Still time for Aspiring Designers to Apply; IIT Bombay UCEED 2026 Registration open with Late Fee

Missed the initial UCEED 2026 application deadline? You still have a chance! The final registration window is open until November 10, 2025, with a late fee. UCEED is the mandatory entrance exam for B.Des admissions at premier IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Roorkee) and IIITDM Jabalpur. Act immediately to secure your eligibility for the January 18, 2026 exam. Pay the late fee and complete your online form by 5:00 PM on Monday.

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB), the organizing body for the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) 2026, has confirmed that the final window for application submission is currently active. While the regular registration period has concluded, candidates who missed the initial cutoff now have a limited opportunity to register with a late fee until November 10, 2025.

​UCEED 2026 is the gateway to B.Des admissions at IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Roorkee, and IIITDM Jabalpur, along with numerous other top design colleges that accept the score. This is the absolute final deadline—the online registration portal will close automatically at 5:00 PM on Monday, November 10, 2025, and no extensions will be granted. Aspirants must act with urgency to complete the mandatory registration process and secure their chance to appear for the exam scheduled for January 18, 2026.

​ Crucial Late Registration Window & Fee Structure

​The transition from the regular application window to the late registration period is a critical alert for all unregistered candidates. The process, managed entirely online through the official UCEED portal, demands immediate attention to ensure compliance with the final deadline and fee payment.

• ​Key Dates for Late Registration:
  • ​Regular Application Deadline: November 5, 2025 (Previously extended from the end of October).
  • ​Late Registration Start Date: November 1, 2025.
  • ​Final Late Registration Deadline: November 10, 2025, 5:00 PM IST.
• ​Mandatory Late Fee Details: 
  • ​All candidates registering between November 1 and November 10, 2025, must pay a non-refundable Late Fee.
  • ​For Indian Nationals, the late fee is an additional ₹500 on top of the regular registration charges.
  • ​The regular registration fee structure is: ₹2,000 for Female/SC/ST/PwD candidates, and ₹4,000 for all other candidates (plus bank/processing charges).
  • ​For Foreign Nationals, the late fee is an additional US $50.
• ​Action Steps for Aspirants:
  • ​Visit the official UCEED 2026 registration portal on the IIT Bombay website.
  • ​Complete the online application form with personal and academic details, ensuring all information is accurate.
  • ​Upload the required documents, including photograph, signature, and category certificates (if applicable), in the specified formats.
  • ​Pay the applicable registration fee plus the late fee before the 5:00 PM cutoff on November 10, 2025.

​ UCEED 2026 Examination and Post-Registration Timeline

​Successfully submitting the registration form is only the first step. Aspirants must now focus entirely on the exam preparation, following the rigid academic calendar set by IIT Bombay. The UCEED examination assesses a candidate's aptitude for design, including visualization, observational skills, analytical reasoning, and knowledge of the environment.

• ​The UCEED 2026 Exam Day: 
  • ​Exam Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026.
  • ​Exam Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon (3 hours duration).
  • ​Format: The exam is conducted in English and consists of two parts: Part A (Computer-Based), which tests design aptitude, visualization, and analytical reasoning; and Part B (Sketches), which assesses drawing skills, observation, and creative ability.
• ​Key Post-Registration Dates: 
  • ​Admit Card Download: January 2, 2026. This is essential for sitting for the exam.
  • ​Draft Answer Key Release: January 20, 2026 (for Part A). Candidates can submit comments/objections.
  • ​Final Answer Key Release: January 28, 2026.
  • ​Result Declaration: March 6, 2026.
  • ​Score Card Download: Begins March 10, 2026.
• ​B.Des Admission Process: 
  • ​Candidates who qualify (i.e., meet the Part A cut-off marks and are in the rank list) must separately apply to the B.Des programs at the participating IITs and other result-sharing institutes. The joint admission process typically begins in March/April 2026.

​ Why UCEED Qualification is Essential for Design Aspirants

​The UCEED score is not merely a formality; it is the single most important factor for securing entry into the top tier of design education in India. The examination acts as a standardized filter, ensuring that only candidates demonstrating a core aptitude for creative problem-solving and visualization are considered for the B.Des programs.

• ​The IIT Advantage: 
  • ​Admission to the B.Des programs at the five participating IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, and Roorkee) is strictly based on the UCEED rank. These programs are highly valued for their rigorous curriculum, technological integration, and superior placement records.
  • ​The design schools at the IITs offer world-class facilities and trans-disciplinary learning environments that connect design with engineering and technology.
• ​A Wide Range of Opportunities:
  • ​Beyond the IITs, the UCEED score is accepted by numerous prestigious result-sharing institutions across the country, including IIITDM Jabalpur and many other private and government-funded colleges. This expands the opportunities for qualified candidates significantly.
  • ​The degree opens doors to high-growth specializations such as UI/UX Design, Industrial Design, Interaction Design, Mobility Design, and Visual Communication.
• ​Eligibility Criteria Recap: 
  • ​Candidates must have passed or be appearing for Class 12 or an equivalent exam in 2025 or 2026.
  • ​Candidates must have been born on or after October 1, 2001 (with a 5-year relaxation for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
  • ​Candidates may attempt UCEED a maximum of two times in consecutive years.

​Conclusion

​The final deadline to register for UCEED 2026—November 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM—is a hard stop for all design aspirants. This exam is the mandatory first step towards a competitive, high-reward career in design, offering a direct route to the B.Des programs at the IITs. Do not let a small late fee risk your entire academic future; utilize this final window to complete your registration today.

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