 2026 examinations, thereby unlocking multiple top-tier academic and career options.

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