IIT Bombay Reminds Candidates – UCEED 2026 Late Fee Registration Ends tomorrow
The UCEED 2026 application window, including the late fee option, is set to close definitively tomorrow, November 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM. This is the absolute final opportunity for aspiring designers to register for the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design, the mandatory gateway to BDes programs at IITs, IIITDM Jabalpur, and numerous other top universities like BITS Design School and Mahindra University. The test is scheduled for January 18, 2026. Candidates must complete their registration and late fee payment immediately on the official UCEED portal, uceed.iitb.ac.in, to secure their eligibility for the 2026-27 academic session.

The path to securing a coveted Bachelor of Design (BDes) seat at the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), IIITDM Jabalpur, and other premier design institutions across India hinges on one critical examination: the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED). Conducted by IIT Bombay, UCEED 2026 is the mandatory first step for design aspirants targeting the 2026-2027 academic session.
As of today, November 9, 2025, the application process for UCEED 2026 is entering its absolute final phase. The deadline for late fee registration is tomorrow, Monday, November 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM (IST). This is a crucial administrative deadline that allows no further extensions. Candidates who missed the regular registration period must utilize this final 24-hour window to complete their application form, upload all necessary documents, and successfully remit the prescribed late fee. Missing this final cutoff means forfeiture of the opportunity to appear for the UCEED 2026 examination, which is scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026. Immediate action is required to secure your chance at a future in design.
UCEED 2026: Final Registration Checklist and Fee Structure
Candidates must ensure that all steps of the late fee registration process are completed successfully before the strict 5:00 PM deadline on November 10th.
- The Strict Deadline:
- Final Closure: November 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM IST.
- Registration Portal: Candidates must apply exclusively through the official website: uceed.iitb.ac.in.
- Revised Fee Structure (Including Late Fee):
- The late registration fee includes the original application fee plus a non-refundable late penalty, increasing the total amount payable.
- Female Candidates (All Categories): Approximately ₹2,250 (Original Fee: ₹1,750 + Late Fee: ₹500, exact amount may vary based on official notification).
- SC/ST/PwD Candidates (Male): Approximately ₹2,250 (Original Fee: ₹1,750 + Late Fee: ₹500).
- General/EWS/OBC-NCL Candidates (Male): Approximately ₹4,000 (Original Fee: ₹3,500 + Late Fee: ₹500).
- Note: Fees must be paid online via debit/credit card or net banking. Registration is only confirmed upon successful fee payment.
- Mandatory Documents for Upload:
- Recent Photograph: High-resolution digital image of the candidate.
- Signature: Scanned image of the candidate’s signature.
- Qualifying Examination Certificate: Class 10th Certificate (for date of birth proof).
- Category Certificate: Valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS certificate, if applicable, issued by a competent authority. OBC-NCL/EWS certificates must be issued on or after April 1, 2025.
- PwD Certificate: If applicable.
The Next Steps: UCEED Exam and Admission Timeline
Successful registration is the precursor to the main event—the UCEED examination. Aspirants must now transition their focus entirely to exam preparation for January 18th.
- UCEED 2026 Examination Details:
- Exam Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026.
- Exam Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (3 Hours).
- Exam Pattern: The paper is divided into two parts: Part A (Computer-Based Test, objective-type questions on visualization and design aptitude) and Part B (Sketching/Drawing test, typically one question that requires freehand drawing and creative expression).
- Admit Card Release: Expected to be available for download from the official portal starting January 5, 2026.
- The Extended Opportunity:
- A high UCEED score is crucial because it not only opens the doors to IIT Bombay, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, and IIITDM Jabalpur (via JAP) but also to over 50 Result-Sharing Institutes (RSIs).
- Key RSIs include BITS Design School (BITSDES), Mahindra University, Woxsen University, Symbiosis School of Planning, Architecture and Design (SSPAD), and more, significantly broadening the career options for successful candidates.
- Post-Exam Timeline Snapshot:
- Response Sheet Available: January 22, 2026.
- Final Answer Key: January 31, 2026.
- Result Declaration: March 6, 2026.
- Start of JAP/Counselling: Expected to begin in March/April 2026.
Last-Minute Preparation Strategy for January 18th
With the exam approximately two months away, candidates who finalize their registration must immediately implement an intensive, focused study plan.
- Part A Mastery:
- Focus: Dedicate the majority of time to practicing Visualisation, Spatial Ability, Observation, and Design Sensitivity. These are the areas where consistent practice leads to predictable improvements.
- Mock Tests: Attempt at least one full-length mock test every week to build stamina and practice time management under pressure.
- Part B Excellence:
- Daily Sketching: Practice freehand sketching daily, focusing on perspective drawing, human figures in action, composition, and the ability to visualize and communicate a creative concept.
- Process Documentation: Remember that Part B often evaluates the process of solving a creative problem, not just the final drawing. Practice annotating your sketches and illustrating your thought process.
- Review Syllabus: A final, quick review of the official UCEED syllabus ensures no key topic is overlooked in the frantic last-minute rush.
Conclusion
The clock is ticking down to the final deadline for UCEED 2026 late fee registration—tomorrow, November 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM. This is the last administrative chance for design aspirants to secure their eligibility for the BDes program admissions at the IITs and other premier institutions. Candidates must urgently complete their application and fee payment now. With the examination scheduled for January 18, 2026, the moment your registration is confirmed, your focus must pivot entirely to disciplined, targeted preparation to ensure a high score that unlocks a future in design.
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