UCEED 2026 Registration is ongoing online at IIT Bombay’s Official Portal

The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) 2026 registration window is currently open! Aspiring designers must register online at the official IIT Bombay portal, uceed.iitb.ac.in. UCEED is the mandatory national-level entrance exam for B.Des admission to premier Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and IIT Guwahati. The last date to apply with a regular fee is October 31, 2025. This article covers all crucial dates, eligibility criteria, and the exam pattern you need to know to secure your seat in a top B.Des program.

For every student aspiring to pursue a Bachelor of Design (B.Des) from India's most prestigious institutions, the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) is the essential first step. Conducted annually by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, UCEED serves as the national-level qualifier for admission to the B.Des programs at the country's top-tier IITs and other result-sharing institutes. The great news for the academic year 2026 is that the application process is ongoing! This is the critical moment for design aspirants to act decisively, complete their registration, and set the foundation for a successful career in the diverse and dynamic field of design. This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary details, from application deadlines to examination structure, ensuring you don't miss this opportunity to turn your creative passion into an IIT-level profession.

​Key Dates and Online Registration Process

​The registration for UCEED 2026 is a time-bound process that must be completed accurately via the official online portal hosted by IIT Bombay. Missing the application deadline, even by a minute, will mean forfeiting the chance to appear for the exam. Therefore, strict adherence to the official dates is non-negotiable for all candidates.

• ​Registration Start Date: The official online registration window for UCEED 2026 opened on October 1, 2025.
• ​Last Date to Apply (Regular Fee): The deadline for submitting the application with the standard registration fee is October 31, 2025 (11:55 PM IST). Aspirants are strongly advised to complete the process before this date.
• ​Late Registration Window: Candidates who miss the first deadline have a final, limited chance to register by paying a late fee. This window is typically from November 1 to November 7, 2025.
• ​Examination Date: The UCEED 2026 exam is scheduled for January 18, 2026 (Sunday), from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.
• ​Official Portal: All steps, from registration to admit card download, are managed exclusively on the official website: uceed.iitb.ac.in.

​The application process involves four main stages: (1) Registration and creating a unique login ID; (2) Filling the Application Form with personal and academic details; (3) Uploading Documents, including photographs, signature, and category certificates (if applicable); and (4) Payment of the Application Fee (which varies by category) to finalize the submission.

​Eligibility and Exam Pattern: What UCEED Tests

​UCEED is a rigorous examination designed not to test subject knowledge, but rather a candidate's inherent design aptitude. Understanding the eligibility criteria and the two-part structure of the exam is paramount for targeted preparation.

​Mandatory Eligibility Criteria

​To be eligible to appear for UCEED 2026, candidates must fulfill three key criteria simultaneously:

• ​Age Limit: Candidates in the OPEN/EWS/OBC-NCL categories must be born on or after October 1, 2001. Those in the SC, ST, or PwD categories must be born on or after October 1, 1996.
• ​Qualifying Examination: The candidate must have passed Class XII (or equivalent) in 2025 or be appearing for the first time in 2026. Crucially, students who first appeared for their qualifying examination in 2024 or earlier are not eligible.
• ​Academic Stream: Students from ALL STREAMS—Science, Commerce, and Arts & Humanities—are eligible to appear for the exam, promoting diversity in design education.

​UCEED 2026 Exam Structure

​The three-hour UCEED paper is divided into two parts, both of which are compulsory:

• ​Part A (Computer-Based Test - CBT): This section assesses various analytical and cognitive skills, typically including: 
  • ​Visualisation and Spatial Ability: Testing the perception of objects and space.
  • ​Observation and Design Sensitivity: Evaluating the ability to notice details and context.
  • ​Analytical and Logical Reasoning: Assessing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • ​Environmental and Social Awareness: Gauging general knowledge of design and cultural context.
• ​Part B (Offline Drawing Test): This paper is designed to assess the candidate's drawing, sketching, and communication skills, which are fundamental to a career in design. It typically involves questions requiring freehand sketching to demonstrate design aptitude and visualization.

​Strategic Preparation and Career Pathways

​Securing a high rank in UCEED 2026 opens doors to the prestigious B.Des programs at the IITs (including Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, and Roorkee, where applicable) and IIITDM Jabalpur, alongside a host of other highly reputed result-sharing institutions. Effective preparation demands a strategic, holistic approach that goes beyond traditional academic study.

​Maximizing Your UCEED Score

• ​Conceptual Clarity: Dedicate significant time to solving previous years' UCEED papers and mock tests. This helps in understanding the pattern of Numerical Answer Type (NAT), Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), and Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) in Part A.
• ​Drawing Practice: Part B requires consistent practice in freehand sketching, perspective drawing, composition, and the ability to represent 3D objects accurately. Focus on speed and clarity in communication through drawing.
• ​Design Aptitude Development: Engage with the design world. Read about design history, observe everyday objects, and practice lateral thinking to enhance your problem-solving abilities. Your ability to think creatively under pressure is what the exam truly measures.
• ​Time Management: Given the structure of Part A and the distinct nature of Part B, aspirants must practice allocating time efficiently across sections to ensure all parts are attempted with focus and precision.

​The Value of an IIT B.Des Degree

​A B.Des degree from a UCEED-accepting IIT is highly valued globally, offering:

• ​Interdisciplinary Exposure: Programs often integrate technology, engineering, and humanities, producing versatile T-shaped designers.
• ​Premium Placements: Graduates are sought after by top firms in Product Design, User Experience (UX/UI), Communication Design, and Interaction Design.
• ​World-Class Infrastructure: Access to state-of-the-art design studios, labs, and a vibrant research ecosystem within the IIT framework.

​Conclusion

​The commencement of the UCEED 2026 registration is a monumental event for lakhs of design hopefuls. With the final application deadline fast approaching on October 31, 2025, and the exam scheduled for January 18, 2026, there is no time to waste. Visit the official IIT Bombay portal, uceed.iitb.ac.in, to register immediately and secure your spot in the race. Success in UCEED is not just about clearing an exam; it's about qualifying for an education that will empower you to become a change-maker and a future leader in the creative industry. Seize this opportunity and begin the rigorous yet rewarding journey towards your dream design career.

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