Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) and CEPT University join the UCEED 2026 network

Great news for design aspirants The Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) and CEPT University will now accept UCEED 2026 scores for their Bachelor of Design (B.Des) admissions. Candidates must note a critical distinction: these institutions are not part of the central joint admission process led by IIT Bombay. This means securing a UCEED rank is only the first step; a mandatory, separate application must be submitted directly to both FDDI and CEPT University. This guide details the two-step application strategy, crucial deadlines, and preparation tips to maximize your chances of admission.

The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED), conducted by IIT Bombay, serves as the gateway to the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs at various prestigious institutions, including the IITs. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of B.Des admissions has broadened significantly, offering new opportunities for aspirants. The Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) and CEPT University, Ahmedabad, have officially confirmed they will utilize UCEED 2026 scores for admissions to their coveted B.Des programs.

​This inclusion is a welcome development, providing more avenues for UCEED-qualified candidates. However, aspirants must pay close attention to the fine print: FDDI and CEPT University are categorised as Result-Sharing Institutes. This distinction is critical because they will not be participating in the centralised joint seat allocation process (JOSAA/Common Admission Process) managed by IIT Bombay. For students, this translates to a mandatory two-step application strategy, requiring direct and separate applications to these institutions after clearing the UCEED exam. Securing a high UCEED rank is essential, but it is merely the entry ticket to apply for their independent admission process.

​The Mandatory Two-Step Admission Strategy

​Aspirants targeting FDDI and CEPT University must understand and strictly adhere to the bifurcated application process. Missing the separate institutional deadlines will nullify the benefit of a valid UCEED score.

• ​Step 1: The UCEED 2026 Examination (Prerequisite) 
  • ​Candidates must have successfully registered for the UCEED 2026 exam, which had a deadline extension (with late fee) until November 10, 2025, and is scheduled for January 18, 2026 (tentative date).
  • ​Goal: Appear for and secure a valid UCEED 2026 rank and a scorecard, which will be released in early March 2026. This score is the non-negotiable eligibility criterion for both institutes.
• ​Step 2: Direct Application to FDDI and CEPT University 
  • ​Upon receiving the UCEED scorecard, candidates must navigate to the official websites of FDDI and CEPT University to fill out their specific B.Des application forms. These forms will be available independently of the IIT Bombay admission portal.
  • ​FDDI Admission Process: Historically, FDDI conducts its own entrance exam (AIST), but for UCEED-based admission, candidates typically apply directly using their UCEED score. They may conduct a further screening stage like a personal interview or portfolio review. The application window is likely to open in March or April 2026.
  • ​CEPT University Admission Process: CEPT University conducts B.Des admission solely based on the valid UCEED score, followed by a merit list announcement. Candidates must upload their UCEED scorecard as part of the CEPT application, which is typically open for a limited period after the UCEED results are declared.
• ​Key Distinction to Note: 
  • ​Applying for the common admission process on the IIT Bombay portal only covers the participating IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Roorkee) and IIITDM Jabalpur.
  • ​For FDDI and CEPT University, students must fill out their respective application forms and pay their separate application fees (if applicable) through their individual institutional portals.

​ Critical Timelines and Institutional Screening

​The timeline for independent admissions at Result-Sharing Institutes runs parallel to and often extends beyond the IIT-led common process, requiring continuous vigilance from aspirants.

• ​UCEED 2026 Timeline (To be completed first):
  • ​Exam Date: January 18, 2026.
  • ​Result Date: Expected early March 2026.
  • ​Scorecard Download: March 2026 onwards.
• ​Anticipated Application Window for Direct Admission: 
  • ​FDDI B.Des: Direct application window likely from March to May 2026.
  • ​CEPT University B.Des: Direct application window likely from March to April 2026, strictly following the UCEED result declaration.
• ​Beyond the Scorecard: 
  • ​While the UCEED score is the primary shortlisting tool, institutions like FDDI and CEPT University may reserve the right to incorporate additional screening criteria such as a Portfolio Review, a Statement of Purpose (SOP), or a Personal Interview (PI) to finalize their merit list.
  • ​Candidates should prepare a comprehensive Design Portfolio showcasing their skills and process, which might be mandatory for submission during the institutional application stage, especially for CEPT University, which is highly focused on quality design education.

​ Maximizing Your UCEED and Application Success

​To secure a B.Des seat at FDDI or CEPT, aspirants need a dual focus: achieving a competitive UCEED score and flawlessly managing the institutional applications.

• ​Strategic UCEED Preparation:
  • ​Part A (Computer-Based Test): Practice quantitative, analytical, logical, and verbal ability questions. The core emphasis should be on Design Aptitude—visual reasoning and observation.
  • ​Part B (Drawing Test): This subjective section carries significant weight. Focus on developing speed, imagination, sketching perspective, and rendering with colour. Practice product design and creative problem-solving prompts.
• ​Flawless Institutional Application:
  • ​Eligibility Check: Verify the specific B.Des eligibility criteria for FDDI and CEPT (e.g., minimum Class XII marks, specific stream requirements, if any).
  • ​Document Preparation: Keep scanned copies of your UCEED 2026 scorecard, academic transcripts, photographs, and any required category certificates ready.
  • ​Portfolio Readiness: If a portfolio is required (which is highly likely for CEPT), curate it meticulously. It should demonstrate not just talent, but also your design process and critical thinking.

​Conclusion

​The acceptance of UCEED 2026 scores by premier institutions like FDDI and CEPT University significantly enhances the opportunities for design aspirants. This development affirms the UCEED exam's growing stature in the non-IIT design education landscape. However, the onus is entirely on the candidate to follow the separate application pathways for these result-sharing institutes. A strong UCEED performance combined with timely and accurate direct applications is the guaranteed route to a successful admission.

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