Jain, Mahindra & FLAME Universities Join UCEED–CEED 2026 Result-Sharing List for BDes and MDes Admissions

Great news for design aspirants Mahindra University, Hyderabad, and FLAME University, Pune, have been added to the list of institutions accepting UCEED and CEED 2026 scores for their BDes and MDes programs. This expansion significantly increases the number of prestigious options available to candidates who excel in these national-level design entrance exams. Aspiring designers now have a wider pathway to gain admission into top-tier universities known for interdisciplinary and liberal arts-focused design education. Read on for details on how this update benefits your admission strategy for the 2026 academic session.

The landscape for design education in India is evolving rapidly, offering students more diverse and high-quality options than ever before. In a significant development for the upcoming academic year, Mahindra University (MU), Hyderabad, and FLAME University, Pune, have announced they will accept UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design) and CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) 2026 scores for admissions into their Bachelor of Design (BDes) and Master of Design (MDes) programs.

​This inclusion is a game-changer for thousands of design aspirants aiming for a comprehensive and industry-relevant education. By becoming "result-sharing institutes," both universities are signalling their commitment to recruiting top talent assessed through these rigorous national-level entrance examinations conducted by IIT Bombay. This move broadens the scope for candidates who have prepared diligently for UCEED and CEED, offering pathways to institutions known for their modern, interdisciplinary approach to design and liberal arts foundation.

​Mahindra and FLAME: The New Design Destinations

​This strategic decision by Mahindra University and FLAME University positions them as prime choices for the next generation of designers. Both institutions are highly regarded for their holistic educational models, blending technical skills with creative thinking and a liberal arts core.

• ​Expanded Opportunities for UCEED and CEED Candidates 
  • ​Mahindra University, Hyderabad: The university's acceptance of UCEED and CEED scores is for its BDes and MDes programs, which focus on design innovation. This provides candidates with an opportunity to study in a technology-driven, research-oriented environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure.
  • ​FLAME University, Pune: Known for its liberal education philosophy, FLAME University will use UCEED scores for its BDes program. This offers students a unique design curriculum rooted in critical thinking, humanities, and social sciences, producing well-rounded and culturally aware designers.
  • ​Increased Choice: The addition of these two major universities directly translates to increased options and a higher probability of securing a seat in a premier design program for candidates who perform well in the UCEED and CEED 2026 exams.
• ​Understanding the Admission Process Nuances 
  • ​Direct Application Required: It is crucial for aspirants to note that while MU and FLAME University accept the UCEED/CEED scores, they are not part of the central Joint Admission Process (JAP) conducted by IIT Bombay for BDes admissions.
  • ​Independent Application: Candidates must apply directly to Mahindra University and FLAME University via their respective official admission portals.
  • ​Score Weightage: The UCEED/CEED scores will be an essential criterion, but the final selection process will likely include additional stages like an in-person interview, portfolio review, and perhaps an institute-specific written test, depending on their individual admission policies. Applicants must check the specific eligibility criteria and selection procedures on the respective university websites.

​Strategic Benefits for Design Aspirants

​The recognition of UCEED and CEED 2026 scores by more universities, especially those with the stature of Mahindra and FLAME, carries multiple advantages for students aspiring to build a career in design.

• ​Validation of National-Level Aptitude 
  • ​Benchmark of Excellence: UCEED and CEED are the gold standards for design entrance in India, testing a broad range of skills including visualization, drawing, design sensitivity, analytical ability, and creative aptitude. Securing a good score is a validated measure of a candidate's innate design potential.
  • ​Streamlined Admissions: For high-scorers, the process of application is simplified, as their UCEED/CEED performance acts as a robust first filter for shortlisting.
• ​Access to Interdisciplinary Programs 
  • ​Modern Curriculum: Both universities offer programs that go beyond traditional design specializations. Mahindra University focuses on Design Innovation, integrating technology and engineering principles. FLAME University emphasizes a Liberal Arts approach, encouraging interdisciplinary minors in areas like Psychology or Entrepreneurship.
  • ​Career Readiness: Graduates from such interdisciplinary programs are highly sought after by industry, as they possess both technical design skills and the critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities nurtured by a broad educational base. This versatility is key in fields like UX/UI Design, Product Design, and Design Strategy.
• ​Increased Competition and Quality
  • ​Rising Standards: The inclusion of these universities will naturally drive up the competition for the UCEED and CEED exams, further solidifying their importance. This encourages aspirants to prepare more rigorously, ultimately improving the overall quality of students entering the field of design.
  • ​Diverse Career Paths: The MDes programs at Mahindra University, for instance, cater to graduates from diverse backgrounds (Engineering, Fine Arts, Architecture), offering pathways to advanced roles like Design Strategist, Research Lead, and Senior Product Designer in global tech and manufacturing firms.

​Next Steps for UCEED/CEED 2026 Applicants

​With the official notification regarding the acceptance of CEED and UCEED 2026 scores, candidates need to refine their admission strategy promptly.

• ​Immediate Action Plan 
  • ​Verify Deadlines: Regularly visit the official websites of Mahindra University and FLAME University for specific BDes and MDes application forms, admission brochures, and deadlines for the 2026 academic year. Deadlines for their internal admission cycles may differ significantly from the IIT-run JAP.
  • ​Review Eligibility: Check the specific eligibility criteria for each program. While UCEED/CEED scores are considered, there may be minimum academic requirements (e.g., minimum percentage in 10+2).
  • ​Prepare for Interviews/Portfolio: As these are result-sharing institutes and not part of the central counselling, the interview and portfolio review are likely to carry significant weight in their selection process. Candidates should start meticulously preparing their design portfolio and practicing for personal interviews.
• ​Focus on Exam Preparation
  • ​UCEED 2026: For BDes aspirants, double down on preparation for the UCEED exam, focusing on both the computer-based Part A (Design Aptitude, Visualization, Logical Reasoning) and the sketch-based Part B (Drawing and Creative Skills).
  • ​CEED 2026: MDes candidates must intensify their focus on CEED, which evaluates visual perception, design aptitude, and problem-solving relevant to post-graduate studies.

​Conclusion

​The formal inclusion of Mahindra University, Hyderabad, and FLAME University, Pune, into the list of institutions accepting UCEED and CEED 2026 scores marks a promising turn for the Indian design education ecosystem. It not only offers two excellent new pathways for meritorious students but also validates the importance of these national entrance exams. Aspirants should use this information strategically, ensuring they achieve a competitive score in UCEED or CEED 2026 while simultaneously keeping a close watch on the individual application requirements of these two newly added, prestigious institutions. Your future in design is now brighter and more diverse.

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