UCEED 2026 registration at IIT Bombay concluded yesterday; admit cards will be released in the first week of January

IIT Bombay successfully concluded the registration for the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) 2026 yesterday, November 15, 2025. With the application window now shut, the critical focus shifts to the final preparation phase and the release of the Admit Cards. Aspirants must note that the UCEED 2026 exam is scheduled for January 18, 2026. The Admit Cards, crucial for appearing in the exam, will be available for download from the official IIT Bombay UCEED portal starting on January 2, 2026. Candidates are urged to use the remaining weeks for intensive practice on the two-part exam pattern, focusing equally on the Aptitude Test (Part A) and the Drawing Test (Part B).

The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) 2026 application window has officially closed, marking the transition from the registration phase to the rigorous final preparation stage for thousands of design aspirants across the country. Conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, UCEED is the premier gateway for admission to the highly sought-after Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) programs offered by IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Roorkee, and IIITDM Jabalpur. The deadline for late fee registration was November 10, 2025, and with the conclusion of the application process, the focus for all registered candidates must now be squarely on the upcoming examination schedule. The UCEED 2026 exam is confirmed to be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. The next immediate, and most critical, step for all applicants is the downloading of the Admit Card.

​ Crucial Dates: Admit Card and Examination Schedule

​As the application portal shuts, every registered aspirant must now lock in on the key dates that will define their UCEED journey. Being fully aware of these official deadlines, as notified by IIT Bombay, is paramount to ensuring a smooth path to the examination hall.

• ​UCEED 2026 Admit Card Release:
  • ​The Admit Card download link will be made available on the official UCEED website (uceed.iitb.ac.in) starting January 2, 2026, from 1:00 PM onwards.
  • ​The Admit Card is a mandatory document for entry into the exam centre and contains crucial details like the candidate's Roll Number, Exam Centre, and Reporting Time.
• ​Admit Card Discrepancy Correction Window:
  • ​Candidates must carefully check all details on the downloaded Admit Card. Any errors or discrepancies (e.g., in name, date of birth, category, photograph, or signature) must be reported for rectification by January 8, 2026, 5:00 PM.
• ​UCEED 2026 Examination Day: 
  • ​The exam will be held on January 18, 2026 (Sunday), from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.
  • ​The test is a three-hour examination conducted in English, comprising two parts: Part-A (Computer Based Test) and Part-B (Sketching Test).
• ​Answer Key and Results: 
  • ​The Draft Answer Key for Part-A is expected to be released on January 20, 2026, allowing candidates to raise comments until January 22, 2026.
  • ​The UCEED 2026 results will be declared on March 6, 2026.

​Mastering the Exam Pattern: Part A vs. Part B

​With the exam day less than two months away, a strategic approach to preparation is essential. UCEED tests a blend of mental aptitude, creative visualization, and drawing skills through its two-part structure. Aspirants must divide their time judiciously between the objective and subjective components.

• ​Part A: Computer-Based Test (CBT): This section assesses a candidate’s cognitive and design-centric aptitude through three types of questions: 
  • ​Numerical Answer Type (NAT): Questions where the answer is a number to be entered on the computer screen.
  • ​Multiple Select Questions (MSQ): Questions where one or more options can be correct, and marks are only awarded if all correct options are selected.
  • ​Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): Standard questions with one correct option.
  • ​Key Topics: Visualization and Spatial Ability (3D to 2D transformations, object rotation), Observation and Design Sensitivity, Analytical and Logical Reasoning, and General Knowledge about Art, Culture, and Design.
• ​Part B: Drawing and Creative Aptitude: This is a pen-and-paper based section that assesses the candidate’s drawing, sketching, and problem-solving skills. 
  • ​Focus: It typically involves a single question designed to evaluate creative ability, communication skills through drawing, proportion, perspective, and the ability to imagine and illustrate scenarios or products.
  • ​Preparation: Regular practice of free-hand sketching, object drawing, human figure drawing, and creating compositions to convey a theme or story is non-negotiable for success in this section.

​Strategic Preparation: Maximising the Final Weeks

​The time between the registration closing and the Admit Card release is the most critical window for intensive study and refinement. Successful candidates will use this period to move beyond theory and into focused practice and simulation.

• ​Solve Mock Tests and Previous Papers:
  • ​Treat the last available UCEED Previous Year Question Papers and high-quality Mock Tests as actual exams. Simulate the 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon timing to build stamina and time management skills.
  • ​Focus on analysing your mistakes in the NAT and MSQ sections to avoid negative marking.
• ​Strengthen Fundamentals: 
  • ​Revisit the core syllabus topics, especially those related to design principles, colour theory, and geometry. Strengthen your grip on analytical and logical reasoning puzzles.
  • ​Dedicate at least two hours daily solely to drawing practice, focusing on speed and accuracy in perspective, rendering, and composition.
• ​Review Documentation and Instructions:
  • ​Familiarise yourself with the UCEED 2026 Information Brochure and the official Exam-day guidelines to avoid last-minute panic. Understand the rules regarding permitted materials, identification requirements, and reporting procedure.

​Conclusion

​The closure of UCEED 2026 registration signals the final leg of the race. The examination on January 18, 2026, is now the only milestone that matters. Aspirants should approach the next two months with disciplined preparation, balancing their efforts between the analytical demands of Part A and the creative execution required for Part B. The Admit Card, available on January 2nd, will be your ticket to this significant assessment. Stay calm, stay focused, and commit to maximising every single study hour until then. The chance to pursue a B.Des. from an IIT is now within tangible reach.