Design Aspirants Alert: IIT Bombay UCEED 2026 Late Fee Window Still Active

The registration window for UCEED and CEED 2026 has officially slammed shut. The final, absolute deadline for applying with a late fee of ₹500 passed precisely at 5:00 PM on November 10, 2025. No further extensions or opportunities for application will be provided by IIT Bombay. For thousands of design aspirants, the focus must now shift entirely to the intensive preparation for the exams scheduled on January 18, 2026. This article provides the definitive exam timeline, final fee structure details, and a critical roadmap for the next two months.

The final opportunity for design aspirants to register for the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) 2026 and the Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) 2026 has passed. The online registration portal, managed by IIT Bombay, automatically closed at the designated time of 5:00 PM on Monday, November 10, 2025.

​This marks the definitive closure of all administrative processes for the two crucial entrance examinations. The window for registration with the regular fee had already closed on November 5, 2025. The final five-day grace period, which ran from November 6 to November 10, 2025, permitted late registrations but required candidates to pay a non-negotiable late fee of ₹500 (or US $50 for foreign nationals). Candidates who successfully completed their application and paid the necessary fee before the 5:00 PM cutoff have secured their chance to appear for the exams on January 18, 2026. For those who missed this strict deadline, the opportunity to enter the B.Des, M.Des, and Ph.D. programs at the participating IITs and other premium institutions for the 2026-27 academic year has unfortunately been forfeited.

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 Final Fee Structure and Application Status Confirmation

​The late registration window imposed a mandatory additional charge on applicants. For those who utilized this final chance, it is imperative to confirm the successful deduction and receipt of the full payment to avoid any administrative issues later.

• ​Late Fee Breakdown for Indian Nationals (Total Payable Fee): 
  • ​General/OBC-NCL Male Candidates: ₹4,000 (Standard Fee) + ₹500 (Late Fee) = ₹4,500
  • ​Female Candidates (All Categories): ₹2,000 (Standard Fee) + ₹500 (Late Fee) = ₹2,500
  • ​SC/ST/PwD Candidates: ₹2,000 (Standard Fee) + ₹500 (Late Fee) = ₹2,500
• ​Status Confirmation Checklist:
  • ​Confirmation Page: Ensure that the final confirmation page/slip, which indicates successful payment and registration, has been downloaded and saved. This PDF is the only proof of successful application.
  • ​Email Notification: Check the registered email ID for the official confirmation mail from the UCEED/CEED application portal.
  • ​Next Steps: Successfully registered candidates must now wait for the next major milestone in the admission cycle, the release of the Admit Card.
• ​No Further Appeal: IIT Bombay has repeatedly and clearly stated that the system closure at 5:00 PM on November 10, 2025, is final, and no email or postal requests for registration beyond this deadline will be entertained under any circumstances.

​ UCEED & CEED 2026: The Critical Examination Timeline

​With the administrative phase concluded, the entire focus for aspirants must shift to the examination schedule and preparation strategy. The next major dates are directly related to exam logistics.

• ​Key Examination and Post-Exam Dates:
  • ​Admit Card Download: The UCEED and CEED 2026 Admit Cards will be available for download from the official websites starting January 02, 2026, at 1:00 PM.
  • ​Exam Date: Both UCEED (B.Des) and CEED (M.Des) 2026 exams will be conducted on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.
  • ​Admit Card Rectification: The final date to address any discrepancies (name, photo, category, etc.) in the Admit Card will be January 08, 2026, by 5:00 PM.
  • ​Result Declaration: The final UCEED and CEED results are scheduled to be announced on March 06, 2026 (UCEED) and March 04, 2026 (CEED).
• ​Admit Card Protocol: 
  • ​Upon download, candidates must thoroughly check all personal details and the assigned test centre location.
  • ​Candidates must print the Admit Card and carry it, along with a valid photo ID, to the examination hall on January 18, 2026.

​ Final 60-Day Design Aptitude Preparation Roadmap

​The time available until the January 18, 2026, exam date is approximately 60 days. This period should be used for highly focused, simulation-based practice rather than starting new topics.

• ​Simulation and Time Management:
  • ​Mock Tests: Attempt at least 10-12 full-length UCEED/CEED mock tests under strict, timed conditions (9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon). Practice simulating the environment, including the mandatory toilet breaks, to build stamina.
  • ​Part A (Aptitude): Focus on maximizing scores in the Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions, which often carry higher weightage and require more precision. Revise core concepts of Visualization, Spatial Reasoning, and General Awareness.
  • ​Part B (Drawing/Design): Dedicate daily time (at least 30-60 minutes) to freehand sketching. Practice quick conceptualization, perspective drawing, and composition skills, as this section often differentiates the top rankers.
  • ​Review Past Papers: Solve the last 5 years' official UCEED and CEED question papers to understand the pattern evolution and recurring themes.
• ​Mental and Physical Wellness:
  • ​Avoid Burnout: The intensity of the final two months can lead to burnout. Schedule regular, short breaks and ensure 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
  • ​Stay Updated: Follow design news and trends to prepare for questions related to current design events, technology, and sustainability, which often appear in the General Awareness section.

​Conclusion

​With the late registration window for UCEED and CEED 2026 now definitively closed at 5:00 PM on November 10, 2025, the final chance for admission into the top design programs at IITs and other premium institutions for the 2026-27 session is over. For successfully registered candidates, the immediate priorities are confirming application status and shifting to a dedicated, two-month preparation strategy focused on mock tests and the January 18, 2026, exam. Leverage this final period to refine your aptitude and secure your future in design.

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