FDDI and CEPT University Join the UCEED 2026 Network, Announce B.Des Admissions Through UCEED Scores

Major news for design aspirants The Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) and CEPT University, Ahmedabad, have officially joined the UCEED 2026 result-sharing network. This inclusion significantly expands the B.Des admission options for candidates who secure a valid rank in the UCEED 2026 exam on January 18, 2026. This partnership provides access to highly specialized programs in Footwear/Product Design (FDDI) and critical fields like Interior/Communication Design (CEPT). Aspirants must apply directly to both institutions, as they will not participate in the common IIT admission process.

The academic landscape for undergraduate design education in India has become richer and more diverse with the crucial addition of two highly reputed institutions to the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) 2026 network. The Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), a premier national institution focused on the leather and footwear sector, and CEPT University, Ahmedabad, renowned for its faculties in Architecture, Planning, and Design, have officially announced that they will accept UCEED 2026 scores for admissions to their coveted Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs for the 2026–27 academic session.

​This move is a massive advantage for the lakhs of students preparing for the UCEED 2026 examination, scheduled for January 18, 2026. It offers two distinctly specialized and highly career-focused pathways beyond the traditional IIT and IIITDM options. Aspiring designers now have increased opportunities to translate their UCEED performance into a secured admission at institutions celebrated for their practical, industry-aligned curricula.

​ A Tale of Two Institutions: Specialised Design Offerings

​The inclusion of FDDI and CEPT University is significant because they cater to unique, high-growth segments of the design industry, providing niche specializations that are highly valued by employers. Their B.Des programs will now be more accessible to a wider, national talent pool through the standardized UCEED score.

• ​Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI): 
  • ​Focus: Primarily centred around Footwear Design & Production and Fashion/Retail Management. FDDI, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, is a globally recognised institution for its specialized expertise.
  • ​B.Des Specialisations: Graduates can pursue B.Des in areas like Footwear Design & Production, Fashion Design, and Leather Goods & Accessories Design.
  • ​Career Impact: The degree is highly career-focused, often leading to immediate placements in the large and highly organized footwear and leather goods manufacturing and export sectors across its multiple campuses (Noida, Chennai, Kolkata, etc.).
• ​CEPT University, Ahmedabad (Faculty of Design): 
  • ​Focus: CEPT is internationally recognized for its expertise in the planning, design, and management of human habitats. Its Faculty of Design is celebrated for its rigor and academic depth.
  • ​B.Des Specialisations: The university offers B.Des (Honours) programs with majors likely in areas such as Product Design and Communication Design, building upon its strength in spatial and built-environment design.
  • ​Career Impact: CEPT graduates are highly sought after in urban development, architecture, product innovation, and visual communication firms, capitalizing on Ahmedabad's strong industrial and academic environment.

​ UCEED Score Application: The Result-Sharing Process

​A critical detail all UCEED 2026 aspirants must grasp is the difference between a Participating Institute (like the IITs, which use the common Joint Admission Process or JAP) and a Result-Sharing Institute (like FDDI and CEPT University).

• ​Mandatory UCEED Score: Candidates must appear for the UCEED 2026 exam on January 18, 2026, and must obtain a valid UCEED Scorecard/Rank. UCEED results are expected around March 6, 2026.
• ​Direct Application to the Institutes: Both FDDI and CEPT University are Result-Sharing Institutes. This means they DO NOT participate in the centralised seat allocation or counselling conducted by IIT Bombay. 
  • ​Action Required: Every candidate interested in these institutes, regardless of their UCEED rank, must visit the official website of FDDI and CEPT University separately (expected application windows are March to May 2026).
  • ​Separate Application Process: Candidates will need to fill out the respective institutional application forms, pay their separate application fees, and submit the UCEED 2026 Scorecard as proof of eligibility.
• ​Selection Beyond the Score: While the UCEED score is the primary shortlisting criterion, both universities will likely conduct their own internal selection processes, which may include: 
  • ​Portfolio Review (Assessment of creative work, sketching skills, and design process).
  • ​Personal Interview (PI) (To gauge design passion, career goals, and communication skills).

​ Action Plan for UCEED 2026 Candidates

​With the exam date (January 18, 2026) rapidly approaching, candidates must now integrate these new options into their preparation and application strategy. The key to success lies in preparation and diligent adherence to both the national exam and institutional application deadlines.

• ​Final Exam Preparation Focus: Use the final weeks to refine your skills in the two-part UCEED structure:  
  • ​Part A (Aptitude): Practice mock tests covering visualisation, logical reasoning, and general design awareness.
  • ​Part B (Drawing/Design): Dedicate daily time to sketching and conceptual ideation to master proportions, perspective, and creative problem-solving.
• ​Post-Result Strategy: 
  • ​Identify Cut-offs: Once UCEED results are out in March 2026, research the expected cut-offs and seat intake for both CEPT University and FDDI.
  • ​Prepare Portfolio: Begin curating your design portfolio now. Tailor it to showcase relevance to the specialisations offered by the respective institutions (e.g., product sketching for FDDI/CEPT, spatial design concepts for CEPT).
  • ​Adhere to Deadlines: Closely monitor the official websites of FDDI and CEPT University for the announcement of their specific B.Des application deadlines and admission protocols (likely in March/April 2026).

​Conclusion

​The integration of FDDI and CEPT University into the UCEED 2026 admission ecosystem is a significant boon for design aspirants, offering structured, high-quality B.Des degrees across specialized domains like Footwear, Communication, and Product Design. This development underscores the growing importance of the UCEED examination as a universal gateway to top-tier design education in India. The current cohort must capitalize on this expanded opportunity by focusing intently on their UCEED preparation and remaining highly vigilant regarding the critical post-result application steps for these two valuable institutions.

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