Gateway to India’s Top Design Institutes Remains Open with UCEED 2026 Registrations
The online registration window for UCEED 2026, conducted by IIT Bombay, is nearing its close. Aspiring design students aiming for B.Des programs at premier institutions like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, and IIITDM Jabalpur must act fast. The deadline to apply with the regular fee is strictly October 31, 2025. This article details the mandatory exam pattern, the official list of participating institutes, and a complete schedule from registration to the exam on January 18, 2026. Secure your spot for this crucial design entrance examination now.
The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) 2026, the single gateway for admission to the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs at the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and IIITDM Jabalpur, is closing its regular online registration window at the end of this month. Administered by IIT Bombay, UCEED is renowned for its rigorous assessment of a candidate’s design aptitude, visual perception, and creative thinking—qualities essential for a thriving career in the global design landscape.
With the examination scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026, time is of the essence. Missing the October 31st deadline will require candidates to pay an additional late fee, and the final registration window closes on November 7, 2025. Aspiring designers are strongly advised to complete the application process immediately on the official UCEED website to ensure their eligibility for a seat in the nation’s top design departments. The stakes are high, as a good UCEED score unlocks doors not just to the IITs, but also to a vast network of result-sharing institutions across India.
UCEED 2026: Complete Official Schedule & Registration Guide
The UCEED 2026 application process is entirely online and requires careful adherence to the timelines set by IIT Bombay. Missing any date can lead to disqualification, making this official schedule an indispensable tool for every applicant.
- Key Application and Exam Dates:
- Online Registration Starts: October 1, 2025
- Last Date for Regular Fee Registration:October 31, 2025
- Last Date for Late Fee Registration: November 7, 2025
- Admit Card Download Begins: January 2, 2026
- UCEED 2026 Exam Date: January 18, 2026 (9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon)
- Declaration of Results: March 6, 2026
- Step-by-Step Online Registration Process:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to the official UCEED website and click on the registration link.
- Create Login Credentials: Register with a valid email ID and mobile number to create a unique applicant account. An activation link will be sent for verification.
- Fill the Application Form: Accurately provide personal details, educational qualifications (Class 12 details are mandatory), and select your preferred three exam centers.
- Upload Documents: Upload required digital copies of a recent photograph, signature, and category certificates (if applicable).
- Pay the Application Fee: The fee is \text{₹}2,000/- for Female, SC, ST, and PwD candidates, and \text{₹}4,000/- for all other candidates. Payment must be completed online via credit card, debit card, or net banking.
- Final Submission: Download and save the final submitted application form and the payment receipt for future reference.
UCEED Exam Pattern & Syllabus: What to Expect
The UCEED exam is a three-hour, 300-mark test designed to assess the student's preparedness for a design career. It is divided into two compulsory parts—an objective computer-based test and a subjective drawing test.
- Part-A: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Format: Consists of \text{57} questions across three different sections: Numerical Answer Type (NAT), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ).
- Sections and Core Topics:
- Visualization and Spatial Reasoning: Ability to mentally manipulate and transform 2D shapes and 3D objects.
- Observation and Design Sensitivity: Capacity for critical thinking about day-to-day objects and attention to detail, analysis, and prediction.
- Analytical and Logical Reasoning: Skills in analyzing qualitative and quantitative data and solving logical puzzles.
- Practical and Scientific Knowledge: General awareness of scientific principles applied to everyday objects and scenarios.
- Part-B: Drawing and Design Aptitude Test
- Duration: 1 hour
- Format: A subjective, paper-based test requiring candidates to demonstrate their sketching and problem-solving skills.
- Sections and Core Topics:
- Drawing: Assessment of line quality, proportion, composition, perspective, and shading in drawing products, people, or scenes.
- Design Aptitude: Capability to practically and empathetically respond to a given design problem or situation with ingenuity and appropriate solutions.
- Note: Only candidates who score above the Part-A cut-off marks will have their Part-B paper evaluated, underscoring the importance of a strong performance in the objective section.
Premier Institutions Accepting UCEED 2026 Scores
A high score in UCEED 2026 is the primary eligibility criterion for admission to the B.Des programs at the Participating Institutes (PIs), which are the IITs and IIITDM Jabalpur. Additionally, numerous Result-Sharing Institutions across the country also utilize the UCEED score for their own B.Des admissions, significantly increasing the value of the exam.
- Participating Institutes (PIs) for B.Des Admission:
- IIT Bombay (IDC School of Design)
- IIT Delhi (Department of Design)
- IIT Guwahati (Department of Design)
- IIT Hyderabad (Department of Design)
- IIT Roorkee (Department of Design)
- IIT Indore (School of Innovation)
- IIITDM Jabalpur (Design Discipline)
- Prominent Result-Sharing Institutes (Partial List):
- BITS Design School (BITSDES), Mumbai
- FLAME University, Pune
- Mahindra University, Hyderabad
- Jain (Deemed-to-be-University), Bangalore
- Somaiya School of Design, Mumbai
- CEPT University, Ahmedabad
Conclusion
UCEED 2026 is more than just an entrance exam; it is the definitive screening mechanism for the next generation of India’s design leaders. With the regular fee registration deadline of October 31, 2025, fast approaching, aspirants must complete their application now to avoid late fees and focus fully on their preparation for the January 18th exam. Success in UCEED opens up unparalleled opportunities in design education at top-tier institutions, setting the foundation for a dynamic and innovative career path.
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