Jain, Mahindra & FLAME Boost Design Admission Options by Joining UCEED–CEED 2026

Great news for design aspirants! Jain University and FLAME University have been officially included as Result-Sharing Institutes for the UCEED and CEED 2026 cycles. This major development significantly expands options for students aiming for B.Des and M.Des admissions. Aspirants can now leverage their national-level entrance exam scores to apply to these reputable private universities in Bengaluru and Pune, simplifying the application process and boosting career horizons in design. Check the direct application process and key dates for the 2026-2027 academic year.

In a landmark decision set to reshape the landscape of design education in India, Jain (Deemed-to-be-University) and FLAME University have officially announced they will accept UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design) 2026 and CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) 2026 scores for their respective Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs. This pivotal inclusion as Result-Sharing Institutes provides a substantial boost for the thousands of design hopefuls rigorously preparing for these national-level entrance exams. Aspirants now have a significantly wider, top-tier pool of institutions to choose from, mitigating the need to appear for multiple, university-specific entrance tests. This move validates the comprehensive preparation for UCEED and CEED, offering new pathways to prestigious design careers in key educational and industrial hubs like Bengaluru and Pune. The 2026-2027 academic year promises more choices and a more streamlined admissions strategy for design excellence.

​ Strategic Advantage: Leveraging UCEED/CEED Scores

​The acceptance of UCEED and CEED 2026 scores by these prominent universities dramatically changes the admission strategy for candidates. Previously, a high score primarily channeled students toward the IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) and IIITDM Jabalpur through the joint admission process. Now, the validation of these scores by Jain and FLAME Universities offers a crucial safety net and an alternative pathway to quality design education outside the joint admissions framework.

• ​Streamlined Application: Candidates who are already dedicating their time to preparing for a single, comprehensive national exam now have a greater return on that effort, as one score opens doors to multiple reputable institutions.
• ​Reduced Testing Stress: The need to prepare for and appear in numerous private university-specific design entrance exams is significantly reduced, allowing aspirants to focus their energy on excelling in UCEED or CEED.
• ​Access to Key Hubs: The addition brings prominent universities located in strategically important cities—Bengaluru (Jain) and Pune (FLAME)—into the network, offering strong connections to local tech, start-up, and industrial ecosystems for internships and placements.
• ​Wider Institutional Choice: Students now have the flexibility to choose institutions based on their academic preference (e.g., Jain’s strong tech/industry focus or FLAME’s liberal arts-focused interdisciplinary approach) and geographical location.

​ Important Admission Process for Result-Sharing Institutes

​It is crucial for all design aspirants to understand the distinction between Participating Institutes (P.I.s) and Result-Sharing Institutes like Jain and FLAME. While the latter accept your UCEED/CEED score, their admission process remains independent of the central Joint Admission Process (JAP) managed by IIT Bombay.

• ​Mandatory Direct Application: Securing a good UCEED or CEED score is only the first step. Aspirants must apply separately and directly to the B.Des or M.Des programs at Jain University and FLAME University. These institutions do not participate in the central JAP counselling rounds.
• ​University-Specific Selection Rounds: Following the UCEED/CEED score-based shortlisting, these universities will conduct their own subsequent selection rounds. These typically involve: 
  • ​Portfolio Review: Assessment of the candidate's creative work and design aptitude.
  • ​Personal Interview (PI): Evaluation of the candidate's passion, communication skills, and fit for the program's specializations.
  • ​Note: Jain University's admission process may include its own Jain Entrance Test (JET) for candidates without a valid UCEED/CEED score, but those with a valid score are typically fast-tracked to the Portfolio Review and PI stage.
• ​Key CEED 2026 Registration Deadline: M.Des aspirants must note that the final date for online registration for CEED 2026 with a late fee is Monday, November 10, 2025 (5:00 PM). Immediate registration is highly recommended.

​Key Dates for UCEED & CEED 2026 Aspirants

​Staying updated with the entrance exam schedule is paramount for successful admission planning. Aspirants should manage their preparation and application timelines around these crucial dates for the 2026 cycle:

• ​UCEED 2026 Exam Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026 (9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon)
• ​CEED 2026 Exam Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026 (9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon)
• ​UCEED/CEED Admit Card Release: January 02, 2026 (1:00 PM onwards)
• ​UCEED/CEED Result Declaration: March 04/06, 2026 (Tentative)
• ​Scorecard Download Starts: March 10, 2026

​Note: The application windows for Jain University and FLAME University's B.Des/M.Des programs, which require the CEED/UCEED score, will open post-exam results. Aspirants must track their official university websites closely.

​Conclusion: Paving the Way for a Creative Future

​The decision by Jain and FLAME Universities to accept UCEED and CEED 2026 scores is a momentous step for design education, significantly increasing the value and reach of these national-level examinations. This expansion provides design aspirants with greater flexibility, more choices, and alternative routes to pursue their B.Des and M.Des dreams at institutions known for their modern, industry-aligned curricula. Aspirants are strongly encouraged to utilize this opportunity by excelling in their entrance exams and diligently managing their separate, direct applications to these institutions. The road to a successful design career has just become more accessible and promising.

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