Navrachana University (Gujarat) becomes a UCEED 2026 participating institute, expanding design seat options

Navrachana University (NUV) in Vadodara, Gujarat, has announced that it will accept UCEED 2026 scores for admission to its prestigious four-year Bachelor of Design (B.Des) program. This addition expands options for design aspirants who qualify for the IIT-conducted exam. Critically, NUV is a result-sharing institute, meaning its admission process is separate from the central IIT Bombay counselling. Candidates must apply directly to NUV and will undergo internal rounds, including portfolio analysis and a personal interview, to secure a seat. This offers a flexible entry point for students who may miss the cutoffs for the highly competitive IITs.

The landscape of design education in Western India has gained a significant new admission pathway Navrachana University (NUV) in Vadodara, Gujarat, a prominent private university known for its focus on multi-disciplinary learning, has announced that it will now accept UCEED 2026 (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design) scores for admission to its highly-regarded Bachelor of Design (B.Des) program. This move, officially confirmed on the UCEED 2026 platform, provides a valuable opportunity for the lakhs of design aspirants who take the national-level entrance examination.

​The inclusion of Navrachana University as a score-accepting institution immediately broadens the options available to candidates who may qualify in UCEED 2026 but perhaps miss the higher cut-off ranks required for admission to the IITs and other key participating institutes.  However, a critical distinction must be noted by all aspirants: NUV is categorized as a 'result-sharing institute'. This means that while UCEED scores are mandatory for application, the university will not be part of the Joint Admission Process (JAP) conducted by IIT Bombay. Instead, students must apply directly to Navrachana University using their UCEED 2026 scores, where they will then be subjected to the university's own, specific, and rigorous selection criteria.

​Understanding the UCEED Score Acceptance Mechanism

​For design aspirants, navigating the UCEED admission process involves understanding the difference between Participating Institutes (like the IITs) and Result-Sharing Institutes (like NUV). The mechanism at Navrachana University is designed to attract UCEED-qualified talent while maintaining its independent admission standards.

• ​Direct Application Mandatory:
  • ​Unlike the JAP, where a single application covers all participating IITs, candidates seeking admission to NUV must apply directly through the university's official application portal once their UCEED 2026 scores are announced.
  • ​This direct application ensures the candidate is formally registered with NUV for their B.Des program.
• ​UCEED as a Mandatory Filter:
  • ​The UCEED 2026 score functions as the primary screening tool. Candidates must have a valid UCEED rank (i.e., they must have qualified by clearing the Part A cutoff) to be eligible for the next stages of the NUV admission process.
  • ​Since NUV is a result-sharing institute, its UCEED score cutoff will generally be more flexible and accommodating than those of the IITs, offering a second chance to many aspirants.
• ​Not Part of Central Counselling:
  • ​Students should not expect to see Navrachana University listed during the common UCEED counselling and seat allotment process managed by IIT Bombay. NUV manages its counselling and seat allocation internally and independently.

​NUV's Internal Selection: Beyond the UCEED Score

​The core of the admission process at Navrachana University is the internal evaluation rounds, which go significantly beyond the UCEED score to assess a candidate's practical skills, creativity, and suitability for the program. This process is crucial for securing a seat.

• ​Creative Portfolio Analysis:
  • ​Once shortlisted based on the UCEED score, candidates will be required to submit a creative portfolio. This portfolio is an essential component, allowing the admissions committee to gauge the candidate's existing drawing skills, aesthetic sensibility, and creative thought process.
  • ​Aspirants should ensure their portfolios include diverse work (e.g., sketching, photography, 3D models, digital art) and, most importantly, document the design process for at least a few projects.
• ​Personal Interview (PI) Round: 
  • ​Final shortlisted candidates will be called for a Personal Interview. The PI is intended to assess communication skills, clarity of thought, motivation for pursuing design, and general awareness of design trends and socio-cultural issues.
  • ​This round is often the tie-breaker and a decisive factor in the final selection, as it evaluates the applicant's passion and fit for the university environment.
• ​Minimum Academic Eligibility:
  • ​In addition to qualifying in UCEED, candidates must satisfy NUV's academic requirements, which typically include passing the 10+2 examination or equivalent from any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts) with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks.

​B.Des Opportunities at Navrachana University

​Navrachana University's School of Environmental Design and Architecture (SEDA) offers a range of B.Des specializations, making it a compelling option for UCEED-qualified students in Western India.

• ​Key Specializations Offered: 
  • ​B.Des in Interior Design: This is a major specialization focused on space planning, residential and retail design, materials, and adaptive reuse.
  • ​B.Des in Product Design: Focuses on designing tangible and digital (phygital) products, user research, and creating functional, future-forward experiences.
  • ​B.Des in Visual Communication: Encompasses graphic design, branding, illustration, and digital media, preparing students for roles in advertising and creative media.
• ​Interdisciplinary Learning Environment:
  • ​NUV emphasizes a holistic educational paradigm that includes inter-disciplinary and project-based learning. The curriculum often integrates input from architecture, engineering, and liberal arts, promoting the development of 'T-shaped' professionals.
  • ​The university's location in Vadodara, Gujarat, provides exposure to the state's vibrant industrial and craft sector, which is valuable for design students.
• ​Preparation Focus: 
  • ​UCEED preparation for NUV should focus not just on the exam itself, but also on building a strong physical portfolio and practicing interview skills, as these are mandatory components of the NUV internal process.

​Conclusion

​Navrachana University's decision to accept UCEED 2026 scores is a great piece of news for design aspirants, offering a high-quality, regionally accessible B.Des option in Gujarat. By joining the ranks of result-sharing institutes, NUV provides a crucial alternative admission route, especially for those who perform well in UCEED but are looking for diverse program offerings beyond the IITs. Success at NUV, however, depends on understanding the separate application process and excelling in the mandatory internal rounds—specifically the Portfolio Analysis and Personal Interview. Aspirants must strategically prepare for these additional steps to ensure their UCEED qualification translates into a confirmed admission.