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

In a major update for B.Des aspirants, FDDI and CEPT University have confirmed they will accept UCEED 2026 scores for admissions. This expands the opportunities for candidates who clear the UCEED exam on January 18, 2026. Crucially, both institutions are Result-Sharing Institutes and are not part of the central IIT Joint Admission Process (JAP). Candidates must secure a valid UCEED rank and then apply directly to FDDI and CEPT University through their separate admission portals, likely opening after the UCEED results in March 2026. This streamlined route offers access to specialized design programs in Footwear, Fashion, Communication, and Product Design.

The landscape of undergraduate design admissions is continually evolving, with the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) establishing itself as a key national benchmark. For the academic session 2026–27, this benchmark has unlocked two significant new avenues for B.Des aspirants: Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) and CEPT University, Ahmedabad. Both institutions have officially announced that they will accept UCEED 2026 scores for admission to their Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs.

​This strategic move is a major win for candidates, as it widens the pool of premier institutions accessible via a single national-level entrance examination. However, it is paramount that aspirants understand the crucial procedural difference: FDDI and CEPT University will not be participating in the centralised Joint Admission Process (JAP) conducted by IIT Bombay. Instead, they operate as Result-Sharing Institutes, requiring a mandatory, separate application process after the UCEED results are declared. This news demands immediate attention and careful planning from every design aspirant.

​The UCEED Score: Prerequisite for Direct Application 

​The UCEED 2026 scorecard, scheduled for release in early March 2026, serves as the non-negotiable eligibility criterion for applying to the B.Des programs at both FDDI and CEPT University. Candidates must successfully appear for the exam and obtain a valid UCEED rank to be considered.

• ​Mandatory Examination Date: The UCEED 2026 exam is scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026 (9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon). Success hinges on performance in both Part A (Objective) and the critical Part B (Drawing/Design Aptitude).
• ​Score Validity: Only the UCEED 2026 score will be considered for admission in the 2026–27 academic year by these two institutions. No other national or state-level design/architecture scores (like NATA or JEE) will be accepted for their UCEED-based B.Des seats.
• ​Result Declaration: UCEED 2026 results are expected on March 6, 2026. Candidates must immediately download and save their scorecard, as hard copies are not mailed. This scorecard is a required upload during the FDDI and CEPT application process.

​Navigating the Separate Application Process 

​The most vital piece of information for aspirants is the non-participation of FDDI and CEPT in the IIT-led JAP. This means candidates cannot rely on the common counselling platform for these two institutes. A disciplined, two-step application approach is required.

• ​Step 1: Obtain a Valid UCEED Rank: As noted, successfully appearing for the UCEED 2026 exam and receiving a rank is the foundational requirement.
• ​Step 2: Direct Institutional Application: Once the UCEED results are out in March 2026, candidates must proactively visit the official websites of FDDI and CEPT University. 
  • ​Separate Forms & Fees: Each university will have its own dedicated online application form, and candidates must fill it out completely and pay the separate, non-refundable application fee for each institute.
  • ​Anticipated Application Window: While official dates will be released post-UCEED results, the application windows for both institutes are likely to open from March 2026 and may run through April or May 2026. Missing this internal deadline means forfeiting the opportunity, regardless of UCEED rank.
• ​Selection Process Beyond the Score: While the UCEED score shortlists candidates, the final admission process at both CEPT and FDDI is expected to involve additional steps, ensuring a holistic assessment of the candidate's potential: 
  • ​Portfolio Review: Assessment of a candidate's existing creative work, demonstrating sketching skills, technical proficiency, and design thinking.
  • ​Personal Interview (PI): An interaction to gauge the aspirant's passion, communication skills, design awareness, and clarity of career goals.

​The Specialized B.Des Advantage at FDDI and CEPT 

​The inclusion of FDDI and CEPT University provides specialized options that complement the offerings of the IITs, particularly in niche, high-growth areas.

• ​FDDI (Footwear Design & Development Institute): 
  • ​Focus: Specializes in high-demand, industry-specific B.Des programs like Footwear Design & Production, Leather Goods & Accessories Design, and Fashion Design.
  • ​Industry Connect: FDDI operates multiple campuses across India and is known for its strong industrial linkages, particularly in the leather and lifestyle sectors, offering robust placement opportunities.
• ​CEPT University (Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology): 
  • ​Focus: Known globally for its programs related to the planning, design, and management of human habitats. The B.Des (Hons) at CEPT's Faculty of Design emphasizes fields like Communication Design and Product Design, often with a strong focus on sustainability and the built environment.
  • ​Location Advantage: Situated in Ahmedabad, CEPT offers an academic environment deeply connected to architectural and urban design principles, providing a unique contextual learning experience.

​Conclusion

​The acceptance of UCEED 2026 scores by FDDI and CEPT University significantly diversifies the options available to qualified design aspirants. This development affirms the UCEED exam's national relevance beyond the IIT system. For students who took the UCEED 2026 exam on January 18, 2026, the key message is clear: your UCEED score is your ticket, but the direct institutional application is your passport. Stay vigilant for the March 2026 application announcements from FDDI and CEPT, prepare your portfolios, and seize this opportunity to secure a seat in one of these specialized, premier design institutions.

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