FDDI and CEPT University Join UCEED 2026 Network, Offering B.Des Seats Based on UCEED Scores

The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) 2026 network has significantly expanded with the crucial addition of the Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) and CEPT University, Ahmedabad. Both institutions will now accept UCEED scores for admission to their Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs for the 2026-27 session. This move provides substantial relief and wider options for design aspirants, especially those keen on specialized areas like footwear, leather goods, or built environment design. Candidates must understand that a mandatory separate application is required for these Result-Sharing Institutes, independent of the central IIT admission process.

The landscape of undergraduate design admissions in India has just become broader and more competitive with the official inclusion of the Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI), Noida, and CEPT University, Ahmedabad, into the UCEED 2026 network. Both institutions have confirmed they will utilize a valid Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) 2026 score for shortlisting and granting admission to their highly sought-after Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs for the upcoming academic session.

​This announcement is a game-changer for design aspirants, offering increased opportunities beyond the centralized admissions process managed by IIT Bombay for the B.Des seats in the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The addition of FDDI, a national institute with a focus on specialized product design and technology (like Footwear and Leather Goods), and CEPT University, a globally recognized institution for its expertise in the built environment, planning, and design, provides much-needed diversity in career pathways. Candidates who appeared for the UCEED 2026 exam (scheduled for January 18, 2026) must now integrate the unique application timelines of these two institutions into their post-exam strategy.

​ The Crucial Distinction: Result-Sharing vs. Participating Institutes

​Aspirants must grasp the critical difference between UCEED Participating Institutes (like the IITs, which use the common Joint Admission Process) and Result-Sharing Institutes like FDDI and CEPT University. Understanding this distinction is key to a successful application.

• ​UCEED Score as an Eligibility Ticket: For FDDI and CEPT University, the UCEED 2026 score serves as an essential eligibility criterion and a primary filter for shortlisting. Only candidates who have appeared for and secured a valid UCEED rank are eligible to apply.
• ​Mandatory Separate Application:FDDI and CEPT University will not be part of the common counseling or seat allotment process (JAP) conducted by IIT Bombay. 
  • ​Action Required: Candidates must visit the official website of each institution and fill out a separate institutional application form, pay the requisite application fee, and adhere to their independent deadlines, which are anticipated to fall between March and May 2026 after the UCEED results are declared (expected March 4, 2026).
• ​Independent Selection Process: Both institutes reserve the right to conduct their own subsequent selection stages after the UCEED-based shortlisting. This might include: 
  • ​Portfolio Review
  • ​Personal Interview (PI)
  • ​Studio Test or Creative Ability Assessment (Check the institutes' individual admission brochures for precise details.)

​Diverse Design Pathways: FDDI and CEPT Offerings

​The inclusion of these two institutions significantly diversifies the specialization options available to UCEED-qualified students. Each university brings a unique and highly respected focus to the table.

• ​Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI): FDDI, operating under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, is a premier institution known for its specialization in footwear, leather goods, and fashion technology. 
  • ​B.Des Programs: FDDI typically offers B.Des (Honours) in specialized areas like Footwear Design & Production, Leather Goods & Accessories Design, and Fashion Design.
  • ​Seat Intake: FDDI offers a substantial number of seats across its various campuses (though the exact UCEED quota needs to be checked on their site), providing a great opportunity for candidates seeking specialization in these high-growth niche markets.
• ​CEPT University, Ahmedabad: CEPT University’s Faculty of Design is renowned for its programs focused on the Built Environment, Habitat, and Industrial Design. 
  • ​B.Des Programs: CEPT offers a Bachelor's in Design (Hons) with majors potentially available in Product Design and Communication Design, focusing on human-centric, sustainable, and functional solutions.
  • ​Seat Intake: CEPT University offers a total of approximately 80 seats for its Bachelor's in Design program, making the competition intense, where UCEED scores will play a decisive role in the merit list.

​ Maximizing Your Application Strategy

​For aspirants aiming for a seat at FDDI or CEPT University, the next steps involve a dual focus on scoring high in UCEED 2026 and meticulous institutional application management.

• ​Prioritize UCEED Score: Given that the UCEED score is the gateway, candidates must prioritize their preparation for the exam on January 18, 2026. A high rank is essential to secure a spot in the merit list of these competitive institutions.
• ​Track Institutional Deadlines: Once the UCEED results are out in March 2026, be ready to track the independent application windows for FDDI and CEPT University. These deadlines may overlap, requiring careful planning.
• ​Prepare Specialized Portfolios: Even if not strictly mandatory, maintaining a strong, well-curated design portfolio is a massive advantage. If either institute mandates a portfolio review or PI, having high-quality, relevant work (especially aligning with the specialization of the institute—e.g., footwear sketches for FDDI, or product models for CEPT) will be critical for final admission.

​Conclusion

​The inclusion of FDDI and CEPT University into the UCEED 2026 acceptance network is highly beneficial for design aspirants, multiplying the opportunities for specialized, high-quality undergraduate design education. This development emphasizes the growing trend of utilizing a single, rigorous national-level entrance test for diverse institutional admissions. Candidates must successfully secure a valid UCEED 2026 score and demonstrate extreme diligence in completing the subsequent separate application formalities for these two esteemed Result-Sharing Institutes. Your strategic preparation for the exam must now be coupled with proactive application tracking to realize your dream of studying specialized design.

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