Top Varsities Join UCEED/CEED 2026: Design Admissions Boost

Major boost for B.Des and M.Des aspirants! Jain University, Mahindra University, and FLAME University have joined the UCEED–CEED 2026 admission process, significantly expanding your choices for top design programs. This landmark decision allows students to leverage their national entrance exam scores for premier private institutions, streamlining the application process and offering access to diverse, interdisciplinary curricula. Secure your design future with enhanced opportunities across Product, Interaction, and Communication Design.

The landscape of design education in India is undergoing a significant transformation, bringing a wave of excitement and new opportunities for aspiring designers. In a landmark move for the 2026-27 academic session, three prominent private universities—Jain University (Deemed-to-be-University), Mahindra University, and FLAME University—have officially announced they will accept scores from the UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design) and CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) for admission to their Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs, respectively.

​This strategic inclusion marks a monumental shift. Historically, these national-level exams, conducted by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), were primarily used for admission to the IITs and IIITDM Jabalpur. The addition of these three highly-regarded institutions as Result-Sharing Institutes broadens the horizon for thousands of design hopefuls. It not only validates the rigorous standards of the UCEED and CEED but also simplifies the application strategy, allowing candidates to target a wider range of top-tier schools with a single, crucial exam score. This expansion is a testament to the maturing design education ecosystem in India, fostering greater accessibility and competitiveness.

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 Expanded Horizons: New Opportunities for B.Des & M.Des Aspirants

​The decision by these three universities to accept UCEED and CEED scores directly translates into a palpable advantage for students. The combined prestige and specialised offerings of these institutions provide a diversified educational portfolio beyond the traditional participating colleges.

• ​Streamlined Admissions: Using a single national score (UCEED for B.Des and CEED for M.Des) for multiple premier institutions simplifies the often-complex admission cycle. Aspirants can focus more on portfolio development and interview preparation rather than juggling multiple exam formats.
• ​Wider Geographic Choice: The addition of institutions located in major educational and industrial hubs—Bangalore (Jain University), Hyderabad (Mahindra University), and Pune (FLAME University)—gives students more options to pursue design education in areas with strong industry connections and job markets.
• ​Enhanced Credibility: A UCEED or CEED score now holds even greater weight, becoming a more powerful tool in the arsenal of an applicant. The acceptance by these private universities underscores the national recognition of these entrance exams as a benchmark for design aptitude.

​Deep Dive: Design Programs and Specialisations Offered

​The newly included universities are renowned for their modern, interdisciplinary approach to design, offering programs that align with the contemporary demands of the global industry, particularly in the digital and innovation-focused domains.

• ​Jain University (Bengaluru): The School of Design, Media, and Creative Arts at Jain University offers a strong focus on high-demand, user-centric design fields in both B.Des and M.Des. 
  • ​B.Des Programs: Includes specialisations like Product Design, Communication Design, and the highly relevant Interaction Design.
  • ​M.Des Programs: Focuses on cutting-edge areas like Human-Centred Design and User Experience (UX) Design. This specialisation is crucial for roles in digital product development and service innovation.
• ​Mahindra University (Hyderabad): The School of Design Innovation at Mahindra University emphasises a strong engineering and technology integration, leveraging its partnership with the legendary Italian design firm Pininfarina. 
  • ​B.Des Program: Offers B.Des in Design Innovation, promoting an interdisciplinary approach blending creativity with technology and business thinking.
  • ​M.Des Programs: Provides specialisations in fields like Interaction Design (UI/UX, Game Design), Industrial Design (Product, Transportation), Communication Design, and Apparel Design.
• ​FLAME University (Pune): Known for its liberal education framework, the School of Design at FLAME University offers a unique learning experience that integrates design with critical thinking, humanities, and social sciences. 
  • ​B.Des Program: The curriculum is structured around a strong foundation in liberal arts before moving into specialisation, preparing students for varied, complex, and strategic design careers.
  • ​Admission Note: While accepting UCEED scores, FLAME University typically uses it alongside its own Entrance Aptitude Test (FEAT) and Personal Interview, and candidates must apply separately, as they do not participate in the joint seat allocation process.

​Admission Protocol: Mandatory Steps for UCEED/CEED Aspirants

​It is crucial for aspirants to understand the nuanced admission process for these result-sharing institutes. Simply appearing for UCEED or CEED is not enough; a few mandatory steps must be adhered to for a successful application.

• ​Separate Application is Essential: Candidates must apply directly to Jain University, Mahindra University, and FLAME University through their respective official admission portals. A valid UCEED or CEED score is a prerequisite, but the score alone does not guarantee admission or an application.
• ​Adherence to University Criteria: Each university will have its own independent admission cut-offs, fee structures, and interview/portfolio review rounds post the UCEED/CEED results. Students must diligently track the individual application deadlines and requirements of each university.
• ​Leveraging the Score: The UCEED/CEED score serves as a key selection filter, giving qualified candidates a competitive edge and simplifying the first stage of the application process into these esteemed institutions. It is the golden ticket that opens these new doors.

​In conclusion, the inclusion of Jain University, Mahindra University, and FLAME University in the UCEED–CEED 2026 admission framework is a monumental leap for design education in India. It not only elevates the stature of the national entrance exams but dramatically increases the number of high-quality, specialized B.Des and M.Des seats available. Aspiring designers are now empowered with more choices than ever to craft a future in Product Design, UX/UI, Communication, and Industrial Design.