FDDI and CEPT University have joined the UCEED 2026 network, offering B.Des seats based on UCEED scores

In a major update for design aspirants, the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) and CEPT University, Ahmedabad, have joined the UCEED 2026 result-sharing network. This development provides candidates with two highly specialized and reputed B.Des admission options based on their UCEED scores. The move simplifies the initial screening process for applicants and broadens the utility of the UCEED 2026 exam, scheduled for January 18, 2026. Prospective students must remember to apply directly to these institutes after the UCEED results are announced in March 2026, as they do not participate in the central JAP counselling.

The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED), conducted by IIT Bombay, has reaffirmed its status as the premier national-level gateway for undergraduate design education. For the academic year 2026-27, the examination has significantly expanded its reach with the inclusion of two prominent institutions: the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) and CEPT University, Ahmedabad.

​These two institutions are designated as "Result-Sharing Institutes" for UCEED 2026. This means they will use the scores and ranks generated from the UCEED exam to shortlist and admit students to their coveted Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs, providing a massive boost to the available quality design seats across India.

• ​FDDI's Pan-India Presence: The Footwear Design and Development Institute, an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, offers B.Des programs across its multiple campuses (including Noida, Hyderabad, Kolkata, etc.). Its inclusion provides a substantial increase in design seats.
• ​CEPT University's Niche Focus: CEPT University, globally renowned for education in human habitat, accepts UCEED scores for its B.Des (Honours) program, which often focuses on specialised areas like Product Design and Communication Design through its Faculty of Design.
• ​Streamlined Screening: By accepting UCEED scores, both institutions are adopting a standardized, merit-based, and nationally recognized aptitude test for their initial screening process, which benefits aspirants by reducing the number of different entrance exams they need to take.

​ Two-Step Admission Strategy: Post-UCEED Process

​A crucial distinction for aspirants aiming for FDDI and CEPT is that, unlike the IITs, these institutes do not participate in the UCEED Joint Admission Process (JAP). Candidates must follow a mandatory two-step strategy to secure admission to these result-sharing institutes.

​Step 1: UCEED 2026 Examination (Mandatory)

• ​Exam Date: The UCEED 2026 examination is scheduled for January 18, 2026.
• ​Result Date: The UCEED 2026 results are typically announced in March 2026.
• ​Qualification: Candidates must not only appear for the exam but also achieve a qualified UCEED score/rank (which includes passing marks in both Part A and Part B) to be eligible to apply to FDDI and CEPT.

​Step 2: Direct Institutional Application and Selection Rounds

​After the UCEED result is announced, candidates must initiate the independent admission process of their desired institute:

• ​Separate Application: Aspirants must apply directly to the respective university via their official admission portal. The application window for FDDI and CEPT is anticipated to open in March 2026 and may last until May 2026.
• ​Institutional Screening: Both FDDI and CEPT University will conduct their own subsequent selection procedures, which may vary: 
  • ​CEPT University: Admission to the B.Des (Hons) program is primarily based on the qualified UCEED score for merit list generation. Candidates must also meet the academic eligibility of 50% aggregate marks in their qualifying examination.
  • ​FDDI: While UCEED scores form the basis for shortlisting, FDDI may implement additional stages like a Situation Test, Group Discussion, or Personal Interview to finalize the selection, particularly for its highly specialized B.Des programs in Footwear Design & Production and Fashion Design.
• ​Vigilance is Key: Candidates must continuously monitor the official websites of FDDI (fddiindia.com) and CEPT University (cept.ac.in) for the specific application forms, cut-offs, and definitive admission schedules.

​Specialized Programs and Career Prospects

​The inclusion of FDDI and CEPT offers unique, highly-specialized B.Des avenues that distinguish them from the generalist programs offered elsewhere. This specialization is a major advantage for students with clear career aspirations.

• ​FDDI: Niche Design Excellence: FDDI focuses on core applied design and manufacturing industries. The B.Des programs cater directly to high-demand, product-oriented design careers: 
  • ​B.Des (Footwear Design & Production): Focuses on technical design, material science, and manufacturing processes specific to the massive footwear industry.
  • ​B.Des (Fashion Design): Offers rigorous training in apparel and accessory design, catering to the rapidly growing Indian and global fashion markets.
  • ​B.Des (Leather, Lifestyle & Product Design): A broader product design program with a focus on high-end leather goods and lifestyle accessories.
• ​CEPT University: Habitat-Focused Design: CEPT's Faculty of Design focuses on how design interacts with built environments and society: 
  • ​B.Des (Honours): Specialisations often include Product Design and Communication Design, deeply rooted in understanding user experience within a social and physical context.
  • ​Holistic Curriculum: The CEPT curriculum emphasizes design thinking, materiality, digital technologies, and ethical practices, preparing graduates for roles in user-centric product development and visual strategy.
• ​High Employability: Graduates from both institutions benefit from strong placement records in their respective niche industries, with FDDI graduates sought after by major manufacturing and retail giants, and CEPT graduates highly valued in architecture, urban planning, and corporate communication roles.

​Conclusion

​The formal joining of the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) and CEPT University to the UCEED 2026 result-sharing network is a significant and positive development, substantially boosting the number of quality B.Des seats available to UCEED qualifiers. Design aspirants who appeared for the UCEED 2026 exam now have access to two highly specialized institutes known for their industry-aligned curriculum and strong placement track records. The critical next step is not the UCEED result itself, but the timely and accurate submission of the direct institutional applications to FDDI and CEPT and preparation for their subsequent selection rounds post-March 2026.

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