FDDI and CEPT University Join UCEED 2026 Network, Offering B.Des Seats Based on UCEED Scores

Great news for B.Des aspirants! For the 2026 academic year, the Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) and CEPT University, Ahmedabad, will accept UCEED 2026 scores for their Bachelor of Design admissions. This expands the options beyond the participating IITs. Crucially, candidates must apply directly to FDDI and CEPT, as they are not part of the common UCEED Joint Admission Process (JAP). Start preparing for their independent application and selection stages now to secure a seat at these prestigious institutions.

The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) is not just a gateway to the premier Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs); it's becoming a universal passport for admission into a growing network of top design schools. For the 2026 academic year, this network has expanded significantly, bringing excellent news for Bachelor of Design (B.Des) aspirants. The Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI), a leading institution focusing on Footwear, Leather Goods, and Fashion Design, and the globally recognized CEPT University, Ahmedabad, known for its focus on Design and Planning, have officially announced that they will accept UCEED 2026 scores for entry into their B.Des programs.

​However, the key takeaway for every candidate is the deviation from the central IIT admissions process. FDDI and CEPT University will not participate in the Joint Admission Process (JAP) coordinated by IIT Bombay. This means success hinges on two separate but equally important steps: scoring well in UCEED and successfully navigating the independent and unique admission procedure of each institution. This article breaks down what this new admissions route means for your application strategy.

​The Two-Step Admission Mandate: UCEED Score & Direct Application

​A common pitfall for design aspirants is assuming a UCEED score automatically guarantees consideration by all accepting colleges. For FDDI and CEPT University in 2026, candidates must treat the UCEED score as an eligibility ticket, not an automatic application.

• ​Step 1: Obtain a Valid UCEED 2026 Score:
  • ​Appearing for and obtaining a valid UCEED 2026 score is the primary prerequisite. The exam, typically held in January, assesses visualization, general design aptitude, quantitative ability, and analytical reasoning.
  • ​Candidates must ensure they meet the minimum qualifying criteria set by IIT Bombay to be eligible for a rank and score card.
• ​Step 2: Independent Application to FDDI and CEPT: 
  • ​Candidates must proactively visit the official websites of FDDI and CEPT University to locate and fill out their respective B.Des application forms.
  • ​Do not rely on the common UCEED admission portal (JAP) for these two institutes. FDDI and CEPT will release their own application timelines, fees, and requirements, which may differ from the IITs' schedule.
  • ​Candidates must pay the separate application fee for each institution they wish to apply to.

​Why the Independent Process Matters: Different Selection Criteria

​Since FDDI and CEPT are not part of the Joint Admission Process, they retain the autonomy to define the rest of their selection stages, potentially leading to additional requirements beyond the UCEED score. Aspirants need to monitor each university's official notifications closely.

• ​FDDI Independent Admission Process:
  • ​Historically, FDDI has conducted its own entrance exam, the All India Selection Test (AIST). By accepting UCEED, it's highly likely that UCEED-qualified candidates will be exempted from the AIST.
  • ​FDDI may reserve a specific percentage of seats for UCEED qualifiers. The selection might be based purely on the UCEED rank for the initial shortlist, followed by a Counselling process run independently by FDDI.
  • ​FDDI's Focus: Footwear Design, Leather Goods & Accessories Design, and Fashion Design. Prepare to highlight your interest and aptitude in these specialized areas during the FDDI counselling/interview stage.
• ​CEPT University Independent Admission Process: 
  • ​CEPT University's Bachelor of Design (B.Des) program, offered through its Faculty of Design, often focuses on areas like Product Design and Communication Design.
  • ​CEPT's admission for B.Des via UCEED is typically based on the candidate's UCEED score only for generating the merit list. They are known for a clean merit-based system, but there may be further rounds like a portfolio review or interview to check the candidate's fit with CEPT's academic philosophy.
  • ​CEPT's Focus: Design of the built environment and related fields. Candidates should be ready to articulate their passion for design as it relates to space, planning, and products.

​Strategic Timeline Management for UCEED Aspirants

​Effective time management is paramount when dealing with multiple, separate admission cycles. Candidates must overlap their UCEED preparation with the tracking of these individual university application deadlines.

• ​November 2025 – January 2026 (Pre-UCEED):
  • ​Focus: Intensive preparation for the UCEED 2026 exam (scheduled for January 2026).
  • ​Action: Regularly check the FDDI and CEPT University admissions pages for the release of their B.Des application forms. Applications for these institutes might open soon after UCEED registration closes.
• ​February – March 2026 (Post-UCEED/Pre-Result): 
  • ​Focus: UCEED Score Card release is typically in March.
  • ​Action: Ensure all FDDI and CEPT application forms are correctly filled and submitted before their respective deadlines. Keep all supporting documents (academic transcripts, reservation certificates) ready.
• ​April – June 2026 (Post-Result/Admissions): 
  • ​Focus: Seat Allotment/Counselling.
  • ​Action: Participate in the UCEED Joint Admission Process (JAP) for the IITs and IIITDM Jabalpur separately. Simultaneously, participate in the independent counselling/selection rounds conducted by FDDI and CEPT University.

​Conclusion

​The decision by FDDI and CEPT University to accept UCEED 2026 scores is a phenomenal boost for design aspirants, offering two highly reputed, specialized options outside the traditional IIT system. However, this flexibility comes with the critical requirement of independent application. Aspirants must internalize the difference: UCEED provides the rank, but FDDI and CEPT control the final admission process. By remaining vigilant about their individual application deadlines, preparing for any unique selection stages they may introduce, and applying directly through their official portals, candidates can maximize their chances of securing a B.Des seat in 2026 at either of these top-tier institutions.