Exciting Update for Design Aspirants: Jain, Mahindra & FLAME Universities to Admit Students via UCEED–CEED 2026

Major boost for design aspirants! Jain University, Mahindra University, and FLAME University will now accept UCEED and CEED 2026 scores for their Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs in the 2026-27 academic year. This significant development expands the admission options for students who have taken these prestigious entrance exams. While the UCEED/CEED scores will be utilized, applicants must note that these universities will operate as Result Sharing Institutes, maintaining their distinct, independent admission and counselling processes, separate from the Joint Admission Process (JAP) coordinated by IIT Bombay. This creates new strategic avenues for securing a seat at a top-tier private university.

In a landmark decision set to significantly impact the landscape of design education in India, three prominent institutions—Jain University, Mahindra University, and FLAME University—have announced they will accept UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design) and CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) 2026 scores for admissions. This move, applicable for the 2026–27 academic year, opens up new and exciting avenues for aspirants seeking to pursue B.Des (Bachelor of Design) and M.Des (Master of Design) programs.

​UCEED and CEED, conducted by IIT Bombay, are considered the gold standard for design entrance exams in India, primarily for admission to the prestigious IITs and other key government institutions. The inclusion of these leading private universities as 'Result Sharing Institutes' marks a pivotal shift, offering candidates a wider and more competitive choice pool based on a single, comprehensive national-level exam. This development streamlines the application strategy for thousands of design hopefuls across the country, making their UCEED/CEED preparation even more valuable.

​ Strategic Advantage: How UCEED/CEED Scores Enhance Your Design Application

​The decision by Jain, Mahindra, and FLAME Universities to accept national design entrance scores is a huge win for students. It offers a tangible competitive edge and simplifies a often-complicated application process.

• ​Recognition of Aptitude: By accepting UCEED and CEED scores, these universities are directly acknowledging the rigor and quality of the entrance exams, assuring that applicants have a solid foundation in design aptitude, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills tested by the IITs.
• ​Reduced Testing Burden: Aspirants who typically prepare for multiple university-specific entrance tests can now leverage their preparation for the single, comprehensive UCEED/CEED exam to apply to a significantly larger number of reputable institutions, including the IITs and these new additions.
• ​Wider Career Opportunities: All three institutions are known for their modern, interdisciplinary curriculum and strong industry connections. Securing admission using a national score like UCEED/CEED can place successful candidates in an environment that fosters innovation and offers strong placement prospects.

​Key Advantages for Aspirants:

• ​Focus on Core Competencies: Dedicate more time to refining portfolios and preparing for interviews rather than dividing effort across multiple entrance tests.
• ​Increased Selectivity: Utilise one strong national rank to seek admission in premier private universities, enhancing your chances of securing a high-quality design education.
• ​Benchmark Against Peers: Your performance in UCEED/CEED provides a standardized national benchmark, offering clarity on your standing among design aspirants nationwide.

​Understanding the Independent Admission Process: A Crucial Note

​While this is excellent news, design aspirants must pay close attention to the nuanced admission process adopted by these universities. Unlike the Participating Institutes (primarily IITs) that are part of the common Joint Admission Process (JAP) coordinated centrally by IIT Bombay, these new additions will function as independent 'Result Sharing Institutes.'

​Admission Protocol for Result Sharing Institutes:

• ​Separate Application is Mandatory: Candidates must apply directly to Jain University, Mahindra University, and FLAME University through their respective official admission portals. Simply having a valid UCEED or CEED score is not enough.
• ​Independent Counselling and Seat Allotment: Each university will conduct its own counselling, merit list preparation, and seat allotment process, entirely separate from the IIT-led JAP. The score is used for shortlisting and merit, but the final selection criteria may involve additional steps.
• ​Jain University’s Procedure: Notably, Jain University has explicitly stated it will not participate in the JAP. Students who have appeared for UCEED and CEED must adhere to the university’s distinct internal admission procedure, which may include a portfolio review, a personal interview, or a design aptitude test specific to the institution.
• ​Check University-Specific Requirements: Aspirants are strongly advised to regularly monitor the official websites of Mahindra University (Hyderabad), FLAME University (Pune), and Jain University (Bengaluru) for specific application forms, deadlines, cut-off criteria, and the exact weightage given to the UCEED/CEED score.

​ Conclusion: A New Era for Design Education

​The acceptance of UCEED and CEED 2026 scores by Jain University, Mahindra University, and FLAME University signifies a maturing of the design education sector in India. It creates a robust, multi-pathway admission system where a single, high-stakes exam opens avenues not just to government institutions but also to leading private players. For design aspirants, this is a clear signal: focus diligently on excelling in UCEED/CEED 2026, and a significantly expanded world of premium design education opportunities awaits.

For regular updates follow Only Education News. For more details on design entrance exams and courses, check here: Design Exams List.